The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast Podcast By Greg and Rachel Denning cover art

The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast

The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast

By: Greg and Rachel Denning
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THE podcast for parents with big dreams who want to create an EXTRAORDINARY lifestyle but feel stuck. Greg and Rachel Denning are parents of 7 children whom they've traveled with to 60+ countries on 5 continents -- all while homeschooling and building a multi-six-figure location independent biz. Let them show you how to finally break through what's holding you back so you can achieve your biggest dreams -- even with a family!Greg and Rachel Denning Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • #315 Can’t Get Your Kids to Stop Fighting? Try These 10 Scripts to Create Peace
    Jun 4 2025
    Are you struggling with how to handle conflicts and tough behavior with your kids?Do consequences often feel harsh or ineffective, leaving your family stressed instead of connected?In this episode, we dive deep into using natural consequences as a powerful tool for conflict resolution in your family. Instead of punishments or power struggles, discover how fun yet impactful consequences can teach kids respect, empathy, and responsibility — all while strengthening your family bonds.Raising seven kids ourselves, we know how challenging sibling rivalry and hurtful words can be. We share real-life strategies that help kids own their mistakes, learn from them, and choose kindness next time — without resentment or fear.If you want to create a peaceful home where your children develop emotional intelligence and self-control, this episode is packed with practical, easy-to-implement ideas that truly work.Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, these natural consequence techniques will empower you to turn conflict into growth opportunities — with love, humor, and respect.Key Takeaways:✅ Natural consequences teach responsibility without harsh punishment✅ Opt-in consequences build cooperation and buy-in from kids✅ Fun, intense consequences leave lasting lessons without damage✅ Encouraging honesty and ownership defuses sibling conflict✅ Small intentional strategies transform family culture✅ Raising emotionally intelligent kids strengthens relationshipsChapters:00:00 Creating an Extraordinary Family Life02:19 Addressing Sibling Rivalry05:43 Healing Underlying Issues11:17 The Importance of Self-Reflection19:09 Tools for Emotional Mastery27:04 Noticing and Addressing Small Issues32:06 Practical Strategies for Conflict Resolution40:27 Navigating Sibling Conflicts45:27 Teaching Emotional Intelligence50:40 Calming Techniques for Heated Moments56:02 Addressing Annoying Behaviors01:01:08 Promoting Personal Responsibility01:06:08 Building Perspective on Family Dynamics01:11:31 Handling Name-Calling and Insults01:21:12 Building Resilience in Children01:22:59 Parental Responsibility and Empowerment01:25:19 Emotional Bank Accounts in Sibling Relationships01:26:14 Understanding Fairness in Family Dynamics01:28:59 Teaching Fairness and Sharing01:32:32 Addressing Physical Aggression in Children01:39:49 The Importance of Accountability and Consequences01:49:35 Fostering Ownership and Responsibility01:51:30 Eliminating Jealousy and Competition01:53:46 Standing Up Against Bullying01:59:24 Creating an Extraordinary Family LifeMemorable Quotes:🗣 "Consequences don’t have to be harsh to be effective."🗣 "When kids choose their consequence, they’re more likely to learn."🗣 "The goal is connection and growth — not fear or shame."🗣 "Sibling conflict is a classroom for empathy and emotional intelligence."🗣 "Small, intentional changes in parenting make big family transformations."RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy momsBecome a Founding Member of our Extraordinary Parent Mentoring MethodJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/
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    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • #314 Getting on the Same Parenting Page —While Honoring the Important Roles of Mom and Dad
    May 27 2025
    Are you and your spouse constantly disagreeing about HOW to best parent your children?Are you wondering if one (or both) of your parenting styles is hurting your child’s emotional growth?And if so, what do you do about it, especially when you disagree so adamantly?In this episode, we unpack the subtle but powerful effects that parenting styles have on children’s development—especially when it comes to raising resilient, well-adjusted kids. Many parents unknowingly adopt habits that hold their families back from true emotional health and connection.Parenting is a daily practice of small choices, and understanding which styles promote emotional intelligence, confidence, and independence can transform your family life.Join us as we share the key things we NEVER do as parents of 7 children, and how those ‘never-dos’ have shaped a positive, loving family culture where kids learn to thrive.You’ll hear practical advice on:How authoritative parenting builds self-worthWhy harsh or inconsistent discipline backfiresThe dangers of sarcasm and negative languageCreating open, honest communication at every ageBalancing boundaries with empathy and loveIf you want to upgrade your parenting approach and create a nurturing environment where your kids feel safe to grow emotionally, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:✅ Different parenting styles have lasting effects on your child’s emotional and social development✅ Authoritative parenting fosters resilience and healthy boundaries✅ Avoid sarcasm, harshness, and inconsistent discipline to build trust✅ Emotional intelligence starts with authentic, open communication✅ Small ‘never-dos’ can prevent big problems down the roadChapters:00:00 Parenting from the Same Page06:41 The Importance of Communication in Parenting13:12 Navigating Parenting Styles24:08 Understanding Parenting Approaches31:13 The Four Parenting Philosophies43:16 The Pitfalls of Authoritarian Parenting46:00 Understanding Permissive Parenting51:39 The Consequences of Neglectful Parenting58:31 The Gold Standard: Authoritative Parenting01:11:03 Getting on the Same Page as Parents01:25:51 The Journey of Personal Development in ParentingMemorable Quotes:🗣 “Parenting styles shape the adults our kids become.”🗣 “Harsh discipline creates distance and fear, not respect.”🗣 “You can’t build emotional intelligence if your home isn’t emotionally safe.”🗣 “Consistency and love are the true foundation of resilient kids.”More episodes on working together in parenting and marriage:#192 EVERYTHING IN LIFE GETS EASIER & SMOOTHER WHEN YOU CAN COMMUNICATE BETTER. HERE'S HOW TO DO IT#221 SPECIFIC STRATEGIES & TOOLS TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE GOOD, BETTER, GREAT & EXTRAORDINARY#237 THE STABILITY OF YOUR FAMILY LIFE DEPENDS ON THE STABILITY OF YOUR MARRIAGE#262 IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR SPOUSE & PROCESS EMOTIONS TO BUILD AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE & MARRIAGE#267 THE CHALLENGES (& LASTING IMPACT) OF THE BABY/CHILD-REARING PHASES ON YOUR MARRIAGE & PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIPSRESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy momsBecome a Founding Member of our Extraordinary Parent Mentoring MethodJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • #313 How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles
    May 21 2025
    Do your kids struggle with tantrums, power struggles, or emotional meltdowns—and you’re not sure how to stop the cycle without yelling or harsh discipline?After posting on Instagram about how we raised our 7 kids without yelling, punishments, or power struggles, we received so much interest and questions from parents wanting to know—is it really possible?Yes, it is—and in this episode, we share exactly how we did it.Raising emotionally healthy, well-adjusted kids starts with creating a strong foundation of love, trust, and connection. In this conversation, we unpack the specific things we never do as parents, and why avoiding them has helped our children become confident, competent, and emotionally resilient.From mockery and sarcasm to yelling, punishments, and ignoring big feelings—these parenting pitfalls actually increase misbehavior, power struggles, and emotional shutdown.We also share personal stories—including a controversial ocean swim encounter—that demonstrate how pushing limits (safely and intentionally) builds competence, confidence, and calm under pressure—for kids and adults.Whether you're parenting toddlers or teens, these insights will help you shift your mindset and methods to raise kids who thrive without tantrums, yelling, or power struggles.Key Takeaways:✅ Strong attachment = strong self-worth✅ Small emotional habits shape your child's future✅ Sarcasm erodes trust—kindness builds connection✅ Harshness leads to fragility and misbehavior✅ Family culture and personal growth go hand in hand✅ Confidence comes from challenge, not comfortChapters:00:00 Raising Well-Adjusted Kids on the Move10:39 Understanding Tantrums and Yelling15:45 Prioritizing Connection Over Correction27:41 Investing Time for Long-Term Benefits29:25 The Importance of Connection Over Correction31:15 Understanding the Desire for Connection33:03 The Impact of Parental Engagement35:27 Recognizing Attachment Issues37:10 Daily Intentional Connection39:04 Behavior as a Symptom, Not the Problem41:24 Going to the Root Cause of Behavior43:41 The Investment in Parenting Knowledge47:37 Clarifying Expectations in Parenting50:27 Engaging in Clear Communication53:40 Encouraging Dialogue for Clarity01:00:08 Natural Consequences and Child Empowerment01:06:14 Establishing Family Systems for Smooth Parenting01:12:53 Emotional Co-Regulation in Parenting01:21:33 Building Resilience Through Connection and ChallengeMemorable Quotes:🗣 “We never participate in sarcasm or tearing each other down.”🗣 “Do your children feel good in your home—or do they feel fear?”🗣 “Harshness creates distance and fragility, which causes misbehavior.”🗣 “If you want different results, you’ve got to change how you parent.”🗣 “Push yourself and your kids—growth replaces fear with competence.”🗣 “The key to raising kids without tantrums is becoming emotionally safe yourself.”RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power StrugglesRachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for MomsJoin the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy momsBecome a Founding Member of our Extraordinary Parent Mentoring MethodJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/
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    1 hr and 33 mins
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