Parenting On Empty

David McGinnis

0.0 (0)
PARENTING

In this episode of Parenting on Empty, we talk openly about what it feels like to parent when your emotional tank is on “E.” From anxiety and overwhelm to those moments when you just can’t give your best — we dive into the hard stuff with honesty, laughter, and hope. If you’ve ever felt drained, guilty, or stretched too thin, this episode is for you.

20 HR AGO

Episode 24: The Truth

What does it really mean to teach your kids to tell the truth?In this episode of Parenting on Empty, we dive into one of the most challenging—and important—aspects of parenting: honesty. From little white lies to deeper breaches of trust, every parent faces the moment when their child isn’t fully truthful. So how do you respond in a way that builds character instead of fear?Drawing on insights from thinkers like Mark Twain, J.K. Rowling, and Henry David Thoreau, we explore how truth shapes relationships, character, and trust within the family.We discuss: • Why kids lie (and why it’s developmentally normal) • The difference between discipline and relationship damage • How modeling honesty matters more than demanding it • The role of grace, forgiveness, and consequences • How to respond when your child finally tells the truthIf you want to raise kids who value honesty—and feel safe telling you the truth even when it’s hard—this episode is for you.🎧 Thanks for listening! We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.⸻⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction: The value and complexity of truth0:49 – Why honesty matters deeply in parenting1:23 – The reality: kids (and adults) lie sometimes2:30 – Younger kids and truth vs. imagination5:03 – Real-life example: catching a lie6:42 – Teaching kids to value honesty7:00 – Modeling truth as a parent10:06 – “Lying by omission” and broken promises11:19 – Repairing trust with your child13:10 – Talking about character and honesty14:29 – Consequences and repeat offenses16:16 – Why labeling kids is harmful17:56 – Protecting the parent-child relationship19:03 – Grace, forgiveness, and accountability21:05 – Why kids need repeated lessons22:30 – Responding when your child tells the truth24:21 – Letting kids help determine consequences25:09 – Avoiding emotional overreactions26:03 – Building a bridge, not a wall

26 min
1 DAY AGO

Episode 23: Back to School

Is public school the best option for every child? In this episode of Parenting on Empty, David and Tamara talk honestly about their decision to homeschool their high schooler—and why education doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach.From public school struggles to discovering flexible homeschool and charter school options, they share what worked, what didn’t, and how parents can confidently choose the best path for their child—without needing a teaching degree.If you’re navigating back-to-school decisions, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering whether homeschool could work for your family, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement.What You’ll Learn: • Why education doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing • Signs your child may not be thriving in traditional school • How homeschooling has changed (and become easier) • The role of parents as “learning coaches” • How to handle socialization outside of public school • Creative ways to keep kids engaged in learning • Why knowing your child matters more than the system⸻Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The “forbidden” school conversation00:39 – Back-to-school season realities01:26 – Why we chose homeschool this year02:16 – You don’t have to choose one path forever03:18 – Homeschooling is easier than it used to be04:28 – Our experience with online charter schools05:02 – Challenges with large public school classrooms06:30 – Why parents must advocate for their child07:27 – The hidden workload after school08:35 – “I’m not a teacher—can I homeschool?”09:25 – Free homeschool and charter school options10:40 – Different philosophies in education11:43 – Why your child must be your top priority12:34 – The real commitment homeschooling requires14:05 – Socialization: myth vs reality15:37 – Managing tension while teaching at home16:42 – Creating breaks and balance during the day18:20 – Making learning creative and engaging20:12 – Adapting to your child’s learning style21:24 – The unexpected benefits of homeschooling22:49 – When homeschooling isn’t the best choice23:18 – Final thoughts: You have options

26 min
1 DAY AGO

Episode 22: Bad Knees

Parenting doesn’t stop when your body does.In this episode of Parenting on Empty, David and Tamara McGinnis talk honestly about what it looks like to parent while dealing with physical pain, chronic issues, and emotional fatigue. From bad knees to burnout, they explore how to stay connected with your kids when you don’t have 100% to give.They share practical ways to: • Communicate your limitations to your kids • Ask for help (even when it’s hard) • Handle frustration and short patience • Stay engaged without overextending yourself • Turn weakness into a teaching moment for empathy and compassionIf you’ve ever felt guilty for saying “no,” struggled to keep up physically, or wondered how to parent well when you’re running on empty—this episode is for you.0:00 – Intro: Parenting Through Physical Limitations0:39 – Living with Long-Term Pain (Bad Knees Reality)1:00 – What Happens When Parents Get Sick?2:01 – Parenting Without 100% Energy2:32 – Pain, Irritability & Losing Patience3:48 – Communicating Your Limits to Kids5:05 – A Moment of Compassion from Their Daughters6:07 – Why Sharing “Weakness” Matters7:31 – Saying No When You Usually Say Yes8:17 – Asking Kids for Help (And Why It’s Hard)9:40 – Teaching Kids Through Real-Life Tasks11:30 – When Kids Respond with Attitude13:03 – Sharing the Load as a Family14:10 – Encouraging Kids (Even When It’s Hard)15:46 – Getting Creative with Limited Energy17:00 – Low-Impact Ways to Play with Your Kids18:08 – Adapting Games When You’re Worn Out20:22 – Pool Time Without Getting in the Pool22:25 – Accepting Your Limits Without Guilt23:06 – Finding Alternative Ways to Connect23:42 – Trusting Growth Through Hard Seasons

25 min
1 DAY AGO

Episode 21: Raising Adults

What if the goal of parenting isn’t just getting through the day—but raising capable, compassionate adults?In this episode of Parenting on Empty, we sit down with friends Brian and Renee to explore a powerful parenting philosophy: raising adults, not children. From balancing freedom and control to teaching responsibility, communication, and empathy, this conversation dives deep into what it really means to prepare kids for real life.You’ll hear practical strategies for: • Teaching kids to think beyond themselves • Creating a peaceful, structured home • Allowing failure and discomfort to build resilience • Balancing work, parenting, and relationships • Building leadership qualities in your childrenIf you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty as a parent, this episode will challenge and encourage you to think long-term—and parent with purpose.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this resonates with you!⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction: Feeling “empty” as a parent0:30 – Meet Brian & Renee: “We’re raising adults”1:10 – Parenting with the end in mind2:00 – Addressing tattling & heart motives3:00 – Avoiding control-based parenting4:00 – Freedom vs. control in parenting5:00 – Guiding kids based on passions & values6:00 – Teaching future identity (parent, spouse, worker)7:00 – Surviving vs. intentional parenting8:00 – Recognizing emotional imbalance in yourself8:30 – Helicopter vs. absentee parenting9:00 – Saying “yes” vs. “no” to kids10:30 – The danger of overprotecting children11:20 – Why kids need to experience pain & failure12:00 – Raising leaders through real experiences13:00 – Respecting kids’ perspectives14:00 – Managing work-from-home with children15:00 – Creating structure and communication systems16:30 – Parenting interruptions & staying patient18:30 – Real-life stress vs. being present20:00 – Meeting individual emotional needs of kids22:00 – Teaching work-life balance to children23:00 – Real-life lesson: choosing others over convenience25:00 – Modeling values through action26:00 – Involving kids in decision-making27:00 – The importance of communication in families28:00 – Teaching responsibility through chores30:00 – Training kids for adult life

32 min
1 DAY AGO

Episode 20: Independence

Welcome to Parenting on Empty! If you’re trying to raise confident, independent kids without damaging your relationship along the way, this episode is for you.In this episode, we dive into how to teach children independence at every stage of life—from total dependence at birth to full independence as young adults. We talk about the challenges parents face when letting go, how to avoid being overly controlling, and practical ways to give your kids responsibility while still guiding them.💡 Learn how to: • Gradually build independence from ages 0–18 • Balance authority with freedom • Handle pushback and “disrespect” in teens • Teach decision-making, responsibility, and accountability • Build trust so your kids still come to you for adviceWe also share real-life parenting stories about:✔ Letting teens make their own decisions✔ Teaching financial responsibility✔ Navigating friendships and dating✔ Giving kids meaningful choices✔ Preparing your home as a “launching pad,” not a “corral”If you’ve ever struggled with letting go, control, or trusting your kids, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode helped you!⸻⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Parenting on Empty00:13 – Topic: Teaching Kids Independence00:30 – From 0% to 100% Independence Explained01:30 – Evaluating Parenting Through Independence Levels01:52 – What Happens When Kids Don’t Get Independence03:28 – Independence vs. Disrespect in Teens05:07 – The Struggle of Letting Go as a Parent06:08 – Giving Teens Decision-Making Power07:12 – Why Kids Still Seek Your Advice08:34 – Why Explaining “Why” Matters09:49 – Discipline, Consequences & Communication11:44 – Teaching Values & Choosing Friends14:10 – Parenting Teens & Dating Concerns16:17 – Why Conversations Matter Before They Leave Home17:14 – Your Home: Launching Pad vs. Corral18:16 – Adjusting Parenting Styles as Kids Grow20:20 – Building Trust Through Independence21:52 – Teaching Financial Responsibility23:44 – Emotional Independence & Self-Esteem25:38 – Are We Being Manipulative as Parents?27:49 – Letting Kids Make Bad Decisions28:47 – Giving Kids Real Choices30:09 – Teaching Consequences Through Decisions32:14 – The Right Way to Offer Choices33:51 – Teaching Responsibility Through Chores35:13 – Why Kids Need Life Skills Like Cooking36:25 – The Difference Between Real & Fake Independence36:56 – Final Thoughts: Letting Go is Hard but Necessary

37 min
2 DAYS AGO

Episode 19: Finding Energy When Parenting Drains You

In this episode of Parenting on Empty, we dive into how to find energy as a parent, even when daily routines, discipline, and life feel overwhelming. We talk honestly about parenting burnout, emotional exhaustion, and practical ways to recharge—both with your kids and on your own.From physical connection and creativity to alone time and self-care, this episode is packed with relatable insights and simple strategies to help you restore your energy and enjoy parenting again.If you’ve ever wondered: • “Why am I so tired all the time as a parent?” • “How do I recharge without feeling guilty?” • “What actually gives me energy?”This conversation is for you.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Welcome to Parenting on Empty0:45 – What does “finding energy” really mean?1:30 – Why parenting drains your energy2:00 – The power of physical connection (even with teens)3:30 – Emotional vs physical energy explained5:00 – Simple ways to recharge (rest, food, movement)6:30 – When your kids drain your energy (and what to do)7:30 – Finding energy in ways that work for BOTH you and your kids8:30 – Reading, walking, and connection ideas9:30 – What if you don’t know what gives you energy?10:00 – Creativity as a powerful energy source11:30 – Letting go of perfectionism in parenting14:00 – Real-life parenting struggles (mess, control, frustration)15:30 – Why you sometimes NEED time away from your kids16:30 – Guilt and self-care: giving yourself permission17:30 – Finding energy outside the home18:30 – Small parenting wins that restore energy19:15 – How to discover what energizes you20:00 – Enjoying things even on a budget22:00 – Making energy-building a family habit23:00 – Using shared interests (movies, activities)24:00 – Final encouragement: find what fills you up

27 min
2 DAYS AGO

Episode 18: Disneyland

If you’ve ever felt discouraged when things didn’t go as planned—or wondered if all the effort was even worth it—this conversation will challenge and encourage you. ✨ Key takeaway: You’re not investing in the event… you’re investing in your family. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: • Why “the happiest place on earth” can still feel stressful • How unrealistic expectations can ruin meaningful experiences • The importance of focusing on togetherness, not perfection • Why kids remember the good—even when they complain in the moment • Practical ways to stay patient and grounded during family trips • How to plan vacations that actually build lasting memories 💡 Real Talk Moments: • The pressure of planning (and paying for) big family trips • Handling whining, mood swings, and unpredictable kids • A powerful reminder: You can’t control the moment—but you can shape the memory ❤️ Parenting Insight: Vacations aren’t about rides, attractions, or perfect days. They’re about time together—messy, imperfect, but meaningful. When you shift your mindset, everything changes. 👍 If this resonates: Like 👍 | Comment 💬 | Subscribe 🔔Share this with a parent who needs encouragement before their next family trip! 0:00 – Intro: Recording from the airport after Disneyland 0:17 – The reality of family vacations 1:00 – When kids complain after all your effort 2:07 – The trap of focusing on the “event” 3:00 – Why Disneyland was created (family togetherness) 4:45 – Togetherness vs. constant enjoyment 5:26 – When money and expectations take over 6:23 – Vacations are NOT less stressful 7:26 – What actually matters in the long run 8:36 – Why people matter more than places 9:08 – Parenting with patience on vacation 10:35 – “Building for the memory, not the moment” 11:46 – Kids remember differently than we think 12:50 – Why kids express negative but store positive 13:40 – Letting go of unrealistic expectations 14:38 – Why you really planned the trip 15:06 – Avoiding burnout: planning “away time” 16:48 – Structuring rest days into your vacation 18:43 – Why breaks make the trip better 19:13 – Keeping your purpose in mind 19:31 – A powerful example of misplaced priorities 21:12 – Doing things together as a family 22:05 – Are you choosing events over people? 22:46 – Why memories outlast the moment

24 min
2 DAYS AGO

Episode 17: Building for the Memory

Are you putting too much pressure on making every moment perfect as a parent? In this episode, we dive into a powerful mindset shift: building for the memory, not the moment. So often, parents feel discouraged when experiences don’t go as planned—when kids complain, argue, or seem uninterested. But what if those same “failed” moments are actually becoming some of your children’s most cherished memories? We explore how memory reshapes experiences, why kids remember things differently than we expect, and how intentional parenting—through repetition, shared activities, and even imperfect moments—creates lasting impact. From Disneyland reactions to everyday family routines, this conversation is full of relatable stories, humor, and practical insight for parents who want to raise confident, connected kids without chasing perfection. If you’ve ever felt frustrated trying to create the “perfect” family moment, this episode will help you refocus on what truly matters. What You’ll Learn: Why kids remember experiences more positively than they seem in the moment How to stop overvaluing immediate reactions and focus on long-term impact The role of repetition and family traditions in building strong memories How everyday activities (chores, meals, simple routines) shape identity Why imperfect moments often lead to the best memories Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: Creativity & Parenting Perspective 0:26 – Building for the Memory, Not the Moment 1:07 – Why Kids Value Memories More Than Moments 2:20 – When “Failed” Moments Become Great Memories 3:16 – How Memory Changes Perspective Over Time 4:04 – Misreading Kids’ Emotions in the Moment 4:38 – Disneyland Story: Expectations vs Reality 6:07 – Letting Go of Perfection as a Parent 7:20 – Allowing Kids to Be Bored, Upset, or Imperfect 8:05 – Staying Grounded While Building Lasting Memories 9:23 – When Effort Doesn’t Match the Reaction 10:21 – Lowe’s Build & Grow Example: Hidden Impact 12:00 – Building Confidence Through Experiences 13:34 – Creative Projects & Frustration (Olaf Story) 15:39 – Looking Past Words to Long-Term Meaning 16:05 – Intentional Parenting & Planning Memories 17:09 – Teaching Life Skills Through Everyday Moments 18:05 – Family Dinner & Creating Consistent Memories 18:48 – The Power of Repetition & Traditions 19:40 – Creating Fun Family “Gimmicks” 21:11 – Being Intentional Even When It’s Hard 22:26 – Living in the Moment vs Thinking Long-Term 23:36 – Memories Beyond Big Events (Service & Chores) 24:40 – Teaching Responsibility & Family Contribution 26:22 – Simple Ways to Build Lasting Memories 27:05 – Family Traditions & Long-Term Identity 28:01 – Final Thoughts: What Kids Remember MostBuilding Memories

28 min

In this episode of Parenting on Empty, we talk openly about what it feels like to parent when your emotional tank is on “E.” From anxiety and overwhelm to those moments when you just can’t give your best — we dive into the hard stuff with honesty, laughter, and hope. If you’ve ever felt drained, guilty, or stretched too thin, this episode is for you.

Creator

David McGinnis
Years Active

2k
Episodes

24
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© David McGinnis
Show Website

Parenting On Empty