Rock Solid Families Rock Solid Families
-
- Kids & Family
Rock Solid Families is committed to helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be! Merrill and Linda Hutchinson began Rock Solid Families in October of 2018. They have over 60 years of combined experience in teaching, public speaking, counseling, ministry, and coaching. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda made the decision to step down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy families. This weekly podcast is made possible through the generous financial support of community partners. With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Rock Solid Families is helping to build stronger communities one family at a time!
-
Time to Get in Shape! Maximizing Work Capacity: Functional Fitness for Everyday Life - Ep 282
Are you fit enough to do every day life? We often hear about building muscle and scuptling the perfect body, but the truth is, many of us don't have the time or interest to build the perfect body, we just want to be active and healthy.
In today's show Merrill discusses the concept of building Work Capacity. Work Capacity is our abiltiy to do work. Nothing fancy. Work by definition is Force x Distance. That means you apply a certain amount of force in order to move an object. Work Capacity is simply, how much or even how long you can carry the workload out.
Going to the gym to build bigger muscles does not necessarily equate to helping you be more functional in your daily life. Doing heavy reps and then walking around and resting in between sets does little to enhance our ability to sustain an activity in daily living. Cutting the grass or running a chainsaw requires us to start the job and continue it until it's finished. This means we have sustained work over a period of time.
In order to become more functionally fit, it is important to incorporate movements and tasks that closely replicate daily living. Bending over to pick up a heavy bag of groceries, climbing a flight of stairs, loading and unloading a truckload of mulch, these are the types of patterns and loads we want to incorporate into our workouts. On top of this, we want to place a goal of sustaining the pattern over time. This constant movement requires the most vital organ of our body to work and strengthen, our heart.
Linda and Merrill specifically use a piece of fitness equipement that Merrill invented called the Kettle Bar. He invented it because he sees building overall fitness and work capacity as the primary desire of his workouts and the clients he works with. The truth is, not many people truly walk into the gym desiring to be a bikini model or Mr. Universe. Most just want to be strong and fit enough to play a pickup game of pickleball or split a load of firewood without getting injured.
For more information check out:
htttps://kettlebarfitness.com
http://rocksolidfamilies.org
Support the show
#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, -
The Bible-Where Do You Start as a Family? How to teach the Bible to your kids. Ep - 281
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of incorporating the Bible into your family's daily life? Fear not! Our latest conversation provides a relatable and supportive guide to navigating scripture and its enduring teachings. Merrill and Linda are transparent about their ignorant beginnings in their faith and how they felt overwhelmed by all they didn't know. However, it was from a thirst for understanding and incredibly loving people that surrounded them that they began to experience the revelation of God's Word.
Asking what seemed like silly questions or not even knowing where to look in the book that we were supposed to be using as our guide for life, left us feeling stupid. No parent wants to feel stupid in front of their own kids. But, this is the start of learning humility and a coachable heart.
Taking on the responsibility to bringing up our kids in the Word is no small task. Especially in today's world of self-indulgences and contradictory authorities. Where do we begin?
In this show Linda and Merrill help to lay out a pathway to help today's parents incorporate the Bible and its teachings into a daily lifestyle. These are things that do not have to be overwhelming and can help your kids understand where the values of your family come from. The old phrase, 'because I said so', takes on an entirely different magnitude when it is founded on the principles of the Word.
The teaching and learning of the Bible is a life long journey. Give yourself some grace and swallow your pride as you assume the role of Primary Teacher, for educating your kids on God's Word.
http://rocksolidfamilies.org
Support the show
#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, -
Excessive Parenting-When is it too much? Ep - 280
We live in a culture of excess. We have more stuff now than ever. More clothes, more food, more comforts, and more parenting. Yes, even more parenting. In this age when our kids seem to have it all, they also have way more parenting hovering over them. As we have indulged our kids with stuff, we also have found ourselves indulging in way too many aspects of their lives.
Total lack of parental involvement definitely is not a good thing in today's world. But, governing the details of their lives is also potentially harmful. What's going on? Do we not trust that our kids will ultimately make decisions that lead to their growth even if the decisions may cost them something? Are we trying to protect them from every little challenge or setback?
We have to ask ourselves, 'why do we feel the need to be so protective especially when our kids have more opportunity and options than most of us had as teens? Could the answer be FEAR. Are we afraid that we might look bad as parents if our kids struggle or even get into trouble? Are we handicapping them by providing in excess to the point that they have little to strive for?
There is a reason that we have more young adults continuing to live at home rather than moving out on their own. There are fewer teens getting their drivers license when they are legally eligible. What's up with this?
The other side of this problem is the amount of fatigue we are feeling as parents. We are so busy managing what seems like every little detail of their lives that we are finding ourselves owning their problems and chasing our tails to figure out the problems. Merrill even coined a phrase called Parenting Fatigue Syndrome, PFS. Parents find themselves exhausted while the kids find themselves comfortably tucked away in the basement playing video games and entertaining themselves on social media.
It's time to serve our kids better. We must equip them to go out into the world. Resourcefulness, hard work, responsibility, and natural consequences are just the start to building the strength back into our teens and young adults. Placing firm boundaries on how much you will carry their load is a must. No reason to feel guilty when you see your kids sweating from the load they are carrying. Rather, be thankful that you are equipping them for something greater.
Check out this show and tell us what you think. What has worked for you and your family?
http://ocksolidfamlies.org
Support the show
#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, -
It Takes Two Healthy People to Make One Healthy Marriage - Ep - 279
No doubt about it, marriage can be difficult. Anytime we are putting two people with differing ideas and opinions together for one common cause, we are bound to have conflict.
Yes, we can and we should develop our communication skills, build our trust, and treat each other with respect. However, these essential relationship attributes could be meaningless if we have unhealthy individuals. If one has significant past trauma, drug or alcohol addiction, or mental illness, to name a few, the marriage will often be sacrificed.
Healthy marriages require healthy people. If it can be identified that one of the people in the relationship is being haunted by an illness or past event, then we must spend the time to heal that person. We must work to attain the greatest level of health possible within the individual for the good of the marriage.
This can be hard work. All of us have stuff to work on. Things that keep us from being our best. If those things are significant enough to negatively impact the marriage, then they certainly require our attention.
If you are working on your marriage but find yourself at a stand still. Take some time to think about how you are doing as an individual. Are you bringing in your best version? If not, get some help. You owe it to yourself, your partner, and your marriage.
http://rocksolidfamilies.org
Support the show
#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, -
Introducing Jenna Helton and God's Blessing in our First Banquet! - Ep - 278
Lots of exciting things going on with Rock Solid Families and the mission! In this show we introduce the newest employee of Rock Solid Families, Jenna Helton. Once we decided to have a banquet in 2024, we recognized the need for more help. Jenna to the rescue!
We first brought Jenna on just as a subcontractor to help with the organizing and set up of the banquet. It didn't take long for us to recognize what Jenna brought to the table. She is an initiator, creative, hardworking, and loves the idea of serving the mission at Rock Solid Families. Before we knew it, we realized we wanted Jenna for more than a subcontracted project. We wanted her on our payroll!
During this show we introduce Jenna to our audience as she describes the move from corporate to non-profit and what that means to her family.
Ever felt the pull to swap the relentless pace of corporate life for something more meaningful? Jenna Hilton did just that, and she's here to share her compelling narrative with Rock Solid Families. Transitioning from orchestrating events and navigating aviation's heights, Jenna found her calling within our non-profit's embrace, where community service and purposeful work intersect. Together, we celebrate the recent triumph of our banquet, a testament to the solid foundation our supporters provide, and the very people who are the bedrock of our mission.
Weaving faith, family, and community into a cohesive force has transformed Rock Solid Families into what it is today—a vibrant beacon of hope and support. The synergy within our community is palpable; every story from our banquet serves as inspiration, urging us to "rise up" and take action. With faith-based coaching at our core, we discuss the crucial role of personal responsibility in societal change and the paramount importance of divine guidance as we join hands with various organizations to enhance unity and create lasting impact.
Rounding off this heartwarming episode, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who's been part of our journey. Their support fuels our administrative engines and amplifies our message, reaching hearts across the community. As Jenna steps into the whirlwind of her first event with us, her impact is already undeniable. We're reminded that, through resources and support, we all hold the power to strengthen communities—one family at a time. So join us, be moved, and perhaps find your own path to making a difference with Rock Solid Families.
https://rocksolidfamilies.org
Support the show
#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, -
Shame on You! - Do you shame your kids? How can we separate discipline from shaming? Ep 277
So why this topic of Shame Free parenting?
As parents, our job is to help our children meet their physical, cognitive AND emotional needs. Physical abuse or neglect is a lot easier to spot and call out. Even cognitive is easier. If the child isn’t getting to school or learning how to walk, talk, or read or socialize….it shows pretty early.
But emotional needs are just as important. They give our kids stability, self confidence, and the ability to have empathy and compassion for others.
So we want to give you some concrete ways you can parent and discipline your child without shame:
#1 Unconditional Love-Your child needs to know starting EARLY on that your love is constant and is NOT withheld if you angry with them or they have disappointed you.
#2-Keep the AWE in your home- We’ve used this acronym before and I borrowed it from another therapist but AWE stands for affection, warmth, and encouragement. Our kids can only grow with AWE in the home.
#3-As parents, you’ve got to be reliable, consistent, and trustworthy. Those things in a parent builds security in a child. They know they can count on you. Your word means something. You are predictable.
#4-We need to model acceptance and respect even when we disagree with their ideas or decisions-These two things have to start with us and they can’t be dependent on them giving it back to us. There will be times they don’t like us very much or like our rules. But that doesn't give us the right to stoop to their level and demean them or belittle them.
This one has been a huge issue for children struggling with gender confusion. We try and shame the child into complying with OUR values or ideals and instead push them further and further away from them. This is why many children and young adults don’t want anything to do with religion or GOD, Jesus, or church because we as his followers have done an awful job in representing Christ to them.
We’ve got to accept their feelings and their decision and respect their right to disagree or say NO. However, You are still the parent and they also must learn to respect you. So you don't demean their ways, but you also don't have to agree or permit them under your roof.
EX. Kids wanting another dog. Or a phone at age 10
#5-Healthy Boundaries- Boundaries are those invisible barriers we establish early to protect ourselves and our relationships. The word NO is showing a child a boundary.
#6-Give them a ton of opportunities to succeed and praise them often. Maybe they went outside their comfort zone and read outloud. Praise that. Maybe they tried out for a team but didn’t make it. Praise their effort. Again, do more praising of the effort and attitude instead of the actual accomplishment. We don’t want to raise people pleasers who feel like the only way to get your time and attention is when they accomplish something. Going back to our very first one. Show them lots of unconditional love…just because.
#7-Apologize when you fall short. You’re not going to always get this right. You’re going to have bad days. You’re going to blow it and say something you regret saying. We fall short on a regular basis and when we do…we make sure to apologize to our kids. That shows them grace. That shows them that no one is perfect.
https://rocksolidfamilies.org
Support the show
#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith,