The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast

Greg and Rachel Denning

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!

  1. Stop Sibling Fights Fast (Scripts That Actually Work)

    2D AGO

    Stop Sibling Fights Fast (Scripts That Actually Work)

    Are you exhausted from the nonstop “That’s mine!” “Stop touching me!” “It’s not fair!” battles—and you’re wondering what to say in the moment without yelling or punishing? What if sibling fights weren’t something you “managed”… but something you could actually heal at the root—with simple scripts that build emotional strength, self-awareness, and better behavior over time? In this video, Greg & Rachel Denning (extraordinary parents of 7, world travelers, and family coaches) share real-life, word-for-word scripts for the most common sibling conflict triggers—from toddlers to teens—including fighting over toys, possessions, personal space, copying/mimicking, fairness, name-calling, snapping, blaming, and even aggression. You’ll learn how to stop doing “symptom management” and instead resolve the underlying causes—so conflict doesn’t become your family’s daily culture. The Dennings break down their calm, connected approach: validate first, teach the principle, role-play the skill, and use natural consequences (without harshness). Key Takeaways: ✅ Stuff is never worth the relationship — don’t let toys, beds, or “my space” become a source of ongoing conflict. ✅ Start with validation — calm the emotion first without picking sides so kids feel seen and can actually listen. ✅ Teach the cause, not just the moment — long-term change happens when you heal the “infection,” not just manage the symptom. ✅ Use identity-based coaching — “Who do you want to be?” helps kids self-correct and choose maturity. ✅ Build self-awareness on purpose — asking “How does that make you feel?” trains kids to notice bitterness vs. connection. ✅ Separate together, not alone — when a child can’t calm down, you don’t banish them… you co-regulate and help them reset. ✅ Hold hard boundaries on big domino behaviors — name-calling, insulting, and aggression must stop because they poison family culture. ✅ Use natural consequences that teach — consequences should be connected, agreed on (when possible), and strong enough to create change. Memorable Quotes: 🗣 “Never let stuff become a point of conflict in a relationship.” 🗣 “If you’re going to choose to be bothered by small things, how often will you be bothered?” 🗣 “We can’t only give attention to symptom management—if we want permanent results, we have to focus on the cause.” 🗣 “Who do you want to be? What kind of person do you want to be?” Chapters 00:55 Addressing Sibling Rivalry 01:31 Healing Underlying Issues 02:21 Practical Strategies for Conflict Resolution 07:03 Navigating Sibling Conflicts 09:47 Teaching Emotional Intelligence 14:37 Calming Techniques for Heated Moments 19:53 Addressing Annoying Behaviors 24:48 Promoting Personal Responsibility 28:18 Building Perspective on Family Dynamics 29:29 Handling Name-Calling and Insults 37:43 Building Resilience in Children 38:13 Parental Responsibility and Empowerment 40:27 Emotional Bank Accounts in Sibling Relationships 41:20 Understanding Fairness in Family Dynamics 43:38 Teaching Fairness and Sharing 43:49 Addressing Physical Aggression in Children 48:37 The Importance of Accountability and Consequences 49:13 Fostering Ownership and Responsibility 50:35 Eliminating Jealousy and Competition 51:21 Standing Up Against Bullying 54:37 Creating an Extraordinary Family Life 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 Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    56 min
  2. 3 Strategies to Stop Family Drama in 3 Days (Seriously)

    DEC 17

    3 Strategies to Stop Family Drama in 3 Days (Seriously)

    Do you feel like the same family conflicts keep resurfacing—no matter how many times you “deal with them”? What if the problem isn’t the conflict… but the drama patterns you’re unknowingly participating in? In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel break down the drama triangle—a destructive cycle made up of three familiar roles: victim, rescuer, and persecutor. These roles keep families stuck in emotional reactivity, resentment, and zero real resolution. Here’s the truth most parents never hear: you can face conflict head-on without making it dramatic.Stepping out of drama doesn’t mean avoiding problems, disengaging, or “letting things slide.” It means learning how to handle disagreement with clarity, courage, and love—so issues actually get resolved instead of endlessly repeated. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why drama is not the same thing as conflict—and how to tell the difference The three roles that silently keep family arguments looping How one conscious person can interrupt the entire pattern The exact three steps to exit the drama triangle—starting immediately How to shift from victim → creator, rescuer → coach, and persecutor → challenger Why inner work and emotional awareness are essential to peaceful parenting How these tools don’t just change today’s arguments—but transform family legacies If you’re exhausted from emotional blowups, silent treatments, or constantly playing referee, this episode offers a practical, empowering path forward—one that leads to real resolution, stronger relationships, and a calmer family culture. Key Takeaways ✅ Drama is optional—even when conflict is unavoidable. ✅ The drama triangle keeps families stuck without resolution. ✅ You only need one person to change the pattern. ✅ Stopping your automatic reaction is the first powerful step. ✅ Awareness creates choice—and choice creates change. ✅ Creator, coach, and challenger roles lead to lasting solutions. ✅ Inner work is the gateway to calmer, more effective parenting. Memorable Quotes 🗣 “Conflict can be uncomfortable without being dramatic.” 🗣 “Drama repeats. Conflict resolves.” 🗣 “People treat you the way you train them to treat you.” 🗣 “You don’t need everyone to change—just one conscious person.” 🗣 “This doesn’t just change family dynamics. It changes family legacies.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Dynamics and Drama 03:55 Understanding the Drama Triangle 06:04 Roles in the Drama Triangle 09:24 Breaking Free from the Drama Triangle 12:16 Stepping Out of the Drama Triangle 14:24 Awareness and Naming Roles 17:49 Transitioning to Empowered Roles 17:57 The Creator, Coach, and Challenger Roles 37:06 Transforming Family Dynamics 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 Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    40 min
  3. Stop the 18-and-Out Myth: Why Teens Don’t Need to Leave to Launch

    DEC 10

    Stop the 18-and-Out Myth: Why Teens Don’t Need to Leave to Launch

    What if the whole idea that your teen “must move out at 18” is one of the biggest parenting myths of our generation? In this episode, Greg and Rachel challenge the cultural belief that independence = separation. They explain why forcing teens into adult life at 18 isn’t just unnecessary—it’s often harmful, developmentally inappropriate, and rooted in a modern social experiment that has produced more loneliness, more mental illness, weaker families, and generations of underprepared young adults. Greg and Rachel reveal the truth: If your child will only become capable, confident, mature, and contributing after you kick them out… that’s a parenting problem—not a launching strategy. Instead, they show how the teen years (16–25) are the prime window for deep mentoring, skill-building, emotional development, and world-class education. And that staying home longer—in a healthy, high-skill, high-expectation family—creates stronger adults, stronger marriages, and stronger generational wealth. You’ll hear: Why the “18 equals adulthood” idea is culturally manufactured—not biological How incomplete brain development (until 25!) radically changes how we should guide young adults Why independence begins at age 2, not 18… and how to train kids long before the teen years Why most failure-to-launch cases come from lack of parenting skills, not lack of kid motivation If you’ve ever wondered why today’s teens struggle—or how to help your kids become confident, competent adults without pushing them out prematurely—this conversation will completely reframe your parenting vision. 🎉 Enrollment is now open for our Winter 2026 Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More Here Key Takeaways ✅ If a child needs to be kicked out to mature, the issue is parenting skills—not the child. ✅ Independence should be trained from early childhood—not suddenly expected at 18. ✅ Teens can stay home longer and become more capable, confident, and successful. ✅ The nuclear-family model is new, modern, and failing—intergenerational families thrive. ✅ Failure to launch has nothing to do with age 18—and everything to do with training, skills, and relationship quality. Memorable Quotes 🗣 “If your kids only become competent when you kick them out, you’ve already failed as a parent.” 🗣 “Independence is developed long before 18—but it doesn’t require separation.” 🗣 “The U.S. is one of the most emotionally broken societies on Earth. Stop copying what’s not working.” 🗣 “Teen chaos isn’t normal. It’s common because it’s done wrong.” 🗣 “The goal is teens who could leave at any moment—and thrive—but choose to stay close because they love being with you.” Chapters 00:00 Epic Adventures and Homecomings 00:28 Rethinking the 18-Year-Old Move-Out Myth 00:57 Parenting Skills and the Failure to Launch 03:04 The Role of Education in Young Adulthood 05:51 Cultural Perspectives on Family Dynamics 09:23 The Dangers of Social Media Influence 09:41 Reframing Independence and Parenting Strategies 16:21 Empowering Children with Life Skills 19:09 The Importance of Parenting Techniques 26:11 Building a Family Legacy and Financial Stability 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 Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    36 min
  4. Raising Resilient Teens in a Soft, Comfortable World

    DEC 3

    Raising Resilient Teens in a Soft, Comfortable World

    Do you ever look around and think, “Why are teens today so fragile when life is easier than ever?” In this conversation, Greg and Rachel break down why so many young people are anxious, avoidant, and overwhelmed by normal life—and how to raise resilient teens who can actually handle hard things. They unpack the impact of comfort culture, overprotection, and screen-based living, then share practical ways to “microdose” and “macrodose” challenge through workouts, travel, projects, and real-life responsibility. You’ll learn how to build holistic toughness—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and even financial—without shaming your kids or recreating the harshness of past generations. 🎉 Enrollment is now open for our Winter 2026 Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More Here Key Takeaways ✅ Today’s teens are collapsing under normal life stress because they’ve been overprotected from real challenges and underprotected from digital harm. ✅ Things feel hard because we are soft—capacity hasn’t been built through repeated, meaningful difficulty. ✅ True toughness must be holistic: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial resilience. ✅ Comfort culture (DoorDash, AC, screens, easy entertainment) removes the friction that used to naturally build grit. ✅ Microdosing difficulty (workouts, cold, chores, outdoor time) builds daily resilience without drama. ✅ Macrodosing difficulty (big trips, adventures, demanding projects, races) resets perspective and capacity. ✅ Real-life experience beats virtual experience—social media, porn, and games rewire the brain without building real-world skills. ✅ Kids need challenge and emotional validation—not “toughen up” coldness, and not bubble-wrap fragility. ✅ You can’t force hard things; you must invite kids into them and sell them on the benefits so they buy in. ✅ The goal is a family culture where hard things feel “normal,” not heroic—“This isn’t that bad. We can do it.” Memorable Quotes 🗣 “Things seem hard because we are soft.” 🗣 “We want to be doing things so insanely difficult that hard things that come along are like, ‘No big deal.’” 🗣 “Our kids are living in a bubble from real life—but being poisoned by virtual life.” 🗣 “The only way to become tough is to do hard things.” 🗣 “Your body can be in pain while your mind and spirit are in joy.” 🗣 “We need to be holistically tough so we can handle whatever life throws at us.” Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Grit in Parenting 00:34 The Crisis of Modern Youth 01:53 Resilience and Emotional Intelligence 04:32 The Comfort Crisis: A Modern Dilemma 07:03 Building Grit Through Experience 08:10 The Role of Family in Developing Strength 08:57 Micro and Macro Dosing Hardship 10:19 The Value of Challenging Experiences 11:29 The Dangers of Overprotection 14:37 Holistic Development in Families 17:13 Creating a Supportive Community 19:49 The Role of Perspective in Parenting 20:56 Navigating Modern Challenges 21:16 The Importance of Real Experiences 23:09 The Impact of Virtual Reality on Youth 25:37 Choosing Discomfort for Growth 26:50 Strategic Parenting for Resilience 27:07 Building a Legacy of Strength 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 Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    31 min
  5. Pursue Your Dreams Without Sacrificing Your Family

    NOV 26

    Pursue Your Dreams Without Sacrificing Your Family

    Do you have a long list of dreams—but no idea where to start? Parents often feel torn between wanting a meaningful, adventurous life…and the realities of raising kids, managing a home, and juggling responsibilities. How do you pick the right dream to pursue first—without sacrificing your marriage, health, or family? In today’s conversation, Greg and Rachel break down the exact five-step process they’ve used for 20+ years to chase bold, meaningful goals while raising seven kids, traveling to over 60 countries, homeschooling, and building a business. You’ll learn how to prioritize your dreams, avoid sacrifices that damage what matters most, and identify the “first step” that naturally unlocks momentum for every other goal. Whether you’re overwhelmed by possibilities or unsure how to start, this episode will help you get clarity, build confidence, and make meaningful progress toward the life you actually want—one small step at a time. Key Takeaways ✅ Write every dream down — clarity comes from seeing your full list on paper. ✅ Follow your intuition and repeated nudges — they’re often guideposts toward your best future. ✅ Aim for alignment — choose the dream that makes the other dreams easier. ✅ Consider urgency — some dreams (like traveling with kids) have a limited window. ✅ Protect the core areas — never sacrifice marriage, parenting, health, or spirituality to chase a goal. ✅ Morning routines fuel everything — they give you the energy, clarity, and stability to pursue big goals. ✅ Forward motion reveals the path — obstacles show you where to start and what to fix first. ✅ Dreams require identity growth — you become the person who can achieve the dream by pursuing it. MEMORABLE QUOTES 🗣 “You don’t have to see the whole path—you just have to take the first step.” 🗣 “Any meaningful dream requires you to grow into the person who can achieve it.” 🗣 “You can’t pursue big goals while sacrificing your marriage, health, or kids.” 🗣 “Write it all down. Clarity comes through the act of writing.” 🗣 “If you step forward, the next step reveals itself.” 🗣 “Some dreams won’t matter later—and some can’t wait.” Chapters 00:00 Pursuing Big Dreams with Family 01:29 The Importance of Prioritization 05:39 Holistic Approach to Goals 11:58 Writing Down Your Dreams 16:53 Intuition and Signs in Goal Pursuit 19:23 The Journey of Homesteading and Property Ownership 19:53 Following Your Interests as a Guidepost 22:04 The Importance of Genuine Interests 24:27 Researching and Learning as a Pathway 26:43 The Ready, Fire, Aim Approach 28:39 Defining Success and Wealth 29:54 Deciding Which Dream to Pursue 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 Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    33 min
  6. How to Hold High Standards With Teens (Without Power Struggles)

    NOV 19

    How to Hold High Standards With Teens (Without Power Struggles)

    Are you trying to set teen boundaries without your child calling you “controlling” or “the worst parent ever”? If you want your teen to live by high standards—around tech, food, friends, habits, and lifestyle—you can’t just make it your standard and enforce it. It has to become their standard. In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel break down exactly how they helped their own teens buy in so deeply that they now say things like, “I’m not putting that garbage in my body,” or “I don’t waste my life on that.” Instead of rules and power struggles, they show you how to prioritize relationship over rules, lean on unconditional love, and teach the laws that govern health, happiness, success, and addiction—so your kids see for themselves where certain choices lead. When teens understand the why behind your standards, they stop feeling controlled and start choosing those standards for themselves. You’ll also hear how the Dennings have intentionally made real life more compelling than video games or junk food—often inviting friends along for the ride—so the “different” lifestyle isn’t a punishment, it’s an upgrade. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I hold the line without wrecking the relationship?” this conversation will give you a new framework: less control, more conviction—and a family standard that everyone owns. 🎉 Enrollment is now open for our Winter 2026 Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More Here Key Takeaways ✅ It can’t be my standard; it has to become our standard as a family, or teens will always feel controlled. ✅ Prioritizing the relationship over the rules makes high standards easier to hold and easier for teens to accept. ✅ Unconditional love is the foundation, but standards and boundaries are still essential—just not weaponized. ✅ Focus less on control and correction, and more on conviction, conversion, and clear “why’s” behind your standards. ✅ Treat standards like universal laws (like gravity)—not arbitrary parent rules—so kids see cause and effect for themselves. Memorable Quotes 🗣 “It can’t be my standard I enforce on my kids. It has to be our standard.” 🗣 “If we don’t live the message, we suck as the messenger.” 🗣 “The goal isn’t to make your child do what you want—it’s to help them want it for themselves.” 🗣 “Tell me your habits and I’ll tell you your future.” 🗣 “We’re not the creators of the rules—we’re the teachers of the laws that already exist.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 00:38 Navigating Parenting Standards and Boundaries 01:10 The Challenge of Standing Out as Parents 02:53 Communicating Values and Standards to Teens 04:46 The Importance of Ownership in Standards 06:12 Understanding Consequences and Life Choices 08:21 Living the Message: The Role of Parents 11:02 The Balance of Unconditional Love and Standards 17:21 The Complexity of Love: Unconditional vs Conditional 18:41 Prioritizing Relationships Over Rules 21:58 Conviction vs Control in Parenting 26:25 Creating an Engaging Family Culture 30:29 Choosing the Hard Path for Greater Rewards 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 Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    33 min
  7. How to Stay Calm With Toddlers (Without Losing Yourself)

    NOV 12

    How to Stay Calm With Toddlers (Without Losing Yourself)

    Do your evenings disappear into chaos—feeding, cleaning, and collapsing into bed exhausted? Are you wondering how to stay calm and connected while parenting toddlers who seem to need you every second? In this episode, Greg & Rachel reveal the mindset and framework behind calm parenting toddlers—how to meet your child’s needs without losing yourself, gently transition from co-sleeping, and end night wakings without cry-it-out. You’ll learn why the 0–5 window shapes your child’s identity, confidence, and future emotional health—and how your calm presence now builds secure attachment and independence later. They also share why dads don’t babysit—they lead, and how fathers can bring energy, joy, and true relief to moms in the toddler trenches. You’ll leave with practical, doable shifts that make family life lighter, calmer, and far more fulfilling. 🗝️ Key Takeaways ✅ Calm parenting toddlers builds trust and independence. Meeting needs early reduces clinginess. ✅ Co-sleeping transitions can be gentle and peaceful. Move step by step without trauma or tears. ✅ Night weaning works best with connection. Stay near, soothe with presence, and stay patient. ✅ Dads don’t babysit—dads lead. Real help means engagement and energy. ✅ Self-care fuels capacity. Movement, nutrition, and recovery make calm possible. ✅ Presence > perfection. Toddlers sense your energy more than your words. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 Embracing the Chaos of Parenthood 01:08 The Importance of Mindset in Parenting 03:20 Understanding Child Development and Needs 05:40 The Long-Term Investment of Parenting 08:07 Balancing Self-Care and Family Needs 09:46 Creating a Secure Environment for Children 10:47 Navigating Relationships and Priorities 13:18 The Value of Minimalism in Parenting 15:40 The Evolution of Parenting Practices 17:38 Creating a Safe and Secure Environment for Children 23:29 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents 29:14 Building Strong Foundations for Future Relationships 💬 Memorable Quotes🗣 “Dads don’t babysit—dads lead. Be the king of your kingdom.” 🗣 “Attachment now creates freedom later.” 🗣 “You can’t spoil a child under three—you can only secure them.” 🗣 “Your calm nervous system is your child’s safety net.” The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions. 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 Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    30 min
  8. Joyful Kids Start with You: How to Model Real Happiness

    NOV 6

    Joyful Kids Start with You: How to Model Real Happiness

    Do your kids “catch” your stress—and you hate how quickly the mood at home drops? What if the fastest way to raise happy kids is to model authentic joy (not fake calm)—even while cleaning a messy kitchen? In this video, we unpack how parents set the emotional tone at home—and why your child has been watching you from birth to learn how to do life. You’ll learn how to raise your emotional baseline on purpose (water, breath, sunlight, movement), process triggers so you’re not pretending, and lead with real peace your kids can imitate. You can’t fake it—kids feel the truth—so let’s build the real thing. What you’ll learn: Modeling vs. masking: why kids imitate your state (and can’t be fooled) Story → state: how the meaning you give messes determines your mood Morning biochemistry reset: water, breath, sunlight, movement = instant uplift From nagging to leading: make chores joyful by choice, not drudgery Triggers, then tools: journaling, breathwork, micro-meditations, and the “jukebox” swap (remove the old CD for good) Key Takeaways ✅ Parents create the climate—kids grow the weather ✅ Authentic calm beats performative patience (they can tell) ✅ Biochemistry is leverage: hydrate, breathe, move, sunlight ✅ Choose joy while you work—easier to recruit help ✅ Process & replace triggers so old songs stop playing Memorable Quotes 🗣 “The easiest way for our kids to feel joy is for parents to model it.” 🗣 “We’re the adults. We have to be the adults.” 🗣 “You can’t fake it. It has to really be there.” 🗣 “Is it possible to have joy while I’m cleaning the mess? Yes.” 🗣 “Happiness isn’t the reward at the end—it’s the way.” Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Happiness in Family Life 02:03 The Struggle Between Doing and Being 03:09 Modeling Joy for Children 03:47 The Role of Triggers in Parenting 05:59 Choosing Emotions in Daily Life 06:31 Finding Joy in Everyday Chores 07:31 The Impact of Environment on Happiness 09:47 Teaching Children Through Example 11:09 Morning Routines: Setting the Tone for Positivity 13:14 Processing Emotions: The Key to Emotional Freedom 17:18 Authenticity in Parenting: The Importance of Genuine Emotions 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 Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    29 min
4.7
out of 5
98 Ratings

About

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!

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