Parents Making Time with Anthony & Jennifer Craiker | Intentional Parenting for Busy Parents

Anthony & Jennifer Craiker | Parents Making Time

Parents! Feel like you’re missing out on your kids’ lives while also never having enough time for yourself? Want to embrace intentional parenting but don't quite know how? Career pressures, shuttling kids around, volunteer commitments, and the endless tasks of caring for your home all place enormous demands on your time and energy, leading to mom guilt, dad guilt, stress, and ultimately regret. And while you’re trying to tend to your own self-care while also being a present parent who prioritizes family connection, your kids are growing up way too fast.  Sound familiar? If so—help is here! Unlike other parenting podcasts that just give you techniques for raising children or tips on childhood development, Parents Making Time focuses on helping YOU, the parent, prioritize YOUR life so that your parenting aligns with your values. Motherhood, fatherhood, marriage, and family are what we are all about. In 15-minutes or less, this weekly podcast helps busy parents like you learn to prioritize their relationships, be more present and intentional with family time, and build a lasting legacy of love—without neglecting their own well-being or feeling regret later in life. It's not just about learning to prioritize tasks or mastering time management, it's about becoming the parent you want to be so that you can stop feeling overwhelmed, learn how to have more time, and create lasting family memories. Leveraging their 20+ years of parenting experience raising three thriving kids and leading and mentoring hundreds of children, youth, and families in volunteer church positions, hosts Anthony and Jennifer Craiker teach parents on a tight schedule how to balance work and family, create unbreakable family bonds, prevent parent burnout, and find JOY in parenting. In other words, we help you stop being busy and start actually applying the concept of intentional living. If you’re ready to prioritize family time each day without feeling overwhelmed, you can count on this show to teach you how to be fully present with your kids, build lasting memories, prioritize your spouse, make dinner time count, connect with your kids after work, stop missing precious moments, savor family time, discover intentional parenting ideas, and so much more—all while learning how to implement quick self-care tips, create an intentional family legacy, and parent with no regret. So, hit PLAY, and let’s get started! Popular Topics Include: Intentional parenting Present parenting Self-care for parents How to have meaningful connections with your kids Work life balance Mom guilt and Dad guilt Building family bonds Parenting anxiety Time management Motherhood Fatherhood Family life and routines Tips for busy parents Parenting in a digital world Leaving a legacy

  1. 6D AGO

    3 Easy Ways to Create Core Memories with Your Kids

    Are you a busy parent who feels pressure to create “perfect” family moments—but still worries you’re missing what really matters in parenting? In the middle of full schedules, work demands, and daily responsibilities, many busy parents believe meaningful memories require big trips, extra money, or elaborate planning. That mindset can quietly pull us away from intentional parenting and leave families feeling disconnected—even when everyone is technically together. The truth is, some of the most powerful parenting moments happen in the small, ordinary experiences we tend to overlook. When we stop chasing big moments and start practicing intentional parenting, connection becomes easier, more natural, and far more sustainable for busy parents. In this episode of Parents Making Time, we share three simple, realistic ways to create core memories through intentional parenting—without adding stress, time, or financial pressure to your already full life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Three practical ways busy parents can create lasting core memories through intentional parentingWhy simple, everyday parenting moments often matter more than big, expensive experiencesHow being present—especially outdoors—strengthens connection, reduces stress, and deepens family relationships If you’re a busy parent who wants to be more intentional in your parenting without burning out, this episode will help you start building meaningful family memories—one small moment at a time. When you finish listening, we’d love for you to connect with us on social media! Follow us on Instagram and like our page on Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family. Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters. Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute! Parenting Questions? Email us at parentsmakingtime@gmail.com (Please note, your question may be featured on the show). For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts: Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn Jennifer Craiker: Instagram Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite! Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

    13 min
  2. JAN 9

    1 Habit to Quickly Improve Your Marriage and Parenting

    What if the tension you’re feeling at home isn’t just about your kids, but about the connection you’ve lost with your spouse? As parents, we spend so much time pouring into our children that our marriage often gets whatever is left over—if anything at all. Date nights feel inconvenient, expensive, or impossible, especially when life is busy and you’re already exhausted. But here’s the truth: when your marriage relationship suffers, everything in your home feels harder. It affects your patience, your parenting, and even the emotional tone of your family. In this episode of Parents Making Time, Anthony and Jennifer share a real season when parenting challenges with their youngest strained not just their energy, but their connection as a couple. What changed everything wasn’t a big breakthrough or perfect circumstances. It was intentional time together, even when it felt inconvenient, and the ripple effects were immediate. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why prioritizing your marriage actually makes you a better parent (and creates a healthier home for your kids)The hidden consequences of neglecting intentional time with your spouse, including emotional disconnection and transactional parentingPractical, realistic ways to make date night happen in every season of life, whether you’re short on time, money, babysitters, or energy When you nurture your marriage, you’re not choosing your spouse over your kids—you’re choosing a stronger family culture for everyone. Sometimes the most powerful intentional parenting move you can make is a date night. Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters. Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute! Parenting Questions? Email us at parentsmakingtime@gmail.com (Please note, your question may be featured on the show). For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts: Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn Jennifer Craiker: Instagram Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite! Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

    12 min
  3. JAN 2

    Debunking the Myth of "Balance" in Parenting

    What if the reason parenting feels so overwhelming isn’t because you’re doing it wrong, but because you’re chasing a version of “balance” that was never realistic to begin with? So many busy parents feel like they’re failing because life doesn’t look perfectly balanced — work, kids, marriage, home, hobbies, all neatly managed at once. When reality doesn’t match that picture, guilt and stress creep in fast. In today’s episode of Parents Making Time, we challenge the myth of balance in parenting and offer a healthier, more sustainable approach--an approach rooted in intentional parenting, presence, and priorities that actually work in real family life. Instead of chasing perfection, we invite you to trade balance for rhythm and learn how to ride the waves of parenting without burning out. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why the idea of “balance” often creates more pressure, guilt, and anxiety for busy parentsHow to reframe parenting as seasons and rhythms — not a checklist or a constant juggling actPractical ways to stay present with your kids and family, even during the most demanding seasons of life Whether you’re navigating a demanding career, raising kids, managing a household, or simply trying to be more intentional with the time you have, this episode will help you release unrealistic expectations and find more joy, connection, and peace in your parenting journey. Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters. Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute! Parenting Questions? Email us at parentsmakingtime@gmail.com (Please note, your question may be featured on the show). For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts: Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn Jennifer Craiker: Instagram Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite! Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

    12 min
  4. 12/19/2025

    How to Easily Prevent Parental Burnout

    What if the parenting stress you feel isn’t from parenting itself, but from being the only one holding everything together? So many busy parents fall into the quiet habit of carrying the entire load—the dishes, the laundry, the dog, the clutter, the schedules—while hoping their kids will “just pitch in.” But without clear expectations, kids don’t know how to help, and parents end up exhausted, frustrated, and burned out. In this episode, we’re sharing simple, practical strategies for teaching responsibility, building teamwork, and creating a strong family culture where everyone contributes. Not through power struggles or punishment, but through clarity, consistency, and intentional parenting practices that help your kids grow in confidence—and help you reclaim time, energy, and peace and stop feeling overwhelmed, avoiding mom guilt and dad guilt in the process. Effective parenting is more than time management; it's life management.  WHILE LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How to clearly communicate household expectations so your kids take ownership without nagging or conflictPractical tools like chore rotations, 30-minute cleanups, and predictable routines that boost responsibility and reduce parent burnout and parent anxietyHow shared chores strengthen family relationships, support healthy time management for busy parents, and create meaningful family traditions00:00 Introduction 00:28 The Burden of Household Chores 00:41 The Game-Changing Shift: Involving Kids in Chores 01:29 The Mom Rampage 02:17 Setting Clear Expectations 03:17 Effective Chore Strategies 04:46 The 30-Minute Cleanup 06:55 Rotations and Responsibility 09:33 The Family Dog: A Lesson in Responsibility 13:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Sneak Peek When you finish listening, we’d love for you to connect with us on social media! Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family. Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters. Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute! Parenting Questions? Email us at parentsmakingtime@gmail.com (Please note, your question may be featured on the show). For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts: Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn Jennifer Craiker: Instagram Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite! Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

    15 min
  5. 12/12/2025

    How to Manage the Unnecessary Anxiety of Parenting

    Parents, have you ever felt torn between expert parenting advice and your own motherly or fatherly instincts? Recommendations that once felt like hard rules can completely reverse over the years. When advice changes, parenting can feel confusing and overwhelming. Parenting anxiety can be a real challenge. So many parents rely solely on experts and forget the powerful intuition they already have. When advice constantly changes—from peanut butter rules to sleep positions to breastfeeding recommendations—it can create stress, anxiety, and fear that you're not doing motherhood or fatherhood "right." In this episode, we share how to balance expert guidance with parental intuition, reduce stress, eliminate parent anxiety, and make confident decisions for your children—without the mom guilt or dad guilt. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How to stop feeling overwhelmed (even when expert advice changes)How to confidently trust your own instincts (even when it feels scary)Practical ways to use expert information without letting it control youIntentional parenting doesn't come with a manual—but you do have intuition, wisdom, and unique knowledge of your child. When you combine that with research and expert insights, you make grounded decisions that benefit both you and your kids. 00:00 Introduction and Free Resource Announcement 00:28 Navigating Conflicting Parenting Advice 02:18 Trusting Your Parental Instincts 04:11 Balancing Expert Advice and Intuition 07:14 Practical Examples and Personal Stories 10:18 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family. Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters. Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute! Parenting Questions? Email us at parentsmakingtime@gmail.com (Please note, your question may be featured on the show). For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts: Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn Jennifer Craiker: Instagram Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite! Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

    11 min
  6. 12/05/2025

    Simple Ways to Improve Family Connection

    What if the strongest memories your kids carry into adulthood come not from vacations, but from small everyday traditions at home? We often think family traditions are reserved for holidays—Christmas, birthdays, vacations—but research shows that rituals and routines play a powerful role in shaping family culture, kids’ identity, emotional wellbeing, and long-term connection. When life gets busy, family bonding and intentional parenting often take a back seat. Before we know it, we’re missing chances to create connection in the ordinary moments. The truth? You don’t need more time—just intentional family activities and micro rituals that anchor your home in love and belonging. AFTER LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How simple routines become meaningful family traditions that strengthen family culture.Real examples of family activities you can start this week for deeper connection (no holidays needed!).How traditions help kids feel seen, stable, loved — and why that supports long-term bonding.In this episode of Parents Making Time we share some of our favorite traditions from raising our three kids: Friday movie night, bedtime gratitude, Sunday calls, special birthday rituals, and seasonal traditions we still look forward to every year. You’ll leave with practical ideas to build family culture and connection inside your home — even if you're short on parenting time. 00:00 Introduction and Free Resource Announcement 00:28 The Importance of Family Traditions in Parenting 01:04 Scientific Insights on Family Rituals 03:21 Examples of Family Traditions 11:06 Holiday Traditions and Their Impact 15:26 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family. Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters. Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute! Parenting Questions? Email us at parentsmakingtime@gmail.com (Please note, your question may be featured on the show). For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts: Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn Jennifer Craiker: Instagram Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite! Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

    17 min
5
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

Parents! Feel like you’re missing out on your kids’ lives while also never having enough time for yourself? Want to embrace intentional parenting but don't quite know how? Career pressures, shuttling kids around, volunteer commitments, and the endless tasks of caring for your home all place enormous demands on your time and energy, leading to mom guilt, dad guilt, stress, and ultimately regret. And while you’re trying to tend to your own self-care while also being a present parent who prioritizes family connection, your kids are growing up way too fast.  Sound familiar? If so—help is here! Unlike other parenting podcasts that just give you techniques for raising children or tips on childhood development, Parents Making Time focuses on helping YOU, the parent, prioritize YOUR life so that your parenting aligns with your values. Motherhood, fatherhood, marriage, and family are what we are all about. In 15-minutes or less, this weekly podcast helps busy parents like you learn to prioritize their relationships, be more present and intentional with family time, and build a lasting legacy of love—without neglecting their own well-being or feeling regret later in life. It's not just about learning to prioritize tasks or mastering time management, it's about becoming the parent you want to be so that you can stop feeling overwhelmed, learn how to have more time, and create lasting family memories. Leveraging their 20+ years of parenting experience raising three thriving kids and leading and mentoring hundreds of children, youth, and families in volunteer church positions, hosts Anthony and Jennifer Craiker teach parents on a tight schedule how to balance work and family, create unbreakable family bonds, prevent parent burnout, and find JOY in parenting. In other words, we help you stop being busy and start actually applying the concept of intentional living. If you’re ready to prioritize family time each day without feeling overwhelmed, you can count on this show to teach you how to be fully present with your kids, build lasting memories, prioritize your spouse, make dinner time count, connect with your kids after work, stop missing precious moments, savor family time, discover intentional parenting ideas, and so much more—all while learning how to implement quick self-care tips, create an intentional family legacy, and parent with no regret. So, hit PLAY, and let’s get started! Popular Topics Include: Intentional parenting Present parenting Self-care for parents How to have meaningful connections with your kids Work life balance Mom guilt and Dad guilt Building family bonds Parenting anxiety Time management Motherhood Fatherhood Family life and routines Tips for busy parents Parenting in a digital world Leaving a legacy