The Power of Selective Yeses: Prioritizing What Matters

Have you ever asked yourself?

• Do I show my children, through my actions, how to maintain a healthy marriage and set high standards for future relationships?
• How do I intentionally teach my kids lessons about money, relationships, and mental health that they aren’t learning in school?
• How do I respond when my kids come to me with emotional struggles?

If you ever thought parenting was just about getting your kids to do their homework and behave, think again. The real curriculum happens at home, in the conversations we have with our children.

Today, Larry and Ethan dive into the essential life lessons that high school just doesn't teach—think managing money, building real relationships, navigating mental health, and mastering communication beyond the digital world. Along the way, you'll hear personal stories about fatherhood, learning how to treat women with respect, and the power of leading by example at home.

Larry and Ethan also shine a spotlight on the importance of old-school manners, effective boundary-setting, and even the art of saving and investing early. Plus, they get candid about handling rejection, repairing relationships, and the sometimes tough but necessary skill of saying “no.” As always, they keep things light and relatable, weaving in fun anecdotes and a dash of family banter

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In this vital conversation, we dig into:

1. Relationship Skills Aren’t Taught in School: Ethan shares how Larry modeled (not just talked about!) the importance of treating women with respect—from a proper handshake to introducing himself to his girlfriend’s parents, and how these “old school manners” set him apart in today’s world. Larry and Ethan agree: the best lessons are caught, not taught.
2. Money Management Early On Makes a Difference: Larry reminisces about starting Ethan and his brothers on the envelope savings system and quarterly meetings with a financial advisor from a young age. It pays off: Ethan feels more confident with money than most of his peers, recognizing the power of starting early, setting goals, and understanding critical concepts like compound interest.
3. Create a Safe Space for Mental Health: Ethan reflects on how being able to talk openly about tough situations—whether it’s heartbreak, anxiety, or just a hard day—has helped him develop emotional resilience. Larry encourages parents to model vulnerability, listen, and share stories from their own journey (even the awkward ones).
4. Saying “No” and People Pleasing: Larry and Ethan get honest about people pleasing, time management, and learning to filter commitments. Larry’s golden rule: “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.” They discuss real-life examples, from turning down extra work projects to standing strong against peer pressure.
5. Repairing Relationships & Healthy Conflict: Ethan shares what works in his relationship: addressing conflict calmly, not going to bed angry if possible, but also not being afraid to sleep on things when emotions run high—with the agreement to circle back and resolve it the next day.

Whether you’re a dad, a son, or just someone looking to live more intentionally, this conversation is packed with relatable humor, honest reflections, and practical takeaways to help you.

Here's what research and observation highlight about family communication:

• Research shows that 86% of adolescents identify parents as their primary model for relationship skills and values.
• Studies found that 49% of Americans say they frequently agree to things they don’t want to do to avoid disappointing others.
• Studies found that over 80% of teens say the way their parents communicate with each other directly affects how they approach their own romantic relationships.

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