Episode 226: The Case for Earlier Marriage (and why parents panic)

Today we’re talking marriage with Dr. Ken Wilgus — not our marriages (although we detoured there), but our kids’ future ones. Dr. Ken discusses research that says we shouldn’t panic if our kids consider getting married younger than the cultural norm. Marriage isn't just a “capstone” once you're fully established — sometimes it’s a cornerstone that builds adulthood together.

We unpack cultural trends, fear-based parenting, and why avoiding the dating conversation doesn’t actually protect your teens. Dr. Ken challenges us to talk openly about marriage, consider how our own marriage baggage might influence our advice, and stop assuming later is always better.

We wrap with dating checklists, the pressure Christian young adults feel to find the “perfect godly spouse,” and one final gold-nugget from Dr. Ken that you cannot miss (hint: it has to do with our own marriages).

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

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Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/