Restored: Helping Children of Divorce

A myth about children of divorce is that the impact of our parents’ divorce is temporary. That’s simply not true, which research proves. Sadly, the effects last long after the divorce itself. Our guest today shares how his parents divorce has impacted him, even 20 years later in his own marriage. We discuss:How he felt lost when it came to dating and relationships, how breakups felt like a repeat of his parents’ divorce, and how he irrationally fears that his spouse is going to leave one dayWhat it’s like to go through a divorce in a Mexican familyWhat to do when you’re unsure how to articulate a feeling or experience you’ve endured, especially related to your broken familyA story on having a difficult conversation with his mom, which offers good lessons for having a difficult conversation with your parentsGet the Book or Free Chapters: It’s Not Your FaultMeet with Joey for the Investor’s PitchShownotes

Marriage isn’t easy. There are good times and challenging times. According to research, people like us from broken families typically struggle more in relationships and marriage. As a result, we’re more likely to need help.In this episode, a couple that offers marriage coaching offers advice and shares the one thing missing most in marriages today. We also discuss:The most common struggles faced by the couples they coachCommunication tips to help your relationship survive and thriveTactics for handling conflict well Advice to couples in crisis, even on the brink of divorceA resource to help your marriage or another marriage that’s strugglingGet the Free Guide: 7 Tips to Build a Thriving and Divorce-Proof MarriageShownotes

In this episode, we answer questions from listeners like you. Each question reveals a real life challenge faced by someone from a broken family. We offer answers and practical guidance.The questions include:How do you deal with your parents divorce when it isn’t a clearly justifiable split?As divorced parents, how do we make up for all the mistakes we’ve made and help our kids heal?How do I openly talk about my parents divorce without hurting them in the way I view it?How do I build a better relationship with my dad when he isn’t emotionally there and has never talked to me about my parents separating/divorcing?How do I deal with my anger toward my parents?Get your question answered on the podcastShownotes

Often, people from broken families become very attuned to the needs of others, especially our parents and siblings. We become skilled at being what people want us to be. In the end, we often lose ourselves and our ability to articulate what we need and want.In this episode, we discuss that problem as well as:How normal was strange and strange was normal for our guest growing upWhy he became motivated to break the generational cycle of divorce in his familyHow he felt like burden in his relationships, which made him feel the need to earn love and constantly prevent it from ending any momentShare your storyShownotes

Whether you’re single, dating, or engaged, your wedding day will be a beautiful experience. However, planning it is very consuming. As a result, it’s easy to prepare more for the wedding day than for a lifetime of marriage. Marriage preparation is meant to refocus you and prepare you not only for your wedding day, but for your marriage. In this episode, we discuss marriage prep and:The main cause of dysfunction and divorce, according to my guestsWhat can be done to better help people from broken families to build great marriagesA sneaky thing that can sabotage anyone’s marriageAn assessment to help you understand the reality of your relationship heading toward marriageAdvice and encouragement for leaders of marriage prepIf you hope to be married one day or you lead marriage prep, this episode is for you. Get the Marriage Guide and TalkShownotes

If you or someone you know has struggled with an eating disorder, you know how painful that experience can be. It’s often an overlooked struggle that really deserves more attention and resources. But thankfully, some resources do exist to heal an eating disorder. Today, a psychologist who specializes in treating eating disorders joins us. We discuss:The types, symptoms, and root causes of eating disordersSurprising statistics on the prevalence of eating disorders and how they can be lethalHow genetics play a role in developing an eating disorder and why you can’t simply think your way out of itWhat a healthy relationship with food looks likeResources and advice you can use today to begin overcoming this struggleIf you struggle with an eating disorder or know someone who does, don’t miss this episode.Buy Dr. Julia’s BooksFind a counselorShownotes

Growing up too fast is a common experience for children of divorce. You’re often called upon to take on responsibilities that should never be yours. As a result, you may become a serious, mature person — even if you’re still a kid.That’s what happened to our guest today, which he explains in this episode. In addition, we discuss:A surprising thing that helped him heal and begin to break the cycle of dysfunction and divorce in his own lifeHow his parents are also children of divorce, which naturally played a role in how they repeat that cycle in their own marriageWhat marriage is meant to be and why a false idea of freedom greatly hinders your ability to build lasting love

After his parents’ divorced, Joey feared repeating the same mistakes in his own marriage. He wanted to know, “How do I not repeat my parents’ mistakes?” He wanted authentic love but had no idea how to build it. It set him on a quest for answers and a roadmap for love. In this episode, you’ll hear a talk which offers a roadmap based on research, time tested couples, and the wisdom of Christianity. You’ll also learn:4 signs that your relationship or marriage is headed off a cliff, according to researchersThe biggest area of conflict in marriage and what to do about itPractical tips to make conflict healthyThe one thing that makes conflict less scary and more manageableA resource for handling conflict betterIf you want a build a healthy relationship and great marriage, this episode is for you.Listen to the whole talk: 7 Tips to Build a Thriving & Divorce-Proof MarriageShownotes

After his parents’ divorced, Joey feared repeating the same mistakes in his own marriage. He wanted to know, “How do I not repeat my parents’ mistakes?” He wanted authentic love but had no idea how to build it. It set him on a quest for answers and a roadmap for love. In this episode, you’ll hear a talk that offers a roadmap for love based on research, time-tested couples, and the wisdom of Christianity. You’ll also learn:An ingredient that research shows is essential to build a healthy relationship and great marriageAnswers to the questions:Can love actually last?When feelings fade in your relationship, does that mean the end is near?Is love worth the risk and possible hurt?A challenge to build love that lastsIf you want a build a healthy relationship and great marriage, this episode is for you.Listen to the whole talk: 7 Tips to Build a Thriving & Divorce-Proof MarriageShownotes

If you’re from a broken family, did your parents’ separation or divorce drag out for years? That was the story of our guest today. In this episode, you’ll hear what happened in his family and how it affected him. We also discuss:How he learned from an early age that his needs weren’t going to be met, so he had to figure out things for himselfHow our parents seem to have grown during the separation and divorce, but as their kids, we can’t help but ask the question: Why couldn’t you grow together?An underrated healing tactic that will help you heal, grow, set better boundaries, have healthier relationships, and feel at peaceAn important skill you have to learn if you want to heal, grow, and feel whole againBuy Joey’s book: It’s Not Your Fault: A Practical Guide to Navigating the Pain & Problems from Your Parents’ Divorce (affiliate link)Share your storyShownotes