FamilyLife Today®

Want to do relationships differently? Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon point you in the right direction for dating, engagement, or marriage with purpose and depth. Show Notes and Resources Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here!  Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

You’re dating—but man, do things get sticky. Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon help you approach marriage on purpose, and done right. Show Notes and Resources Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here!  Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What emotional skills does your son need? Counselor David Thomas sheds light on common emotional struggles, including anger, anxiety, and depression. Find practical ways you can help your son be resourceful, aware, resilient, and empathetic—breaking patterns of dysfunction and embracing maturity for life. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about David and his books at his website: raisingboysandgirls.com Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What’s it take to raise emotionally strong boys? Veteran counselor David Thomas knows males typically aren’t equipped with skills to name and navigate their experience—and the fallout is grave. Thomas lays out strategies to equip boys for a powerful present and future. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about David and his books at his website: raisingboysandgirls.com Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this emotionally resonant and deeply insightful episode of FamilyLife Today, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson continue a heartfelt discussion with Jennifer and Allen Parr, focusing on marriage dynamics, spiritual leadership, and the power of softness—particularly from wives toward their husbands. This episode explores the layered meanings of what it means for a wife to approach her husband in a “soft” manner, not as a form of weakness or subservience, but as an intentional act of humility, encouragement, and grace.Jennifer reflects on her personal growth in communication, having learned the transformative power of open-ended questions like "Are you open to this?" instead of using rigid language like "you should" or "you need to." The Parrs discuss how this subtle shift has positively impacted their marriage and can open the door for honest conversations in others.The conversation then pivots to one of the most common marital tensions: the desire for a husband to be the spiritual leader of the home, especially when he either lacks interest or simply doesn't know how. Allen offers practical insight into the nuances between unwillingness and inexperience. He advises wives to approach their husbands with grace and patience, emphasizing curiosity over criticism.Dave and Ann echo these sentiments by sharing their own experiences with unmet expectations and communication pitfalls, including a powerful moment when Ann praised Dave for praying with their kids—an act that motivated him more than any criticism ever had.The discussion also dives deep into childhood trauma, particularly the lasting impact of growing up in a fatherless home. Allen vulnerably shares how the absence of his dad from age six left him feeling inadequate as a husband and father—despite his current devotion to his family and ministry. This leads to a broader conversation about compassion, empathy, and healing through understanding a partner's personal history.The episode wraps with an acknowledgment of the strength in softness: how humility, grace, and genuine encouragement can transform marriages. The Wilsons and the Parrs agree that this kind of softness is not passivity, but rather a powerful way to cultivate connection, spiritual leadership, and long-term relational growth. Show Notes and Resources Follow Jennifer on Instagram. Learn more about Allen on his website. Listen to the "Winning Women" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Jennifer Parr, co-host of the Winning Women Podcast, shares her transformative journey of transitioning from a high-powered corporate role to embracing family life and ministry. She emphasizes the importance of redefining success for women, advocating for a balance between career aspirations and family responsibilities. The discussion highlights how softness can be a powerful influence, dispelling the myth that vulnerability equates to weakness. With insights on communication and mutual support, Jennifer and her husband Allen present a heartfelt perspective on personal growth and faith-driven success.

Mom of 7, wife of an NFL athlete, and podcaster Kirsten Watson is asked, “How do you do it?” She believes to take a breath of God’s Word is to exhale peace. Show Notes and Resources Get Kirsten's book Sis, Take a Breath: Encouragement for the Woman Who’s Trying to Live and Love Well (but Secretly Just Wants to Take a Nap) on our shop. Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Kirsten Watson, an author and mother of seven, joins her husband Benjamin Watson, a former NFL Super Bowl champion, to share their family journey. They discuss the joys and chaos of raising a large family while balancing the challenges of NFL life. Emphasizing faith and community, they reflect on personal growth through surrendering to God’s will. The couple also highlights the importance of legacy and the transformative power of their supportive community, encouraging listeners to embrace their own paths with intention.

Kirsten Watson and NFL Super Bowl champ Benjamin Watson know well the scrabble for identity apart from connections, accomplishments, and best-laid plans. Show Notes and Resources Ann's plant Illustration  Get Kirsten's book Sis, Take a Breath: Encouragement for the Woman Who’s Trying to Live and Love Well (but Secretly Just Wants to Take a Nap) on our shop. Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Is it unloving or selfish to set a boundary? Are Christians ever called to walk away from a relationship that’s no longer safe or sustainable? Lysa TerKeurst deeply understands these hard questions in the midst of relational struggles. Show Notes and Resources Purchase Lisa's book, "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are" Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy