Do your parents offer too much parenting advice? Too little?

Lori Wildenberg, author of Grandparents Make Grand Partners, joins Arlene to talk about grandparent and adult-child relationships. They cover how to invite an under-involved grandparent to do more, and how to address a grandparent who offers too much unsolicited advice. Lori shares how she and her husband stay close to their adult daughter despite differing views, and how families can keep connected across distance. You'll also get to hear ideas for handling screen-time disagreements and passing down family faith stories.

02:58 — Why today's grandparents differ from earlier generations

05:10 — How to reach an uninvolved grandparent

10:30 — Story: asking a grandparent to "tone it down"

13:08 — Why unsolicited advice feels like criticism

16:08 — Loving an adult child through disagreement

24:03 — Staying connected with grandkids who live far away

26:49 — Navigating different screen-time philosophies

31:53 — The power of grandparents and passing down faith stories

Connect with Lori Wildenberg on her website 

Grab Lori Wildenberg's book, Grandparents Make Grand Partners

Follow Lori on Instagram 

Follow Lori on Facebook 

 

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

Do your parents offer too much parenting advice? Too little?
Lori Wildenberg, author of Grandparents Make Grand Partners, joins Arlene to talk about grandparent and adult-child relationships. They cover how to invite an under-involved grandparent to do more, and how to address a grandparent who offers too much unsolicited advice. Lori shares how she and her husband stay close to their adult daughter despite differing views, and how families can keep connected across distance. You'll also get to hear ideas for handling screen-time disagreements and passing down family faith stories.
02:58 &mdash; Why today's grandparents differ from earlier generations
05:10 &mdash; How to reach an uninvolved grandparent
10:30 &mdash; Story: asking a grandparent to "tone it down"
13:08 &mdash; Why unsolicited advice feels like criticism
16:08 &mdash; Loving an adult child through disagreement
24:03 &mdash; Staying connected with grandkids who live far away
26:49 &mdash; Navigating different screen-time philosophies
31:53 &mdash; The power of grandparents and passing down faith stories
Connect with Lori Wildenberg on her <a href="https://loriwildenberg.com/">website</a>&nbsp;
Grab Lori Wildenberg's book, <a href="https://loriwildenberg.com/grandparents-make-grand-partners-2/">Grandparents Make Grand Partners</a>
Follow Lori on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loriwildenberg/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;
Follow Lori on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LoriWildenbergauthor/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:
SUBSCRIBE to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe">Arlene's newsletter&nbsp;</a>"What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.
Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://arlenepellicane.com/books/">Arlene's BOOKS</a>&nbsp;including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.
Follow Arlene on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and/or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor/">Facebook</a>
Watch the podcast on Arlene's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ArleneHappyHome">YouTube Channel</a>
How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film">Watch the free video</a>,&nbsp;Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.
Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com
Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://gabb.com/">Gabb Wireless phone&nbsp;</a>for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

A happy home doesn't happen by accident, but it can be created with love, intention, and good family habits. If you need encouragement and guidance as a parent and/or spouse, this show is for you!  Arlene will help you bridge the gap between your present reality and ideal family. 

Your host Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and author of several books, including Making Marriage Easier, Screen Kids and Parents Rising. She and her husband James have been married for more than 27 years and have three children. 

Inside this podcast, you’ll meet some of the kindest and smartest experts when it comes to marriage and parenting. Get ready for fun, Biblical insights, and practical conversations that will change your thinking, give you hope, and spark positive change.  Let's do this together! 

A happy home doesn't happen by accident, but it can be created with love, intention, and good family habits. If you need encouragement and guidance as a parent and/or spouse, this show is for you!&nbsp; Arlene will help you bridge the gap between your present reality and ideal family.&nbsp; Your host <a href="https://arlenepellicane.com/">Arlene Pellicane</a> is a speaker and author of several books, including Making Marriage Easier, Screen Kids and Parents Rising. She and her husband James have been married for more than 27 years and have three children.&nbsp; Inside this podcast, you&rsquo;ll meet some of the kindest and smartest experts when it comes to marriage and parenting. Get ready for fun, Biblical insights, and practical conversations that will change your thinking, give you hope, and spark positive change.&nbsp; Let's do this together!&nbsp;

This show is for women and men who want a happier home life. Arlene will help you bridge the gap between your ideal family and the real thing. You don’t have to come from a happy home to create one. Your host <a...

The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

This show is for women and men who want a happier home life. Arlene will help you bridge the gap between your ideal family and the real thing. You don’t have to come from a happy home to create one. 

Your host Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and author of several books, including 31 Days to a Happy Husband and Parents Rising. She and her husband James have been married for more than 21 years and have three children. 

Inside this podcast, you’ll meet some of the kindest and smartest experts when it comes to marriage and parenting. Get ready for fun and practical conversations that will change your thinking, give you hope, and spark positive change.  

This show is for women and men who want a happier home life. Arlene will help you bridge the gap between your ideal family and the real thing. You don&rsquo;t have to come from a happy home to create one. Your host <a href="https://arlenepellicane.com/">Arlene Pellicane</a> is a speaker and author of several books, including 31 Days to a Happy Husband and Parents Rising. She and her husband James have been married for more than 21 years and have three children.&nbsp; Inside this podcast, you&rsquo;ll meet some of the kindest and smartest experts when it comes to marriage and parenting. Get ready for fun and practical conversations that will change your thinking, give you hope, and spark positive change.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Happy Home with Arlene Pellicane 

Getting On the Same Page with Grandma and Grandpa with Lori Wildenberg 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/258a8f8e-f311-450b-a123-b4a701385576/transcript

Technology promises to make life better, boost productivity, connect us, and help us learn. But what does it do to childhood?  Where is the evidence that a screen-based childhood is best for kids? 

We all know that sitting still, staring at screens, watching who-knows-what is not good for healthy child development. And it's time for parents to rebel against this tsunami of technology. 

Arlene shares the story behind her new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families published with Summit Ministries (release date September 29). The most unusual thing about the book? For a limited time, it's free!  Just request your copy at techresetbook.com

Arlene will walk you through statistics on rising teen depression, anxiety, and declining literacy tied to screen use, then explain how her family avoided phones, social media, and video games through most of her kids' childhood. She addresses three common parenting fears — that kids need social media to make friends, that limiting tech will make kids hate their parents, and that it's too late to change course — and offers practical steps towards healthier tech use. Plus, she addresses the spiritual ramifications of too much tech.  What if our kids feared God more than they feared losing followers?

 

00:01 – A heart-to-heart about phones and tablets in the home

00:59 – Announcing The Great Tech Reset, a free print book, order at techresetbook.com

02:02 – The statistics: rising teen depression, anxiety, and declining literacy tied to screens

03:53 – How the book came about: stepping back from the Parents Rising Conference to write with Summit Ministries

08:49 – Lie #1: Kids need social media to make friends

12:41 – Lie #2: Limiting tech will make your kids hate you

18:59 – Lie #3: It's too late to change course

24:42 – A pop quiz for listeners: do you reach for your phone to relax?

27:15 – Closing scripture from Luke 12 and prayer for families

 

Order Arlene Pellicane's new book, The Great Tech Reset, now! TechResetBook.com

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

 

Technology promises to make life better, boost productivity, connect us, and help us learn. But what does it do to childhood?&nbsp; Where is the evidence that a screen-based childhood is best for kids?&nbsp;
We all know that sitting still, staring at screens, watching who-knows-what is not good for healthy child development. And it's time for parents to rebel against this tsunami of technology.&nbsp;
Arlene shares the story behind her new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families published with Summit Ministries (release date September 29). The most unusual thing about the book? For a limited time, it's free!&nbsp; Just request your copy at <a href="https://www.summit.org/parents/the-great-tech-reset/">techresetbook.com</a>
Arlene will walk you through statistics on rising teen depression, anxiety, and declining literacy tied to screen use, then explain how her family avoided phones, social media, and video games through most of her kids' childhood. She addresses three common parenting fears &mdash; that kids need social media to make friends, that limiting tech will make kids hate their parents, and that it's too late to change course &mdash; and offers practical steps towards healthier tech use. Plus, she addresses the spiritual ramifications of too much tech.&nbsp; What if our kids feared God more than they feared losing followers?
&nbsp;
00:01 &ndash; A heart-to-heart about phones and tablets in the home
00:59 &ndash; Announcing The Great Tech Reset, a free print book, order at techresetbook.com
02:02 &ndash; The statistics: rising teen depression, anxiety, and declining literacy tied to screens
03:53 &ndash; How the book came about: stepping back from the Parents Rising Conference to write with Summit Ministries
08:49 &ndash; Lie #1: Kids need social media to make friends
12:41 &ndash; Lie #2: Limiting tech will make your kids hate you
18:59 &ndash; Lie #3: It's too late to change course
24:42 &ndash; A pop quiz for listeners: do you reach for your phone to relax?
27:15 &ndash; Closing scripture from Luke 12 and prayer for families
&nbsp;
Order Arlene Pellicane's new book, The Great Tech Reset, now! <a href="https://www.summit.org/parents/the-great-tech-reset/">TechResetBook.com</a>
More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:
SUBSCRIBE to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe">Arlene's newsletter&nbsp;</a>"What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.
Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://arlenepellicane.com/books/">Arlene's BOOKS</a>&nbsp;including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.
Follow Arlene on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and/or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor/">Facebook</a>
Watch the podcast on Arlene's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ArleneHappyHome">YouTube Channel</a>
How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film">Watch the free video</a>,&nbsp;Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.
Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com
Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://gabb.com/">Gabb Wireless phone&nbsp;</a>for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)
&nbsp;

Reclaiming Childhood: The Great Tech Reset 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/bab76250-7fa0-4503-abd6-b4b501584091/transcript

The pressure to be endlessly happy is leaving the next generation more anxious and isolated than ever.  In his new book, The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation, Dr. Jonathan Eckert calls for a culture shift that we can begin at home.

How do we embrace adversity and see the value of challenges, instead of becoming parents who make everything too easy?  Dr. Eckert explains the biblical connection between joy and struggle, and why removing adversity — "snowplow parenting" — prevents kids from developing resilience.

Arlene and Jon work through real-life scenarios, including a child facing bullying and a teen caught using AI to cheat on a school assignment. The conversation closes with practical steps for helping kids rediscover purpose and joy through community and faith.

Dr. Jonathan Eckert is a former middle school teacher and basketball coach who worked in the Bush and Obama Department of Education. He has a PhD from Vanderbilt, and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Baylor Center for School Leadership. 

 

02:35  Why the pursuit of happiness backfires

03:29  How phones and comparison fuel kids' unhappiness

04:57  Snowplow parents vs. building "muscles around the backbone"

09:15  Roleplay: what to say when a kid is bullied at school

14:40  Roleplay: when a teen gets caught using AI to cheat

21:18  My teacher story: destructive vs. productive struggle

28:17  The "man in the arena" quote and the ABCs of joy

 

Connect with Dr. Jonathan Eckert at jonathaneckert.org or on Linkedin.

Grab a copy of Dr. Eckert's book The Happiness Crisis. 

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

 

The pressure to be endlessly happy is leaving the next generation more anxious and isolated than ever.&nbsp; In his new book, The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation, Dr. Jonathan Eckert calls for a culture shift that we can begin at home.
How do we embrace adversity and see the value of challenges, instead of becoming parents who make everything too easy?&nbsp; Dr. Eckert explains the biblical connection between joy and struggle, and why removing adversity &mdash; "snowplow parenting" &mdash; prevents kids from developing resilience.
Arlene and Jon work through real-life scenarios, including a child facing bullying and a teen caught using AI to cheat on a school assignment. The conversation closes with practical steps for helping kids rediscover purpose and joy through community and faith.
Dr. Jonathan Eckert is a former middle school teacher and basketball coach who worked in the Bush and Obama Department of Education. He has a PhD from Vanderbilt, and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Baylor Center for School Leadership.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
02:35&nbsp; Why the pursuit of happiness backfires
03:29&nbsp; How phones and comparison fuel kids' unhappiness
04:57&nbsp; Snowplow parents vs. building "muscles around the backbone"
09:15&nbsp; Roleplay: what to say when a kid is bullied at school
14:40&nbsp; Roleplay: when a teen gets caught using AI to cheat
21:18&nbsp; My teacher story: destructive vs. productive struggle
28:17&nbsp; The "man in the arena" quote and the ABCs of joy
&nbsp;
Connect with Dr. Jonathan Eckert at <a href="https://jonathaneckert.org/">jonathaneckert.org</a>&nbsp;or on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-eckert-84129644/">Linkedin</a>.
Grab a copy of Dr. Eckert's book <a href="https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/the-happiness-crisis/">The Happiness Crisis</a>.&nbsp;
More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:
SUBSCRIBE to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe">Arlene's newsletter&nbsp;</a>"What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.
Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://arlenepellicane.com/books/">Arlene's BOOKS</a>&nbsp;including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.
Follow Arlene on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and/or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor/">Facebook</a>
Watch the podcast on Arlene's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ArleneHappyHome">YouTube Channel</a>
How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film">Watch the free video</a>,&nbsp;Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.
Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com
Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://gabb.com/">Gabb Wireless phone&nbsp;</a>for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)
&nbsp;

Trying to Be Happy is Making Kids Miserable with Dr. Jonathan Eckert

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/7335d9f1-d4d8-4162-8fae-b4af0029d7f7/transcript

Sleep can sometimes feel unproductive, but believe it or not, sleep is valuable in more ways than we realize!  Sure there are many physical benefits, but there are also important spiritual benefits. 

Brett McCracken, author of The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives Weary Souls, joins Arlene to explore why God designed humans to need sleep at all. They discuss sleep as a gift of grace that can't be earned, the vulnerability of nighttime and what it teaches about dependence on God, and practical tips for helping both adults and children sleep better. The conversation also turns to how screens have replaced older nighttime dangers, and how sleep itself pushes back against an AI-driven culture that prizes constant productivity. Brett shares personal reflections as a father of four on choosing rest over an ever-growing to-do list.

 

03:53 — The central question: why did God design humans to need sleep?

05:52 — Sleep as an ungratefully-received gift of grace

06:38 — Nighttime vulnerability and learning to trust God's protection

10:03 — Practical sleep tips for adults and kids

15:27 — Phones and screens as the new "danger of the night"

18:23 — John Piper's quote on sleep as a corrective to pride

26:21 — AI, human limitation, and what sleep reveals about being human

 

Get a copy of Brett McCracken's book, The Wisdom of Sleep, on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. 

Connect with Brett at https://www.brettmccracken.com/

 

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

 

Sleep can sometimes feel unproductive, but believe it or not, sleep is valuable in more ways than we realize!&nbsp; Sure there are many physical benefits, but there are also important spiritual benefits.&nbsp;
Brett McCracken, author of&nbsp;The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives Weary Souls, joins Arlene to explore why God designed humans to need sleep at all. They discuss sleep as a gift of grace that can't be earned, the vulnerability of nighttime and what it teaches about dependence on God, and practical tips for helping both adults and children sleep better. The conversation also turns to how screens have replaced older nighttime dangers, and how sleep itself pushes back against an AI-driven culture that prizes constant productivity. Brett shares personal reflections as a father of four on choosing rest over an ever-growing to-do list.
&nbsp;
03:53 &mdash; The central question: why did God design humans to need sleep?
05:52 &mdash; Sleep as an ungratefully-received gift of grace
06:38 &mdash; Nighttime vulnerability and learning to trust God's protection
10:03 &mdash; Practical sleep tips for adults and kids
15:27 &mdash; Phones and screens as the new "danger of the night"
18:23 &mdash; John Piper's quote on sleep as a corrective to pride
26:21 &mdash; AI, human limitation, and what sleep reveals about being human
&nbsp;
Get a copy of Brett McCracken's book, The Wisdom of Sleep, on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Sleep-Reveals-Truth-Revives/dp/0310175712?&amp;linkCode=sl2&amp;tag=bret06-20&amp;linkId=cde9389b0b7eb35e7e9cc547be842b16&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Amazon</a> and everywhere books are sold.&nbsp;
Connect with Brett at <a href="https://www.brettmccracken.com/">https://www.brettmccracken.com/</a>
&nbsp;
More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:
SUBSCRIBE to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe">Arlene's newsletter&nbsp;</a>"What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.
Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://arlenepellicane.com/books/">Arlene's BOOKS</a>&nbsp;including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.
Follow Arlene on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and/or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor/">Facebook</a>
Watch the podcast on Arlene's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ArleneHappyHome">YouTube Channel</a>
How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film">Watch the free video</a>,&nbsp;Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.
Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com
Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://gabb.com/">Gabb Wireless phone&nbsp;</a>for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)
&nbsp;

Why Did God Make Us Sleep? A Theology of Rest with Brett McCracken

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/cdfe65fa-d65e-4a46-837b-b4a10035bc12/transcript

Getting On the Same Page with Grandma and Grandpa with Lori Wildenberg

The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

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