Do you ever wonder, Will my kids turn out okay? Am I messing them up? 

Get ready to be encouraged and empowered by today's conversation with mom, nana, and bestselling author of 60+ books Pam Farrel. You're going to learn how to be a proactive, unworried, confident parent as we head into a new school year.

Pam explains the Learner-Leader framework she and her husband Bill developed to raise their three sons, including gift-giving traditions, age-specific contracts, and decision-making exercises. Pam shares two memorable stories from her own family: Brock's prayer on the 50-yard line after a huge football loss, and Zach's turnaround after he punched through a wall at age eight. The conversation covers how to start being proactive with a teenager, the role of prayer in parenting, and more. 

03:00 – Proactive vs. passive parenting: the key difference

04:34 – The Learner-Leader Day tradition

08:14 – Where "Learner, Leader, Lover of God" came from: Pam's prayer over newborn Brock

13:02 – One step for parents who haven't been proactive with a teen

16:51 – The movie night story: letting Zach make (and own) the call

28:00 – The 50-yard line: Brock's prayer after a 48-0 loss

31:16 – Zach's rock-bottom moment and the "treasure map" turnaround

 

Connect and find out more about Pam Farrel at love-wise.com

Find the parenting resources mentioned on the podcast here: https://www.love-wise.com/parenting/

Get Pam & Bill Farrel's book, The 10 Best Decisions Every Parent Can Makehere. 

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 you ever wonder, Will my kids turn out okay? Am I messing them up?&nbsp;
Get ready to be encouraged and empowered by today's conversation with mom, nana, and bestselling author of 60+ books Pam Farrel. You're going to learn how to be a proactive, unworried, confident parent as we head into a new school year.
Pam explains the Learner-Leader framework she and her husband Bill developed to raise their three sons, including gift-giving traditions, age-specific contracts, and decision-making exercises. Pam shares two memorable stories from her own family: Brock's prayer on the 50-yard line after a huge football loss, and Zach's turnaround after he punched through a wall at age eight. The conversation covers how to start being proactive with a teenager, the role of prayer in parenting, and more.&nbsp;
03:00 &ndash; Proactive vs. passive parenting: the key difference
04:34 &ndash; The Learner-Leader Day tradition
08:14 &ndash; Where "Learner, Leader, Lover of God" came from: Pam's prayer over newborn Brock
13:02 &ndash; One step for parents who haven't been proactive with a teen
16:51 &ndash; The movie night story: letting Zach make (and own) the call
28:00 &ndash; The 50-yard line: Brock's prayer after a 48-0 loss
31:16 &ndash; Zach's rock-bottom moment and the "treasure map" turnaround
&nbsp;
Connect and find out more about Pam Farrel at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.love-wise.com/">love-wise.com</a>
Find the parenting resources mentioned on the podcast here: <a href="https://www.love-wise.com/parenting/">https://www.love-wise.com/parenting/</a>
Get Pam &amp; Bill Farrel's book, The 10 Best Decisions Every Parent Can Make <a href="https://www.love-wise.com/product/10-best-decisions-every-parent-can-make/">here</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;

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 

Yes, Your Kids Will Turn Out Okay with Pam Farrel

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/8d0dc29e-cd3f-4e47-8f7f-b49a0023a3ad/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

Sometimes God's presence and glory seems separated from everyday life, but what if daily grace can be experienced in the mundane?  

In this episode, Arlene talks with beloved author and artist Ruth Chou Simons about her new book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life. Ruth shares how raising six boys reshaped her expectations of motherhood, and how she turns ordinary tasks — cooking, closets, evening routines — into moments of discipleship.

They discuss scripture memory that adapts to different seasons of life, stewarding a home without chasing perfection, and the practice of looking your children in the eye instead of calling out instructions across the room. The conversation offers practical ways to notice God's presence in daily, unremarkable moments.  

01:43 – Raising six boys and letting go of the story she expected

04:12 – Turning kitchen prep time into discipleship moments

 07:11 – Teaching multiple kids at once without needing to be perfect

09:58 – Scripture memory that fits your actual season, not a perfect system

12:32 – Stewarding your home as a haven, not a showcase

16:37 – Simplifying your closet and choosing a signature accessory

20:41 – Why looking your kids in the eye changes everything

Connect with Ruth Chou Simons on her website

Shop Ruth Chou Simons' art and more at GraceLaced 

Follow Ruth Chou Simons on Instagram 

Learn more about Ruth's new book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life 

 

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)

 

Sometimes God's presence and glory seems separated from everyday life, but what if daily grace can be experienced in the mundane?&nbsp;&nbsp;
In this episode, Arlene talks with beloved author and artist Ruth Chou Simons about her new book,&nbsp;This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life. Ruth shares how raising six boys reshaped her expectations of motherhood, and how she turns ordinary tasks &mdash; cooking, closets, evening routines &mdash; into moments of discipleship.
They discuss scripture memory that adapts to different seasons of life, stewarding a home without chasing perfection, and the practice of looking your children in the eye instead of calling out instructions across the room. The conversation offers practical ways to notice God's presence in daily, unremarkable moments.&nbsp;&nbsp;
01:43 &ndash; Raising six boys and letting go of the story she expected
04:12 &ndash; Turning kitchen prep time into discipleship moments
&nbsp;07:11 &ndash; Teaching multiple kids at once without needing to be perfect
09:58 &ndash; Scripture memory that fits your actual season, not a perfect system
12:32 &ndash; Stewarding your home as a haven, not a showcase
16:37 &ndash; Simplifying your closet and choosing a signature accessory
20:41 &ndash; Why looking your kids in the eye changes everything
Connect with Ruth Chou Simons on her <a href="https://ruthchousimons.com/">website</a>
Shop Ruth Chou Simons' art and more at&nbsp;<a href="https://gracelaced.com/">GraceLaced&nbsp;</a>
Follow Ruth Chou Simons on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ruthchousimons/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://gracelaced.com/"></a>
<a href="https://thismomentmattersbook.com/">Learn more</a> about Ruth's new book,&nbsp;This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ruthchousimons/?hl=en"></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;

Ruth Chou Simons: Live the Gospel in Your Mundane Moments

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/114739a6-6583-4b5e-95b2-b49300090964/transcript

What heroes do your kids look up to? 

Boys and girls need better examples than secular YouTube celebrities and pop music stars. They need real heroes that will inspire courage, truth, charity, and perseverance. 

The popularity of the Odyssey shows us how we long for moral heroes. The ultimate place to find heroes is in the Bible.  How can we help Biblical heroes come alive for boys and girls? 

New York Times bestselling author Joshua Cooley joins Arlene to unpack his Heroes of the Bible devotionals. You'll hear why figures like Gideon prove that God works through weakness rather than natural strength, and get practical ideas for building a family Bible-reading rhythm, managing kids' phone use, and helping young athletes root their identity in Christ instead of their sport. Joshua serves at the editor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes magazine. If your kid has ever faced disappointment on a team, Josh also offers a Bible-based way to talk them through it. He also shares the story behind the football memoir he co-authored with Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles.

03:56 – Why boys need heroes right now

05:36 – Gideon: hiding in a ditch and becoming a "mighty man of valor"

07:27 – Inside the Heroes of the Bible devotional format

14:06 – Building a family Bible-reading rhythm that actually sticks

20:00 – What worries Josh about kids and phone use today

21:58 – Sports, identity, and glorifying God through athletics

27:27 – Helping a kid handle not making the team

 

Find out more about Joshua Cooley and his books on his website.

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)

 

What heroes do your kids look up to?&nbsp;
Boys and girls need better examples than secular YouTube celebrities and pop music stars. They need real heroes that will inspire courage, truth, charity, and perseverance.&nbsp;
The popularity of the Odyssey shows us how we long for moral heroes. The ultimate place to find heroes is in the Bible.&nbsp; How can we help Biblical heroes come alive for boys and girls?&nbsp;
New York Times bestselling author Joshua Cooley joins Arlene to unpack his Heroes of the Bible devotionals. You'll hear why figures like Gideon prove that God works through weakness rather than natural strength, and get practical ideas for building a family Bible-reading rhythm, managing kids' phone use, and helping young athletes root their identity in Christ instead of their sport. Joshua serves at the editor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes magazine. If your kid has ever faced disappointment on a team, Josh also offers a Bible-based way to talk them through it. He also shares the story behind the football memoir he co-authored with Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles.
03:56 &ndash; Why boys need heroes right now
05:36 &ndash; Gideon: hiding in a ditch and becoming a "mighty man of valor"
07:27 &ndash; Inside the Heroes of the Bible devotional format
14:06 &ndash; Building a family Bible-reading rhythm that actually sticks
20:00 &ndash; What worries Josh about kids and phone use today
21:58 &ndash; Sports, identity, and glorifying God through athletics
27:27 &ndash; Helping a kid handle not making the team
&nbsp;
Find out more about Joshua Cooley and his books on his <a href="https://joshuacooleyauthor.com/">website.</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;

Why Every Kid Needs a Godly Hero with Joshua Cooley

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/7ee7982e-95ae-4b85-b739-b48a01656203/transcript

Yes, Your Kids Will Turn Out Okay with Pam Farrel

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