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5 of 316

#316: Grace and Discipline: Can You Really Do Both?
Can you parent with grace and discipline at the same time? Absolutely. In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning explain how to combine God’s favor (grace) with training to standards (discipline) to build self-control, connection, and freedom in your home. You’ll learn the difference between firm vs. harsh, how to respond not react, and a simple “same-side of the line” visual that moves you from power struggles to partnership. The conversation includes empathy that doesn’t excuse behavior, practical scripts for correction, and a preview of emotional regulation tools for “meltdown moments.” Anchored in Hebrews 12:6 and Galatians 5:1, this episode equips you to set clear boundaries and keep a gentle tone—so your kids actually learn. Key takeaways: Grace (favor) + discipline (training) lead to true freedom and self-control. Be firm, not harsh—respectful tone makes correction stick. Use “Help me understand…” to pair empathy with consequences. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your child and point them to God’s standard. Prioritize long-term connection over short-term compliance. Start practicing emotional regulation during meltdowns (for you and your child). Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Give us a review!
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#315: Crazy Cool Parent This: Cultivating Integrity in our Children's Hearts
In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning share how to teach kids integrity without lectures. Learn how to model honesty, coach truth-telling with a “respond, don’t react” approach, and create a family culture of integrity. Get age-by-age strategies for littles, middles, and bigs that make character building stick. Anchored in Proverbs 10:9 and John 8, this episode equips you to help your child keep their word, repair quickly, and walk securely. What you’ll learn: Why modeling + quick repair beats perfection A 6-step script to coach honesty (lower shame, raise truth) Age-specific tools for Littles (2–7), Middles (8–12), Bigs (13+) Family language that makes truth-telling safe Bible stories (Jonah; Woman caught in adultery) that illustrate integrity and kindness 🎧 Listen now and start your 3:1 Praise Challenge this week. Then share your family’s integrity win with us! Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Give us a review!
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#314: More Than Clean - Building a Safe Haven for Your Family (Feat. Becky Rapinchuk from Clean Mama!)
In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Suz and McKenzie talk with Becky, founder of Clean Mama about simple, sustainable home keeping routines for busy families. Learn the 5 daily cleaning tasks, a practical weekly cleaning schedule (bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, floors, catch-all), how to involve kids in chores, and how to keep a non-toxic home with easy DIY cleaners. If you’re overwhelmed by clutter, laundry, and dishes, this conversation will help you create peaceful family rhythms that support Christian parenting and the mission of your home. What you’ll learn: The 5 daily resets: wipe counters & dishes, check floors, make beds, tidy clutter, daily laundry check The weekly flow that prevents marathon cleaning days Rotating tasks & monthly focus (deep clean + organize without overwhelm) How to show, don’t tell when teaching kids chores (age-appropriate tools + tiny wins) Mindset shifts: “I get to” gratitude, timing tasks (<5 minutes!), and starting where you are Non-toxic favorites: Becky’s go-to DIY stone spray (water + rubbing alcohol + a little dish soap) Getting back on track after travel, sickness, or newborn—why you start with today Why a made bed is a mood booster and room “anchor” Quote to remember: “Hard doesn’t mean bad. Small, faithful steps at home serve your Kingdom mission.” Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Give us a review! Clean Mama site & resources Homekeeping Society (membership) Crazy Cool Family Home Sweet Home Deep Dive
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#313: Reclaiming Motherhood
Reclaiming Motherhood: Hard ≠ Bad Suzanne sits down with her daughters—now mothers themselves—for an honest, hope-filled conversation about reclaiming a life-giving vision of motherhood. They unpack the tension most moms feel: the days are long, the needs are endless, and perfectionism and isolation creep in. Together they reframe motherhood as Kingdom work—discipleship in real time—where “hard” can be holy, refining, and deeply meaningful. You’ll hear practical ways to trade victim-thinking for vision: making motherhood the main thing (letting chores serve connection), joining your child’s world to build present-moment memories, creating more deposits than withdrawals with specific encouragement, and using quick repentance to repair when you blow it. The episode also tackles common pain points—asking for help, carving out breaks before burnout, battling loneliness with intentional friendships and spouse check-ins, and resetting your perspective so you see your kids as the blessing they are. Anchored in Isaiah 40:11, this conversation offers gentle leadership for moms in every season. Takeaways: Motherhood is discipleship—hard doesn’t mean bad. Prioritize connection; let tasks fit under the mission of mothering. Name weaknesses, bring them to light, and ask for help. Combat loneliness with quick, deep check-ins and God-with-us moments. Keep a 3:1 encouragement-to-correction rhythm. Repent fast; repair fast. Connection beats perfection. Isaiah 40:11: God gently leads those with young. Try it this week: 10 minutes of undistracted play, one clear ask for help, celebrate one tiny win out loud. Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Give us a review!
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1:11:56
#312: The Power of Mission Trips (Feat. Chris Searcy)
Why You Should Take Your Kid on a Mission Trip??? In this inspiring episode, Don and Suzanne Manning are joined by longtime friend and missions expert Dr. Chris Searcy to discuss the life-changing impact of mission trips on children and teens. With over 25 years of experience and 2,500+ students led on global trips, Chris shares powerful stories and practical advice for families. Discover why mission trips aren’t just for "super Christians," but are actually a core part of discipleship. Learn how sending your child to serve beyond their comfort zone can awaken purpose, grow their faith, and transform their view of the world. Whether your child is 5 or 15, you’ll walk away with ideas to cultivate a family on mission. Topics include: The difference between "serving" and being "on mission" Age-appropriate ways to get your kids involved How to overcome fear, safety concerns, and the cost What really happens on a student mission trip Perfect for families seeking to raise kingdom-minded kids. Listen today and take your first step toward building a family that lives on mission. Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Give us a review!
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About Crazy Cool Family

Want home to be your favorite place in the world? Want to see siblings get along like best friends? Want to send your kid off to college with hope instead of fear? At Crazy Cool Family, we can help you answer all of those questions with a resounding “YES!” We have one simple mission: To show parents how to create amazing families by building their lives around Jesus and helping their kids to do the same. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells us that what is most important in life is our relationship with God and our relationships with one another. We believe that families are our most important relationships and their strength will determine the strength of your family. You will Rethink the Way You Do Family when you see God’s incredible relational design for your families. God wants a Crazy Cool Family for you and we want to help you get there!

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