Messy Family Project
Perfect for
Parents
HOSTS
Alicia Hernon
Mike Hernon
FOLLOW THEM
MORE INFO
Catholic conversations on marriage and family. Offering encouragement, practical advice, and suggestions for parents on this messy adventure.
Parenting is not a clean-cut, simple process for those who like to follow the rules. Family life is messy and unpredictable, but it is the greatest adventure you will ever have. We are Mike and Alicia Hernon, parents of 10 children with a growing number of grandchildren, and we would like to invite you into some of the conversations we have had with each other about marriage, parenting, and Catholic family life. Our hope is that our conversation sparks a dialogue between you and your spouse that leads to greater unity and intentional Christian parenting in your home. Listen in to our podcast and start the conversation as we seek to lead our families to heaven.
Visit us at https:///www/MessyFamilyProject.org for resources, guides, links and show notes.
Summary
Why are today’s kids more anxious than ever before? Mike and Alicia dive into the growing epidemic of anxiety among children and teens – and how modern parenting, technology, and culture all play a role. Drawing insights from Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, they explore what happens when we overprotect kids in the real world but underprotect them online.
From overscheduled lives and endless screen time to lack of sleep, nutrition, and authentic relationships, today’s children are under tremendous pressure. But there’s hope. The Hernons share concrete, faith-filled ways parents can lead with confidence, slow down family life, and raise children who are resilient, humble, and rooted in reality – not comparison.
If you’ve ever wondered how to calm the chaos and restore peace to your home, this episode offers clarity, conviction, and encouragement for every Catholic parent.
Key Takeaways
Slow down, do less, accept your child for who they are
Have a Consistent bedtime and eat together
Lead your family with confidence
Indoctrinate your children with your philosophy
Teach them humility. Humble kids become content adults
Put them in healthy social environments and enjoy true leisure
Couple Discussion Questions
Look at your schedule and ask yourself WHY – examine each activity and make sure you are intentional about it
Do we think our children are anxious? Why and what can we change?
Resources
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Everything we do here at the Messy Family Project is for couples and families! We work hard to support and encourage moms and dads as they do the hard work of raising children, managing homes and forming a solid, Catholic family culture.
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