Navigating the pre-teen and teen years is an…adventure. Whether your child is approaching this stage or currently putting you through your paces, Jim’s conversation with renowned psychologist, author, and leadership consultant Dr. John Townsend is full of insight into this tumultuous season of parenting. Focusing on John’s book Boundaries with Teens, they discuss how our children should first be viewed with compassion (we were teens once, too!) and how laying out ground rules, expectations, freedom, and consequences provides clarity and empowerment in their own decisions. This is part 1 of our show with Dr. John Townsend - make sure to tune in next week for Part 2!

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Dr. John Townsend: https://drtownsend.com/

Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling: https://www.cui.edu/townsend

Townsend Leadership Program: https://drtownsend.com/townsend-leadership-program/

Townsend Personal and Relational Assessment Tool: https://tprat.com/

Books:

Boundaries with Teens: When to Say Yes, How to Say No: https://a.co/d/dxHieyj

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How To Say No to Take Control of Your Life: https://a.co/d/1wfAv9N

All Books by Dr. John Townsend: https://drtownsend.com/books/

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities: https://a.co/d/cW4Bx1U

The 4 Anchors

from Boundaries with Teens by Dr. John Townsend

1. Love
2. Truth
3. Freedom
4. Reality

I think it’s safe to assume that most of us desire a marriage of intimacy. We long to be close to our spouse emotionally, spiritually, and physically - all God-given desires. But as Jim and author, speaker, pastor, and comedian Ted Cunningham point out, that doesn’t mean it’s easy! Our marriages must be approached with intention. You can’t keep waking up each day, doing the same things, and expecting there to be growth - you have to make the decision to implement changes so your intimacy deepens. If that sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry - Jim and Ted say take it one baby step at a time: small, intentional actions each day can lead to a lifelong legacy of intimacy, strength, and lots of fun.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Ted Cunningham: https://woodhills.org/im-new/meet-the-team/ted-cunningham/

Embracing Your Season Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/embracing-your-season-raising-littles-and/id1716476740

Books:

Greater Joy TWOgether: https://helpingcoupleswin.com/resources/greater-joy-twogether/

Fun Loving You: https://helpingcoupleswin.com/resources/fun-loving-you/

From Anger to Intimacy: https://helpingcoupleswin.com/resources/from-anger-to-intimacy/

Doing Life With Your Adult Children: https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Today, Jim welcomes back author and speaker Arlene Pellicane to discuss the top 9 questions she’s asked about screen time and kids from her book Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World. From when to give kids a phone to how your child handles friendship without social media, from video games in the home to opposing parental opinions, from well-intentioned gifts from grandparents to the difference between a physical book and reading on a tablet, this conversation is your one-stop shop for the top questions you have about raising your kids in a tech-driven world! We suggest bookmarking this episode and returning to it whenever you feel doubt, or peer pressure, or just want encouragement for the screen decisions you’re making at home.

HomeWord:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Arlene Pellicane:

Arlene’s Website: https://arlenepellicane.com/

The Happy Home Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ESpPG

Contact Arlene: speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Books:

Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World: https://a.co/d/fOFdOcL

GrandParenting Screen Kids: https://a.co/d/9oO1jh3

Parents Rising: https://a.co/d/ilCwXHm

31 Days to a Happy Husband: https://a.co/d/bgfxgvy

UPCOMING RELEASE: Making Marriage Easier

All Books by Arlene Pellicane: https://shorturl.at/Af2p5

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://a.co/d/hxs5DTb

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

If your kids or spouse came to you and said “I feel like you give your phone more attention than me”, would you be able to take it? Would it spur you to examine your digital use and make a change? On today’s episode of HomeWord, Jim welcomes author and speaker Arlene Pellicane to discuss her book Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World. Learn some of the science behind addiction and what it does to your and your child's brain, why teenagers are saying we should ban phones and social media for 16 and under, and how to truly thrive as a family in a world where tech will probably never disappear. With some staggering statistics yet heaps of encouragement, Jim and Arlene navigate the complexities of this topic with humor and sincerity. We suggest bookmarking this episode and returning to it whenever you feel peer pressure shoving in.

HomeWord:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Arlene Pellicane:

Arlene’s Website: https://arlenepellicane.com/

The Happy Home Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ESpPG

Contact Arlene: speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Books:

Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World: https://a.co/d/fOFdOcL

All Books by Arlene Pellicane: https://shorturl.at/Af2p5

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

If you had the opportunity to heal, would you take it? It might seem like a silly question, but often, we become so accustomed to our pain, suffering, or grief that it feels like a part of who we are. Yet, true healing requires a conscious decision to pursue it. Today, Jim talks with renowned author, speaker, and founder of New Life Ministries, Stephen Arterburn, about his book Healing Is A Choice. Drawing from his personal experiences, Stephen and Jim explore various aspects of healing, such as connection, grief, and the role of community, while addressing lies we may believe that can block our path to recovery. We all experience pain - whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual - but while only God has the power to heal, the decision to seek that healing is ours to make.

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Stephen Arterburn

New Life Ministries: https://newlife.com/

New Life LIVE Broadcasts: https://newlife.com/broadcasts/

Stephen Arterburn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstephenarterburn/

Life Recovery Groups on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liferecoverygroups/

Call New Life: 1-800-NEW LIFE (639-54330

Books:

Healing Is a Choice: https://a.co/d/gleICLZ

Every Man’s Battle: https://a.co/d/1JbVpy5

All of Stephen’s Books

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Can parents combat the constant barrage of negative messaging our children receive from school, social media, and societal pressures? Though it seems like an uphill battle, there is hope! Today, Jim welcomes speaker, therapist, and best-selling author Dr. Chinwé Williams to discuss her book, Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teens Through the Power of Connection. Together, they explore how intentional presence, positive affirmations, “just listening” and developing grit in your kids can foster resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of self-worth even in the face of life's challenges. If you have children, work with youth, or are a regular caregiver - this episode needs to be bookmarked.

Jim’s Takeaways

From Seen:

1. When we show up, they feel loved
2. When we see them, they feel understood
3. Just listen, and they feel safe
4. Speak life and they feel worthy
5. Develop grit in their life and they’re going to feel empowered

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Dr. Chinwé Williams Links:

Dr. Chinwé Williams Website: https://drchinwewilliams.com/

Books:

Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teens Through the Power of Connection: https://a.co/d/9xGh8hk

Beyond The Spiral: Why You Shouldn’t Believe Everything Anxiety Tells You: https://a.co/d/gEdNJ2h

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Have you ever felt like you and your spouse are more like roommates? Maybe five years ago, before this job, or before having kids, your relationship felt strong and emotionally connected. But now, things feel flat, distant, and maybe even a bit hopeless. If that sounds familiar, we have great news—this episode is for you! And more importantly, you're not alone. Even marriage experts Greg and Erin Smalley have been where you are! In Jim’s conversation with the Smalleys, you’ll find plenty of encouragement and practical tips to help you reconnect with your spouse. The best part? It’s not about adding more to your already full schedule. Greg and Erin point out simple actions you’re likely already doing that can create small moments of connection, leading to the deeper relationship you’re longing for.

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Greg & Erin Smalley Links:

About Greg Smalley: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/greg-smalley/

About Erin Smalley: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/erin-smalley/

Focus on Marriage Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/focus-on-marriage-podcast/id261059123

Resist the Drift Marriage Conferences: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/resistthedriftsalemconferences/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Reconnected: Moving from Roommates to Soul Mates in Marriage: https://a.co/d/ezgelqC

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance: https://a.co/d/hFXzOP8

The 5 Sex Needs of Men and Women by Gary Rosberg: https://a.co/d/fAokZWp

Closer: 52 Devotions to Draw Couples Together: https://a.co/d/gizZbnQ

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

As parents, we devote at least two decades to raising our children so they can go off into the world as (hopefully) confident, kind, and capable individuals. It’s easy for our identity to get wrapped up in parenthood, but we eventually have to confront who we are once the kids are gone - and that can be intimidating. Jim welcomes author, speaker, and marriage coach Jill Savage to talk about her book Empty Nest, Full Life, and how much joy can be found in the season after kids. From dissolving codependency to reconnecting with your spouse, from reigniting old hobbies to finding new ones, from “bleacher-butt” friends to deep, lasting friendships, this conversation will encourage you to be intentional in whatever stage of parenting you are currently in.

Jim's Takeaways for Moving Forward in the Empty Nest

• Remember that your children haven’t left your life
• Reinvent the relationship with your adult children (they aren’t your major emotional support!)
• Work out flexible ways to stay in touch
• Reactivate your social life
• Practice healthy doses of self-care

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Jill Savage Links:

Jill Savage: https://jillsavage.org/

Empty Nest Resources: https://www.emptynestbook.com/the-resources/

No More Perfect Marriages LIVE Events: https://jillsavage.org/no-more-perfect-marriages-live-oct-2024/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Empty Nest, Full Life: https://a.co/d/anzRZh8

Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: https://a.co/d/9zG4nTd

Doing Life with Your Adult Children: https://a.co/d/gmFWAMP

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/