12 Things we DO NOT Do in Our Family (and the reasons why . . . )

Today we are talking about 12 things we do not do in our family:
#1 - No smartphones - This has been one of the most positively impactful things for the overall culture of our home and family.
#2 - Children don’t get dropped off at a friend’s house or have sleepovers - Even if you know the family really well, you never know who is going to be stopping by or what might be in the home that the parents might not be aware of.
#3 - Own two cars - Only one family car. This has encouraged us to be home more and make our home a place of rest, rejuvenation and ministry.
#4 - No battery powered toys - It overstimulates the kids and us as parents. Our children have no shortage of fun in their life, but that does not require battery powered, obnoxious, stress-inducing toys.
#5 - No TV, iPads or tablets - We love having a home that is not dictated by what we want to watch or what’s on a screen and having that be the main influencer and driver to the home. We want to eliminate the distractions in our life that are not serving us.
#6 - No graphic tees or clothing - It’s so much more restful to look at your children in restful colors. As parents we are already stimulated by a lot of little people. They are already stimulated by themselves and a lot of stuff going on.
#7 - No children’s church - Our children sit with us during the service. We feel like it’s so crucial to exemplify to our children that they are part of the church.
#8 - No internet on Saturdays - Saturdays are our Sabbath day. Part of that is excluding the external noises, pressures and distractions of the outside world. It is a big mental rest for us!
#9 - No individualized sports - We have found that when you get your kids plugged in to sports, it immediately starts tearing the family apart. When you look at the times of the practices, games, tournaments and team activities, they really interfere with the most precious and integral parts of the home flow. Dinner/meal times, evening times, weekends and Sabbath are all taken over by the sports team or activity.
#10 - No “kid” food or prepackaged snacks - We do fruits and vegetables for snacks. We eat all together as a family so if they aren’t loving the curry, they can have more rice with butter and have it a little bit more bland. This has expanded our children’s palettes. They like a wide variety of food. There’s always something on their plate that they can eat more of once they finished the little helpings Katie has served for them.
#11 - Minimal evening commitments that are over the time of dinner - Dinner is such a valuable and precious time for our home culture. We are convinced that so many families are destroyed by overcommitting to good things. Your family is the one that’s sacrificed in the midst of those things.
#12 - No eating after dinner - Nothing you eat after dinner is good for you. It sabotages your health and sleep. We have found that, that is where the junk food came into play. It wasn’t helping our circadian rhythms, health goals, sleep or budget.
Mentioned in video:
- Getting Rid of Our Smartphones - • 143: Getting Rid of Ou...
- ONE YEAR Without Smartphones. Are we going back? - • ONE YEAR Without Smart...
- Technology and Teens // Biblical Parenting with Jodi Mockabee of The Whole & Healthy Family - • 203: Technology and Te...
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Timestamps:
00:00-1:11 - Intro
1:11-1:29 - No smartphones
1:29-2:32 - No friend’s houses or sleepovers
2:32-6:00 - One family car
6:00-7:14 - No battery powered toys
7:14-8:30 - Homeschool course discount
8:30-10:08 - No TV, iPads or tablets
10:08-11:15 - No graphic tees/clothing
11:15-12:00 - No children’s church
12:00-12:44 - No internet on Saturdays
12:44-15:00 - No individualized sports
15:00-16:07 - No “kid” food
16:07-18:29 - Minimal evening commitments
18:29-19:33 - No eating after dinner
19:33-20:05 - Closing

[@allisonwarman1689]

Our family is the same with a lot of these! It's so refreshing to know others feel the same way I do about no battery toys, no kid food, no tv, no graphic tees (they are such a pet peeve of mine... your child is not a billboard)!

[@tiffweilbacher6206]

Thank you!!! I am so happy to hear that we are not the only family with most of these restrictions! My boys listened to this with me, and it was so nice for them to hear other parents say they don’t have screens, organised sports, and other things that interfere with family time! Some times it feels like we are the only people in the world that live this way! 🥴

[@hannahthehomesteader]

I found my people! Everyone looks at me cross eyed when i tell them how I run my home with 3 kids 3 and under. No screens, no sugary prepackaged snacks, NO TOYS WITH BATTERIES (we'd lose our minds with this one), only 1 car, and we stay home and host more than we go out. Yes, yes, and yes. This is the way to a peaceful home and a less busy life. So thankful for you two.

[@laurennicolejones]

I played individual sports. I ended up playing division 1 college tennis and then a few years in the pros. We totally controlled our training, traveling, and tournaments. My boys love golf and I’m excited about that. We get to call the shots. Also- I think it’s great this video…but also if you are a family that cannot do some of this stuff.. don’t beat yourself up! I like some of their content but some of it is very rigorous (ie not owning smartphones, television, and not buying any snacks, or even children’s church) for my husband and I we have a solid church that we love and the kids love their classes - we have 4 kids under 5.. I think it’s also a time for my husband and I to grow in service together too…so if you be can’t do all of these things don’t fret! We don’t do snacks either but sometimes it’s a treat- we rarely watch TV but it’s an option sometimes- moderation and balance! Don’t feel inferior- social media can do that! Balance and moderation for what works for you!! And lastly- in total agreement on the clothing and sleepovers- hah! Def not happening for my kids either- we are the host house for most everything!

[@angelicagallegos3397]

We’ll said

[@kimberlyphifer2391]

100% this! We def don’t do iPads or tablets, but we do have tv. I don’t want our kids too far from reality, thinking that’s normal, so we watch tv in moderation. I agree with the sports commentary though. We had 2 of our 4 kids in gymnastics and it was a drain and honestly, it stole so much of our peace. It was not worth it for our family. But I love that you mentioned “not to beat yourself up.” It’s so hard not to compare yourself to influencers on social media. My husband is in the military and there’s no way in the world I could ever run our house in one car.

[@Beepbopboop19]

Agree. Also, I wanted to share, I have an only child and in our smallish church, the kids program has so much free time, it's great for her! She gets to have some real bonding time every week with the same kids. We of course prioritize playdates as well, but I always know this is going to be a consistent time for her with other kids. Oh, we homeschool, and most of our church families do as well.

[@hwiekamp]

While I don’t personally agree with many of your family rules, I am very pleased (not the right word, but all I can come up with 🤷🏼‍♀️) with the love and devotion you have to your way of life. Everything you say comes off in a kind, gentle way that works for your house, and not in a pressured way. I really enjoy hearing the how and why of your family decisions. They give me much food for thought. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@ThatsWhat-She.]

Anyone can present themselves however they want to, in order to manipulate other people into viewing them how they want to be viewed. I agree with a few things they spoke about including the importance of the family meal, but my parents were also extreme fundamentalists & could put on a pretty good show proving to the world that they were wonderful people but they abused & neglected me.

[@shelbys2750]

We are not very strict about what we do/ don't do with any of these things, we just go with what works in each season we are in.

[@angelika1817]

You are so blessed that both of you are on the same page about all of this.

[@danielamezola9484]

Thank you for the time and effort you pour into this content! You guys are definitely hitting a market gap in holistic and practical family building advice. My wife and I look forward to Thursdays now. Such a blessing. Thanks for being salt and light. :)

[@melaniemassicotte4258]

I'm from Quebec, Canada and I speak french but I will try to comment. You have nice content, but...I am sad for the kids. It seems to me that you have many bad ideas wrap like a perfect gift. I feel like you raise your wonderfull kids in a family cult. Sorry to be hard, but those kids are so much trained to grow has the parents want, that there is not much place for self identity, exploring their own passion, .... It's obvious that you guys want to be perfect, raising perfect human being et the worst of this pression to be so good will, on day or the other, rush on one or more of the kids. You are the parents, you make money with your lifestyle, but I would suggest that you think more about those kids development. That's not the best, for sure.

[@chariseblodgett1862]

I think that in general, we all have to do what's best for our family. You two sharing what works for your family will encourage others and give them ideas. What works for you may not work for other families and that's ok.

[@Blockishbookhead]

That is a great list- you guys are sowing some really good stuff! I’m excited to see all the good harvest in the years to come. Praying God will protect all of these wonderful seeds you are planting in good soil!

[@fastpitchmermaid4550]

I love these, we live in a crazy world and we must protect our babies and prepare them.

[@hannahl1092]

Love seeing all these comments ,makes me feel not so alone in following many of these same principles. Thank you for doing these videos and helping all of us find each other.

[@NathalieVA56]

This is the only channel that I look forward to every single episode on the day they come out!! Thank you guys so much for your faithfulness ❤

[@Dana-mb1hd]

I am so grateful for you guys I learn so much as a mama and I am so inspired by you both thank you!💖🙏💖🙏💖🙏💖🙏

[@thepioneerhomestead]

This was great, thank you! #7… 👏 💗🙏 We implement most of these as well and have found such great benefits for the family unit.

[@AlyssaWolverton]

Love your videos ! My husband does not go to church so I definitely use the Nursery, but we are a pro-family dinner, one car, limited screen, limited evening engagement family! I do think it is important for me as a Christian to not force people to my house for play dates, but be willing to go to others' houses to reciprocate giving and receiving. But I only have two kids so its a bit easier lol.

[@c.2729]

My husband and I have a similar lifestyle so it was so nice to see this video! We hear so much that we are “weird” and it’s so frustrating!

[@elizabeththomas5655]

Love it. Love every point you presented. Thanks for sharing coz sometimes I wonder if I am being weird and so it surely feels good and encouraging to know that there are other families also striving with a change

[@thetreasureinthefield]

Wow. Another couple that has beliefs like my husband and I!! That’s amazing. We do 8 of these things you listed, and would love to do more. Thanks for sharing!!

[@ashleyallen1858]

We are a homeschool family of four boys (ages 5-10) in the DC area. We picked one instrument (violin), one language (Chinese), one sport (swimming) and one animal each (dogs, chickens, pigs and bunny). We live on ten acres and heavily stress the importance of outdoor time over screens. We did not have a TV until a few months ago. We also have a family Motto, Flag and Crest. So grateful to see intentional parenting from you guys! God Bless.

[@susanspianostudio7057]

Sounds awesome! 🎉

[@AmazingGrazeAcres]

Love the motto, crest and flag idea! We left the beltway area but unfortunately will be back at some point for work. Homeschooling and everything else feels easier here in SC than the DC area, for obvious reasons.

[@jasminehartley9692]

LOVE this content! Thank you

[@jessi4692]

Curious to see how this changes as your kids grow if your oldest is only six.

[@marshahollings]

Totally agree

[@ItsKalasLife]

Sounds like they both grew up this way so I’m sure they are prepared. I definitely don’t choose to live this way myself but I see why they do

[@ashlieleavelle]

Yeah. I don't think people should give parenting advice when all the kids are little. They need to raise some and see if their ideas worked.

[@jesseenixon]

the sports thing I differ on. It teaches your kids sportsmanship and so many other things also making friends. We have family time on non practice nights. I just dont do multiple different sports per season. I have 10 year old and during tackle season NO ONE ELSE PLAYS ON A TEAM. That schedule is grueling and I take my kids with me and we get that family time on the field outside together. My other boys we bring baseballs and things to do while on the fields to play its a great time and my son loves playing so its a win win. Now my 7 year old will play baseball the next season we just switch off since they like different sports. I would agree that it can take away if too many sports are all at once. Sports are a great thing for kids though . Also the church things I agree with so much. I started taking my 10 year old with me to sit and its been great.

[@SaraKiene949]

Wow! So similar to us and our family. I love that you shared about the sports. I was considering having my daughters join something but I had some of the concerns you brought out in this video.

[@BeeHappy968]

The reason I keep coming back to your channel is because of how much you guys put value on family. Also, because you are not afraid to be different. Keeping up with society is detrimental!! Great video. We do so many of those things too, but be flexible as it gets so much harder when kids get older.

[@jmobennett88]

These are great! We do individual team sports but we attend all practices and games together. Baseball is the favorite in our home, and while we do have enough for a team (9 of us!) we enjoy cheering on the participating child and being together playing or picnicking nearby. Its my favorite time of year! Spending so many warm nights at the Baseball fields. Sometimes my husband coaches our childs team as well.

[@megankellough2220]

Your videos and podcasts have been such a blessing to me and my family for the last 3 years I’ve been following. Such wisdom and encouragement for our young family with 3 boys. I so appreciate you guys❤️

[@Masonsept2011]

We hold many of these values as well. Our oldest (of 5) is 12 and we work hard to consistently teach our kids the value of family. It is encouraging to see other families walking in the same convictions.

[@EmilGhiurau]

Amazing! God bless you guys.

[@xdramaxaddicttx]

I know you guys touched on keeping your kids in service with you but am wondering if you'd be able to do a longer video on that topic? How do you train your kids to sit through service from a young age, and what kinds of activities and toys do you let them use during service? Also, how do you differentiate between training/them learning and them being disobedient (needing a consequence) when it comes to teaching them to sit through service? I think these would be so helpful to hear about in another video!

[@mamalife7630]

I agree with kids sitting with the parents through service, but in our church we have 2 services and during the morning service kids have Sunday school & during evening service all the kids sit with their families. I love it so much this way, that way in the am we’re not stressed about the kids & in the pm we can focus on training them. We’ve found the best way to “train” the kids was to sit them down and just explain the whole situation about how to sit & how to behave & show respect. And obviously we have to remind them several times during service, but it also helps that pretty much no one brings any toys or snacks for their kids during service too; our pastor doesn’t really want parents doing that. He’s big on teaching kids to respect the word of God & respect the church & frankly we agree with him.

[@JuniperLynn789]

I would love a video on this as well because my husband and I have a deep desire to stay together as a family at church :) Did you guys specifically seek out a church that the culture is supportive of this? We are finding that it is difficult to find a church in our area that doesn’t push a separate kids ministry. Not only that, but endless elaborate events that the young moms end up stressfully organizing and leaving their nursing babies for. We made that mistake of falling into that kind of church culture when our kids were babies, we were over involved in ministries, events, and groups and we have some regrets 😬 Thankfully we have found wise and like-minded families to connect with since then ☺️ but we still long for a more simplistic church model. ⛪️

[@bnalejandro7]

Following

[@justenmerk1193]

If you go to an Eastern Orthodox Church were there is no real sitting during worship, kids are able to move around and people do not worry about it. Even kids crying and yelling are consider “Holy Sounds” according to a guy I spoke with and admired as part of the service.

[@naomimay82]

When I was growing up, there was no “children’s church.” Kids had Sunday school prior to church service, but they sat in on the main service with parents. I have three younger siblings. I remember church when a child. My parents had crayons and paper for us to color during service if we got antsy. When I was older and could write, I was assigned the task of taking notes so that we could discuss the sermon later. My parents encouraged us to listen to the pastor and remember parts of the sermon to talk about over Sunday dinner. Nowadays kids are constantly in front of screens and have worse attention spans. They are sent away to play games and stuff in children’s church. If you want kids who can sit still and be quiet in church, you have to train them to be that way by actually keeping them in church.

[@LoeVennesLifestyle]

I’ve heard you guys talk about keeping your kids in church and how you teach your young toddlers to sit with you. I would love to hear you elaborate on why, how you do it practically, if you have any activities that you give to the kids, etc. Maybe in podcast form! Would end so helpful for my own family. Thanks for all you share!

[@sau4ik]

This is beautiful and so inspiring!

[@mjm3003]

I love this I’ve never let my kids spend the night anywhere and they barely ever been dropped off. Very rare exceptions where they can be somewhere during the day without me.

[@longhorn861]

I love your podcast and content. I love to pop you guys on while I clean up the kitchen in the evenings. Just a little feedback, your intro is gorgeous but it's very long for a KZbin intro roll.

[@veronicaandrde3693]

Hi there guys, my husband and I just found you a few weeks ago and have been loving your videos. It is so encouraging and refreshing to see the male and female Godly perspective on a lot of your topics and so we wanted to request a video on how you guys talk to your boys about purity. The fact that your kids being so YOUNG were able to open up to you guys about how they either looked away quickly or looked for a little longer when they saw those girls with little clothes was just so beautiful to us. We would love to hear how you guys plant that seed on them and present those subjects to them in this time where promiscuity is found EVERYWHERE! We would love to hear how your husband specifically is able to relate to them in that sense as well as how you play a role as their mother on relating to them afar from displaying modesty in your own home.

[@livingstrategically]

Another one-car family here (by choice)! It just simplifies life for us and we love it. (Of course, hubby works from home, so that does help.)

[@galileecarlisle8950]

I sure do LOVE your intentionality!!! We live this way, too, and it is a surprisingly rare way of life. You are blessing your family and all of us, as well!!!

[@vivibelswoopy]

I loved everything about this video. I wish there was a family like this one to follow who has older kids. I’d like to see how they can still follow what this family does with older kids. And more kids.

[@cominghomewithsusanne]

thank you for sharing that. I was thinking the same thing. I feel like the older years are harder to get that right than when they are young.

[@joannathatcares]

​@@cominghomewithsusanne it's harder but the foundation is there and even they fell of the track for while they have always that base to go back to. It is normal in life as we growing making mistakes and wrong decisions it's the only path to learn and became experienced human.

[@cominghomewithsusanne]

@@joannathatcares ❤

[@WondaElizabeth]

This was practically identical to things we don't do in our home. I'm so thankful for families like yours, you are truly what keeps modern society from completely falling apart . May God bless your efforts as you continue to live for Him. Hugs from Ecuador.

[@katie8325]

Yes. Modern society is definitely under threat from battery powered toys. That’s the issue. 🙄

[@RestorationAcresTN]

Something I realized several years ago, and stopped purchasing any graphic or cartoon items is you're literally paying a company to give them free advertisement for their product.

[@tammyandrew9301]

Such discernment, wisdom and insight! It is so refreshing to know that you are holding to values & practices that make for a more family & Christ-centered home life in such a chaotic culture! The world needs more of this! God bless you and your fam! Thanks for sharing!

[@Texan_Gal]

Totally agree. If I had been brought up that way, I would’ve avoided many heartaches.

[@TeamSaveTheWorld]

Love the new vibe and music ❤

[@karitavella6007]

This is incredible!! Our family implements every single of these things that you mentioned. So encouraging to know there’s more people that God is speaking to in this way. Can’t wait to watch more of your stuff!!!

[@michaelaneudorf2662]

Inspiring and refreshing. Love how obvious it is that Katie loves her husband 🥰

[@jessicaladd85]

I feel ya on the loading and unloading days. In and out of the truck. I get home worn out and touched out!

[@cheyenne85609]

Great video!😊 Genuinely curious…do you ever sense your friends might be annoyed by always having to come (play date wise) your way since you don’t have a vehicle?

[@Mmolesy]

Unfortunately due to health issues, I have apps on my phone that I regularly use. I have considered getting a tablet for the sole purpose of these apps and any health related appointments and getting an older phone for daily use instead. I love all these goals you mentioned. Although we live in the country, and while one car is ok, there are times with our large family when we have needed a second vehicle.

[@Michelleh123321]

I think one car is good if you are a work from home family like you guys. My hubby works 12 hour days outside of the home and I need to go to doctors appointments, our homeschool co-op etc. but we do most of these and they are totally worth it! :)

[@jessicabrown6943]

I love that you included saying no to evening commitments that take away from the family. So many times people are made feel that if the church has something you MUST go. You’re not allowed to say no to any study or work day or group gathering. But God gave us great priority to our family and when we are committing to things that sacrifice our family, that’s not always a good thing.

[@alannahollier2719]

We are big on limited to no pre-packaged snack food, makes such a difference with getting your kids to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables consistently!

[@KristySI]

Awsome ideas! What a beautiful family ❤

[@TheSeedsower107]

Thank you for sharing and yes, our Creator is resting on the 7th day , He blessed it and set it apart from the other days of the week. It only makes good biblical sense to us that as followers of the Massiah we would do the same.

[@atroy1983]

I genuinely don’t mean to be rude but how do you have a homeschool course when your oldest is only 6? Maybe you have teaching qualifications? I’m interested but it doesn’t seem like you have a lot of experience.

[@loversoftruthlovecorrection855]

excellent job! My family is VERY similiar.

[@christinesmith7]

I do so many of these on the list. Thanks for sharing because I can tend to feel alone since so many people do the opposite.

[@hartleyfamily5451]

Yes! I was thinking the same thing. We should all form a "black sheep" club because most people think we're a little bit (or a lot!) crazy.😜

[@vivibelswoopy]

Totally. I get weird looks when people hear we don’t have TV or that my kids don’t have tablets. Or no extra curriculars

[@Oyimtalkingtoyou]

Wow I love your ideas. I have married into middle eastern culture and you might be surprised to know that some of your traditional family ways are very familiar because they also occur in that culture. There are no sleepovers, they have a saying "your only friend is your family" and similar. They value being together over everything. Also many people don't watch TV because it is a source of bad influence. I love that you two are doing these talks and the podcast. Just wonderful!!

[@jcav7]

No individualized sports, yes! We do (or not) so many of the same things. Im glad we aren’t alone.

[@rebeccaesplin2104]

Too many restrictions can lead to resentment and discouragement as your family gets older. The best thing to do is finding a good balance so everyone can grow and have new experiences.

[@paulanix7561]

I can understand your viewpoint. Its sounds like they promote loving alternatives. I was exposed to xxx stuff and reading xxx stuff before age 10. I had porn addiction at 10 11,12. This was in the 1970s.....praise God He can make us anew!!!

[@Joni-lq3rf]

Yes, agreed. We had a family at church, where the teenage kids weren't allowed alcohol (European here. Beer allowed with 16 outside the house). I mean, I don't know how to FORBIT a 16 year old anyway, but okay.. as soon as they moved out, or at least turned 18 they did everything, strong alcohol, drugs.. My siblings and me never had any strict rules when it came to any of those stuff. My parents just showed us the very responsible use of alcohol and NEVER EVER said anything. None of us 6 ever had a problem with alcohol and stuff. Okay well, ONCE my sister drunk to much, bit this was ONCE, having had 6 kids walking ~7 years each through puberty and early adios life. I think that's pretty good.

[@Joni-lq3rf]

*early adult life

[@whitneyweiss7072]

I was reading about being a Highly Sensitive Person and I now realize why noisy toys make me very upset and over-stimulated. I know I am responsible for creating a home of PEACE for my family!

[@bookkeepingtipswithty]

Isn't it curious that those early baby toys play the same tunes and have the same flashing lights as casino slot machines? I smell a conspiracy, no joking.

[@larafuad4658]

Katie is so pretty and her voice is the sweetest 💗 ❤❤ God bless you and use you always for his glory

[@anniegray6277]

LOVE these!!! And I LOVE not sending my kiddos to any type of nursery or kid’s church. Lots of people disagree, but my kids do so well now that they’re used to sitting with mom and dad (6, 4, 2). 😊😊

[@tobeaboutthelordsbusiness665]

Love the idea of no graphic clothing! My husband noticed it the other day on a KZbin channel we were watching of a family on there homestead, he mentioned how the young toddler is always dressed in 'calm' colours, and I was so pleasantly surprised by his observation. We both agreed also to dress our kids one day in 'calm' clothes.

[@jomlin143]

I have an almost 10y old and 7yo, they've never slept over at a friend's house. And I asked them yesterday if they'd even want to, and they both acted like it'd be a crazy thing to do. They also said they wouldn't want friends to stay the night here. That playdates for a few hours are ok, but the sleeping with friends overnight, no way.

[@elizabethshaklee8450]

I LOVE that you mentioned no graphic T-shirts. The huge pops of color and different pictures on them give me sensory overload. I dress in calm pink colors 5% of the time, and the other 95% I wear grey, black and white. It makes me feel very peaceful, so I plan to dress my kids in peaceful, minimal colors as well. 🥰

[@Rosie_C]

I don’t like them, either!

[@Oyimtalkingtoyou]

I don't like them and especially graphics on children's bedding!! I think it looks gaudy and stressful I was so glad they mentioned this

[@emilybach]

We don't do graphic t-shirts either. They are so obnoxious and I find they are not flattering at all. We primarily dress our boys in collared shirts and our girl in simple pretty dresses. So much easier on the eyes and on the mind.

[@whitneyweiss7072]

My dad used to say 'we aren't billboards' lol

[@chelseyledoux5366]

Would you do a whole video on family sports? Which sports? How it looks? Do you incorporate other families? Etc....thank you!

[@thecozycottage6555]

Thank you for sharing!!!❤❤ No PG-13 or R rated movies is another we don’t do.

[@stepfaniecoperude6769]

These rating 20 years ago are completely different from now. How do you differentiate them?

[@bethanyostrom8796]

We don't do sleepovers at other people's houses either.

[@bethanyostrom8796]

We also only have one car. My husband works from home, and it's nice only having 1 car insurance, 1 to do oil changes on, 1 to get new tags for etc.

[@JN-xv9tl]

Same!

[@livingstrategically]

​@@bethanyostrom8796 Same here!

[@tonyathreet3567]

I’m glad to learn you observe the true sabbath. Great family!

[@annaknitter]

I recognize so much from my own childhood. ❤

[@boomboombelle]

I am really glad that I listened to this - we’re making decisions about sports and this gives me some wisdom I was lacking in that area.

[@Validationjunkie]

We are a family of eight and we don’t do two cars either. We feel like it makes us more resourceful and able to stay together as a family.

[@danitapowell2291]

What do you do about dental appointments and doctor appointments, especially if one of the kids come down sick suddenly?

[@rachellebrooke4614]

I really want to be more intentional with sabbath rest on Saturdays but I’m wondering how to handle little events that pop up on Saturdays like the occasional lunch at a restaurant when extended family comes to town or a birthday party? Do you guys just not attend?

[@Homestead.Healing]

I love this!! We find our kids really don't need toys at all!! We keep the toys in a closet that is locked, and they mostly play outside, read, color, paint draw, and when we have toy time we let them each pick out a toy sometimes two, they love magna tiles, legos, dolls, but the mess of all the toys is also over stimulating for them amd us, and it's been really nice limiting them.

[@Homestead.Healing]

Wow I wish we didn't have a t.v. for a long time we only had one downstairs in our office room, but we recently put one in our main living area and we have a movie night once a week, but I'd love to not have a t.v.

[@jaydenicole4063]

I really don’t see anything wrong with kids going to their church service, and the adults to theirs. My kids room is literally five seconds away from where we sit. And they do a whole service with the kids like the pastor does for the adults.

[@alldaymusiclover107]

I thought children's church was good and I didn't have a problem with it. I also think it doesn't prepare kids for CHURCH and when they grow up they go to college and never return to church.

[@diversekakes]

I know many people will probably disagree with a lot of these decisions but I see value in everything you have said and I think you guys are just really smart, brave souls! Very happy to have fallen upon your podcast.

[@Natalie-qx4zy]

Your kids are really lucky to be grown in such a good family. God bless you 🙌

[@janesmith8316]

Wow wow wow! You are soo incredibly wise. We are almost right there with you and I love it. So, our oldest is 12 and we still do not do sleepovers. This was very encouraging to me. Thanks for sharing!

[@yuniwengerd1559]

Wow!! So much truth shared! I sat here just nodding my head as you talked. Sure, we don't do everything like you but we do have some of the same rules per say, in our home. Thank-you for sharing.

[@abigailrathbun43]

Great video! Sometimes just one other family doing things differently is all the permission we need to do (or not do) what we wanted in the first place, but is too ingrained in our culture and ourselves to change all on our own. Thanks for sharing! 🙌 Just curious, how do you not eat in the evening after dinner when you're pregnant? My midwife was big on eating before bed. Have you done any research on the benefits or drawbacks?

[@marishapeters1647]

We do almost all of this! We have some graphic shirts but they don’t bother us!

[@sandraanastacio9184]

Yes safety first. My kids do not do sleep overs. But also no play dates at other homes without me there.

[@angelab4518]

Great! Please do more of such short, spot on videos. You know time is a precious thing for a mom. ;) Also I find it easier to get the point than from 1hr + conversation.

[@memorykeeperspriyanka]

Feels like you guys are from a different world, it's so difficult to follow all of this with so much influence the kids get from their surroundings. I can't get my head around how to achieve what you are doing😢

[@amberstarr7732]

I would love to hear more about what you mean by sports as a family.

[@jburgess2320]

I personally prefer that my son goes to Children's Church. Not every topic preached is a topic that he is reawdy to hear, or tems that I want to explain at his age. Which is one of the reasons we don't have a TV.

[@4Such_Atime_AsThis]

I know I’m 4 months late to this video.. but can you talk about the process it took to be diligent in these? I struggle to stay consistent. I will do good for a week and then I’m back to old habits and it’s very frustrating. advice will help so much!! Thank you!

[@RHM_MusicMinistry]

How do you deal with other believers, like (home groups) etc with kids that have toys with batteries, and screens?

[@mamagrahams9943]

What a wonderful video! It comes at the right time, as my husband and I have been having the sports conversation a lot. We do dance for each child once a week at 3pm and even that is draining sometimes! I know in my heart it’s the right decision to pass on sports, but sometimes I second guess it when cousins and family are so different than us and have these busy lives. It’s reassuring that at least two other people in the world feel the same way😂

[@PEEWHENYOUNEEDTO]

We are VERY different than our family in the way we raise our kids. It can definitely be difficult and at times, a little sad when you explain to your kids that they will not be doing what they see what the cousins do but we always explain why those things are not important and why, spiritually, we live the way we do

[@blessyzachariah7203]

Love the video! Do you feel like your kids ever get stir crazy or bored if you stay at home a lot? Or you just have to come up with ideas/activities to keep them happy and engaged? Thank you!

[@herronr]

Kids do not need to be entertained all the time. It is good for them to be ‘bored’ and work out for themselves what activities to do. Their imaginations run wild when given the opportunity.

[@mrsevergreentree]

​@@herronr there has to be a balance to that theory though especially as they get older... they should not be idle

[@thelaurenanya]

I just want to say I REALLY love this channel. ❤

[@sydneyandrae5265]

I would LOVE a video on the meals your family eats together! all of them lol. breakfast lunch and dinner!

[@annieittersagen289]

I love your content! It’s what social media is supposed to be: inspiring and challenging! Thanks for what you do! My husband played professional football for the first years of our relationship and sports are a huge part of our family. He has learned so much about hard work, discipline, leadership, etc. from his years on the field. Sports were actually what initially brought us to homeschooling! We wanted our kids to be in sports, BUT we also wanted to see our kids. Seems like that combination isn’t possible with conventional school. Of course homeschooling has turned out to be so much more than that, BUT I’m so thankful that homeschooling has allowed us to have our kids (mostly boys...like you!) involved in sports. There is nothing better than watching a child have to face something he is scared of - like in a wrestling match, or practice something over and over to get better - like his golf swing, or just be absolutely physically exhausted after a hard game of soccer. Sports are by no means a replacement of teaching virtue in our home, but they are definitely a part of it.

[@jesseenixon]

my kids go to public school and play sports???

[@TheImperfectReader]

That moment when you realized why you had restrictions and are glad for them now.

[@haileymontgomery3659]

Exactly!!

[@beccaholland3602]

I love y’all and your videos!

[@tiffanycrain9849]

I am with you on most of these, but would also caution you to not idolize your home-life. Yes, your family is your mission field, but it shouldn’t be your only mission. We can’t forget about loving our neighbors as ourselves. It’s great that you invite other’s in, but how does it make those you are ministering to and fellowship in with that you aren’t willing to make effort to go to them?

[@lauriewromar5478]

Very well said. Agree with this sentiment very much

[@kj8650]

This is exactly what came to my mind. We literally cannot be a one car family for many reasons, but I also couldn’t take meals to families if I was just trying to stay home all the time.

[@ashleybrodie1460]

They are good stewards of their home. That is not the same as idolizing a home. I don't think I've ever heard them say that their family is their only mission field, and I do believe they would not agree with that statement either. Clearly they are on a huge platform online being missionaries to the world through their godly lifestyle. They are reaching so many people by way of filming with their own life looks like which is very inspiring. I'm not there neighbor, neighbor, but yet they can still have an impact on my life using technology. I can see from from personal experience that I am growing as a Christian, watching how they cultivate what God has given them, especially through their home life.

[@4Such_Atime_AsThis]

💯

[@clintkylieurick2143]

Plus season of life. Their kids are all younger, so that makes sense for their life right now.

[@16december]

We have walky talkies that I allow for my boys, they need batteries. Some tshirts have cute prints they like, but mostly not. I think all these restrictions are good but be careful that you fell into the extreme. Nothing good comes from being extreme.

[@ChiefHerzensCoach]

we had no tv till i was about 8 or so. good for me. sleepovers: only when we where 13 or older.

[@jamesharper8373]

Target? How do you guys reconcile that? Have just started watching your videos and they are excellent. Sincerely would like to hear your take on supporting businesses that have such contrary principles to Christianity.