What's it really like growing up in a big family?

In this special Hernon kids takeover podcast, Mike and Alicia's children gather around the mic to tell the honest, funny, and heartfelt story of their upbringing. From loud dinner tables and sibling fights to deep bonds, meaningful traditions, and moments of feeling unseen, the Hernon siblings share what shaped them—for better and for worse.

They talk openly about the challenges of a large family, how sibling relationships filled the gaps when parents were stretched thin, and why intentional traditions mattered more than perfection. Along the way, they relive unforgettable childhood stories (including melted crayons, camping disasters, and a legendary vomiting incident), reflect on personality differences, and offer wisdom for parents raising kids today.

This episode is a gift to parents wondering if they're "doing enough"—and a reminder that love multiplies, even when life is messy.

Most of the siblings admitted they didn't always love growing up in a large family—especially as teenagers. But looking back, they see how it built character, resilience, and lifelong relationships.

Several siblings shared moments when they felt overlooked or unseen. Yet the overwhelming takeaway was this: they knew they were loved, even when time and energy were limited.

In a big family, siblings often become secondary parents, confidants, and companions. Those relationships became one of the greatest gifts of their upbringing.

From Christmas breakfasts and dinner games to family retreats and service visits, traditions created a shared story and sense of belonging that lasted into adulthood.

Fighting, disagreements, and personality clashes were part of the family culture. Learning forgiveness, conflict resolution, and reconciliation turned those struggles into growth.

What stood out most wasn't flawless parenting—but parents who cared, listened, showed interest, and tried to be present whenever possible.

• How do sibling relationships function in your family right now? How might you help strengthen them?

• How do you currently handle conflict in your home—and what might forgiveness look like more intentionally?

• What kind of family culture do you hope your children will talk about someday?

Your decisions may not always be perfect, but you can choose to make them together.

In this week's podcast, we dive into one of the most important truths for married couples: you will never make a perfect decision—but you can choose unity. Today's culture urges us to optimize everything with hacks, experts, and AI, yet the real power in family life comes from spouses acting together. We share our own stories of big decisions—moves, career changes, even grad school—and how waiting for unity brought peace and strength to our home.

Join us as we unpack how to stay united: understanding each other's processing style, praying together, deferring in love, and avoiding the trap of needing to win. Your decisions may never be perfect—but they can always be made together. Tune in and strengthen the unity that makes your family thrive!

"Hospitality and real community starts by inviting people into your messy home…"

In this episode, Mike and Alicia sit down with best-selling Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman to talk about Advent, Storybook for young Catholics, and the beauty of simple hospitality. Emily shares the real, lived rhythms of Advent in her home—reminding parents that peace and prayerfulness grow best when traditions are tied to everyday routines and kept flexible, not burdensome.

Emily also introduces her newest work, The Story of All Stories, a beautifully crafted children's story Bible from Word on Fire that presents salvation history as one unified narrative. Although written for ages 7–13, it has already captivated teens, parents, and grandparents alike.

Finally, the conversation turns to hospitality—how ordinary families can open their homes joyfully, even amid noise, chaos, and little ones. Emily offers practical tips, simple meal ideas, and a vision for welcoming others that prioritizes connection over perfection.

• Advent traditions work best when tied to existing family routines—like dinner—rather than starting from scratch.

• Flexibility in traditions preserves peace and allows your family to embrace the joy of the season without stress.

• Hospitality doesn't require perfection—simple meals and genuine presence build true community.

• Opening your home combats loneliness and helps families live their mission together.

1. What Advent traditions have been life-giving for our family—and which ones cause unnecessary stress?

2. How could we anchor Advent prayer or traditions more naturally into our existing daily routine?

3. In what ways do we tell the story of salvation to our children? Is there room to deepen our approach?

4. When we think about hospitality, what holds us back most—perfectionism, time, or fear?

5. Who is one person or family we could invite over in the next two weeks for a simple, joy-filled meal?

"Learning how to trust God and let go of our fears, worries, and frustrations is the best way to model peace for our children."
— Dr. Gregory Bottaro

This week on the Messy Family Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Greg Bottaro for a heartfelt and practical conversation every parent needs to hear. In this interview, Dr. Greg explains why kids are not naturally built to listen and why so many of us parents end up frustrated. His solution is simple and hopeful. Get clear on the rulebook you grew up with, compare it with your spouse's, and build a shared one that gives your children a steady sense of security. We talk about unity in marriage, how it shapes a child's emotional world, and why kids feel safest when mom and dad stand together. Dr. Gregg also breaks down attachment parenting, pointing out what helps, what stresses families, and why connection between parents matters more than perfect technique. Listen in to get tools for handling anxiety and staying grounded. You will walk away encouraged, supported, and ready to grow as a family (we were!).

Children are not naturally built to listen
Their brains are still developing, so parents need realistic expectations and a shared rulebook to guide family life with consistency.

Parental unity creates a child's secure base
A cohesive marriage provides emotional safety. When parents stand together, children regulate better, feel protected, and thrive.

Attachment parenting works best when parents are connected to each other
The focus should not be on perfect techniques, but on calm, present, regulated parents who work as a team.

Faith and community strengthen parenting
Trust in divine providence and a grounded spiritual life help parents grow in emotional maturity.

Catholic mindfulness reduces anxiety
Mindful presence, paired with trust in God, reshapes anxious brain patterns. Even a few minutes a day can improve decision making, calm fears about parenting, and support healthier family relationships.

• What were our "rulebooks" from our families when we were growing up? How can we create our own rulebook for our family?

• When do we feel most united in our parenting? When do we feel most divided?

"Baby Jesus was an amazing surprise to the world on Christmas morning, and gifts under the tree remind us of that wondrous gift each year." - Regina Doman

Mothers create the environment of the home by what we allow in our house, how we arrange our home, and where things are kept. We are teaching our children all the time, not just by what we say and do, but the home that we create for our families. We communicate what we value and what we want our children to learn by the "stuff" in our home. Moms have to be thoughtful and intentional about this. Listen into this conversation that Alicia has with her sister Regina Doman, author and speaker, about the questions she asks herself before buying items for her family for Christmas. You can hear more from Regina by following her at reginadoman.substack.com

Questions to ask yourself before bringing something into your home…..

• Is it beautiful? Everyone sees beauty differently!

• Is this toy annoying? If you enjoy a toy, your child may too!

• Does it teach the child how the world works? Children learn to trust their senses through natural materials.

• How long will it last? Is it durable and how long will the child play with it?

• Can this child care for this toy? Make sure it is developmentally appropriate

• What are the limitations of our home? Make sure it fits your lifestyle and the space you have in your home.

• Are we intentional about the toys and items that we have in our home for the kids?

• Which of the above questions do I feel strongly about? Let's discuss this.

Are you exhausted, overwhelmed, or wondering whether you're doing anything right as a parent of little ones? You're not alone — and you're not crazy. In this refreshed and expanded episode, Mike and Alicia revisit their classic "Survival Zone" conversation with new insights from another decade of parenting and now grandparenting. They unpack why the early years are so intense, what's normal (hint: your exhaustion), how marriage is stretched during this season, and how moms and dads can support each other through the chaos. You'll hear practical advice on setting realistic ideals, finding community, leaning on others for help, navigating time traps like social media, letting dads step up in their unique way, and prioritizing your marriage in the midst of diapers and dishes. Whether you're in the trenches right now or reflecting back on that season, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder: this won't last forever — and it will make you stronger.

1. Reassess ideals

2. Consider getting outside help - isolation hurts this

3. Dads have to step in - great opportunity for men to gain confidence

4. Get out alone together

5. Beware of "time traps"

6. Get some good routines going that work for you

7. This is training for your life. If you can do this, you can do anything

1. How can we support each other during this time?

2. What are the greatest lessons that we are learning?

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For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

In this honest Q&A episode, Mike and Alicia answer real questions from listeners about the struggles every couple faces – feeling distant, managing conflict, and staying united when life gets stressful. They talk about what to do when your marriage feels dry or disconnected, how to rebuild emotional intimacy, and how humility, forgiveness, and shared prayer can bring healing. With humor and wisdom from decades of marriage and mentoring, they offer hope for couples who want to grow together, not just stay together.

Couples Discussion Questions

What should I do when my spouse seems emotionally distant? How can we reconnect after a big argument? How do we stay close when life feels overwhelming? What if I'm the only one trying to fix our marriage?

Whether you're newly married or in the thick of family life, this episode will remind you: every marriage has hard seasons, but grace makes growth possible.

We'd love your feedback! Take our 2025 Listener Survey and help us serve families better: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MFP-2025

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

Families need to disconnect from the world's pace, be present to one another and break bread together. - Bishop Thomas Olmstead

Why are family dinners so hard — and so important? In our latest Messy Family Podcast episode, we get real about the chaos of mealtime: the cooking, the planning, the juggling schedules, picky eaters, and the endless cleanup. But we also share the good news — it doesn't have to be perfect to matter. Family meals aren't just about food. They're a time to build identity, teach traditions, and give your kids a sense of belonging. Research shows that sharing meals boosts kids' grades, strengthens communication, and protects against depression and risky behaviors. We'll give you practical tips to make family meals doable — even joyful — in the middle of everyday mess. From simple routines to conversation starters and kid-friendly chores, this episode will help you make mealtime your family's "north star." Listen now and rediscover the power of your dinner table!

• Close with: "Those 20 minutes around your table might be the most important minutes of your child's day."

• Recap: Family meals strengthen minds, hearts, and homes

1. Make it a priority

2. Have a routine

3. Use the time to connect

4. Include the kids to make it happen!

• How often does your family sit down together?

• What is one thing we can do to improve our time together?