Explore every episode of the podcast Simply Relational

Learn how to handle it when your child says "NO" without turning it into a power struggle. This episode gives practical steps to maintain authority and consistency as a parent.

• Why a child's "no" often starts power struggles and how to break the pattern
• The importance of follow-through as an action, not just more words
• When to avoid picking up the "rope" and engaging in tug-of-war battles
• How to create consequences and boundaries you can actually control
• Practical examples for handling tantrums, disrespect, and persistent refusals

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.

Struggling with kids who don’t listen until you repeat yourself or raise your voice? In this episode, we cut through the noise and show you what really works to get children to follow through the first time.

• How to distinguish between "can't" and "won't" when your child doesn't listen
• The dangers of accidentally training kids to respond only when you escalate
• The simple "ask, pause, act" method for immediate follow-through
• Why consistency and calm action matter more than repeated requests or yelling
• How to connect consequences directly to behavior—without power struggles or lengthy arguments

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.

Struggling to get your child to listen? This episode uncovers why your child’s behavior might not be disobedience and what you can do about it.

• The real reason kids don’t follow multi-step directions
• How “can’t” is different from “won’t” when it comes to listening
• Why vague instructions set kids up for failure
• The importance of breaking tasks into developmentally appropriate chunks
• Practical tips to set your child up for success and avoid morning frustrations

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.

Get so focused on your goals that you miss the warning signs? In this episode, we share a real-life mountain climbing story with powerful lessons on determination and wisdom.

• The dangers of ignoring critical warning signs in pursuit of a goal
• Lessons learned from a harrowing climb on Fool’s Peak
• How determination can both drive and endanger you
• The importance of wise counsel and preparation
• Knowing when to persevere—and when to change direction

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.

When a marriage starts to drift, the first signs often show up in the bedroom. This episode tackles the real challenges couples face with intimacy and communication.

• Why intimacy struggles are often the first warning sign of marital drift
• The common disconnect between men's and women's needs in the bedroom
• How to break the cycle of misunderstanding and emotional distance
• A practical analogy to set realistic expectations for sex in marriage
• Why open conversation is the starting point to reconnecting as a couple

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.

Rediscover momentum in your marriage with practical, actionable rhythms you can start today. In this episode, we break down the five essential habits that prevent relational drift and strengthen your connection.

• How to pursue your spouse daily with small, intentional acts
• The difference between meaningful conversation and simple information exchange
• Steps to repair before resentment builds, including the 4 Rs of healthy repair
• Why laughing often together matters and how to make fun a priority
• Ways to pursue Christ together as the foundation for all other rhythms

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.

Are you missing the warning signs that your marriage is drifting? In this episode, we break down the four key danger zones couples face and how to spot them before it’s too late.

• The danger of becoming complacent and letting life distractions take priority over your relationship
• The first alarming sign: you stop pursuing each other
• How a lack of meaningful conversation signals trouble
• The critical mistake of not noticing each other and allowing small issues to pile up
• Why failing to repair hurts can create distance you didn't see coming

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of effective, biblical discipline and what it truly means for parents. Get clear answers on common discipline debates and practical tools to guide your children toward strong character.

• Why the purpose of discipline matters more than the method (spanking, timeouts, etc)
• The difference between biblical and cultural definitions of discipline
• How generational approaches to discipline have shifted over time
• Understanding and applying consequences that connect to your child's growth
• The dangers of frustration-driven punishment and permissive gentle parenting

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

In this episode of Simply Relational, the focus returns to parenting with practical strategies rooted in biblical principles. Discover actionable steps to improve discipline and strengthen your relationship with your children.

·        Why cultivating roots is more important than focusing on "fruit" in biblical parenting

·        The real meaning of "connection before correction" and why it matters

·        Common discipline pitfalls like yelling and humiliation—and why they don't work

·        A simple three-step process: pause, connect, correct

·        How offering acceptable choices empowers children and prevents power struggles

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Unlock practical biblical wisdom for parenting in today's world. Learn why growing strong roots matters more than perfect apples.

·        Why parents are overwhelmed by conflicting advice

·        The apple tree analogy for parenting and what truly matters

·        The difference between stewardship and ownership of children

·        How to help kids grow through struggles, not just escape them

·        The biblical foundation for building resilient, principled kids

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Discover how the baggage you bring into marriage shapes your relationship dynamic. Learn practical tips to move from “me” to “we” for a stronger, more connected partnership.

• Why unresolved personal baggage impacts marriages for years
• The “marriage suitcase” analogy and what you’re really carrying into your relationship
• How family backgrounds influence conflict styles and communication
• The danger of focusing on your partner’s flaws instead of strengths
• Concrete steps and tools, like the marriage quiz, to help unpack issues and build unity

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Are you struggling to find balance in your relationships? This episode challenges the common myth of balance and reveals a more effective, biblical approach to priorities.

·        Why the idea of "finding balance" is misleading and damaging

·        The importance of establishing order, not equality, in your relationships

·        A practical visual using your hand to remember relationship priorities

·        How misplaced priorities impact marriage, parenting, and personal well-being

·        The scriptural foundation for putting God first and how it changes everything

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Kick off your journey to stronger relationships with Dr. Shelly Crager and her husband as they share real-life examples and practical advice. In this episode, learn how your priorities shape your life and discover simple tools for lasting connection.

• The importance of keeping your relationship priorities in order
• Real-life stories on balancing marriage, parenting, and personal identity
• The impact of mentorship and coaching in family life
• Why your time, energy, and resources reveal your true priorities
• A practical “stone” of wisdom to apply immediately to your relationships

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.