About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of family traditions and values across generations, emphasizing the roles of grandparents and parents in nurturing children.

In this conversation, John and Carole Ferguson and their daughters reflect on the rhythms that built a close, capable, faith-filled family across generations. They share how clear expectations, consistent family meals, chores, service, hospitality, gentle correction, and intentional time with extended family gave their children both security and responsibility. As grandparents, John and Carole emphasize the importance of prayer, showing up for meaningful moments, supporting without managing, welcoming spouses as family, and helping each grandchild feel deeply loved, accepted, and known. Questions David mentions: When you think about your family growing up, what did your parents do that made you feel most safe, seen, and known? Grandparents often have influence in ways they don’t even realize. What are some things your parents did—or still do—that shaped the way you parent today? For the daughters—what are some things your parents did growing up that you now realize were actually building capability in you? For the grandparents—what has been the biggest surprise about moving from parenting children to parenting adult children… and now grandparenting? How do you stay supportive…

People in this episode

Guests: Carole Ferguson, John Ferguson, Julie Trapp, Ashley Waltemath, Amy Pipes

Topics covered

• family dynamics
• grandparenting
• parenting strategies
• faith and family
• generational influence
• building capability in children

Keywords

• family
• grandparents
• parenting
• faith
• generations
• children
• support
• responsibility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: That Sounds Fun Network

Books & works: Lisa Miller

More episodes of Raising Boys & Girls

• Episode 394: Capable Connections: Siblings with David and Sissy · July 21, 2026 · 42 min
• Episode 393: Capable in the Classroom with Dan Carpenter (High School Teacher) and Wheat Teller (Elementary School Teacher) · July 16, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 392: Capable Connections: Teachers and Coaches with David and Sissy · July 14, 2026 · 34 min
• Episode 391: Family Dinners and the One Question Grandparents Need to Ask with Babs Costello · July 9, 2026 · 31 min
• Episode 389: Capable Connections: Grandparents with David and Sissy · July 2, 2026 · 30 min
• Episode 388: Raising Capable and Mighty Kids in Today's Cultural Landscape with Sharon McMahon · June 30, 2026 · 36 min

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