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Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and FamilyAuthor: Mike and Alicia Hernon : Catholic Marriage Parent and Family
Parenting is not a clean-cut, simple process for those who like to follow the rules. Family life is messy and unpredictable, but it is the greatest adventure you will ever have. We are Mike and Alicia Hernon, parents of 10 children with a growing number of grandchildren, and we would like to invite you into some of the conversations we have had with each other about marriage, parenting, and Catholic family life. Our hope is that our conversation sparks a dialogue between you and your spouse that leads to greater unity and intentional Christian parenting in your home. Listen in to our podcast and start the conversation as we seek to lead our families to heaven. Visit us at https:///www/MessyFamilyProject.org for resources, guides, links and show notes. Language: en-us Genres: Christianity, Kids & Family, Parenting, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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MFP 363: Growing Up Hernon - What it's like in a large, loud, loving family
Monday, 22 December, 2025
Summary 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. Key Takeways: 1. Big Families Are Hard—And That's Not a Bad Thing 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. 2. Parents Won't Always Get It Perfect 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. 3. Siblings Matter More Than We Realize In a big family, siblings often become secondary parents, confidants, and companions. Those relationships became one of the greatest gifts of their upbringing. 4. Traditions Shape Identity 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. 5. Conflict Isn't Failure—It's Formation Fighting, disagreements, and personality clashes were part of the family culture. Learning forgiveness, conflict resolution, and reconciliation turned those struggles into growth. 6. Intentionality Beats Perfection What stood out most wasn't flawless parenting—but parents who cared, listened, showed interest, and tried to be present whenever possible. Couple Discussion Questions: 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?
