The Village Thrives

Parenting Styles: What Actually Works?

Are you strict, relaxed… or somewhere in between? This week, we’re diving into the world of parenting styles — from Diana Baumrind’s classic four (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved) to newer approaches like “lighthouse parenting.” We explore how discipline has evolved over time, how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent, and what it looks like to blend different styles in real life. From handling backtalk to managing the everyday stress of parenting, we share the real-life challenges we’re all navigating together. Most importantly, we talk about the power of repair: owning our mistakes, reconnecting with our kids, and remembering that parenting isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention, growth, and showing up again and again. And as we wrap up Season 1, it feels only fitting to end on a topic that every parent is still figuring out in real time. Subscribe and Thrive: Instagram The Village Thrives - @thevillagethrives [https://www.instagram.com/thevillagethrives/] Donna Ruko - @DonnaRuko  Kristina Guerrero - @KristinaGuerrero Bradley Hasemeyer - @BHaz YouTube www.youtube.com/@TheVillageThrives [http://www.youtube.com/@TheVillageThrives] Thank you for joining the village. Keep thriving!

She Believed: Kristina’s Story of Strength, Survival & Hope

This is a special episode of The Village Thrives, as Donna takes on the role of interviewer and sits down with Kristina for an intimate conversation about her memoir and supporting podcast, She Believed. Kristina opens up about her breast cancer journey — from the moment of diagnosis to navigating treatment while continuing to show up as a parent, partner, and professional. She shares what it was like to compartmentalize life during illness, how she made decisions about what to share with her children, and the role her village played throughout her experience. It is an honest conversation about motherhood, vulnerability, and the unexpected ways life can reshape us. Kristina also reflects on why, despite everything, she describes this chapter as one of the best things that has ever happened to her — and what she hopes others can take from her story. Follow "She Believed" here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shebelievedpod Listen here: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-believed-with-kristina-guerrero/id1819072697

The Blue Zones Secret to Living Longer & Happier!

What if the secret to a longer, healthier, and happier life isn’t complicated — but rooted in how we live every day? In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, to break down the powerful lessons behind the world’s longest-living communities. Sarah walks us through the Power 9 — including the 80% rule — and shares how simple shifts like slowing down, managing stress, finding purpose, and prioritizing connection can have a lasting impact on our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our families. We also dive into the importance of belonging, how community shapes our health, and answer the question you didn’t know you had: what exactly is a Moai?

Are Kids Too Busy? Finding the Right Balance

From after-school sports to music lessons and everything in between, extracurricular activities have become a big part of modern childhood — but are we doing too much? In this episode, we look back at the activities we grew up with and compare them to the packed schedules many kids have today. We dive into the real impact of extracurriculars — the good, the overwhelming, and everything in between — and talk about how to balance clubs, school, and the often-forgotten need for rest. We also explore how to navigate kids’ changing interests, handle pressure (from kids and parents), recognize burnout, and know when it’s okay to quit. Most importantly, we get to the heart of it all: keeping the fun alive and understanding the “why” behind the activities we choose for our kids. Because it’s not just about staying busy — it’s about helping our kids thrive.

What No One Tells You About Parenting

There’s what you think parenting will be… and then there’s reality. In this episode, we’re sharing all the things we know now that we had no clue about before becoming parents — the unexpected discoveries, the moments that caught us completely off guard, and the lessons you really only learn in the trenches. From kids’ ever-changing obsessions (yes, including a surprising dive into WWE) to the wild phases and stages that take over your household, we’re talking about what we never saw coming. We also dive into the dad perspective — how fatherhood hits differently, and the question we don’t talk about enough: do dads have a village too?