The Ordinary Family

Starting in 2026 we will be interviewing parents who’ve struggled, stayed in the arena and kept fighting for their family and marriage. These aren’t people who have it all together, these are parents who’ve done the work to build a life they love together.Our first interview is with Abby and my longtime friends, Rick and Helen Morrison. We can’t wait to bring you more interviews this year to encourage and inspire you as you build a life that you love with your family.SummaryRick and Helen Morrison share their journey from struggle to harmony in family life.Parenting can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences in life. Many couples find themselves struggling to balance their roles, especially when one partner’s career demands their attention away from home. In this episode, we’ll explore our conversation with Rick and Helen Morrison, who bravely shared their journey through the trials of parenting while managing a demanding career. You’ll learn about their struggles, the changes they made, and how they found a healthier family dynamic.Rick and Helen Morrison are entrepreneurs and partners in both life and business. Together, they own and operate several businesses, helping brands grow through marketing and strategic development. They also play a key role in leading Helen’s family business, Frownies, a legacy skincare company founded in 1889.They work from home while raising their two children, Maverick and Sunny, and are passionate about building businesses, creating meaningful experiences, and fostering community. Outside of work, they love to travel, spend time outdoors, and enjoy great food with family and friends.Rick and Helen Morrison’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing family and communication in parenting. Their journey shows that with courage and commitment, couples can overcome the challenges of balancing career demands with family life. If you’re struggling in a similar situation, remember: you are not alone, and you can do this.Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find Helen and Rick online:Website:https://www.frownies.com/Instagram:helenkmorrisonHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

In this episode, we explore the powerful concept that our memories and the stories we tell ourselves about the past shape our present and future. You’ll learn practical strategies to uncover unconscious stories, rewrite them, and ultimately change your life trajectory—all while honoring reality. Whether you’re dealing with limiting beliefs or emotional patterns, this discussion provides clear insight into how perceptions—more than facts—determine who you become.In this episode:* How the autonomic nervous system operates below conscious awareness to protect us from emotional and physical danger* The significance of awareness in recognizing and shifting unconscious stories* Step-by-step process for bringing hidden stories to the surface through journaling and thought downloads* The concept that memories are reconstructed, not replayed like videos, and how this makes rewriting possible* How stories about key events—like trauma, divorce, or failure—shape identity and behaviors* The difference between factual events and the stories we attach to them* Practical coaching techniques to identify and reframe unhelpful narratives* Why stories about who you are (identity) are more impactful than the events themselves* How to make intentional shift from limiting to empowering stories that serve your goals* The impact of self-coaching, external coaching, and neuroplasticity in rewriting stories* Examples from history, neuroscience, and personal experiences to underline the mind’s flexibilityHave a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

In this episode, Coleman and Abby Housefield share proven techniques for guiding children through emotional regulation at different stages of development, emphasizing a shift from control towards connection. Drawing on their personal experiences with three kids across age ranges, and their coaching expertise they uncover how parental regulation and emotional skill-building lays a foundation for resilient, independent, and emotionally healthy kids.In this episode:* The societal myth that parenting is about controlling behavior and why it’s flawed* How children’s misbehavior is a natural part of their growth and testing boundaries* The importance of shifting from managing behavior to guiding emotional maturity* The power of co-regulation and why it’s foundational from birth onward* How emotional regulation in parents directly influences children’s capacity to self-regulate* Practical tools for different age ranges: zero to five, five to nine, and 10 to 14* The significance of self-regulation, thought work, and emotional responsibility* How fostering independence and connection accelerates emotional strengthTimestamps: 00:00 - The core mindset shift: from control to guiding emotional maturity02:03 - Debunking the myth: children’s misbehavior is developmentally appropriate04:01 - Why emotional regulation is more crucial than behavior correction07:18 - The role of nervous system regulation in parenting and teaching10:24 - The importance of feeling safe for neuroplasticity and change13:10 - Co-regulation in infants to preschoolers: practical tools and examples15:32 - The process of modeling regulation by borrowing calm from caregivers18:03 - How children learn regulation through observation and presence20:36 - Bridging from co-regulation to awareness in elementary-age children25:17 - The strategy of movement and physical expression for emotional processing32:13 - Teaching emotional awareness: how to help kids recognize sensations in their bodies36:05 - Transitioning to thought work and emotional responsibility in preteens38:26 - The power of thought-feeling-action mapping to shift behaviors42:02 - Journaling and externalizing thoughts for clarity and emotional resilience43:17 - The importance of parental self-awareness and emotional work44:46 - Introducing the concept of emotional responsibility to older children48:44 - The 50-50 principle: accepting life’s ups and downs as a pathway to resilience54:23 - Why emotional strength surpasses physical and mental strength in importance56:01 - How investing in your own regulation creates a generational inheritance of emotional resilienceResources & Links:* Dr. Dominique NG (Neuroscientist) * Co-regulation tools and resources from Dr. Becky KennedyAdditional notes:* Focus on modeling regulation over correction* Use curiosity and questions to foster independence* Remember that emotional strength is an ongoing process—not a destination* Seek support and coaching to accelerate your growth as a parentFinal thought: The most powerful gift you can give your children is your own emotional strength. When they see you regulate and lead with connection, they learn resilience naturally. Your work starts with you, and it transforms your entire family.Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

Why would more time together feel like a threat—rather than a blessing? A great marriage isn’t luck or chemistry, it’s a set of deliberate skills anyone can develop.This episode uncovers the three revolutionary skills that shift your marriage from surviving to thriving: letting go of relationship manuals, owning your emotional responsibility, and choosing unconditional love and support. Coleman and Abby explain how giving up rigid expectations opens the door to deeper understanding, how taking responsibility for your emotions empowers you, and how love itself becomes a conscious act—not a feeling you wait for. These aren’t just theories—they’re practical tools they’ve used to transform tension into connection, resentment into appreciation, and routine into intimacy.You’ll discover:* The pitfalls of holding onto unspoken standards—your “relationship manual”—and how to dismantle it* How supporting your spouse, instead of rescuing or enabling, builds authentic strength on both sides* Why emotional responsibility is your secret weapon for a resilient and joyful marriage* How to intentionally change your thoughts about your partner to cultivate love even in tough seasons* Practical exercises to identify subtle expectations and leverage each other’s strengths for a partnership that grows more fulfilling over timeFailing to implement these skills can keep you stuck in cycles of frustration, distance, and unspoken resentment—while mastering them paves the way for a marriage that feels full, supportive, and worth celebrating. Whether you’re in a challenging season or simply want to deepen your connection, this episode arms you with the clarity and tools to create a relationship that you love—and that loves you back.Perfect for committed couples eager to elevate their partnership or singles preparing for marriage, this conversation is your blueprint for a lasting, vibrant love. Start applying these insights today, and watch your relationship evolve into the deep connection you desire.Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

Hey Friends!Welcome to February, the month after the month when many of us embark on a new years resolution, and start getting after our goals.Unfortunately for many of us, February can feel depressing or downright discouraging because we’ve, “fallen off the wagon” or given up on our goals that only a month ago were creating excitement and anticipation for us.In this episode Abby and I will talk about how you can stick to your goals or resolutions without white knuckling it. All you need is a few tools and the willingness to get to know yourself a little better and try something new!We even discuss how to make sure you don’t sacrifice yourself on the alter of your goals which for some personalities, they don’t know any other way to accomplish their goals which is why they accomplish their goals but feel absolutely exhausted at the end.Key Takeaways* What we take in matters for our goals.* You don’t need to try harder; change your approach.* Accountability is beneficial for everyone, not just obligers.* Most goal-setting advice is tailored for upholders.* Pay attention to your thoughts; they influence your success.* You can achieve goals while taking care of yourself.* Identify what you truly want beyond just outcomes.* Thoughts can lead to quitting; be mindful of them.* Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.* Create systems that align with your tendencies.We mention Gretchen Rubin’s book, The Four Tendencies. You can learn more about her and her work here → https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-four-tendencies/Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

I was hanging out with an old friend recently and telling him about Abby and my annual reflection practice. My friend said, “you do that with your wife?” and he sounded surprised.It was at this moment I realized what I thought was normal, was perhaps not normal for many people. A lot of people reflect on the year or make goals for the new year but they often do this exercise for work or for personal but aloneEvery year in December or January Abby and I go for a hike, date and reflect on the last year. We ask very specific questions so we can celebrate the meaningful stuff, grieve and feel the hard stuff, and learn about ourselves, about our work, about each other, and about our kids so we can show up more aligned with our values in the next year.My friend asked me for the questions we ask each other and the framework for how we reflect on the year and plan for the next one so we decided to put it into a podcast and share it with all of our friends here.If you want to make it super easy, you can listen to this podcast and let us be your guide as you and your spouse go through it together! Just pause the episode after each question so you and your spouse can answer it.Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

I know only a handful of people who aren’t intimidated or outright scared of having a hard conversation with someone.In fact this is a skill Abby and I are practicing this year. It’s something we’re much better at than we used to be but we’re still intimidated and scared about having a hard conversation.The good news is, anyone can have a hard conversation and not get completely taken out by it. All you need are a few tools in your tool belt and to develop the skills to do it.In this episode Abby and I share a personal story about having hard conversations this year in our own lives and the tools we used and the skills we developed along the way that have made us feel confident and at peace instead of anxious and scared when it comes to having tough conversations.Would you like to feel at peace and confident as you prepare to have your next hard conversation? Then press play and get ready to take some notes!Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

This episode first went live last year in December of 2024 and we’re publishing it again this year because people found it so inspiring to consider new experiences vs traditions!It’s the most wonderful time of the year!We love Thanksgiving and Christmas around here and we have some cherished family traditions that we look forward to every year.For some of you though, I know that the holidays can be a difficult time for you and this is where trying new experiences can be helpful. Too many of us sit around thinking about painful traditions and holiday memories or maybe the loss of someone who’s no longer around to celebrate. Trying something new with some of the same people or completely new people is a great way to break out of that painful pattern and make a new memory.We also like to try new experiences with our kids to see what sticks and what becomes a funny memory that we may or may not do again.Tune in to this episode to spark you’re own imagination for your family traditions and maybe you’ll even consider trying a new experience with your family this holiday season too!Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

This episode first went live last year in November of 2024 and we’re publishing it again this year because people found it so helpful for navigating the holidays with family!If you are dreading the upcoming holidays because time with extended family often feels draining and awkward we recorded this episode just for you!Your hosts Coleman and Abby will share funny and painful stories from their extended family holidays with you and the tools they use now to keep themselves safe and sane when gathering with extended family over the holidays.What if you could enjoy the holidays this year regardless of how everyone else behaves? You can! In this episode, we’ll tell you how we do it and how you can do it too.Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected]’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

We (Abby and I) recently hit one of those parenting walls where our strategies and tools that had worked well up to this point were not working anymore.We believe in the power of contribution in our home and in our family. Society and humans are better when we’re connected and contributing, not just to ourselves but to each other.But lately, the house has been a mess more often than not. Chores were not getting done and all the ways that Abby and I were trying to encourage, motivate, and get our kids to do what we wanted them to do were not working anymore. Our highest energy compliant child was still doing their chores and frankly picking up some of the slack that the other two kids were leaving behind. The compliant child, like me and Abby was starting to feel resentment about it. We had to find a better way to encourage and motivate contribution in our home.So, I went on the hunt to better understand motivation and how we as humans orient to expectations and I found Gretchen Rubin’s book, The Four Tendencies. In the book she describes how each of the 4 tendencies orient to expectations and how we as their parents can align with our kids motivations and help them build a habit of contribution.We’ve been putting the ideas in the book to the test by practicing new strategies with our kids over the past 2-3 months with excellent results and we wanted to share with you how we’re doing it and what’s working for us so you can do the same in your home with your kids!Four Tendencies Cheat Sheet For Parents → https://gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Four-Tendencies-One-Sheet-Children.pdfFour Tendencies Quiz → https://gretchenrubin.com/four-tendencies/Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

You can make regulating your nervous system easier by taking better care of your physical body.If you know how to drop into your body and process your emotions, bringing your nervous system back to regulation but you’re not sleeping at night, you’re going to have to work a lot harder to regulate your emotions.If you can take 10 minutes and do a thought download to observe your thoughts and get to know yourself better but you’re not regularly and consistently moving your physical body, regulating your emotions will be much harder to do.The way in which you care for (or don’t) your physical body matters and will either make it easier or harder for you to regulate your emotions.Everything we talk about in this podcast episode costs you nothing but your time and the willingness to build new habits or slightly adjust your routine each day.The reward is a physical body that can handle dysregulation in yourself and in other people because its well taken care of.Ready to build a physical foundation so regulating your emotions feels easier?Listen now!Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

Have you ever found yourself keeping track of your spouse’s shortcomings? Or waiting for them to change so you can finally relax, feel loved, or be okay?If you’ve ever thought:They make me feel anxiousorIf they’d just listen better, I wouldn’t get so upset.It’s likely that you too are plagued by this very common mindset in relationships.I know we (me and Abby) have been plagued by this mindset, especially in the first decade of our marriage and it’s pretty corrosive to the health of our relationship with each other.Curious to learn more? Listen now!We quote Dan Allender, Sue Johnson, and Esther Perel in this episode:Sue JohnsonDan AllenderEsther PerelHave a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

What if emotions aren’t as messy and unpredictable as we think they are?What if the way your emotions work could be rationally and logically explained?And what if you could completely change your life by learning how to interpret and regulate your emotions?This is exactly what my coaching client, Sam did! Listen now to hear his story.Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

Abby and I argued for years over one, surprising thing: to avoid having an impact on the other person that wasn’t purely positive.Wait, what?! Why would we fight about this?Because we were both trying to be selfless. We really wanted to serve the other person and take care of them and in the process we stopped taking care of ourselves (because wasn’t that the other person’s job now that we are married?)So we stopped asking for things we wanted, like time alone or time with other friends (without our spouse), and even time together. We tried to become selfless and this only resulted in more arguments and less connection.In this episode we refer to Dr. Becky Kennedy as one of our parenting heroes, you can find her here: https://www.goodinside.com/about/Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

What was it like for you growing up?Did you feel like you were adequately prepared and supported as you transitioned from being a child to growing into an adult?What about life skills? As an adult did you find that you knew how to manage yourself and your life so you could feel at peace and safe no matter what happens?Were you given autonomy and agency as you entered your teenage years or did your parents tighten the reigns of control over you even more?Whatever your experience, I bet we all can agree that there are things we would want to improve on for our kids!Now let’s talk about what you want for your kids.How would you like your kids to transition from being a child to becoming an adult?How would you like to support them in this very important life shift?What would it look like for you to create a rite of passage for your kids?Our oldest turned 12 this year and we’ve built a rite of passage plan for her that will span this next year with challenges and tasks for her to complete along the way. We want to welcome her into the world of women and make sure that she feels supported by her community!The book we refer to in this episode is called 12 Tasks.Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

Abby and I are no longer in the baby and toddler season of parenting but we remember it fondly and with a lot of pain. 😂It wasn’t until our 3rd and final child was a toddler that we started practicing the most important skill and man, it made all the difference. Before that we were often blown by the winds of chaos when our first two daughters were babies and toddlers because we didn’t know how to do it any other way. In this episode we’ll share how you can survive and even feel better in the midst of the chaos and sleep deprivation of the baby and toddler season of parenthood.As we reflect on that season of our lives, there were 3 things we learned and started practicing that made the most positive difference for our well being, our own peace and sanity during this demanding season of life.If you’re a parent of babies or toddlers, we see you. We made this episode for you! Our hope is that your season of parenting the little ones can be even better than ours since we didn’t learn some of these skills until our youngest was a toddler.Ready to make one of the hardest seasons of life a lot better? Listen now!Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

Are you a ventaholic (yes, we made up a word)?Do you enjoy a good vent session? I know I do. 😬Do you find yourself venting about the same things, people, challenges over and over again?IT’S A TRAP! 🪤Venting is a trap. We find ourselves eating tasty treats but after we’re done venting nothing has actually changed (in the real world) unless we do something about it. So we stay stuck in the venting cycle which has non trivial downsides to it.If you’re curious and want to learn more about how venting isn’t all that healthy for you or your relationships, this episode is for you!Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

When’s the last time you heard or said, “I’m really tired” or maybe, “why am I so tired today?”How about when someone asks how you’re doing and you answer, “Tired”.We wear tiredness like a shield and saying we’re tired often lets us opt out of naming what’s really, truly going on for us.In this episode Abby and I get personal, sharing our own stories of shielding ourselves with “tired” instead of admitting that we’re feeling lonely or mentally drained.We’ll share some of the tools we use to help us recover when we’re feeling physically, mentally or emotionally tired. The treatment is different based on which tired you’re feeling and it’s very personal, based on your temperament and personality.If you want to learn how to recover quickly when you’re feeling tired and get to the root of what you’re feeling, (the thing underneath the tired) then you’ll love this episode!Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:[email protected] to book a free coaching call?Find a time here → https://calendar.app.google/CnogbPVEiXvThLeCAHere’s where you can find us online:Websites:https://www.colemanhousefield.com/https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.comInstagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com