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18 Summers: Podcast for Parents

18 Summers: Podcast for Parents

Jim & Jamie Sheils 190 Episodes Mar 31, 2026

The 18 Summers Podcast for Parents is hosted by Jim and Jamie Sheils, who aim to help families make the most of the limited years they have with their children. The show features personal and mindset-shifting stories from thought leaders in parenting, entrepreneurship, and related areas. It focuses on finding success in business without sacrificing family life. Jim and Jamie share their own experiences and lessons from guiding thousands of families toward the family life they want.

Episodes

Is Traditional Education Broken? Our Honest Thoughts on the School System
Is Traditional Education Broken? Our Honest Thoughts on the School System Mar 31, 2026 21:25 The debate around education is everywhere right now. With so many families championing a return to public school so children can "face adversity," we decided it was time to sit down and share our honest thoughts on the modern education system. In this episode, we explore the pros, cons, and missing elements of both traditional and alternative education. We discuss why the current school model ofte
Our Adoption Story: Foster Care, Private Open Adoption, and Blending a Family
Our Adoption Story: Foster Care, Private Open Adoption, and Blending a Family Mar 30, 2026 27:39 There is not just one path to growing a family. In this episode of 18 Summers, we sit down to share our honest, firsthand experiences with the different types of adoption. From navigating the uncertain and beautiful mess of foster care to pursuing a private open adoption and completing a step-parent adoption, we are laying it all out there. We discuss how we built a standout adoption profile, the
The Parenting Beliefs We Need to Question
The Parenting Beliefs We Need to Question Mar 15, 2026 15:51 Is the goal of parenting to keep our children happy? While it sounds like a noble objective, prioritizing constant happiness might actually be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we dive into the "happiness trap" and explore why a range of emotions, including disappointment and sadness is essential for a child's development. We break down the danger of over-scheduling, the necessity of fai
Parenting in the Age of AI
Parenting in the Age of AI Feb 25, 2026 15:23 Imagine walking past your teen's room and hearing them talk… but it's not to a friend. It's to AI. AI is not stealing our kids' relationships. It's doing something more subtle. It's making it easier to avoid building them. In this episode, Jamie and Jim tackle one of the biggest parenting questions of the last year: how do we guide our kids in a world where AI is always available, always responsiv
What Actually Builds Trust in a Blended Family
What Actually Builds Trust in a Blended Family Feb 19, 2026 18:43 Blending a family is not magical at first. It's two entire worlds trying to share one kitchen, one routine, and one emotional landscape. In this episode, Jamie and Jim break down the biggest mistake blended families make: trying to force the "we're one big happy family now" moment. They share the simple framework from The Family Board Meeting that helped them build trust, safety, and belonging ins
Why Family Trips Feel Exhausting and Why That's Okay
Why Family Trips Feel Exhausting and Why That's Okay Feb 16, 2026 18:24 Family trips are supposed to be magical. So why do they sometimes feel messy, chaotic, and completely exhausting? In this episode, Jamie and Jim unpack the real reasons parents avoid traveling with their kids. From schedule disruptions and budget fears to airport meltdowns and unexpected emergencies, they share honest stories from years of traveling as a growing family of seven. The truth? Travel
What Every Parent Should Know Before Adopting
What Every Parent Should Know Before Adopting Feb 14, 2026 17:31 Thinking about adoption? There are beautiful moments ahead, but there are also myths, pressure, and realities most people never talk about. In this deeply personal episode, Jamie and Jim Sheils share their own adoption journey as a blended family of five children, including adoption at birth and adoption at older ages. They break down the misconceptions, emotional pressures, bonding challenges, an
What School Will Never Teach Your Child
What School Will Never Teach Your Child Feb 12, 2026 20:47 Is school actually preparing your kids for real life… or just teaching them how to pass tests? In this episode, Jamie and Jim Sheils unpack the uncomfortable truth about modern education and why some of the most important life skills are never taught in a classroom. From emotional intelligence to financial literacy, they share the three core areas every child needs to thrive personally and profess
Intentional Value Strengthening For Your Family with Lee Benson
Intentional Value Strengthening For Your Family with Lee Benson Jun 18, 2025 39:58 Want a family that thrives, not just survives? Lee Benson breaks down his game-changing formula to turn everyday moments into lasting bonds. Tune in to learn how intentional dinners, distraction-free hangouts, and simple rituals can transform your household into a powerhouse of love, growth, and community.   Key takeaways to listen for Practical strategies for setting family goals and assigning m
Work-Life Harmony for Professional Parents with Scott Danner, AAMS®
Work-Life Harmony for Professional Parents with Scott Danner, AAMS® Jun 4, 2025 44:44 Balancing boardrooms and ball fields is no small feat. Scott Danner, AAMS®, demonstrates how he balances a high-octane career with parenting two teenage soccer players, navigating double-booked calendars, empty-nest moments, and home-based hacks. Learn about his four-pillar L.I.F.E. Model to stay aligned amid chaos and build a lasting legacy by tuning in!   Key takeaways to listen for What unexpe
How to Teach Kids Money Management Without Spoiling Them
How to Teach Kids Money Management Without Spoiling Them May 14, 2025 27:49 What if your kid's lemonade stand became a legit business? In this episode, we crack the "Education Matrix" code, turning allowances into assets, guiding kids to buy real estate, launch ventures, and master money without brewing entitlement. Get ready-to-use tools and stories to make you their first business coach.   Key takeaways to listen for Why everyday financial topics in conversations are v
Navigating the Joys and Challenges of Blended Families
Navigating the Joys and Challenges of Blended Families Apr 16, 2025 32:01 What does it really take to thrive as a blended family for over 14 years? In this episode, we share hard-earned lessons, honest stories, and the intentional practices that helped us navigate challenges and strengthen our bond. Tune in for practical advice on communication, connection, and creating unity in your blended family journey.   Key takeaways to listen for The value of effective communica

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