High Performance Parenting | Biblical Wisdom for Raising Leaders of Faith, Character, and Purpose
If you’re a Christian parent who wants to raise kids with unshakable character, strong values, and deep faith but feel unsure of how to build that culture at home consistently, you’re in the right place. On High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis take you behind the scenes of their own family of eight to share real strategies, biblical wisdom, and practical tools for parenting with confidence and purpose. Each episode helps you strengthen your marriage, lead your children with clarity, and build a home where faith, discipline, and unity thrive, no chaos, no confusion, no burnout.
Stop Rescuing Your Kids From Disappointment | #169
When your child experiences failure, disappointment, or rejection, what's your first instinct?
Do you step in and fix it? Make excuses? Try to make the pain disappear?
Or do you help them learn how to overcome it?
In Episode 169 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis continue their conversation about one of the biggest lies parents believe: that our children's happiness should always come first.
This week, they share two real-life parenting experiences.
First, they revisit their daughter Bella's costly driving mistake and explain how they helped her...
The Parenting Lie That Could Be Holding Your Kids Back | V168
Every parent wants their children to be happy. But what if making happiness your biggest parenting goal is actually holding your kids back?
In Episode 168 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis launch a new conversation about The Lies Parents Believe, beginning with one of the most common beliefs in parenting:
“I just want my kids to be happy.”
Happiness isn't a bad thing. But when parents constantly remove obstacles, prevent discomfort, and rescue their children from consequences, they may also remove opportunities to develop responsibility, resilience, maturity, and character.
Your Kids Will Inherit More Than Your Last Name | V167
Your children will inherit more from you than your last name.
They'll inherit your family culture.
Every family has one—but most families never intentionally build it.
In Episode 167 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis wrap up their conversation about creating a home atmosphere and family culture that strengthens relationships for generations.
This time, they're getting practical.
How does your family handle conflict?
How do you celebrate each other?
What happens when someone fails?
How do you apologize?
...
Your Kids Will Never Forget How Home Felt | V166
Your children may forget what they got for Christmas.
They may forget hundreds of dinners.
They may forget individual conversations.
But they'll remember how home felt.
In Episode 166 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis explore the atmosphere parents intentionally—or unintentionally—create inside their homes.
Is your home peaceful?
Joyful?
Encouraging?
Safe?
Or does it often feel stressful, critical, disconnected, or unpredictable?
Greg and Jacquie share practical examples from their own family, including the standards they main...
How to Build a Family Your Adult Kids Want to Come Home To | V165
When your children are 30 years old, will they want to spend time with you—or will they come home because they feel obligated?
That question can change how you parent today.
In Episode 165 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis talk about something that becomes increasingly important as children grow:
The transition from raising obedient children to building relationships with connected adults.
Rules change.
Curfews disappear.
Chores eventually disappear.
But hopefully, the relationship remains.
So what makes children want a lifelong re...
When Should Parents Push Their Kids? | V164
Every parent wants confident kids.
But what if confidence isn’t something parents can simply give their children?
In Episode 164 of High Performance Parenting, Greg Francis and his daughter Crissy close out their Champion Mindset series with an important parenting lesson:
Confidence isn’t built by compliments. It’s built by competence.
Crissy looks back at several experiences her parents pushed her toward—even when she was scared, resistant, or didn’t understand why.
Joining the worship team.
Starting Super Kids.
Trying out for varsity te...
Your Reputation Isn’t Who You Are | V163
What happens when your child is doing the right thing—but other people still misunderstand them?
In Episode 163 of High Performance Parenting, Greg Francis continues his Champion Mindset conversation with his daughter Crissy, exploring a powerful distinction:
Your reputation is what other people think you are.
Your character is who you really are.
Crissy shares honestly about being intense, competitive, and committed to working hard—and how not everyone around her appreciates that.
Instead of shrinking herself to gain approval, she’s learning to stay focused on becoming the person...
The Words Your Child Says to Themselves Matter | V162
What is your child saying to themselves when they make a mistake?
“I’m terrible at this.”
“I’ll never get it.”
“Maybe I’m just not talented enough.”
Those statements may sound harmless in the moment—but repeated negative self-talk can begin shaping what a child believes about themselves.
In Episode 162 of High Performance Parenting, Greg Francis continues his Champion Mindset conversation with his daughter Crissy as they explore the connection between self-talk, mental toughness, preparation, discipline, and performance.
Crissy openly shares that she can be her own worst...
Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Won't Work | V161
Are champions born with something the rest of us don't have—or can a champion mindset be built?
In Episode 161 of High Performance Parenting, Greg Francis sits down again with his daughter Crissy to talk about her mindset journey as she prepares for her junior tennis season.
After experiencing injuries, heartbreaking losses, difficult matches, and opponents with more natural ability, Crissy has discovered something powerful: Talent alone doesn't determine how far you go.
Mindset matters.
Preparation matters.
Discipline matters.
Mental toughness matters.
And your choices ma...
Stop Protecting Kids From the Experiences That Build Confidence | 160
Why do so many teenagers look confident on the outside while struggling with insecurity on the inside?
In Episode 160 of High Performance Parenting, Greg Francis sits down with his 15-year-old daughter Crissy for Part 2 of their conversation about entrepreneurship, responsibility, purpose, and what actually builds confidence in kids.
Crissy shares what she's learned from starting businesses, selling products at art fairs, building SuperKids, competing in tennis, learning from failure, and taking on responsibilities she once didn't think she could handle.
And her perspective on teenage confidence might surprise you.
In this...
Dreamers vs. Doers: What Are You Raising? | V159
What happens when you stop waiting until your kids are adults to teach them entrepreneurship, leadership, responsibility, and service?
In Episode 159 of High Performance Parenting, Greg Francis sits down with his 15-year-old daughter Crissy to talk about the business and ministry she began at just 13 years old: Redwood Super Kids.
Super Kids serves children ages 2–12 through live online gatherings designed to help kids understand how much God loves them while developing character, confidence, communication skills, friendships, and faith.
But this conversation goes far beyond the business.
Crissy shares what building something of...
How Strong Families Solve Problems Together | V158
What makes a family truly strong?
It's not having fewer problems.
It's learning how to solve problems—together.
In this final episode of the High Agency Parenting series, Greg and Jacquie Francis explain how families can intentionally create a culture where responsibility, resilience, ownership, and problem-solving become everyday habits.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why high agency is built through daily family cultureHow parents model resilience during difficult seasonsResponding to setbacks without blaming or panickingTeaching children to ask, "What's our next move?"Why solution-focused families thrive through adversityHelping ch...Raising Kids Who Focus on What They Can Control | V157
Life isn't always fair.
Your child will face difficult teachers, unfair coaches, rejection, failure, and disappointment.
The question is… how will they respond?
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis continue their conversation on High Agency Parenting, sharing practical ways to help children stop making excuses and start solving problems.
In this episode you'll learn:
How to Raise Kids Who Solve Problems | V156
What if one of the greatest gifts you could give your child wasn't protection—but the confidence to solve hard problems on their own?
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis introduce one of the most important concepts parents can teach: high agency.
Instead of raising children who blame circumstances or wait for someone else to fix things, learn how to raise kids who take ownership, solve problems, and confidently move forward.
In this episode you'll discover:
What high agency really meansWhy rescuing children can unintentionally create dependencyTeaching ki...Why Grace Changes Family Relationships | V155
Sibling conflict is inevitable.
Sibling division doesn't have to be.
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis are joined again by daughters Chrissy and Abby to discuss how their family intentionally builds strong sibling relationships, even during busy summers when everyone is spending more time together.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why sibling relationships require intentional investmentPractical ways children naturally connect with one anotherHow shared activities strengthen family bondsWhen to give siblings space instead of forcing connectionWhy grace is essential during conflictHelping children communicate instead of reacting emotionallyRaising...The Secret to an Intentional Summer | V154
Should kids spend the entire summer relaxing?
Or is there a better balance between rest, growth, and unforgettable family memories?
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie are joined by daughters Chrissy and Abby to share how their family intentionally structures summer so their children continue growing while still having an incredible time together.
In this episode you'll learn:
How to balance summer freedom with healthy structureWhy "work before play" creates greater enjoymentHelping kids develop responsibility without overwhelming themTeaching entrepreneurship through real businessesWhy reading and learning shouldn't stop during...The Family Culture Every Parent Is Creating | V153
Every family has a culture.
The question is... is it intentional?
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis explain how the everyday experiences inside your home shape your children's identity, relationships, and future far more than you may realize.
You'll discover:
Parenting Isn't About Perfection—It's About Standards | V152
Families rarely fall into chaos overnight.
More often, they slowly drift because of small compromises that become accepted over time.
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis discuss how family culture is formed through consistent standards, intentional leadership, and everyday parenting decisions that often seem insignificant but produce lifelong results.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why small compromises eventually become family cultureThe importance of bedtime routines and family connectionHow respect is taught through everyday interactionsWhy consistency matters more than convenienceThe hidden danger of lowering family standardsCorrecting behavior with...Creating Milestones Your Kids Will Never Forget | V151
The teenage years don't have to be something parents fear.
They can become one of the most meaningful seasons of family life when approached with intentionality.
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis share the special traditions they use to celebrate their children's transition into the teenage years and discuss how to prepare kids for this exciting new season without rushing them into adulthood.
In this episode you'll discover:
• Why celebrating milestones builds confidence
• The traditions their children look forward to at age 13
• Helping kids embrac...
God Chose You for This Season | V150
No family is built without mistakes.
In this deeply personal episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis share some of their lowest parenting moments, the lessons they learned, and how God's grace transformed their family.
If you've ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you from becoming the parent your children need, this episode is for you.
Inside this conversation:
• Breaking unhealthy generational patterns
• Learning from mentors with healthy families
• Why intentional parenting changes everything
• Letting God's Word become your parenting foundation
• The parenting mistakes that forever changed Gr...
Family Success Is Built, Not Found | V148
What separates families that simply survive from families that truly thrive?
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis answer questions from an upcoming leadership panel and reveal the intentional systems, habits, and biblical principles that have helped shape their family over the past 17 years.
In this episode you'll learn:
The moment they knew family was their God-given missionWhy successful families don't happen by accidentThe importance of weekly family team meetingsHow forgiveness strengthens family cultureWhy structure creates freedom instead of restrictionBuilding family systems that actually workMatching your intentionality at home with...The Family Culture You're Fighting For | V147
Culture is shaping your children every single day—but parents still have the greatest opportunity to lead.
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis wrap up their discussion on why they started the podcast and share the heart behind their mission to equip families to thrive.
In this episode you'll discover:
Why leadership must begin at homeHow intentional parenting creates lasting changeThe balance between discipline and connectionWhy structure brings freedom instead of restrictionBuilding a marriage that strengthens your parentingRaising children with a Kingdom perspectiveProtecting your family from today's cultural pressures...
Why Discipline Is Actually Love | V146
What if your greatest parenting goal wasn't simply raising successful kids—but raising children who always know where home is?
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis unpack one of the foundational reasons behind this podcast: helping parents build peaceful, connected, Christ-centered homes that create lasting family legacies.
You'll discover:
Why discipline is an act of love—not punishmentHow healthy identity is formed in childrenWhy your kids are God's children firstCreating a home your children always want to return toBuilding generational faith instead of temporary successWhy intentional parenting changes everythingTh...
The Ball You Can't Drop
Life is full of responsibilities—but not all of them carry the same weight.
In this clip from Episode 145, Greg and Jacquie Francis explain the powerful analogy of "juggling life's balls" and why your marriage is one relationship you can't afford to neglect. Careers, schedules, sports, and activities all compete for your attention, but a healthy marriage creates the foundation for a healthy family.
When parents intentionally invest in each other, they create security, stability, and a lasting example for their children.
A strong family begins with a strong marriage.
🎧 Watch the f...
Our "Why" Behind High Performance Parenting | V145
Every great parenting journey begins with a "why."
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis share the deeply personal story behind why they started this podcast—and why helping families has become their life's mission.
From initially fearing parenthood to raising six children, they discuss:
- Why they almost chose not to have kids
- Learning to parent without healthy examples
- The challenges of strong-willed children
- Building a united marriage while raising a family
- Why understanding your child's personality changes everything
...
Comfort Culture Is Hurting Kids | V144
Do children really need more freedom—or more structure?
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis discuss why discipline, clarity, and consistency are some of the greatest gifts parents can give their children. They explain how emotional reactions can damage trust, why kids thrive when expectations are clear, and how intentional parenting develops future leaders.
You'll also learn why comfort culture is creating challenges for today's generation and how responsibility, resilience, and accountability build confident children who are prepared for the real world.
In This Episode:
✔ Why disc...
Stop Drifting and Start Leading | V143
What separates thriving families from struggling families?
Intentional leadership.
In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis explain why leadership must begin inside the home before it can impact the world. They discuss the dangers of passive parenting, the importance of creating clear family standards, and why children need strong boundaries, consistent expectations, and unified parents.
Whether you're raising toddlers, teenagers, or preparing for future generations, this episode offers practical wisdom for building a family culture that develops confident, resilient, faith-filled children.
In This Episode:
✔ Why le...
If Parents Aren't Intentional, Culture Will Raise Their Kids | V142
Why did Greg and Jacquie Francis start High Performance Parenting?
After decades of coaching families, athletes, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, they saw a growing problem: culture was increasingly influencing children more than parents were.
In this powerful episode, Greg and Jacquie discuss the mission behind High Performance Parenting and why intentional family leadership has never been more important. They explore the dangers of passive parenting, cultural drift, people-pleasing, and the importance of telling the truth with love.
If you've ever wondered why raising strong, confident, faith-filled children feels harder today than it did...
What to Do When Life Doesn't Play Fair | V141
What do you do when the competition isn't fair?
In this powerful episode of High Performance Parenting, Chrissy, Abby, and Bella continue sharing their journey through State Tennis Championships and reveal the mindset that helped them overcome adversity, questionable calls, pressure-packed moments, and intense competition.
Parents and athletes alike will learn valuable lessons about integrity, resilience, mental toughness, teamwork, and staying focused when circumstances don't go your way.
The girls share how they responded when an opponent made a questionable call, how they regrouped during a critical tie-breaker, and what it felt like...
Winning the Mental Battle Before You Win the Game | V140
What do you do when everything is on the line?
In this powerful episode of High Performance Parenting, Chrissy, Abby, and Bella Francis share lessons learned from competing at District Tennis Championships and qualifying for State. From heartbreaking losses to pressure-packed matches, they reveal how mindset, resilience, confidence, recovery, and family support helped them persevere through one of the toughest weeks of their athletic careers.
Parents will discover practical ways to help children overcome setbacks, manage pressure, and develop the mental toughness needed to succeed in sports, school, faith...
Why Every Family Needs Long-Term Goals | V139
What does your family look like 10 years from now?
In Part 3 of this powerful goal-setting series, Greg and Jacquie Francis explore the importance of creating a long-term vision for your family, faith, finances, relationships, and future legacy. They share personal examples of how their family's dreams have evolved over time, how God often redirects our plans toward something even better, and why writing down your goals creates momentum toward the future you desire.
You'll discover why intentional families thrive, how goal setting creates stability for children, and how to...
The Future We're Building Together | V138
In Episode 138 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie share a unique and powerful exercise that challenged them to imagine what life could look like 10 years from now.
Through Jacquie's Legacy Project, they explore:
What intentional family leadership looks likeBuilding a lasting family legacyStrengthening marriage over decadesRaising children who become strong adultsCreating businesses that serve peopleLeaving an impact for future generationsStaying healthy and active for the long haulThey also discuss exciting future dreams, including:
✔ Redwood Manmaker
✔ Redwood Woman Maker
✔ Super Kids
✔ High Performance Family Podcast
✔ Mult...
Raising Kids With the Future in Mind | V137
In Episode 137 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie discuss one of the most powerful exercises they've ever experienced:
👉 Building a 10-year vision for your life and family.
They unpack:
Why every family needs a destinationHow intentionality shapes future outcomesThe connection between goals, actions, and family cultureWhy mindset and environment matter more than most people realizeHow to help kids navigate the transition into adulthoodWhy children need mentorship long after they turn 18Greg and Jacquie also share their heart for helping their children move from ages 17 to 27 with confidence, support, and intentional guidance.
T...
The Parenting Habit That Builds Emotional Security | V136
In Episode 136 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis unpack the importance of affection, emotional connection, and intentionally modeling healthy relationships in front of your kids.
They discuss:
How emotional connection creates peace and security in the homeWhy some families unintentionally model emotional distanceThe importance of hugs, encouragement, hand-holding, and healthy touchWhy affection shouldn’t disappear as kids get olderHow parents teach children what love and relationships should look likeGreg and Jacquie also share practical stories about:
✔ Holding hands with their kids
✔ Showing affection as husband and wi...
The Hidden Parenting Problem Most Families Ignore | V135
In Episode 135 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis break down why most homes don’t suddenly become chaotic overnight.
👉 It happens slowly.
Through:
Small compromisesUnaddressed behaviorsDelayed correctionEmotional reactionsLack of systems and routinesThey discuss:
How laundry, chores, disrespect, interruptions, and clutter reveal deeper culture issuesWhy parents must address issues early instead of exploding laterHow proactive leadership creates peace and consistencyWhy “survival mode parenting” creates chaosThe importance of defining a healthy family rhythmGreg and Jacquie also share practical examples from their own...
The Emotional Habits That Separate Great Athletes | V134
In Episode 134 of High Performance Parenting, Greg Francis and daughter Crissy unpack one of the most overlooked keys to athletic success:
👉 Emotional intelligence.
They discuss:
Why emotional control matters more than raw talentHow athletes lose mentally before physicallyThe impact of frustration, blame, and emotional spiralsHow discipline and consistency become a superpowerWhy emotional habits determine performance under pressureHow mentally strong athletes break opponents emotionallyCrissy also shares a powerful tennis tournament story where she came back from being down 0-3 in a set by staying emotionally composed while her opponent emotionally unraveled.
Thi...
Teaching Kids to Handle Pressure & Failure | V133
In Episode 133 of High Performance Parenting, Greg Francis sits down with daughter Crissy to talk about one of the most overlooked parts of youth sports:
👉 The mental game.
They discuss:
Why athletes often lose mentally before physicallyHow pressure affects performance in sports like tennis and golfWhy focusing only on outcomes creates anxiety and self-doubtThe difference between success and excellenceHow emotional spirals happen after lossesWhy resilience requires processing emotions in healthy waysHow athletes can learn to recover from setbacks fasterCrissy also shares her personal experience after losing in the finals of a major tou...
The Right Way to Step In for Your Kids | V132
In Episode 132 of High Performance Parenting, Jacquie Francis sits down with Abby and Bella to talk about a difficult but important parenting question:
When should parents step in and advocate for their kids?
After a season of hard work, respect, discipline, strong effort, and winning their challenge matches, the girls found themselves in a confusing situation around the final tennis roster.
This episode covers:
How to help kids communicate with coachesWhen parents should let kids handle things themselvesWhen it may be time for parents to step inHow to advocate without being entitledWhy...The Parenting Traits That Set Athletes Apart | V131
In Episode 131 of High Performance Parenting, Jacquie sits down with daughters Abby and Bella for an honest conversation about:
👉 What it really takes to raise athletes with character, discipline, and emotional stability.
This episode explores the behind-the-scenes reality of competitive sports — not just physical performance, but:
Work ethicRespect for coachesCommunication skillsEmotional maturityFamily supportExcellence in preparationAnd one major lesson stands out:
How your kids show up matters just as much as how they perform.
The girls share what they’ve learned this season navigating difficult coaching situations, unclear fairness, emotion...
How to Build a Strong Family (Step-by-Step) | V130
In Episode 130 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis give parents a clear, step-by-step system to build a strong, stable home.
They break down:
Why strong families are built on systems — not motivationHow clear standards eliminate confusionWhy daily structure creates stabilityHow consistent discipline builds responsibilityWhy intentional connection keeps your family strongThe importance of repetition and over-communicationThey also share real-life examples:
Setting clear expectations for behaviorCreating rhythms for busy family lifeHolding kids accountable with consistent follow-throughMaking time for intentional one-on-one connection👉 If you don’t build systems, your home will default to chaos.<...
