Garrett Erath on parenting, family life, and balancing work and family as a Christian business owner.
Key Takeaways
- Intentional family traditions and activities (e.g. national park trips) help shape children's values and experiences
- Embracing challenges and allowing kids to fail in safe environments builds resilience and problem-solving skills
- Establishing clear boundaries between work and family time, including a weekly Sabbath, creates stability and predictability
- Viewing both work and family as God-given callings helps balance priorities without conflict
Topics
Family Background and Structure
- Garrett and his wife Grace met in high school, and married after their junior year of college
- Four children: Amory (8), Gentry (6), Sally (3), Harvin (4 months)
- Lost a child, Deacon, between first and second living children
- Intentionally moved from busy city life to property with more space for family
Parenting Philosophy and Practices
- Include kids in family prayers for big decisions (e.g. building a new house)
- Prohibit the phrase "I can't" to encourage a problem-solving mindset
- Allow kids to fail safely at home to build resilience (e.g. bike jumps)
- Assign age-appropriate chores and responsibilities (e.g. chicken care)
- Start family business ventures to teach entrepreneurship (e.g. vending machine)
Balancing Work and Family
- Established firm boundaries on work hours (e.g. home by 6pm unless pre-planned)
- View both work and family as necessary goods called by God, not in conflict
- Implement weekly Sabbath (Sundays) with a predictable family routine
- Use Sabbath as an anchor point for family activities and connection time
Navigating Loss and Hardship
- Loss of child (Deacon) was transformative, shifted perspective on pain/hardship
- Realized blessing is knowing God, not the absence of challenges
- Uses experience to minister to others facing similar losses
- Sees hardships as opportunities for growth and deepening faith
Book Recommendation
"The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer
- Instituted value of rest and family time
- Led to the implementation of weekly Sabbath practice
Next Steps
- Continue cultivating intentional family time and traditions
- Maintain work-life boundaries and weekly Sabbath practice
- Further develop entrepreneurial ventures with children (e.g. vending machine business)
- Look for opportunities to use personal experiences to minister to others facing hardships
