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