In their new book, "Raising a G-Rated Family in an X-Rated World," Brent and Phelecia Hatch, parents of seven, offer a whole new set of parenting skills and tactics specially designed for deployment by busy parents facing today’s issues.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
Brent and Phelecia both referred to their faith in God as giving them inner strength.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
Phelecia said she thinks parenting has tested her strength more than anything else she has faced. "I have learned that respect begets respect," she explained. In parenting, as in any relationship, Phelecia described, "It does take strength to compromise, but that is the best way to come to some kind of an understanding and show someone you care."
Brent said the hardest time in his life was when his parents disowned Phelecia and him just three months after the couple was married. While he acknowledged it actually took about 10 years to be able to deal with that completely, having the support of others and talking about the situation helped. One of the main reasons they wrote their book, “Raising a G-Rated Family in an X-Rated World,” he explained was to create a book that would strengthen their own resolve and put their commitment in writing. "Putting information about that incident in the book was also very therapeutic for me," according to Brent. "I hope that this is one of the things in the book that will help others to deal with similar hurts and to find greater strength."
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
Phelecia advised, “Never give up.” She said she thinks it is important to write down goals and keep them in sight so you have something to go to when your strength is faltering. She also suggested prayer. "I believe prayer helps people realize their potential."
Brent agreed about the importance of writing down goals down and then working on them one at a time. "That’s how I’ve accomplished everything I’ve done in my life," he said. "That’s how we wrote the book, developed and sold the Hug Card; that’s how I run my real estate business and how I started my Dr. Detail business — by writing goals down and then going after them."
Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
"Without inner strength," according to Phelecia, "you won’t be able to accomplish what you set out to do. Inner strength helps keep you moving forward."
Brent explained, "You have to have inner strength in order to be able to love and give to other people. You have to take care of yourself first and be happy with yourself, then you can help other people." He added, "As we discuss in our book, there are so many negative influences, so many negative attitudes in the media today and in the world around us, it is more important than ever to develop the strength within ourselves to be able to stand up for things that are positive and good."
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
The Hatch's primary goal, as stated in their book, is to raise a G-rated family in an X-rated world. Phelecia said they also have a family motto: to leave people better than they found them. "We’re just hoping to be able to make this world a better place."
From a professional perspective, Brent described his goal is to keep writing books and eventually do public speaking full time because there are so many families in need. "We don’t have all the answers," he said, "but the tools we share in the book have helped us so far."
