If you have been listening to Running Ahrens for any length of time, you know we are not shy about sharing the real stories. We talk about the messy, beautiful, laugh-until-you-cry moments that come with running a business, parenting four wildly different kids, and trying (with varying degrees of success) to keep our marriage and sanity intact.

This week, we tried something brand new. For the first time, we flipped the mic and handed it to one of our kids. And not just any kid—our youngest, Ava.

If you know Ava, you know she does not tiptoe around a topic. She brings honesty, energy, and the kind of perspective only the youngest child can offer in a big, busy, sometimes chaotic family like ours.

What Happens When Your Kid Interviews You?

Let’s be real: we thought we were prepared. After all, we have spent years reflecting on our parenting wins, failures, and all the moments in between. But nothing prepares you for hearing your child, now an independent, outspoken young woman, describe your family, your rules, your quirks, and your mistakes right back to you, live on tape.

We asked Ava about everything: from the infamous “haircut coverup” to the secret sibling group chats, from what it means to be “the favorite” (her words, not ours) to how the rules changed with each child. She told us what it really takes to survive (and thrive) as the youngest. It takes thick skin, quick comebacks, and the ability to find humor in just about everything.

Lessons from the Youngest

Here’s the truth: parenting is not a science. It is a series of experiments. By the time we got to our fourth, we realized we were parenting a different kid, and, if we are honest, we were different parents. The rules had loosened, some boundaries had shifted, and we learned to let go of the idea that “fair” means “the same for everyone.”

Ava reminded us that every child, especially the youngest, sees the family through a unique lens. She was not overlooked, but she did learn how to make herself heard. She owned her independence, her sass, and even her mistakes. Hearing her talk about what she would emulate as a future parent (and what she would gladly leave behind) was humbling, hilarious, and deeply rewarding.

What We Are Grateful For

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to listen to our kids, especially when it pushes us out of our comfort zone. Ava’s honesty and humor are gifts to our family and, we hope, to everyone listening. It is a reminder that we get to keep learning and growing alongside our children, no matter how old they get.

We are grateful for you, too, our community of listeners who are walking this journey with us. Your support, your stories, and your willingness to show up and be real with us is what makes Running Ahrens so special.

Encouragement for You

No matter what season of family life you are in, know this: you are not alone. Parenting is full of trial and error. Each child is different. Each stage requires something new from us. The best thing we can do is stay present, keep laughing, and never be afraid to listen, really listen, to the ones we love.

Invite your kids into the conversation, ask the tough questions, and don’t worry if it gets a little messy. That is where the good stuff lives.

Top Takeaways from This Episode

The youngest child often sees and experiences a different family than the oldest. Embrace those differences.
Looser rules are not always a bad thing. Each child needs something unique.
Secret sibling chats and group texts are real, and they are hilarious.
Honest conversations with your kids can be both humbling and healing.
Sometimes, the best parenting moments happen when you stop talking and start listening.
Family stories are powerful. Share them, celebrate them, and learn from them together.
There is no such thing as a perfect parent, but there is always room to be a present one.

The Real Gift: Vulnerability

Inviting Ava into this conversation was both a little scary and a lot beautiful. She challenged us, made us laugh, and gave us a glimpse into how our parenting looks from the other side. She reminded us that, at the end of the day, the legacy we are building is not about being perfect parents. It is about creating a family that is safe, supportive, and full of unconditional love (plus a healthy dose of sarcasm).

Your Turn

Whether you are raising your own crew, navigating the launch years, or simply trying to stay present for your family amid the chaos of business and life, we hope this episode encourages you to listen a little more, laugh a little harder, and maybe even hand the mic to your kids once in a while.

Running with you,
Justin & Sarah

P.S. Do not miss the end of the episode for a sneak peek at Ava’s new podcast, Ava’s Arena, where she is turning her boldness into a brand-new adventure.

EP 8: Baby of the Family, Boss of the Moment: Ava Takes the Mic