Is your home emotionally safe? In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, families are struggling more than ever with conflict, stress, and disconnection. In this episode, host Davies Owens sits down with Rob Hayes-St. Clair and Michael Cox, the duo behind the Core Four Framework and Parenting Made Peaceful, to discuss a better way forward.
Drawing from biblical truth, restoration therapy, and years of experience mentoring families and teens, Rob and Michael explain how identifying our own emotional pain cycles—and learning how to replace them with peace cycles—can radically transform the way we parent. You’ll learn how to recognize the four emotional “types” parents default to under stress, why your child’s behavior often mirrors your own unspoken patterns, and how to bring lasting change through truth-based communication and emotional regulation.
This isn’t about being ruled by emotions—it’s about understanding them and leading your family from a place of peace, not pain. If you’re looking for practical tools, biblical encouragement, and a path to stronger relationships, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Don’t miss next week’s episode with Joanna Hensley from Wilson Hill Academy on school-life balance!
Michael Cox is the proud husband of wife Coloma and father to their three sons. Native of New Mexico, he and his family have called Texas home for many years now. Ordained into the ministry in 2001, he has served as a Youth Pastor, Domestic Missionary, and Lead Pastor.
In 2008, Michael returned to school to complete his Master’s degree in Counseling, fulfilling his desire to work with individuals, couples, and families toward wellness and whole living.
Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a designation of Supervisor in the State of Texas, a Level 2 Certified Restoration Therapist, and seeks to utilize this training in assisting individuals, marriages, and families to discovering their God-given potential and to see it actualized. He has been in private practice and consulting since January of 2019 and utilizes a holistic approach in providing treatment.
Together with his wife, they conduct marriage seminars, coach couples in preparation for marriage, and walk with families seeking to live healthy lives. Additionally, he utilizes his 20+ years of working with young people to inform and drive his work with adolescent development and emotional regulation.
On a quarterly basis, Michael has the privilege of working with couples at The Hideaway Experience. This is an extension of the work he does on a daily basis. Uniquely, this experience combines his passion for ministry and training. Walking with couples through a difficult time in their lives within an intimate Christ-centered environment fills his cup.
Finally, He has extensive training in trauma-informed care, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems, and engages in ongoing professional development. Michael has a strong conviction that true and sustainable wellness is achieved in the context of family and/or community.
Connect with Michael:
Rob Hayes-StClair – Leader | Communicator | Program Innovator
With a background in business and over two decades of experience in transformational programs, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring parents and teens through JH Ranch, including launching its presence in New Zealand. My passion is helping families navigate life’s challenges through faith, purpose, and adventure.
I’ve been on a mission to help parents create lifelong connections with their teenage children. But it wasn’t always this way.
I used to be a reactive parent. No matter how many parenting books I read or strategies I tried, the pressures of life would catch up, and I’d find myself frustrated, short-tempered, and at odds with my kids. Deep down, I wanted to do better, but I didn’t know how.
Everything changed four years ago when I met a mentor who introduced me to the hidden relational dynamics behind emotional conflict. Applying these principles transformed not just my marriage but also my relationship with my kids.
Last year, I partnered with Michael Cox, a licensed therapist who has spent decades helping parents reconnect with their teenagers. Together, we developed the Core Four Framework, a practical, evidence-based framework that equips parents to communicate from peace instead of pain and frustration.
Today, our family is on the pathway to thriving, and I’m here to help yours do the same.