The Christian Parenting Podcast - Motherhood, Teaching kids about Jesus, Intentional parenting, Raising Christian kids

What if one of the simplest ways to disciple your children was as easy as pressing play? In this episode of our discipleship series, we're looking at another practice that research from Lifeway identified as having a significant impact on helping children develop a lasting faith: listening to Christian music. Steph is joined by Jason Houser, Executive Director of Seeds Kids Worship, a ministry that has spent more than two decades helping families hide God's Word in their hearts through Scripture-based worship music. Together they explore why music has such a powerful influence on our hearts, how worship songs create natural opportunities for conversations about God, and why Christian music isn't just something to listen to on Sunday—it can become a simple rhythm that shapes your family's faith every day. Resources Mentioned Seeds Kids Worship Dedicated by Jason Houser Calming Your Anxious Child Thanks-Living: Embracing the Power of Gratitude Every Day Hands on Bible Christian Parenting's latest prayer journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation (PS You can also listen to Pardon the Mess podcast each Monday starting September 14th to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal.) Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if one of the most important things you can do for your child’s faith is help them become part of the church, not just attend it? In this episode of our discipleship series, I’m joined by Sarah and Eric Holmstrom to talk about why regularly serving in church can have such a lasting impact on our kids’ faith. Sarah and Eric share how serving has shaped their own family, why kids are never too young to begin, and practical ways to help children discover where their gifts and personalities fit within the church. We also talk about what to do when your child doesn’t want to serve, why more is often caught than taught, and how to create a family culture of serving without making it feel like something we do to earn God’s love. If you want your kids to know they have a place and a purpose in God’s kingdom, this conversation will encourage you to move beyond simply going to church and help your family become an active part of it. Resources: Calming Your Anxious Child Thanks-Living: Embracing the Power of Gratitude Every Day Hands on Bible Raising Prayerful Kids book Christian Parenting's latest prayer journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation (PS You can also listen to Pardon the Mess podcast each Monday starting September 14th to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal.) Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Steph continues the discipleship series by exploring one of the strongest predictors of lasting faith: regular prayer. We know prayer is important, but many parents feel unsure where to begin or worry they aren't "good enough" at praying out loud. In this episode, Steph sits down with author Erica Renaud to talk about how prayer becomes the foundation of a child's relationship with God. Together they discuss practical ways families can incorporate prayer into everyday life, how to move beyond memorized prayers without abandoning them, and how to help children navigate unanswered prayer with trust in God's character. Whether your children are preschoolers, teenagers, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers simple encouragement to help your family grow closer to God through prayer. Resources Mentioned Website Pray With Me book Raising Prayerful Kids book The Creation of Us Hands on Bible The Secret Life of Christians Prefer video? You can also listen to Pardon the Mess podcast each Monday to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal beginning September 14th! The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Bible can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to read it with your kids. Where do you start? How do you help them understand it? And how do you make it something they actually enjoy? In this episode, Steph continues the discipleship series by exploring one of the strongest predictors of lasting faith: regularly reading Scripture at home. Joined by Andrew and Charlotte Ollerton, authors of God's Story, Our Story, they discuss why understanding the Bible as one unified story changes everything. They also share practical ways to make family Bible reading simple, engaging, and consistent without adding guilt or pressure. If you've ever felt intimidated by opening the Bible with your children, this conversation will encourage you to start small, stay faithful, and trust God to use his Word to shape your family's faith for years to come. Resources Mentioned God’s Story, Our Story book God’s Story, Our Story journey cards The Creation of Us Hands on Bible Maker of the Mountain Get your copy of our latest prayer journal Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today! Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Every Christian parent wants to raise kids with a lasting faith, but with so much parenting advice available, it's easy to wonder where to focus your time and energy. In this episode, Steph kicks off a special discipleship series by sitting down with Janet Magruder of Lifeway Christian Resources to discuss the groundbreaking research behind the book Nothing Less. After years of studying what influences children who grow into adults with a vibrant, enduring faith, the research points to a handful of practices that consistently make the biggest difference. If you've ever wondered what matters most when it comes to discipling your kids at home, this conversation will encourage you to let go of the pressure to do everything and instead invest in the things that have the greatest lasting impact on your child's faith. Resources Mentioned Lifeway Kids Instagram Kids Ministry Calling podcast Lifeway research The Creation of Us Hands-On Bible The Adventure Bible I Love You, Little Light Get your copy of our latest prayer journal Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today! Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The college years can be one of the most defining seasons in a young person's faith. So how can parents prepare their kids to stand firm long before they leave home? In this episode, Steph sits down with longtime college ministry leader Paul Worcester to discuss the spiritual habits that help faith last. They talk about the power of Scripture memory, daily time in God's Word, the challenges today's college students face, and practical ways parents can train, not just teach, their teens to follow Christ. Paul also shares how his new Bible study, Thrive, equips college students and young adults to build a faith that is grounded in Scripture and prepared to withstand the challenges of this pivotal season. Whether your child is heading to college soon or you still have years to prepare, this conversation will encourage you to invest in the kind of faith that endures Resources Mentioned Thrive Bible Study Instagram GenSend Podcast Campus Multiplication Network The Creation of Us Hands-On Bible The Adventure Bible Get your copy of our latest prayer journal Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today! The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you ever received an answer to prayer only to discover it was much harder than you expected? In this episode, author Melissa Miller talks about "change fatigue," the emotional exhaustion that can come even during the seasons we've prayed for. Melissa shares her family's adoption story, the surprising challenges that followed, and how God met her in the middle of overwhelming change. We talk about why Christians often feel guilty admitting that good change is still hard, how Scripture validates those experiences, and practical ways to process complicated emotions with God. If you've ever felt grateful and overwhelmed at the same time, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone and that God's grace meets you right where you are. Resources Mentioned But I Prayed for This book Melissa’s website Instagram Substack Hands-On Bible The Adventure Bible Bridging Resilience Get your copy of our latest prayer journal Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today! Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Artificial intelligence is changing the way our families learn, work, communicate, and even seek advice. For many parents, it feels like this technology appeared overnight, leaving us wondering how to help our kids navigate it wisely. In this episode, combat veteran, speaker, and author Ben Peterson sits down to discuss why AI is more than a technology conversation. It's a discipleship conversation. Together we explore how parents can embrace the benefits of AI while protecting the God-given roles of family, community, creativity, and the Holy Spirit in their children's lives. If you've wondered where to draw healthy boundaries with AI, how to talk with your kids about using it for school, or how to raise children who seek God's wisdom before artificial intelligence, this conversation is for you. Prefer video? The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Teaching our kids Bible stories is important, but discipleship doesn't stop there. We also want our children to recognize God's guidance in their own stories, bring him into everyday conversations, and develop a genuine relationship with him that grows over time. In this episode, Bible teachers and co-authors Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer talk about helping kids move from simply knowing about God to experiencing life with Him. They discuss why stories are such powerful discipleship tools, how to answer kids' big questions about prayer and hearing God's voice, and simple ways parents can nurture faith at home. If you've ever wondered how to make faith feel more personal for your kids, this conversation is full of practical encouragement. Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we are joined by Scarlet Hiltibidal, who is the new host of Pardon the Mess. Scarlet is a wife, mom of four, author, speaker, and follower of Jesus who is passionate about helping parents see the gospel in the middle of everyday family life. In this episode, Scarlet shares about her own parenting messes, including loving each of her kids well in very different seasons and needs. We talk about the pressure moms feel to get everything right, the invisible report card so many of us carry, and the freedom that comes when we remember parenting is not about our performance, but about pointing our kids to Jesus. Scarlet also gives us a look at the new format of Pardon the Mess, where she will take one real parenting struggle each week and help parents untangle it through Scripture, stories, and one small faithful step. Resources Mentioned Scarlet’s website Christian Parenting Pardon the Mess podcast Shame-Free Sex Talks book The Adventure Bible Get your copy of Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today! Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Many Christian parents want to talk to their kids about sex and sexuality in healthy, biblical ways, but feel unsure where to begin. In today’s episode, Kelly Edmiston talks about how to move away from fear, silence, and shame-based messaging and instead help our kids understand the goodness of their bodies, God’s design for sex, and the importance of open, ongoing conversations in the home. We discuss how purity culture shaped many parents’ own experiences, why discipleship matters so much in these conversations, and how parents can build trust with their kids while still holding biblical convictions. We also talk about practical ways to make sex talks feel more natural and less intimidating for both parents and children. Notes: use your discretion when it comes to listening to this conversation with your kids present, we do use accurate terminology for body parts and sexuality. Kelly is the author of Shame-Free Sex Talks, is lead Pastor at Vineyard Church in Sugar Land, Texas and a mom of three kids. (00:00) Introduction to the Conversation (02:57) Navigating Sexuality Conversations with Kids (05:59) Understanding Shame in Sexuality Discussions (08:49) The Importance of Normalizing Conversations (11:55) Spiritual Sexuality: Integrating Faith and Sexuality (15:08) Values-Based Approach to Sexuality Education (18:04) Empowering Kids to Make Healthy Decisions (21:00) Hope for Future Generations (24:05 )Resources for Parents Resources Mentioned The Adventure Bible Substack Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by guilt after a hard parenting moment, this conversation will encourage your heart. In this episode, Abbey Wedgeworth talks about the fear many parents carry that they’ve somehow “ruined” their kids. We discuss parenting failures, repentance, repair, and the freedom that comes when we stop trying to be perfect parents and start trusting God’s grace. Abbey and I talk honestly about how community shapes us as moms, why repair matters so much in relationships with our kids, and how God can use both our faithfulness and our failures in the lives of our children. Abbey Wedgeworth is an author, Bible teacher, and speaker who encourages moms with gospel-centered truth and practical hope for everyday motherhood. Her newest book is called, Help! I’m Ruining My Kids. (02:52) The Fear of Ruining Our Kids (05:58) Understanding Conviction vs. Shame (09:00) The Power of Repentance (12:08) Navigating Apologies and Repairing Relationships (15:01) Excuses vs. Explanations in Parenting (17:55) Self-Care and Managing Stress (21:10) The Importance of Community in Parenting Resources Mentioned Help! I’m Ruining my Kids book Abbey’s website Instagram Healthy Mind Platter Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today’s episode, Christie Thomas is back to talk about the quiet strength of gentleness and why it matters so deeply in our homes. Christie shares how gentleness is not weakness or passivity, but strength held under control for the good of others. We discuss parenting through the fruit of the Spirit, responding instead of reacting, and how our kids learn about the character of Jesus through the way we handle frustration, conflict, and mistakes. We also talk honestly about the exhaustion of parenting, spiritual dry seasons, postpartum anxiety, worship as prayer, and simple ways to stay connected to God when you feel overwhelmed. This conversation is full of practical encouragement for parents who want to build homes marked by patience, safety, grace, and the gentleness of Christ. (00:00) Introduction to Christie Thomas and Her Journey (03:10) Understanding Gentleness: A Deeper Meaning (06:04) Gentleness in Parenting: Balancing Authority and Compassion (08:51) The Role of the Holy Spirit in Cultivating Gentleness (12:09) Discipling Our Children Through Our Actions (14:50) Practical Steps to Grow in Gentleness (18:05) The Impact of Gentleness on Family Dynamics (21:02) Resources for Growing in Gentleness (24:03) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources Mentioned Everyday Prayers for Gentleness book Little Shoots Deep Roots Instagram Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Motherhood is beautiful, meaningful, and holy work, but it can also leave moms completely exhausted. Somewhere between raising kids, managing schedules, carrying the mental load, and taking care of everyone else, many women slowly lose sight of themselves. In today’s episode, Allie Worthington is here for an honest conversation about burnout, identity, and why so many moms struggle to care for themselves without guilt. Allie shares wisdom from raising five boys into adulthood and offers practical encouragement for moms who feel overwhelmed, numb, or stuck in survival mode. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, disconnected, or like you’ve lost yourself in motherhood, this conversation will remind you that you matter too. (00:00) Introduction and Background (03:12) The Importance of Self-Care for Moms (06:01) Investing in Yourself: Overcoming Fear (09:01) Understanding Burnout vs. Tiredness (12:01) Practical Steps to Combat Burnout (15:06) The Role of Physical Health in Parenting (18:02) Tracking Health and Wellness (20:54) Final Encouragement and Resources Resources Mentioned The Alli Worthington Show Website Instagram Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide Sign up for Morning Minute Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode Michael and Angela DeAquino discuss the importance of pre-parental counseling, building a shared family vision, navigating disagreements in marriage, and understanding how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent. They talk honestly about family trauma, generational patterns, survival mode parenting, apologizing to our kids, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection. Whether you are preparing for your first baby, parenting young kids, or realizing you want to become more intentional years into parenting, this conversation offers practical encouragement and hope for every season. Michael and Angela are the founders of The Parenthood Project and authors of The Parenthood Primer, a resource designed to help couples prepare spiritually, emotionally, and relationally for parenting. (00:00) Introduction to Parenthood Preparation (03:08) The Importance of Pre-Parenting Counseling (06:12) Navigating Identity Shifts in Parenting (08:55) Communication and Alignment in Parenting (12:06) Reflecting on Upbringing and Family Values (14:51) Addressing Family Trauma and Patterns (17:49) The Long Game in Parenting (20:55) Practical Steps for Intentional Parenting (23:48) The Role of Community in Parenting (26:51) It's Never Too Late to Start (30:09) Conclusion and Resources Resources Mentioned The Parenthood Primer workbook The Parenthood Project Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide Sign up for Morning Minute Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Brad and Heidi Mitchell share wisdom from over 40 years of marriage and ministry on what it looks like to build a marriage rooted in prayer. We talk about why prayer is so impactful for both marriage and parenting, why it can feel intimidating to pray with your spouse, and simple, practical ways to begin. Brad and Heidi also share encouragement for couples who feel spiritually mismatched and how small steps of faith can lead to lasting change. Brad and Heidi are the founders of Build Your Marriage, a ministry dedicated to helping couples strengthen their marriages through Christ-centered resources, books, and conferences. Their book Build Your Marriage with Prayer is a fantastic resource to help you get started praying with your spouse! (00:00) Introduction to Marriage and Prayer (02:27) The Power of Prayer in Marriage (08:08) Overcoming Barriers to Prayer (11:59) Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage (16:46) Spiritual Warfare and Family Dynamics (19:29) Transformative Power of Prayer (25:12) Practical Steps to Start Praying Together (28:36) Resources for Strengthening Marriage through Prayer Resources Mentioned Build Your Marriage with Prayer book Build Your Marriage website Marriage articles by Brad and Heidi Instagram Facebook Open a LearningRX center Summer Reading Picks Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman share honestly about what 40 years of marriage has looked like through parenting, grief, counseling, career changes, and the constant transition of family life. We talk about how differences that once felt charming can become challenging over time, why repentance and humility have been essential in their marriage, and how they’ve learned to “bear with one another in love” through every season. Steven and Mary Beth also share about the role counseling, mentors, and Christian community have played in helping them navigate hard seasons together. They offer encouragement for couples who feel weary, disconnected, or discouraged, reminding listeners that marriage is not about perfection but about continually turning back toward each other and toward the Lord. Steven Curtis Chapman is a Grammy-winning Christian artist and songwriter, and together he and Mary Beth Chapman are authors, speakers, and longtime advocates for faith and family ministry. (00:00) Introduction and Family Update (03:09) Navigating Marriage Through Seasons (06:04) The Importance of Humility and Repentance (08:49) Seeking Help: Counseling and Mentorship (12:06) The Journey of Parenting and Grandparenting (15:07) Finding Joy in Long-Term Marriage (18:01) Encouragement for Struggling Couples Resources Mentioned Still Here book Steven Curtis Chapman website Mary Beth Chapman website Open a LearningRX center Summer Reading Picks Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Doug McKelvey shares how prayer and liturgy can become powerful tools for discipling kids through all of life’s stages, but specifically the transition to adulthood. We talk about the value of written prayers alongside spontaneous prayer, how ancient rhythms can help reorient our hearts in a noisy world, and why giving our kids words for their faith matters more than we might realize. We also discuss the challenge of releasing control as parents and learning to trust God with our children’s stories in every season. Doug is the author of the Every Moment Holy series, including his newest book, Rites of Passage, which offers liturgies designed to support young adults as they navigate life, identity, and faith. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Doug McKelvey (02:57) The Journey of Every Moment Holy (06:07) The Relevance of Ancient Prayers (08:55) The Shift in Prayer Practices (12:11) The Impact of Written Prayers (14:57) Supporting Young Adults in Transition (18:04) The Role of Parents in Young Adult Faith (21:06) Trusting God in Parenting (23:54) Conclusion and Resources Resources Mentioned Rites of Passage book Every Moment Holy books Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide Sign up for Morning Minute Open a LearningRX center Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I sit down with my two closest friends, Kelly Karpe and Kate Hann, for an honest conversation about how our parenting has changed over time. We talk about the expectations we had as young moms, how God reshaped our hearts through different seasons, and what it looks like to release control and trust God more as our kids grow. These women have known me for a long time, so we share personal stories about comparison, surrender, friendship in motherhood, the importance of community in raising kids who love Jesus, and our hopes for our families in the years ahead. Resources Mentioned Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide Sign up for Morning Minute Open a LearningRX center Prefer video? For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What do you do with yourself as your kids get older and your roles and rhythms begin to change? Parenting our kids while managing the shifting seasons of motherhood can feel overwhelming and weird! In this episode, Sarah Colbert shares wisdom on navigating time, identity, and priorities in the in-between years of parenting. We talk about how to balance caring for yourself, your family, and the everyday responsibilities of life, why so many moms feel stretched thin in this season, and how small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful transformation. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy