I’m so excited about today’s episode because I’m joined by Lydia Rex, a certified parent coach from the ministry Connected Families. This ministry is near and dear to my heart, and I can’t wait for you to hear all about their mission and the importance of grace in parenting.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The heart and mission behind this impactful ministry, Connected Families.  
• How grace plays a central role in guiding and disciplining our children.  
• Lydia opens up about her experiences with foster care, adoption, and how these have shaped her parenting approach.  
• Tangible tools and strategies to navigate difficult moments with your kids.  

Lydia Rex is a certified parent coach with Connected Families, a ministry dedicated to equipping parents with grace-filled approaches to guide their children. Her personal journey through foster care, adoption, and parenting has given her profound insights into the challenges and joys of raising children. Lydia combines her experiences with practical strategies to help parents navigate tough times and build strong, faith-centered family connections.

Connect with Lydia

https://connectedfamilies.org/

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Connected Families parent coaching

Connected Families courses

Give to Christian Parenting

Wild Interest podcast

(03:06) Understanding Connected Families

(06:08) The Role of Parent Coaching

(08:56) Experiencing Grace in Parenting

(14:57) Practical Strategies for Parenting Challenges

(17:56) Preparing and Recovering from Parenting Challenges

(25:10) Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents

(28:01) Final Thoughts and Resources

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

We are in the midst of a busy season for parents, which is exactly why this week’s episode is an important one to listen to! I am joined by Laura L. Smith and we are talking about the importance of slowing down and how adding spiritual practices can enrich our daily lives.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The gift of different parenting stages
• Practical steps to prioritize what matters in our busy lives
• The significance of adding spiritual practices like prayer and fasting into daily routines.
• How fasting is a way to remember our reliance on God and why setting intentions for fasting helps focus our spiritual journey.

Laura L. Smith is a popular speaker and best-selling author. The Urgency of Slowing Down is her fourteenth book. Smith speaks around the country sharing the love of Christ at conferences, churches, and events.

The conversation emphasizes that Jesus loves us unconditionally and encourages parents to find time for themselves and their relationship with God. I know you will leave it with some action steps to slow down, reprioritize some things, and deepen your relationship with the Lord.

With love,

Steph

(06:02) The Importance of Slowing Down

(11:57) Adding Spiritual Practices to Your Life

(17:50) Preparing for a Fast

(24:10) The Benefits of Fasting

(30:06) Conclusion and Resources

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Today’s episode is one you’ll want to listen to more than once—or grab a notebook and take some notes! I’m joined by Amanda and David Erickson from Flourishing Homes & Families. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• The importance of fostering trust and connection in your parenting approach.
• How discipline can be a meaningful part of guiding our children spiritually.
• Tangible tips for building strong family relationships and fostering emotional maturity in kids.
• Amanda and David share their own experiences and practical advice for implementing these principles in everyday parenting.

Amanda and David Erickson are the founders of Flourishing Homes & Families, a ministry dedicated to helping Christian families embrace grace-filled parenting. They are the authors of The Flourishing Family and are passionate about integrating the teachings of Jesus with modern neuroscience to create lasting and meaningful family connections.

This conversation is packed with wisdom and actionable insights. I know you’ll leave feeling encouraged and equipped to nurture trust, connection, and spiritual growth in your family.

Enjoy!

(03:05) The Role of Trust in Parenting

(05:52) Trust-Based Obedience Explained

(08:51) Navigating Obedience and Connection

(11:59) Creative Discipline Strategies

(14:56) Discipline as Discipleship

(17:50) Consequences and Repairing Relationships

(21:05) Modeling Repentance and Growth

(23:46) Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Connect with Dr. David and Amanda Erickson

Flourishing Homes and Families

Instagram

Resources Mentioned 

Flourishing Homes and Families

The Flourishing Family book

How to set up an Alexa routine

Wild Interest Podcast

Christmas Gift Guide

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Happy Thanksgiving week! We are so thankful for you, our listeners, and the time we spend growing in faith together. This podcast is a special place for us to be real, learn, and grow, and I am so grateful for every moment! This week, I am beyond thrilled to sit down with the one and only Bob Goff.  We’re diving into his newest book, Chasing Whimsy.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

• Insights on fostering faith in your family and raising kids with a love for God and life.
• How do you cultivate a spirit of whimsy and joy in your family life, and why does it matter?
• Embracing teachable moments and living with a sense of adventure, even in the everyday.
• Tips for recognizing and celebrating the unique differences of each of your children.

Bob Goff is a New York Times bestselling author, including works like Love Does and Everybody, Always. A former lawyer, he left his practice to pursue writing and speaking full-time. Bob’s infectious energy, storytelling, and heart for adventure and faith inspire people around the globe. He is also the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit dedicated to pursuing justice and hope for those in need.

This conversation is packed with laughter, wisdom, and practical ways to infuse whimsy, adventure, and meaningful moments into your family life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

With Love,

Steph

Chapters

(03:08) Living in Anticipation: Family Values and Faith

(05:55) The Role of Humor and Fun in Faith

(08:53) Creating Teachable Moments Through Shared Experiences

(11:48) Balancing Routine and Adventure in Parenting

(14:57) Understanding Individuality in Parenting

(17:47) The Importance of Genuine Interest in Children

(21:07) Navigating Love and Discipline in Parenting

(24:05) Embracing Whimsy and Wonder in Family Life

(26:54) The Legacy of Parenting and Grandparenting

(30:14) The Structure of 'Catching Whimsy' Devotional

(33:10) Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

I am thrilled to share today's episode with you! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cleere Cherry Reaves, our conversation was rich with insights and heartfelt moments, and I know you’ll love it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Navigating the complexities of parenting a child with special needs and the lessons learned along the way.
• Emphasizing the importance of leaning on God's plan and embracing grace in our parenting journey.
• Utilizing rituals and declarations to foster deep, meaningful connections and spiritual growth.
• We must be fully present with our children and cherish the moments we have with them.

Cleere Cherry Reaves is the owner and creator of Cleerely Stated, a successful online boutique whose inspirational products can be found in retail stores all over the United States. She also hosts the growing Let's Be Cleere podcast. Known for her relatable writing style, Cleere's mission is to help others see themselves and the world around them through the eyes of Jesus. Cleere and her husband, Will, live in Greenville, North Carolina, and welcomed their first child, Sledge, into the world in the summer of 2021. 

This conversation felt like catching up with an old friend; you’ll feel the same way. Enjoy!

(02:59) Parenting Journey and Special Needs

(05:59) The Complexity of Parenting

(09:05) Navigating Parenting Challenges

(11:56) The Importance of Surrender

(14:56) Decluttering Thought Lives

(18:06) Squirreling Out: Managing Overwhelm

(20:53) Intentional Declarations and Family Dynamics

(23:54) Practical Applications of Declarations

(26:58) Creating Family Rituals

(30:01) The Role of Grace in Parenting

(32:54) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Cleere

https://www.cleerelystated.com/

@cleerelystated

Resources Mentioned

Revive: Declarations of God’s Truth to Renew Your Spirit

Cleerely Stated Store

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting store

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

I am absolutely thrilled about today's episode! We have the honor of welcoming Sally Clarkson to the show—a voice that has profoundly influenced Christian parenting for many years. Her wisdom and approach have significantly impacted so many of us, and I have long admired her message on parenting.

We discussed her newest book, Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace. Sally shares invaluable insights on:

• Emphasizing our crucial role in nurturing our children.
• Reflecting on her own challenges and the growth that came from them.
• Discussing the joys and responsibilities that come with our role as parent.
• Offering practical advice on instilling faith and gratitude in our families.
• Sharing the joy of seeing her family carry on these practices in their own lives.

Sally Clarkson co-founded Whole Heart Ministries with her husband, Clay, where she serves as the women’s ministry director. She is the author of numerous popular books, including Own Your Life and Desperate (co-authored with Sarah Mae). As a mother of four, Sally has inspired thousands of mothers through her Mom Heart Conferences and small groups since 1998. 

This conversation is filled with gentle wisdom and practical advice. I hope you find it as enriching as I did.

(02:59) The Legacy of Parenting and Writing

(05:55) Embracing the Role of 'Queenie' in Family

(09:05) Challenges in Parenting and Reliance on God

(11:57) Daily Parenting Practices and Building Legacy

(14:59)The Importance of Unconditional Love

(17:59) The Joy of Grandparenting and Passing on Legacy

Connect with Sally

https://sallyclarkson.com/

At Home with Sally podcast

Resources Mentioned

Well Lived book

Christian Parenting store

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

We’ve reached the final week of our series on identity, and I’m thrilled to be joined by Jill Atogwe. She brings a wealth of wisdom on faith, fashion, motherhood, and more.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Parenting in a Digital Age: Jill shares practical insights on the unique challenges and opportunities of raising kids in a digital world.
• Teaching Diversity and Self-Acceptance:We discuss the importance of teaching our kids to appreciate diversity and embrace who they are.
• Faith and Identity: How our faith serves as the foundation for a healthy, Christ-centered identity.

Jill Atogwe is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur behind Gold and Graphite, where she shares her thoughts on faith, family, and style. She also authors The Gold Standard, a weekly newsletter focused on intentional living, and her children’s book Left Out encourages young readers to embrace uniqueness and inclusivity. Jill’s thoughtful approach to life and parenting makes her a trusted voice for families navigating faith and identity.

This conversation is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom, especially as we seek to raise children grounded in Christ in an ever-changing world. I can’t wait for you to listen!

(02:49) The Evolution of Influencing and Writing

(05:59) Navigating Social Media and Parenting

(09:01) Embracing Uniqueness in Children

(11:48) Faith and Identity in Christ

(15:00) Modeling Faith and Trust for Kids

(21:54) Practical Ways to Celebrate Uniqueness

(30:03) Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Jill:

https://goldandgraphite.com/

Instagram: @jillatogwe

Resources Mentioned

Identity Simplified

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Left Out by Jill Atogwe

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

We’re continuing our series on identity this week, with a focus on finding self-worth and confidence through Christ. Be sure to check out our Identity Simplified Guide on our website! This incredible resource compiles over 90 tools to help affirm your child's identity in Christ.

Ashley Henriott is a confidence coach and speaker whose mission is to empower others to discover their worth in Christ. Her inspiring story and practical approach to building self-worth and confidence make her a sought-after mentor and coach for parents and children alike.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Ashley shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a confidence coach, emphasizing the critical role faith has played in building self-worth.
• We discuss common confidence obstacles and how they impact both parents and kids.
• Ashley provides actionable ways to help kids embrace and celebrate their true selves in Christ.

Ashley Henriott is a confidence coach and speaker whose mission is to empower others to discover their worth in Christ. Her inspiring story and practical approach to building self-worth and confidence make her a sought-after mentor and coach for parents and children alike.

Join us for this inspiring conversation, and leave with practical tools to help both you and your kids embrace the confidence and identity found in Christ.

(03:02) Ashley’s Journey to Confidence Coaching

(06:01) The Role of Faith in Building Confidence

(08:57) Understanding Identity in Christ

(11:53) Confidence Killers: Comparison, Inaction, and Fear

(18:09) Empowering Our Children: Building Their Confidence

(25:01) Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

Connect with Ashley

Confidence is an Inside Job 

https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/

@ashley.henriott

Resources Mentioned

Identity Simplified

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Welcome back to Week Two of our series on identity! This week, we’re diving into a super important yet challenging topic: sexual and gender identity. I’ll be honest, having this conversation initially felt intimidating. But after hearing Rachel Gilson speak and reading her book, I knew she was the right person to guide us through this discussion.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Rachel emphasizes how our identity is ultimately tied to our relationship with God, which sets the foundation for navigating complex topics.
• We touch on the cultural elevation of romantic relationships to a place they were never meant to fulfill and how this impacts our understanding of intimacy.
• Rachel encourages us to point our children to Jesus as the true source of life and intimacy.
• A helpful tool introduced by Rachel for discussing difficult topics with your kids in a structured, compassionate way.

Rachel Gilson is a speaker, writer, and author of Parenting Without Panic in a LGBTQ-Affirming World and Born Again This Way. She shares her journey of coming to faith and navigating her sexuality, offering a unique and powerful perspective on identity in Christ. Rachel’s wisdom and vulnerability make her an invaluable voice for parents grappling with how to address topics of sexual and gender identity with their children.

This episode is filled with hope and encouragement, even as we tackle tough topics. I hope you feel as uplifted and equipped as I did after talking with Rachel!

(02:59) Understanding Identity in Relation to God

(05:48) The Pitfalls of Salvation by Romance

(09:02) Teaching Children the True Source of Life and Intimacy

(12:03) The 'Yes, No, Yes' Framework for Difficult Conversations

(19:21) Parenting from Love and Grace

(24:50) Supporting Children with Same-Sex Attraction

(27:17) Continual Communication and Love

(30:57) Living the Gospel

Connect with Rachel

RachelGilson.com

Resources mentioned

Parenting Without Panic in a LGBTQ-Affirming World

Born Again This Way

Identity Simplified

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Jay Holland, another Christian Parenting Podcast Network host. His wisdom, kindness, and the way he is led by the Holy Spirit are evident in everything he does.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Jay shares the importance of both parents and kids understanding their identity in Christ, modeling this concept as a foundation for family life.
• How parents can focus on Jesus' character to understand their identity and guide their children in understanding theirs.
• Jay offers practical, solid ideas on how to talk to your sons and daughters about their identity in Christ.
• Jay offers a beautiful reminder that parenting is not a sprint but a marathon. It requires endurance, pacing, and taking care of ourselves along the way.

Jay Holland hosts Let’s Parent on Purpose and Guided by Faith and serves as a family and student pastor. As a husband and father, he brings wisdom, compassion, and Spirit-led guidance to his conversations. Jay’s heart for helping parents and kids find their identity in Christ is truly inspiring, and he has contributed discussion guides for Identity Simplified, a new Christian Parenting digital resource for helping families talk about identity.

Check out the Identity Simplified guide and enjoy this insightful conversation with Jay. I know you’ll leave feeling equipped and encouraged for your parenting journey.

(02:50) Parenting as a Marathon: Endurance and Pacing

(11:05) Understanding Identity in Christ: A Foundation for Parenting

(18:50) Affirming Children's Identity: Made in the Image of God

(25:49) Modeling Repentance and Grace: A Parent's Example

(33:04) Finding Security in Identity: Looking to Jesus

(35:10) Biblical Conversations on Identity: Guiding Children and Teens

Connect with Jay:

Let’s Parent on Purpose website

Let’s Parent on Purpose Podcast

Guided by Faith

Guided by Faith website

Social media: @letsparentonpurpose @guidedbyfaith_podcast

Resources mentioned:

Identity Simplified

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Today’s episode is a special treat as I introduce you to someone near and dear—my podcast producer and fellow podcast host, Jeanette Tapley! Jeanette hosts the Moms at Work podcast, part of the Christian Parenting Network, and she brings so much joy and wisdom to every conversation. 

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Whether you’re a working mom of little ones or navigating the teen years, Jeanette shares how to find joy in each stage of parenting.
• We discuss preparing for different parenting stages, so there’s something valuable here, even if you’re not in your teen years yet.
• Jeanette offers practical advice on setting rules that work for your unique family dynamic and keeping your family’s priorities in check.
• Jeanette shares some of her favorite wisdom for parenting through various seasons, helping us stay grounded and joyful.

Jeanette Tapley hosts the Moms at Work podcast, where she connects with moms balancing work, life, and family. As a podcast producer and speaker, she brings her warm, relatable style to every conversation, making everyone feel like chatting with a friend. Jeanette’s heart for encouraging moms in their daily lives shines through in her practical advice and joyful approach to parenting.

Join us for this fun and insightful episode where you’ll feel like sitting down for coffee with a trusted friend and mentor.

(03:25) Balancing Work and Parenting

(11:28) Setting Rules and Boundaries

(17:14) Navigating the Digital World

(18:23) Challenges of Parenting Teens

(19:08) Establishing Rules and Priorities

(22:25) Transitioning from Parenting to Mentoring

(23:22) The Joy of Seeing the Lord Move in Their Lives

(27:06) Trusting God and Having Faith in Difficult Times

(30:16) Fostering Strong Relationships with Your Teenager's Friends

(35:20) Choosing Your Battles Wisely in Parenting

Connect with Jeanette:

jeanettetapley.com

Instagram: @jeanettefreakingtapley

Tiktok: @jeanettetapley

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org