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

We are thrilled to welcome Ruth Chou Simons back to the podcast today! I am so excited to talk with her about her beautiful new children's book, Home Is Right Where You Are. Our conversation is rich with Ruth’s wisdom and practical advice for parenting in every season of family life.

Since this conversation was recorded, one of Ruth’s sons, Judah, was in a serious mountain biking accident. God is good and he is home after extensive surgery, but please join me in praying for Judah’s continued recovery.

Here is what Ruth and I discuss in today’s episode:

• How to create a home filled with God's presence and the importance of discipleship in everyday family life.
• The evolving journey of parenting and how to navigate various stages of family life with grace and intention.
• Practical tips from Ruth on raising boys to love Jesus (but applicable to girls, too!), with a focus on being present and keeping promises to your children.
• The process of launching children into adulthood and the value of sibling relationships.

Ruth Chou Simons is a bestselling author, artist, and speaker, known for her works GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She founded GraceLaced, an online shop that combines her artwork and devotionals, offering spiritual encouragement to others. As a mother of six boys, Ruth often speaks about grace, faith, and family, providing practical wisdom for parents who seek to raise their children with a deep love for Christ.

Join us for this heartfelt and practical conversation filled with Ruth’s wisdom on parenting, discipleship, and creating a home where God's love is always present.

Connect with Ruth:

Instagram:

@ruthchousimons

@gracelaced

Website:

www.gracelaced.com

https://ruthchousimons.com/

Resources Mentioned:

Home is Right Where You Are

White Bird

Chapters

(03:00) Navigating Parenting Seasons

(06:11) The Importance of Home and God’s Presence

(09:01) Discipling Children in Faith

(11:54) Tips for Raising Boys to Love Jesus

(14:54) The Challenge of Presence in Parenting

(17:47) Launching Kids into Adulthood

(21:12) Sibling Relationships and Family Bonds

(24:11) Lessons Learned from Parenting

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

Every once in a while, I love to have a guest who shares a powerful story of God’s faithfulness, and today is just that. I’m joined by Kenisha Nichelle, who opens up about her journey of grief, loss, and God’s continual provision. Kenisha shares her personal story of losing both her parents at a young age, navigating life and parenting without them, and how God has faithfully guided her through the pain. There are some tough topics in this episode, so please be mindful of little ears!

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

• Kenisha’s story of losing her parents and how trusting God through her grief led to unexpected blessings.
• The unique challenges of parenting when you’ve lost your own parents and how to find strength in God.
• How Kenisha’s leap of faith after her loss led to a flourishing career in the sports industry and a life filled with purpose.
• Balancing life, sports, and self-care as a parent, with actionable advice from Kenisha’s journey.

Kenisha Nichelle is a dynamic professional in the sports industry, and her life story is a testimony to God’s faithfulness through loss and grief. After losing both of her parents, she has leaned on her faith to navigate parenting, career, and personal growth. Her passion for life and her unwavering trust in God make her an inspiring figure for anyone who has experienced loss.

Kenisha’s journey is filled with hard moments, but her story is beautiful and full of hope. I’m sure you’ll feel encouraged in your own faith and empowered in your story after hearing from her today. There are some tough topics in this episode, so please be mindful of little ears!

02:36 Faith and Family

05:04 Parenting Without Parents

07:41 Finding Community and Support

11:36 The Role of Faith in Kenisha's Life

16:21 Trusting in God's Plan

20:48 Career in the Sports Industry

27:28 Balancing Sports, School, and Life

30:11 Advice for Parents

32:09 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Connect with Kenisha:

https://kenishanichelle.com/

@kenishanichelle

Resources Mentioned:

Christian Parenting store

White Bird movie

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

If you've been around the podcast for a while, you know I love practical tips that help us parent in a way that honors God and makes life a little easier. Today’s episode is FULL of that! I’m sitting down with Dr. Kelly Cagle who is now a fast friend of the podcast! We’re diving into how to help our kids become lifelong learners—not just in school but in all areas of life.

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

• How to encourage your kids to be lifelong learners, not just in academics but in life skills and personal growth.
• Kelly emphasizes that parents are the number one teachers in their children’s lives and play a key role in shaping their character and abilities.
• Practical tips on how understanding your child's strengths and weaknesses can help you parent more effectively and guide their development.

Dr. Kelly Cagle is a podcaster, researcher, and parent coach with a PhD in education. Her passion is to equip parents with the tools they need to raise lifelong learners and well-rounded children. With her extensive background and practical insights, she helps parents understand their role as educators in their children’s lives.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you guide your kids in learning and growing in every area of life. I hope you find it as encouraging and helpful as I did!

Time Stamps

03:00 Understanding and Nurturing Each Child's Unique Strengths and Weaknesses

08:45 Teaching Life Skills through Everyday Activities

17:59 Being Choosy and Prioritizing What Matters

27:59 Resources for Supporting Lifelong Learning

Connect with Dr. Kelly Cagle

https://www.instagram.com/drkellycagle/

https://www.drkellycagle.com/

Resources mentioned

Parenting IQ podcast on apple

Parenting IQ podcast on Spotify

Back to School workshop

Christian Parenting store

White Bird movie

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

One of my favorite conversations on this podcast was with Sandra Stanley about her book Parenting: Getting It Right, and I still go back to it often. So, when I had the opportunity to talk with Sandra again, this time joined by her daughter Allie, I knew I couldn’t pass it up! We’re diving into building strong, healthy relationships between mothers and daughters.

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

• How to foster open communication and maintain a close relationship with your daughter, especially during those challenging teenage years.
• We discuss the pressures and fears teen girls face, like comparison, identity formation, and the fear of being alone—and how moms often share these struggles.
• Sandra and Allie offer practical guidance and activities to help you connect with your daughter and navigate these topics together.
• The importance of strong family relationships for both faith and personal growth, making this conversation valuable for every parent—whether or not you have a daughter.

About Sandra and Allie Stanley:

Sandra Stanley is the co-author of Parenting: Getting It Right and a trusted voice in Christian parenting, while Allie Stanley Cooney brings the perspective of a daughter who has experienced these formative years firsthand. Together, they’ve written Meet Me in the Middle, a book designed to help mothers and daughters strengthen their relationships and grow together in faith.

This conversation is packed with insights that every parent can benefit from, whether or not you have a daughter. I know you’ll walk away with practical tools and encouragement to foster connection and growth in your family.

Connect with Sandra and Allie:

https://www.sandrastanley.com/

Instagram: @standrawstanley

Instagram: @alliekaycooney

Resources Mentioned:

Meet Me in the Middle

Parenting: Getting It Right

Politics Simplified

A Life of Faith prayer journal

Christian Parenting store

If you're looking for practical ways to incorporate faith into your family’s daily life, you won’t want to miss this episode! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Christie Thomas, and we explored the power of small habits in building a strong faith foundation for our kids.

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

• Christie discusses the importance of starting with tiny habits and gradually growing in faith as a family.
• Find moments in your daily routine that can be redeemed for spiritual growth.
• Ideas for incorporating small faith habits include practicing Bible memory verses, praying blessings, and listening to worship music.
• Christie shares insights from her book Little Habits, Big Faith and other resources she offers to help parents nurture their children's faith.

Christie Thomas is passionate about helping parents build faith-filled homes. She is the author of Little Habits, Big Faith and provides practical resources for incorporating faith habits into their everyday lives. Christie’s approach is about making small, consistent changes that lead to significant spiritual growth.

Join us for this encouraging conversation, and discover how you can start building your family's faith one small habit at a time.

6:47 The inspiration behind 'Little Habits, Big Faith'

10:23 The Faith Growth Cycle: starting with a seed

26:45 Examples of tiny habits for parents

31:19 Christie Thomas' book and resources for parents

Politics Simplified free digital download!