Famalam: Christian Parenting Tips from Parents and Kids

Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy & Toby Robinson

Famalam: Faith and Mission and Love and Mayhem! Famalam is a weekly show hosted by Gareth and Lizzy Robinson — joined by their adult children Daisy, Lucy and Toby — exploring how Christian faith shapes real family life. Across honest discussions and stories, the whole family reflects on parenting, discipleship at home, communication, boundaries, screen time, church life, and raising kids with Christian values. With bonus guests and the kids’ own perspectives, this is a space for every parent who wants to grow a stronger, faith-filled family. Connect with us: Instagram: @famalampod Email: hello@famalampod.com

  1. 4 days ago

    Pastor's Kids Part 3: Raising Children in Ministry | Rich & Kath Johnson

    How can church leaders raise children who love Jesus without feeling crushed by the pressures of ministry? In the third episode of our Pastor's Kids series, Gareth, Lizzy and Toby are joined by Rich and Kath Johnson to explore what it means to raise children while leading a church. Drawing on years of ministry and family life, they share honest stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement for parents seeking to build a healthy home while serving others. Rich and Kath discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of raising children in a church leadership family. From funny moments to navigating church conflict, confidentiality, and public expectations, they reflect on how ministry can shape family life—for better and for worse. The conversation explores how parents can create healthy boundaries between church and home, protect quality family time, and help children develop a genuine faith of their own. They also discuss the importance of trusted mentors, supportive church communities, and giving children space to be themselves rather than feeling pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations. Throughout the episode, Rich and Kath remind parents that perfection isn't the goal. By modelling authentic faith, admitting mistakes, and trusting God with their children's journey, ministry families can create homes where children flourish both spiritually and emotionally. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, ministry volunteer, or simply interested in raising children with a resilient faith, this episode offers practical encouragement for building healthy families while serving the local church. We’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! About Famalam: Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

  2. 16 Jul

    Pastor's Kids Part 2: Dating, Faith, and Life in the Vicarage ⭐

    What was it really like dating, growing up, and finding your own faith as a pastor's kid? In this follow-up to our popular Pastor's Kids episode, Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby dive deeper into the realities of growing up in a ministry family. They share honest stories about life in a busy church household, the pressures of living in the public eye, and the unique challenges of navigating relationships, identity, and faith when your parents lead the church. The conversation explores everything from bringing someone home to the vicarage for the first time to learning when family conversations had to remain confidential because of church ministry. They discuss how ministry shaped family life, why trust was so important, and what it was like growing up surrounded by church members who often felt like an extended family. The family also reflect on one of the biggest questions for any Christian parent: how does family faith become personal faith? Through stories of youth camps, church conferences, university life, and difficult seasons, they share how each of them came to develop their own relationship with Jesus, separate from their parents' faith. Along the way, they offer practical encouragement for parents in ministry, church leaders, and anyone raising children in church. They discuss healthy boundaries, creating space for honest questions, supporting teenagers as they become independent, and why every child needs the freedom to discover faith for themselves. Whether you're a pastor's kid, serving in church leadership, or simply raising children in a Christian home, this episode is an honest conversation about family, faith, relationships, and growing up in church. We’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! About Famalam: Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

  3. 8 Jul

    What It's Really Like to Grow Up as a Pastor's Kid

    What is it really like to grow up as a pastor's kid? In this honest and heartfelt episode, Gareth and Lizzy are joined by Daisy, Lucy, and Toby to reflect on their experiences of growing up in a ministry family. Together they explore the unique joys, pressures, and privileges of being pastor's kids (PKs), sharing funny stories, difficult moments, and the lessons they've learned along the way. The conversation covers everything from living life in the public eye and navigating other people's expectations to finding your own identity and developing a personal faith that isn't simply inherited from your parents. The Robinson children reflect on what helped them most, what they found challenging, and how church communities can better support children growing up in ministry families. They also discuss the importance of healthy boundaries between family and ministry, creating safe places where children can be themselves, and the value of trusted mentors outside the immediate family. Throughout the episode, they celebrate the many positives of growing up in church, while honestly acknowledging some of the unique pressures that pastor's families can experience. Whether you're raising children while serving in church leadership, you're a pastor's kid, or you're simply interested in healthy Christian family life, this episode offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a reminder that every child needs space to develop their own relationship with Jesus. We’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! About Famalam: Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

  4. 2 Jul

    How One Church Turned a Podcast into a Parenting Movement

    Can a podcast really help transform family life? In this episode, Gareth talks with Adam and Amanda about how their church used the Famalam podcast as the starting point for a parenting movement that has encouraged families to build their lives around Jesus. What began as listening together has grown into Sabbath rhythms, parenting workshops, school events, and intergenerational gatherings that are helping parents put faith into practice at home. Adam and Amanda share how they adapted simple ideas from the podcast into practical resources for families, creating opportunities for parents, children, and grandparents to grow in faith together. They explain why keeping spiritual practices simple, accessible, and intentional has helped families engage without feeling overwhelmed. The conversation explores how churches can better support parents through family discipleship, community events, and partnerships with local schools. Adam and Amanda also discuss the value of creating spaces where parents feel encouraged rather than judged, and why authentic relationships are at the heart of helping children and young people develop lasting faith. Whether you're a parent, church leader, children's worker, youth leader, or volunteer, this episode is full of practical ideas for helping families encounter Jesus beyond Sunday services. You'll come away inspired to think differently about faith at home, church community, and how small, intentional practices can make a lasting difference. We’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! About Famalam: Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

  5. 25 Jun

    Behind the Podcast: Family Life, Faith, and the New Wine Festival

    What’s been happening behind the scenes at Famalam? In this episode, Gareth and Lizzy share a family and podcast update, reflecting on recent life events, lessons from the Spiritual Practices series, and some exciting plans for the months ahead. They discuss how they're trying to put practices like prayer, Sabbath, simplicity, generosity, and community into action in everyday family life, and some of the challenges and joys that come with that journey. The conversation also looks ahead to upcoming podcast episodes and a busy summer season, including preparations for the New Wine Festival, where Famalam will be recording a live podcast and meeting listeners face-to-face. Gareth and Lizzy share what they're looking forward to, how listeners can get involved, and why community remains such an important part of building family life around Jesus. Along the way, they reflect on parenting, faith, church life, and the realities of trying to follow Jesus in the middle of busy family schedules. This is a relaxed, behind-the-scenes conversation designed to keep listeners up to date and invite them into the next chapter of the Famalam journey. Whether you've been listening from the beginning or have recently discovered the podcast, this episode offers a chance to hear what's happening in the Robinson family, what's coming next, and how you can connect with the growing Famalam community. We’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! About Famalam: Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

  6. 18 Jun

    How Spiritual Practices Can Transform Your Family Faith

    What difference do spiritual practices actually make in everyday family life? In this special episode, Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, and Toby look back on the last ten episodes exploring spiritual practices and reflect on what they've learned about building a family life centred on Jesus. Together they discuss how simple, intentional habits can shape faith over time and help families grow deeper in their relationship with God. Drawing on conversations about prayer, Scripture, silence, stillness, Sabbath, simplicity, community, service, generosity, and fasting, they explore the common threads running through each practice. The discussion highlights how spiritual formation is less about perfection and performance and more about creating space to encounter Jesus in everyday life. The family reflect on the importance of modelling faith for children and teenagers, recognising that young people often learn more from what they see than from what they are told. They also discuss the role of community, accountability, and consistency, and why small, sustainable habits are often more powerful than dramatic spiritual commitments. Whether you're just beginning to explore spiritual disciplines or looking to deepen existing family rhythms, this episode offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a reminder that every spiritual practice is ultimately designed to draw us closer to Jesus. This episode will help Christian parents and families take practical next steps in building a faith-filled home, creating rhythms that support spiritual growth and lasting discipleship. Key topics covered: Why spiritual practices matter for family faithLessons learned from ten conversations on spiritual formationHow to model faith for children and teenagersThe role of community and accountability in spiritual growthWhy starting small is often the best approach to spiritual disciplinesHow practices like prayer, Scripture, silence, fasting, and Sabbath point us back to JesusPractices discussed throughout the series: PrayerScriptureSilence and StillnessSabbath and RestSimplicityCommunityServiceGenerosityFastingIntentional Spiritual FormationWe’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! About Famalam: Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

  7. 11 Jun

    Fasting for Families: Teaching Kids Self-Control and Faith

    What does fasting actually mean — and how can families practice it in healthy, life-giving ways? In this episode, Gareth, Lucy, and Toby explore the spiritual practice of fasting, unpacking its biblical foundations, practical applications, and role in helping Christians grow in self-control, prayer, and spiritual maturity. Together they discuss why fasting has been part of Christian discipleship for centuries and why it remains relevant in a culture built around comfort, convenience, and instant gratification. The conversation explores different types of fasting, including food fasts, the Daniel Fast, and other forms of self-denial, while emphasizing that fasting is ultimately about creating space to focus on God rather than simply going without something. They discuss how fasting can strengthen prayer, increase spiritual awareness, and help believers develop greater freedom from habits and distractions. The episode also considers how families can introduce age-appropriate forms of fasting and self-denial for children and teenagers. From limiting screens and treats to practicing intentional sacrifice during seasons like Lent, they share practical ideas for helping young people develop resilience, gratitude, and spiritual discipline. They also address important considerations around fasting and mental health, encouraging wisdom, grace, and personal discernment. Finally, they explore the often-overlooked joy of feasting and celebration, reflecting on how ending a fast can deepen gratitude and appreciation for God's provision. This episode will equip Christian parents and families with practical ways to explore fasting, self-denial, and spiritual growth together, helping children and teenagers learn to put Jesus first in everyday life. We’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! About Famalam: Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

  8. 4 Jun

    Teaching Kids to Serve: Following Jesus in Everyday Family Life

    How do we help children and teenagers discover the joy of serving others? In this episode, the team explores the spiritual practice of service, sharing biblical insights, personal stories, and practical ways families can build a culture of serving at home and in their communities. Together, the conversation unpacks why service is much more than volunteering or church activities — it is a daily way of living that reflects the heart and example of Jesus. Drawing on stories from family life, they discuss how small acts of service — helping with shopping, doing household chores, supporting neighbours, or showing kindness to friends — can shape character and teach children the importance of humility, generosity, and responsibility. The episode highlights how service becomes part of family culture when parents intentionally model it and invite children to participate. The conversation also explores the connection between service and generosity, encouraging families to see everyday opportunities to put others first. Particular attention is given to helping teenagers develop agency, responsibility, and a growing awareness of the needs of people around them. Ultimately, this episode reminds us that service is not simply another activity to add to a busy schedule. It is a way of following Jesus that transforms relationships, strengthens communities, and helps children grow into compassionate, outward-looking adults. This episode will equip Christian parents and families with practical ideas for nurturing servant-hearted children and building a family culture that reflects the love of Jesus through everyday acts of kindness and generosity. We’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe! About Famalam: Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

4.1
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Famalam: Faith and Mission and Love and Mayhem! Famalam is a weekly show hosted by Gareth and Lizzy Robinson — joined by their adult children Daisy, Lucy and Toby — exploring how Christian faith shapes real family life. Across honest discussions and stories, the whole family reflects on parenting, discipleship at home, communication, boundaries, screen time, church life, and raising kids with Christian values. With bonus guests and the kids’ own perspectives, this is a space for every parent who wants to grow a stronger, faith-filled family. Connect with us: Instagram: @famalampod Email: hello@famalampod.com

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