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

Christian Parenting
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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God’s love for them every day! But some days, it’s really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be. Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.

  1. Listening to truth in a world full of lies with Brendt Blanks

    2 DAYS AGO

    Listening to truth in a world full of lies with Brendt Blanks

    In this week’s episode Brendt Blanks shares how so many of us, especially moms, wrestle with thoughts that aren’t true. And if we’re not careful, those thoughts become beliefs. Brendt helps us learn how to pause, notice, and replace those lies with God’s truth, and her insight is incredibly freeing. Here are a few things we talk about: • How to recognize and disrupt negative thought cycles • Why scripture and worship are powerful tools for mental renewal • What it looks like to replace cultural lies with biblical truth • The importance of grace when change feels hard or slow This episode is full of practical steps and hopeful reminders and I hope it feels like a deep breath for your soul today. Brendt spent 17 years as a licensed marriage and family therapist before stepping into her new role as an author and content creator. Her debut book, Listen Closer: Believing God's Truth Over the World's Lies, invites women to quiet the noise of the world and tune in to the voice of God. She’s passionate about helping others understand their worth, embrace truth, and live with freedom. Listen in and don’t forget to check out the link to her book below! And if you’re enjoying these episodes, it means so much when you leave a review or share it with a friend. (00:00) Introduction to Family and Change (02:46) Navigating Parenting Transitions (05:35) From Therapist to Content Creator (08:38) Embracing Change and Fear (11:28) Common Lies Women Believe (14:14) Recognizing Negative Cycles (17:07) The Power of Scripture and Music (19:43) Practical Steps to Replace Lies (22:46) Final Encouragement for Parents Connect with Brendt https://shegaveitago.com Facebook Instagram Resources Mentioned Listen Closer audio book Listen Closer book Christian Parenting resources Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! 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 * Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    30 min
  2. Raising emotionally healthy kids with Debra Fileta

    23 SEPT

    Raising emotionally healthy kids with Debra Fileta

    If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to help your kids navigate their big feelings, or if you’re still figuring out your own emotional landscape, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Debra Fileta, and she’s bringing a fresh perspective from her brand-new children’s book, Any Day Emotions. We talk about raising emotionally healthy families, what it looks like to model emotional regulation as a parent, and why emotional intelligence is just as important as spiritual formation in our homes. Here are a few things you’ll take away from this conversation: Why our kids need names for their emotions and how language helps them growWhat it means to do your own inner work as a parent so you can show up with calm and compassionHow to model emotional resilience by being honest, but not heavy, with your kidsWhy helping kids manage emotions is not coddling, but preparing them for life and faithIf you want practical tools, biblical encouragement, and a gentle nudge to grow alongside your kids emotionally, this episode is packed with wisdom. And don’t forget to check out Debra’s new book Any Day Emotions, a beautiful resource for helping children learn to feel and heal. Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author of multiple books, including Are You Really OK?, Reset, and Choosing Marriage. Her work focuses on emotional and spiritual wellness, helping individuals and families heal from the inside out. Any Day Emotions is her first children’s book, written to empower kids with the tools they need to understand and manage their emotions in healthy, faith-filled ways. 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Health in Families 05:49 The Importance of Early Conversations 12:00 Encouraging Healthy Emotional Expression 18:05 Navigating Parent-Child Emotional Dynamics 23:55 Resources for Parents on Emotional Health Connect with Debra https://debrafileta.com/ Podcast Instagram Resources Mentioned Any Day Emotions Christian Parenting resources Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites 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 * Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    30 min
  3. When we can’t fix our kids’ hurt with Vanessa Siso

    16 SEPT

    When we can’t fix our kids’ hurt with Vanessa Siso

    This episode is for every parent who has ever felt helpless watching their child go through something hard. You know that ache, that deep desire to step in and fix it all? Today’s guest is Vanessa Siso, a registered psychologist and author, and she brings such a gentle, wise, and hope-filled perspective. She reminds us that while we can’t always protect our kids from hardship, we can walk with them through it in a way that strengthens their faith and resilience. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: Why it’s more powerful to be present than to offer quick fixesHow simple role play helps kids process and respond to hard things biblicallyThe difference between helping and rescuing, and how rescuing can hinder growthA practical tool: narrating your own coping strategies to model emotional resilience If this conversation speaks to you, be sure to check out Vanessa’s children's book, Elizabeth’s Miracle, which helps kids process challenges through a faith-based lens. About Vanessa Siso: Vanessa is a registered psychologist, children’s book author, and mom who is passionate about helping families navigate mental health and spiritual growth with compassion and confidence. Her work blends clinical insight with biblical wisdom, giving parents the tools to walk with their children through life’s ups and downs with grace. Thanks for being here, let’s keep walking this parenting path together. (01:51) The Importance of Allowing Kids to Experience Hardships (05:52) The Long-Term Effects of Shielding Kids from Pain (09:52) Understanding Kids' Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation (14:08) The Power of Presence in Parenting (18:15) Teaching Kids to Trust God Through Struggles (21:56) Role-Playing as a Tool for Learning (26:05) Vanessa's Book: A Resource for Parents (30:02) Conclusion and Resources Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! Connect with Vanessa https://www.vanessasiso.com/ Instagram Resources mentioned Elisabeth’s Miracle Make your own sock puppets and coloring pages Christian Parenting resources Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites 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 * Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    32 min
  4. How to embrace adventure as a family with Dan and Sam Matthews

    9 SEPT

    How to embrace adventure as a family with Dan and Sam Matthews

    Welcome back to the Christian Parenting Podcast! I hope you’re ready for a really fun, really doable conversation that might just spark your next memory-making moment. This week, I’m chatting with Dan and Sam Matthews. They are parents, content creators, and big believers in family adventures. You might know them from their videos online, but today, we’re going beyond the highlight reel and digging into what it really looks like to choose adventure in your everyday life. Whether you’re dreaming of a road trip or just looking to make Saturday pizza night more intentional, this episode is packed with practical encouragement. Here’s what we covered: • How to create a family culture of adventure (even if you’re not an “adventure person”) • Why small moments, like a backyard campout matter just as much as big vacations • Tips for staying flexible and faithful when kids melt down or plans fall apart • How saying yes to adventure helps our kids grow in resilience and trust If your family feels stuck in the same old routine, this episode is your reminder that adventure doesn’t require plane tickets or perfect weather, just a little intention and a lot of grace. Dan and Sam are a husband and wife duo passionate about family, faith, and making the most of every moment. Known for their joyful content and honest approach to parenting, they’re the authors of Always Choose Adventure, a book filled with practical tips and inspiring stories to help you build a family life full of purpose, connection, and fun. You can follow them online and grab their book via the link in the show notes! Until next week, keep parenting with purpose and choosing the adventure—big or small. (03:00) The Importance of Family Adventures (06:13) Creating Lasting Memories Through Adventure (09:01) Navigating Challenges and Learning from Experiences (11:48) Faith and Family: Exploring Spirituality Through Adventure (15:11) Intentional Living: Simplifying Life and Giving Back (19:14) Expanding Perspectives Through Travel (20:12) Teaching Values: Tithing and Giving (21:49) Experiencing Service: Family Missions (22:45) Pursuing Time Freedom: A New Lifestyle (24:35) Finding Adventure in Everyday Life (31:32) Encouragement for Families: Breaking the Routine Connect with Dan and Sam Website Instagram Facebook We Are Dan and Sam YouTube Resources Mentioned Always Choose Adventure book Christian Parenting resources Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites 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 * Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    38 min

  5. 8 SEPT

    BONUS: Praying for your kids this school year

    Hey friends, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast! Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses.  Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for your kids. Here is a sneak peek into week one: This first week is all about Noah—a man of incredible faith and obedience. While the world around him turned away from God, Noah walked in righteousness. Building the ark probably looked foolish to everyone else, but Noah trusted God’s word even when it didn’t make sense. That’s the kind of faith we want for our kids: to listen to God’s voice over any others and walk confidently with Him even when it means standing apart. If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes.  Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today Follow Pardon the Mess on Apple or Spotify 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 * Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    14 min
  6. Helping our kids find their identity in Christ with Emma Mae McDaniel

    2 SEPT

    Helping our kids find their identity in Christ with Emma Mae McDaniel

    This week’s episode is one that speaks straight to the heart especially for those of us raising kids in a digital world. I’m joined by joy-filled Emma Mae McDaniel, a speaker and writer who shares her powerful story of navigating cyberbullying and learning to root her identity in Christ rather than the words of others. Her story is raw, redemptive, and full of practical encouragement. We talked about: • How Emma learned to respond to cruelty with grace • The importance of building a daily habit of being in God’s Word • What it looks like to help our kids form their own faith, not just borrow ours • How God uses our pain for His glory and purpose Whether you’re parenting a teen who’s struggling with identity or walking through your own healing, this episode is going to speak life over you. Emma is a speaker, author, and passionate encourager who loves pointing people to Jesus. She is the author of The Girl in the Middle and travels around the country sharing messages of identity, faith, and courage with teens and women. Her authenticity and joy are contagious, and her wisdom is rooted deeply in scripture. 00:00 Introduction to Emma Mae 02:58 Emma's Journey into Ministry 06:00 The Impact of Cyberbullying 11:53 Finding Identity in Christ 18:05 Encouragement for Parents 24:00 Daily Habits for Spiritual Growth Connect with Emma Mae Website Instagram The Compelled Podcast with Emma Mae The Girl in the Middle book Resources Mentioned Praise God, All Creatures book Christian Parenting resources Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites 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 * Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    34 min
  7. Making room for what matters with Kari Kampakis

    26 AUG

    Making room for what matters with Kari Kampakis

    In a world that constantly pushes us to hustle harder and do more, this week’s conversation is a breath of fresh air. I sat down with the wise and grace-filled Kari Kampakis, and she reminded us of something so important: sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is make peace with accomplishing less in a day. As parents, it's easy to feel like we need to keep up with everything: our careers, commitments, expectations, and a perfectly run household. But what if slowing down is actually the bravest and most obedient thing we can do? Kari gives us permission to step back, breathe, and create space for the things that really matter. Here are four takeaways from our conversation: How doing less can actually strengthen your parenting and your peaceWhy margin in your schedule creates more room for spiritual growthWays to listen to God's leading in the pace of your family lifeThe freedom that comes when you stop chasing “shoulds” and start embracing “enough” Kari Kampakis is a mom of four daughters, a bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Girl Mom Podcast. Her books, including Love Her Well and More Than a Mom, have encouraged countless women to parent with purpose, grace, and deep faith. Kari’s message is always full of wisdom and grounded in truth and this conversation is no different. I hope this episode helps you take a deep breath and remember: you don’t have to do it all to be a faithful parent. (00:00) Introduction to Parenting Dynamics (03:08) Navigating the Challenges of Modern Parenting (05:58) Building Lifelong Relationships with Our Children (08:47) The Importance of Connection in Parenting (12:07) Embracing Imperfection in Parenting (16:24) Embracing Vulnerability in Parenting (17:16) Navigating Big Emotions (18:40) Understanding Adolescent Emotional Development (20:32) Staying Grounded as a Parent (24:01) Connecting Before Correcting (27:32) Self-Care for Moms (30:00) Modeling Healthy Behaviors for Future Generations Connect with Kari KariKampakis.com Instagram Girl Mom podcast Resources Mentioned Kari’s books Raising Kind Daughters episode on The Christian Parenting Podcast Christian Parenting resources A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal 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 * Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    32 min
  8. Building a strong, grace-filled family with Jessica Smartt

    19 AUG

    Building a strong, grace-filled family with Jessica Smartt

    Hey Friends, What does it really mean to build a strong family? Not a perfect one, but one grounded in love, grace, and connection? That’s exactly what we’re digging into this week on the podcast. I’m joined by the wonderful Jessica Smartt, and this conversation is the cozy encouragement every parent needs right now. From navigating sibling squabbles to embracing the uniqueness of your kids, Jessica brings both wisdom and warmth. If your heart feels weary or your home feels chaotic, I promise this episode will feel like a deep breath and a much-needed hug. Here are four takeaways from our conversation: Why embracing your kids' personalities makes space for stronger connectionThe role of prayer in anchoring your home in peaceHow to guide sibling dynamics with grace (not just control!)Ways to cultivate a home that feels safe, joyful, and full of belonging Jessica is a homeschooling mom of three, speaker, and author of several books including her newest release, Come On Home: Building a Home That Welcomes and Strengthens Your Family. With a relatable, heartfelt voice, Jessica shares from her own family life, encouraging moms to press into the everyday moments that matter most. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that strong families are built, not born, this episode is for you. With Love,  Steph Resources Mentioned A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal 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 * Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    31 min
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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God’s love for them every day! But some days, it’s really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be. Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.

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