Foster and homeschool mom Macy Bassler talks about discipling kids through silly stories, a warm family culture, and discipline that restores fellowship. Show notes Terrie talks with Macy Bassler, a pediatric physical therapist, homeschool mom, and the voice behind The Fruitful Family. Macy and her husband said yes to foster care and were matched with a six-year-old girl who needed a forever home. Within two years they had three children. Macy shares what God taught her through advocating for a daughter with special needs, walking through three miscarriages, and choosing to step away from her career to homeschool. Macy also introduces her first picture book, Ferdinand, the Fish Who Feared Bubbles. It began as a bedtime story for her very active four-year-old. She and Terrie discuss why a silly book can disciple a child just as well as a "living book." What children remember most is the time spent reading together. From there, the conversation turns to building a family culture your kids will look back on as sweet. They talk about why a parent's own walk with God matters most, and about putting down the phone and looking your child in the eye. They also cover why consistency matters when you can't see fruit yet, and Macy explains why kids are like potatoes. Finally, they talk about what biblical discipline is really for. Its goal isn't punishment. It's restoring a child to fellowship with the family. In this episode: Saying yes to God when the road is harder than you planned Why silly stories still have a place in discipleship Meeting each child where they are Creating a family culture of warmth and welcome Consistency and the long game of faith Discipline as restoration, not punishment Chapters: 00:00 Welcome, guest intro, and the Storybook Inkspiration Retreat 02:23 Macy's unexpected path into foster care and motherhood 05:28 Miscarriage, Scripture, and renewed closeness with God 07:04 Stepping away from work to homeschool 07:44 Saying yes to God when you can't see the road ahead 11:25 Ferdinand, the Fish Who Feared Bubbles 13:25 Why silly stories and reading together matter 16:37 Meeting children where they are as learners 19:03 Family culture starts with the parent's walk with God 21:48 Eye contact, defining moments, and a home that welcomes 24:35 Beyond Sunday school answers: consistency and the long game 28:54 Discipline as restoration, not punishment 32:55 Wrap-up and Macy's book release Resources mentioned: Macy Bassler / The Fruitful Family: https://thefruitfulfamily.org/ Ferdinand, the Fish Who Feared Bubbles (releases November 17): https://thefruitfulfamily.org/ferdinand Storybook Inkspiration Retreat, April 2027, Broken Bow, Oklahoma: https://www.hypurpleypublishing.com/storybook-inkspiration-retreat Leave your questions and comments on the blog post or on YouTube. We respond to every one.
