The Whole Person Parenting Podcast

Valerie
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PARENTING

Parenting content focused on relational, spiritual, and psychological well-being for parents and children.  This podcast features a mother/daughter duo. Mom is a licensed mental health provider and parent-child relationship expert, hosted by her own daughter who's a young woman finding her way in the world with a passion for the next generation. Authentic, hilarious, heart-felt, and informative. We hope every parent who listens is reminded of how important they are in their child's life, and how important they are to God. 

  1. 17H AGO

    Are We There Yet?: Adult Children, Changing Relationships, and Trusting God

    Send us Fan Mail In our newest and final episode in our series on development, we explore one of the most unexpected transitions in parenting: navigating life as parents of adult children. Together, we discuss the spiritual, relational, and psychological shifts that happen as our role changes from managing and guiding to supporting, trusting, and remaining connected in new ways. We talk honestly about growth, boundaries, letting go while staying present, and how our own stories, fears, and expectations can shape these relationships. Through a Christian lens, we reflect on what it means to parent with wisdom, humility, grace, and hope while trusting God with both our children’s journeys and our own. Whether you are parenting young adults, fully grown children, or preparing for this season ahead, this conversation offers encouragement, insight, and space for reflection as we consider how development continues for both children and parents across the lifespan. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home

    36 min

  2. MAY 4

    Are We There Yet?: The Teens—Staying Close, Setting Boundaries, and Letting Faith Grow

    Send us Fan Mail The teenage years can feel like a constant push and pull—one moment your child needs you deeply, the next they’re pushing for independence. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to stay close enough to truly know your teen—their struggles, pressures, and questions—without holding so tightly that you hinder their growth into autonomy. We talk about the delicate shift from hands-on parenting to intentional presence, where influence matters more than control. We also dive into the role of healthy spiritual community. We take an honest look at the ways teens cope with the weight of social pressure—what they may be turning to for escape, and how parents can respond with curiosity instead of fear. This episode invites you to remain a steady, connected anchor while giving your teen the space they need to become who God created them to be. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home

    30 min

  3. APR 20

    Are We There Yet?: The Teen Takeover

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever felt like your once-sweet child has suddenly become a strong-willed, independent, opinionated human who’s slowly taking over your house, you’re not wrong. The teen years can feel like a shift in power, a shift in connection, and honestly, sometimes a shift in sanity. But what if this “takeover” isn’t a problem to solve, but a process to understand? In this episode, Presley and Val are diving into what’s really happening beneath the surface—physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually—as your teen steps into who God is creating them to be. We’ll talk about why they push away, why they question everything (including you), and how this stage is less about losing influence… and more about learning how to use it differently. Because the goal isn’t to hold on tighter, but to stay connected while letting them grow. So if you’re in the thick of eye rolls, big questions, and growing independence… this episode is for you. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home

    36 min

  4. APR 6

    Are We There Yet?: The In BeTWEEN Years

    Send us Fan Mail The tween years can feel like a quiet shift until suddenly, everything seems to be changing. In this episode, Presley and Val take a step back to look at what’s really going on beneath the surface of what is typically an awkward stage of development where your child is not the same little kid you've been raising, and not the teen you've been anticipating.  They're simply a "tween". From physical changes to growing emotions, evolving friendships, and a deepening spiritual awareness, we explore how this stage of development is shaping your child, your relationship with them, and their relationship with God. More than anything, we focus on how staying connected to our children and rooted in Christ through these changes can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered what your tween needs most in this in-between season, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and a lot to think about. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home

    36 min

  5. MAR 23

    Are We There Yet?: Inside the Elementary Years with Our Favorite Principal

    Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, we step into the elementary years—a season full of growth, curiosity, and deepening relationships—with someone who knows it from every angle. Joined by our very first guest, a veteran educator, and our favorite elementary school principal!  Listen in we bring both professional wisdom and personal insight to the table. Together, we explore the elementary years—how children are developing academically, relationally, and spiritually—and what they need most from the adults guiding them. From the classroom to the home, we talk about fostering confidence, navigating challenges, and building strong connections that support kids as they grow in independence. This conversation is rich with perspective, practical encouragement, and a shared heart for helping parents navigate this stage of development with their children. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home

    36 min

  6. MAR 10

    Are We There Yet?: The "Play with Me!" Years of Early Childhood

    Send us Fan Mail Between toddlerhood and becoming a "big kid", something remarkable starts happening. Kids ages 4 to 6 are stretching in every direction. This stage of early childhood is full of imagination, big questions, and even bigger feelings. Children are learning how to navigate friendships, manage frustration, test their abilities, and understand the world God placed them in. In this episode, we’re looking at what’s actually happening beneath the surface during these years including how development shapes behavior, why some struggles are completely normal, and how parents can guide their children in ways that nurture growth, relationship, and character along the way. We’ll also talk about what parents can learn during this stage. Early childhood invites us to slow down, enter their world of curiosity and imagination, and recognize how much growth happens through play, practice, and patience. As our children learn courage, empathy, and self-control, we often find God growing those same qualities in us too. Because when we understand what God designed children to be learning at this stage, it changes how we respond to what we see and how we grow right alongside them! CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home

    33 min

  7. FEB 16

    Are We There Yet?: Why Exploration Needs Boundaries

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever noticed that toddlers seem wired to explore everything… and also completely unaware of danger at the exact same time? In this episode of Are We There Yet?, Presley and Val continue their look at the toddler years by stepping into the tension many parents feel: how do we honor our child’s God-given drive for exploration while also setting boundaries that keep them safe and help them grow? Because as much as we might wish we could just say “yes” to everything… we can’t. And we shouldn’t. Boundaries aren’t the enemy of exploration—they’re what make exploration possible. Together, explore how toddlers learn through both freedom and limits, and why those limits are not interruptions to development, but a necessary part of it. They'll look at how young children come to understand safety, trust, and guidance through their relationship with us—and how the way we hold boundaries shapes not just behavior, but connection. They'll also go all the way back to the beginning, considering what we can learn from God’s design in the garden—where both freedom and boundaries existed side by side. What if boundaries were never meant to restrict us, but to protect us? What if they were always part of how we flourish? As parents, we’re invited into that same work: creating space for curiosity, while also providing the guidance our children aren’t yet able to give themselves. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether all those “no’s” really matter—this conversation might just change the way you see them. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home

    33 min

  8. FEB 2

    Are We There Yet?: Supporting Your Toddler's God-Given Drive to Explore

    Send us Fan Mail The toddler years are marked by curiosity, movement, and a relentless drive to explore—and Scripture gives us a surprisingly rich place to understand why. In this episode, Presley and Val discuss what it means to support exploration the way God supports us. By returning to the Garden of Eden, they consider how God created humans for curiosity, freedom, and discovery within relationship—and what that reveals about this season of parenting. This episode invites parents to see exploration as sacred developmental work.  Exploring how, "In the beginning..." the Bible offers insight into how God enjoys humanity and allows for exploration and expression. In toddlerhood, young children learn about their world, develop across domains, and expand their connections with the same type of support. This conversation reframes toddlerhood not as a phase to manage, but as a formative season where children are learning that the world is good, relationships are trustworthy, and growth happens best when curiosity is met with support. In a future episode, we’ll turn our attention to what it means when exploration begins to bump up against limits—how testing, boundaries, and guidance emerge developmentally, and how parents can respond with wisdom and care. Additional Resources:  CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Parenting content focused on relational, spiritual, and psychological well-being for parents and children.  This podcast features a mother/daughter duo. Mom is a licensed mental health provider and parent-child relationship expert, hosted by her own daughter who's a young woman finding her way in the world with a passion for the next generation. Authentic, hilarious, heart-felt, and informative. We hope every parent who listens is reminded of how important they are in their child's life, and how important they are to God. 

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