Grounded: A Train Up Parents Podcast

TrainUpParents

Welcome to Grounded: A Train Up Parents Podcast. Parenting is one of the most important callings God gives, yet many parents feel overwhelmed, underprepared, or unsure where to begin. Grounded exists to equip parents to raise children firmly rooted in God’s Word—not in trends, techniques, or cultural pressure. We’ll talk about why the gospel must be central to parenting, why Scripture is the foundation of lasting faith, and what parents can do to equip their children in finding their own faith. Whether you’re parenting young children, teenagers, or adult kids, this podcast is designed to help

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 25: Why Jesus is God and Is Alive | A logical & Personal Perspective

    Why We Believe Jesus Is God—and Is Alive Today Why do we believe Jesus Christ is actually God? And why do we believe He is alive today? In this episode of Grounded: A Train Up Parents Podcast, Mark and Charles move beyond simply saying “because the Bible says so” and talk about the reasons behind their faith. We explore the eyewitness testimony surrounding Jesus and His resurrection, the significance of a God who entered His own creation, and why the resurrection changes everything. Mark also draws from his background in programming to illustrate how a creator can act within what he created—while recognizing that every analogy for God has its limits. But Christianity isn't merely an argument to be won. Mark and Charles also share their personal testimonies and discuss the transformation they have experienced through following Christ. Evidence gives us reasons to believe, but a living Christ changes the way we live. As parents, our children need more than inherited answers. We want them to understand what they believe, why they believe it, and how those convictions should shape their lives. Our goal isn't simply to pass down a Christian tradition. It's to help raise a generation with a faith they have examined, embraced, and can confidently explain to others. Jesus is God. Jesus is alive. And if that is true, it changes everything. Grounded: A Train Up Parents PodcastEquipping parents as they raise children firmly rooted in Christ. #GroundedPodcast #TrainUpParents #ChristianParenting #JesusChrist #JesusIsAlive #Resurrection #ChristianFaith #ChristianApologetics #WhyIBelieve #FaithAndReason #BiblicalParenting #Discipleship #RaisingDisciples #NextGeneration #ChristianPodcast

  2. Oct 8

    Episode 24: Stop Telling Your Kids to "Just Believe"--Do This Instead.

    The scariest question a parent can face? "Dad, why should I trust the Bible?" If your answer is "just because I said so," you’re losing the battle before it even starts.In this episode of Grounded, Charles Draper and Mark Lail tackle the tough reality: your children will eventually face a world of competing voices. If their faith is built on "blind faith" or your authority alone, it won't stand up to the pressure of the culture.It’s time to stop outsourcing your child’s spiritual foundation to the youth pastor or the church. We’re diving into why the Bible is trustworthy—not just because we believe it, but because it stands up to investigation.In this episode, we explore:✅ Beyond "Just Because": Why "blind faith" creates fragile faith in the next generation.✅ The Evidence: How history, archaeology, and Jesus’ own view of Scripture give us a solid foundation.✅ The "Emperor" Mentality: Why we need to stop being the heroes of our own stories and let Scripture expose our true motives.✅ How to Investigate: Practical ways to guide your kids through their own doubts and questions without fear.Don’t be afraid of your kids' questions. Lean into them. When you teach them to investigate the truth for themselves, you’re not just giving them answers—you’re helping them own their faith.Subscribe to Grounded for more biblical encouragement for the modern family!#FamilyDiscipleship #ChristianParenting #BiblicalTruth #GroundedPodcast #FaithAtHome #Apologetics

  3. Sep 17

    Grounded Episode 22: Is Sunday Enough

    Is Sunday Enough? Are we relying too heavily on the church to disciple our children? In this episode of Grounded: A Train Up Parents Podcast, we ask an important question: What belongs primarily to the home? What belongs to the church? And where should the church and family intentionally disciple together? God places the primary responsibility for raising and discipling children on the family. Deuteronomy 6 describes a faith woven into everyday life, and Ephesians 6 specifically calls fathers to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Discipleship isn't something that happens only during a scheduled church program. Everyday life becomes discipleship. But that doesn't make children's ministry, youth ministry, or age-specific programs unbiblical or unnecessary. The church has an important God-given role. Ephesians 4 describes church leaders as equipping the saints for the work of ministry, while passages such as 1 Corinthians 12 and Titus 2 remind us that believers need the larger body of Christ and relationships across generations. The problem begins when partnership becomes replacement—when parents begin depending on the church to carry a responsibility God gave primarily to them. We discuss how families and churches can work together without confusing their roles, why gathering as the church matters without making Sunday the entirety of our children's Christian experience, and how ordinary moments at home can become opportunities for genuine discipleship.

  4. Sep 14

    Episode 21: What if the goals you're chasing are good... but not eternal?

    In this episode of Grounded: A Train Up Parents Podcast, we’re talking about the goals that shape our families, our children, and our faith. From teaching kids grit on the basketball court to helping them navigate friendships, middle school, sports, driving, and spiritual growth, this conversation challenges parents to think beyond short-term wins and start aiming for what matters most.Mark and Charles unpack how everyday parenting moments can become powerful opportunities to teach perseverance, discipline, wisdom, and faith. They discuss why feelings can be misleading, why grit matters, and how short-term goals can help our children build endurance for the long road ahead.But this episode goes deeper than sports, school, or financial planning. It asks a bigger question: Are we putting as much intentional effort into raising godly children as we put into our careers, finances, and personal goals?You’ll hear a practical, honest conversation about:Helping kids push through discouragement and build determinationCelebrating growth through hard seasons like middle school, friendships, and new responsibilitiesTeaching children that success requires work, consistency, and perseveranceUnderstanding the difference between temporary goals and eternal goalsKeeping achievement, money, sports, and success in the right perspectiveGuiding children toward faith, wisdom, and godly maturityMaking sure our goals point back to the Lord instead of becoming idolsWhether you’re raising toddlers, teens, or kids somewhere in between, this episode will encourage you to parent with purpose, lead with faith, and keep your family focused on what truly lasts.Don’t just set goals. Set the right goals.If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with another parent who wants to raise grounded, faithful, resilient kids.#GroundedPodcast #ChristianParenting #BiblicalParenting #FaithBasedParenting #GoalSetting #ParentingWithPurpose #RaisingGodlyKids #FamilyDiscipleship #ChristianFamily #ParentingTeens

  5. May 29

    Repairing What You Break: Episode 18

    The episode of *Grounded, the Train Up Parent Podcast*, hosted by Charles Draper and Mark Le, discusses the topic of "repairing what you break" because "sorry isn't good enough". They emphasize that words alone cannot always repair damage, whether physical or relational, and that action is required.**The Need for Restoration** * **Words vs. Actions:** Charles and Mark recount telling their children that an apology is only the first step and that restoration requires more than just saying "I'm sorry". Charles shares an anecdote about breaking a glass table on a beach trip, illustrating that while he often fixes what he breaks, some damage requires purchasing a new item. * **The Zacchaeus Example:** The conversation centers on the biblical story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector who was viewed as a sinner who hurt people by collecting more taxes than required. Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus because he was searching for something to fill the void in his heart. * **Grace Precedes Repair:** Jesus initiated the interaction by calling Zacchaeus' name and inviting himself to dine with him, publicly extending grace without condemning him or demanding he "clean up" first. The hosts highlight the order: grace comes first, leading to conviction and heart change, which then leads to action and restoration with people. * **Radical Restitution:** Zacchaeus' response demonstrated his transformation: "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I've defrauded anyone anything, I restore it fourfold". He acted with "voluntary restitution" and "radical generosity" rather than just offering an apology, showing that his salvation (a gift by grace through faith) had led him to live differently and seek repair.**Modeling Restoration for Children**The hosts outline a process for teaching children to move beyond a superficial apology to true restoration:1. Admit it: Own the mistake and have conviction in your heart that you've messed up.2. Apologize: See this as the necessary first step.3. Ask for Repair: Determine what action is needed to repair the relationship or item.4. Act: Follow through on the repair (e.g., replace damaged property) and continue to follow through to rebuild trust (e.g., telling the truth repeatedly after a lie). The true measure of an apology is action over time.**Responding to Hurt**The discussion also covers the role of the person who was wronged: they must model extending grace, showing love, and leaving room for restoration, just as Jesus did. The hosts warn that failing to extend grace allows "pressure to build," leading to bitterness and a violent, damaging outburst, like an exploded soda can or an Instant Pot.The hosts conclude by challenging parents to teach their children restoration when God is truly wanting them to do so, emphasizing that love takes action and repairs, mirroring the Savior's example.

  6. May 22

    Grounded Episode 17: Conflict Resolution

    In this episode of Grounded, a train up parents podcast, Mark and Charles discuss the unavoidable topic of conflict resolution, stressing that it should be viewed as an opportunity for relationship restoration, not winning.The key to navigating conflict is understanding that emotions are driven by the "stories" we tell ourselves, not just the facts. Conflict should not be approached when emotions are elevated; instead, take a moment to gain self-control.Key Principles for Biblical Conflict Resolution:- Fact vs. Story: Learn to distinguish between the facts of a situation and the stories you may be creating in your mind. Seek clarity on intent before jumping to conclusions.- Model for Your Children: Parents must coach children through their conflicts, teaching them to take responsibility and develop the courage and discipline to handle disagreements respectfully, rather than solving every conflict for them. Children learn by watching how their parents handle conflict, which should be done in a way that honors Christ.-Pursue Peace and Restoration: Conflict resolution requires humility and is fundamentally about fighting for relationships. The ultimate goal is peace and reconciliation, not dominating the argument.Five Steps to Resolve Conflict:- Go Directly to the Person: Initiate a private conversation first to avoid gossip and discord.- Listen to Understand: Focus on hearing the other person's vantage point rather than listening to "reload" or just respond.- Speak Truth Calmly: Ask questions to understand their intent and maintain a spirit of gentleness.- Own Your Part and Forgive: Be quick to apologize and forgive, which means releasing bitterness and refusing to seek revenge.- Remain Humble and Pursue Peace: Control your emotions (self-discipline) and make peace, not winning, your ultimate goal.Drawing on biblical examples like Joseph and his brothers, the hosts illustrate how restoration can be achieved even after deep conflict, contrasting this with the lack of reconciliation seen in Cain and Abel.

About

Welcome to Grounded: A Train Up Parents Podcast. Parenting is one of the most important callings God gives, yet many parents feel overwhelmed, underprepared, or unsure where to begin. Grounded exists to equip parents to raise children firmly rooted in God’s Word—not in trends, techniques, or cultural pressure. We’ll talk about why the gospel must be central to parenting, why Scripture is the foundation of lasting faith, and what parents can do to equip their children in finding their own faith. Whether you’re parenting young children, teenagers, or adult kids, this podcast is designed to help