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

Hey friends,You know those conversations you know are important, but they still feel a little intimidating to start? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Kerry who’s bravely sharing her story and helping us hold space for the hard things, especially when it comes to mental health in our homes.As parents, we’re often navigating silent battles, whether it’s our own struggles or the ones our kids are facing. And while it might feel easier to push through or avoid the topic altogether, what if we could learn to meet it with grace, faith, and even some practical tools?Here are a few takeaways from today’s conversation:The importance of naming emotions and removing the shame from mental health conversationsHow nutrition and nervous system regulation play a vital role in healing and well-beingWhy spiritual and emotional health can walk hand-in-handEncouragement for when you’re in the thick of it faith, community, and rest are not optional luxuries, they’re lifelinesI’m praying this episode feels like a warm cup of tea and a deep exhale. You’re not alone, friend.Erin is a writer, speaker, and serves as an Integrative Health Coach at Living Well Counseling and Wellness Center in Tyler, Texas. Diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder as a young adult, Erin has spent years learning how to live with resilience, faith, and grace.Here’s to sparking healing and honest conversations in your family and beyond.With Love,Steph(06:01) The Role of Faith in Healing(11:55) Living Beyond Labels in Mental Health(17:51) Navigating Anxiety and Its Protective Nature(20:46) Nervous System Regulation and Co-Regulation(22:54) Understanding Anxiety and Its Physical Roots(25:51) Navigating Conversations on Mental Health(30:01) The Intersection of Nutrition and Mental Health(34:51) Practical Tools for Holistic Mental HealthConnect with ErinWebsiteSparking Wholeness podcastInstagramResources MentionedLive Beyond Your Label bookDwell Bible in a Year Sign up for Morning MinuteChristian ParentingPrefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey friends,If you’ve ever looked at the world and thought, “This is too much, I don’t even know where to start,” you are not alone. Culture is moving at warp speed, and as Christian parents, it can feel impossible to keep up, let alone know how to guide our kids through it all with clarity, calm, and conviction.In today’s episode, I’m joined by my Denison Ministries teammates and friends, Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella. These two are not only culture watchers and podcast hosts, but they’re also dads in the thick of raising littles, so they get it. Together, we talk about how to engage culture without being consumed by it, and how to stay grounded when the headlines won’t stop coming.Here’s what we cover:How to decide what’s actually worth paying attention to (and what you can ignore)How to enjoy entertainment and trends without letting them become idolsWhy biblical grounding matters more than having all the right answersHow to have conversations with your kids that don’t feel like lecturesThis one is practical, honest, and encouraging, especially if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, out of your depth, or tempted to just check out entirely.Connor Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing and Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries. Together, they host The Culture Brief podcast, where they break down what’s happening in the world and how to think about it through a biblical lens. Both are young dads navigating the same parenting pressures and culture shifts that many of us face daily. Their goal? Help Christians stay rooted in truth while walking wisely in a noisy world.Let’s keep showing up with curiosity, courage, and grace. You don’t have to know everything, just stay rooted.With love,Steph(00:00) Introduction to the Hosts and Their Backgrounds(04:54) Navigating Culture as Parents(11:15) Engaging with Cultural Moments(14:49) Discussing Cultural Events with Kids(19:08) Fostering Healthy Conversations about Culture(19:48) Navigating Theological Questions with Children(22:14) The Importance of Open Dialogue in Parenting(26:06) Equipping Ourselves for Cultural Conversations(28:24) Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents(32:42) Trusting God's Plan in ParentingResources MentionedDwell Bible in a Year Give to Christian ParentingSign up for Morning MinuteChristian ParentingCulture Brief PodcastDenison ForumDenison MinistriesPrefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey Friends!I’ve never done a solo episode before, but Christmas felt like the right time to try. In the middle of a season that can feel loud, full, emotional, and a little overwhelming, this episode is an invitation to take just ten minutes to pause and breathe and remember the gift that never fades.Whether your home feels busy and chaotic or quiet and tender this year, remember Emmanuel, God with us.Through Scripture, simple family traditions, and honest encouragement, this episode is for weary parents who want to love their kids well and keep Jesus at the center without feeling pressure to get everything just right.With love,Steph ThurlingP.S. Please consider making a year-end gift to Christian Parenting to help us create more encouraging, faith-filled podcast episodes for families in every season.Prefer video? Find more episodes on YouTube!The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What a thrill to interview my oldest daughter and one of her very best friends. Ella and Landry have been friends since 3rd grade and it’s so special to hear from two young women that are keeping their faith a priority in college. I ask them about their “favorites” from tennis shoes to rom-coms and then we get into some more serious topics.My favorite moment is when I ask each of them, “What is God teaching you right now?” I was blown away by their answers and also felt so thankful that they are both engaged in their college church communities. Ask your kiddos that question this Christmas break and let them share about their faith. I am always astounded when I learn how much depth and wisdom is in these teens. They are wiser than you know.You also don’t want to miss my opening story about an “elf on the shelf” adventure gone wrong. I am still feeling a little rattled from it. Enjoy!Courtney 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions07:05 High School Experiences and Advice10:02 Navigating Junior Year Challenges14:54 Senior Year Reflections and Relationships18:26 Maintaining Faith in High School23:35 Parental Guidance and Support25:37 Navigating High School Dynamics26:56 Understanding Teen Communication28:04 The High School Experience: Challenges and Growth30:51 Transitioning to College Life33:35 Building Friendships in College37:48 Spiritual Growth and Lessons Learned43:18 Legacy of Love: Lessons from GrandmothersConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOWResources from today’s show:Ella’s new sneakers - Back 70Yahtzee GameNertz GameQuiplash (on Apple TV)New Morning Mercies devotionalSupport Christian ParentingPrefer 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.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let’s talk about Christmas. Not just the cozy traditions or the sparkling lights, but the actual story of what happened in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.This week on the podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Lee Strobel and together we explore the deeper truths of the nativity story, why the details matter, and how we can share that with our kids in a way that builds their faith.Here are a few highlights from our conversation:Why understanding the virgin birth is crucial to understanding who Jesus really isThe difference between the cultural version of Christmas and what Scripture actually saysHow to talk to kids about the parts of the story that might confuse them (like the wise men and the timeline!)And yes, we even touch on Santa and how to navigate that as Christian parentsLee Strobel is a former legal editor for the Chicago Tribune and a New York Times bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith. After investigating the claims of Christianity as an atheist, he became a follower of Jesus and now speaks and writes to help others explore faith with confidence. His newest book, The Case for Christmas, explores the historical and biblical evidence behind the nativity story.Whether you’ve heard the Christmas story a hundred times or are learning it with your kids for the first time, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of awe.(00:00) From Atheism to Faith: Lee Strobel's Journey(03:00) The Cultural Significance of Christmas(05:47) Revisiting the Nativity Story: Myths vs. Reality(09:04) Understanding the Virgin Birth(12:12) The Role of the Magi in the Christmas Story(14:56) The Importance of Context in Biblical Narratives(18:05) The Legacy of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus(20:47) Celebrating Christmas with Children(24:01) The True Meaning of ChristmasConnect with LeeLeeStrobel.comLee Strobel X Case For Christmas Resources MentionedLee’s booksCase For Christmas Christian Parenting resourcesThe Christian Parenting Podcast: Faith, apologetics, and the supernatural with Lee StrobelSupport Christian ParentingPrefer 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.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy