Lets talk about school: seeing beyond grades

Were continuing our special series all about school options, and today were diving into private Christian education. This is a conversation that I think will really help if youre trying to figure out what role faith can (and should) play in your childs school life. I'm joined by Katelyn Freitas, the middle school principal at my kids school, and her insight is full of heart, wisdom, and practical encouragement.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• Faith-based learning shapes character. Discipleship is woven into every subject and classroom moment.
• Partnership with parents matters. Christian schools work best when parents are active, involved, and aligned in mission.
• Community changes everything. Relationships between students, families, and staff create a spiritual foundation that lasts.
• Every child is discipled uniquely. Christian schools arent one-size-fits-all; theyre about helping each child grow in Christ.

Katelyn is a passionate leader in Christian education with years of experience in both teaching and administration. As a principal, she brings clarity, compassion, and a deep commitment to seeing students flourish academically and spiritually. Shes also someone I personally trust with my own kids which made this conversation extra special.

I hope this episode encourages you as you consider whats best for your family.

(02:54) Current Role and Responsibilities in Christian Education

(05:58) Understanding Private Christian Education

(09:08) Benefits of Private Christian Schools

(11:58) Challenges of Private Christian Education

(15:05) Community and Family Dynamics in Private Schools

(18:00) Identifying the Right Fit for Families

(20:56) Curriculum and Faith Integration in Christian Schools

(21:37) Integrating Faith and Education

(27:31) Discipline vs. Discipleship in Schools

(33:02) Navigating School Choices for Families

Resources Mentioned

Chapel Hill Academy

Association of Christian Schools

NIV Application Bible

Christian Parenting resources

Marriage Simplified

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Were kicking off a brand-new series all about school choices because lets be honest, its something many of us didnt realize would be such a big parenting decision. Over the next five weeks we will be covering the pros and cons of multiple different school options: public school, private school, homeschool, and online school.

In this first episode, Im joined by my husband, Trevor, as we share our personal journey through public school, homeschooling, and Christian private school and why were always open to changing paths if thats whats best for our family.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

• Your school decision doesnt have to be forever. Weve learned its okay to reevaluate and pivot when needed.
• Gods guidance matters more than a perfect plan. Seeking him first gives peace in the uncertainty.
• Every option has pros and cons. We talk candidly about what worked (and what didnt) in each of our experiences.
• This is a judgment-free zone. This whole series is about informing, not convincing so you can make the best choice for your family.

Trevor is my husband, parenting partner, and co-navigator of all things school-related. Hes walked through this journey with me step by step, and together weve faced the highs, lows, and many what now? moments that come with raising school-aged kids in todays world.

I hope this episode encourages you and reminds you that youre not alone in figuring this stuff out. Lets keep seeking God and trusting him to lead the way.

(00:00) Navigating School Choices

(02:52) The Impact of COVID on Education

(06:08) Homeschooling vs. Private School

(08:52) Values and Priorities in Education

(11:48) Making Informed Decisions

(15:00) The Role of Finances in Education

(17:53) Understanding Your Child's Needs

(20:57) Making Big Decisions Together

(23:54) Finding Peace in Uncertainty

Christian Parenting Resources

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week were diving into something every family longs for...Joy. Im joined by Tauren Wells, and were talking about how to create a home filled with lasting joy, not just fleeting happiness. We unpack what it looks like to live out the beatitudes, how our identity shapes our parenting, and why emotional health matters so much in our homes.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Joy > Happiness, Tauren reminds us that true joy is rooted in Jesusnot in perfect circumstances.
• Knowing who we are in Christ helps us parent from a place of peace, not pressure.
• Creating a peaceful home means modeling grace and leading with humilityeven in conflict.
• We talk about the importance of letting our kids (and ourselves) feel emotions and grow from them.

Tauren Wells is a Grammy-nominated Christian artist, pastor, and speaker known for blending powerful music with deep biblical truth. Hes passionate about helping people find purpose, identity, and joy in Christ and that passion shines through in both his music and his message to families.

This episode will leave you feeling encouraged, equipped, and ready to build a home full of the kind of joy that lasts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

(02:57) Understanding Joy and Happiness

(05:51) The Beatitudes: A Path to True Happiness

(08:45) Identity vs. Activity in Parenting

(12:03) The Role of Peacemaking in Families

(14:59) Navigating Emotions with Children

(18:06) Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

(21:02) The Importance of Emotional Awareness

(24:01) Encouragement for Parents Seeking Joy

Connect with Tauren

Taurens website

Taurens podcasts

Instagram

Resources mentioned

Joy Bomb book

Marriage Simplified

Christian Parenting resources

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Todays conversation is so timely and practical. Im joined by Clare Morell, author of the upcoming book The Tech Exit, and were talking all about how digital technology is shaping our kidsand what we can do about it. If youve ever felt overwhelmed by screen time, smartphone battles, or social media pressure, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Clare breaks down how todays tech works against our efforts to raise emotionally and spiritually healthy kids.
• Relying solely on settings and filters wont protect our kids from techs deeper impacts.
• From screen-time rules to alternative phones and community support, Clare shares realistic ways to shift your familys tech culture.
• We end the episode with tons of fun, practical activities for keeping kids engagedno devices required!

Clare Morell is a writer, speaker, and mom of four who is passionate about helping families reclaim their homes from digital overload. Her book The Tech Exit offers a hopeful, step-by-step guide to reducing screen dependence and cultivating deeper connection and purpose in your home.

Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, this conversation is packed with encouragement and doable next steps to help you raise tech-wise, Jesus-following kids.

(02:51) The Dangers of Digital Technology for Kids

(06:09) Understanding the Impact of Smartphones on Child Development

(08:59) The Limitations of Parental Controls

(12:05) Navigating the Challenges of Technology in Parenting

(14:50) Building a Tech-Free Culture at Home

(22:15) The Impact of Personalized Entertainment

(25:06) Balancing Screen Time and Real-Life Responsibilities

(28:04) Navigating Technology's Role in Parenting

(29:57) Creating Engaging Alternatives to Screens

(37:02) Encouragement for Parents of Older Kids

Connect with Clare

The Tech Exit

Clares Substack

Clares X account

Resources Mentioned

Marriage Simplified

NIV Application Bible

The Tech Exit

The Busy Toddler

Water beads

Baking soda and vinegar activities

Sensory bin ideas

Ikea drawing paper roll

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Hello Friends,

This weeks episode is incredibly special to me. Im joined by Lee Strobel, whose book The Case for Christ played a huge role in reigniting my faith back in college. Getting to sit down with him felt like a full-circle momentand I cant wait for you to hear this conversation. Lee shares his personal journey from atheism to belief, and we dive into the fascinating topic of the supernatural side of our faith.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Lee explains how miracles, dreams, and near-death experiences can deepen our faith and point to the truth of Gods presence.
• Helping our kids truly know Scripture equips them to grow in faith and navigate the world confidently.
• Parents need to model and teach their kids how to ask hard questions and defend their faith with both truth and grace.
• Lees story reminds us that belief in Jesus is not blindits grounded in reason, evidence, and personal transformation.

Lee Strobel is a former award-winning legal editor for The Chicago Tribune who became a Christian after investigating the claims of Christianity. Hes the bestselling author of The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, and his latest book, Seeing the Supernatural, which explores spiritual encounters from a biblical worldview. Today, Lee is passionate about helping others discover the truth of the gospel.

This conversation will equip and encourage you as a parent to raise kids who love Jesus, trust his Word, and stand firm in their faith. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

With love,

Steph

(00:00) Introduction to Lee Strobel and His Journey

(02:48) The Supernatural: A New Exploration

(05:59) Investigating the Supernatural Realm

(09:04) Miracles and Documented Evidence

(12:03) Supernatural Dreams and Their Impact

(14:57) Near-Death Experiences and Visions

(18:11) Teaching Kids About the Supernatural

(21:04) The Importance of Biblical Literacy

(23:59) Encouragement for Parents

(26:51) Conclusion and Resources

Connect with Lee

LeeStrobel.com

Lee Strobel X 

Seeing the Supernatural book

Resources Mentioned

Case for Christ for Kids 

The Case for Christ Student Edition

Marriage Simplified

NIV Application Bible

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org