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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God's love for them every day! But some days, it's really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be.
Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.
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Building a strong, grace-filled family with Jessica Smartt →
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Hey Friends,
What does it really mean to build a strong family? Not a perfect one, but one grounded in love, grace, and connection? Thats exactly what were digging into this week on the podcast. Im joined by the wonderful Jessica Smartt, and this conversation is the cozy encouragement every parent needs right now.
From navigating sibling squabbles to embracing the uniqueness of your kids, Jessica brings both wisdom and warmth. If your heart feels weary or your home feels chaotic, I promise this episode will feel like a deep breath and a much-needed hug.
Here are four takeaways from our conversation:
- Why embracing your kids' personalities makes space for stronger connection
- The role of prayer in anchoring your home in peace
- How to guide sibling dynamics with grace (not just control!)
- Ways to cultivate a home that feels safe, joyful, and full of belonging
Jessica is a homeschooling mom of three, speaker, and author of several books including her newest release, Come On Home: Building a Home That Welcomes and Strengthens Your Family. With a relatable, heartfelt voice, Jessica shares from her own family life, encouraging moms to press into the everyday moments that matter most.
If youve ever needed a reminder that strong families are built, not born, this episode is for you.
With Love,
Steph
Resources Mentioned
A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Raising Justice-Minded Kids with Elisa Johnston →
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Have you ever wondered how to talk to your kids about justice in a way thats rooted in Scripture and lived out with compassion? This weeks conversation is one that will both equip and encourage you. Im joined by Elisa Johnston and were talking all about raising kids who care deeply about others and live out their faith in practical ways.
This episode isnt about having all the answers, it's about taking small, faithful steps toward raising kids who see the needs of the world and respond with the love of Jesus.
Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:
- How to help your kids develop compassion that leads to action
- Why biblical justice starts with seeing others the way God does
- Practical ideas for making justice part of your familys daily rhythms
- How to guide kids through cultural conversations with truth and grace
Elisa is a mom of four, a passionate justice advocate, and the author of Justice-Minded Kids: Bite-Size Challenges to Empower Kids to Practice Justice, Compassion, and Love. Through her writing and work, she helps families build a lifestyle of justice that starts at home and extends into the world. Her work invites parents and kids alike to walk humbly, love deeply, and live boldly in their faith.
Whether youre just beginning this journey or have been in it for a while, I hope this episode gives you the tools and encouragement you need to keep going.
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:57 Balancing Family and Work
06:13 Raising Justice-Minded Kids
09:09 Understanding Justice in a Biblical Context
11:57 Practical Steps for Families
15:07 The Kindness Quest Challenge
17:57 Navigating Challenges in Kindness Initiatives
19:15 Teaching Kids to Respond to Injustice
25:15 Equipping Parents for Justice-Minded Parenting
29:01 Practical Lessons for Raising Justice-Minded Kids
33:01 Encouragement for Parents on the Journey
Connect with Elisa:
Resources Mentioned:
A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The power of wonder and outdoor living with Ginny Yurich →
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Have you ever felt like your kids are too bored or maybe like youre the only one swimming upstream when it comes to slowing down family life? This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Im joined by Ginny Yurich, homeschooling mom of five and founder of the Thousand Hours Outside movement and she brings the most encouraging reminder that less structure can sometimes lead to more growth.
We talk about parenting with confidence in a culture that loves hustle, the value of being outside, and why you dont have to do it all to be doing it right.
Here are four big takeaways from our conversation:
- Why boredom is not a problem to fix but a gift to embrace
- How outdoor time can actually help with emotional regulation, creativity, and confidence
- What it looks like to parent boldly without apologizing for your convictions
- A beautiful reminder that just showing up is a win in homeschooling (and in parenting in general!)
Ginny is a homeschooling mom of five and the founder of Thousand Hours Outside, a global movement encouraging families to spend more intentional time outdoors. She is also the author of Homeschooling, Youre Doing It Right Just By Doing It and The Power of Outdoor Living for Your Childs Development. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy, Ginny champions slower, simpler, joy-filled childhoods rooted in nature and connection.
This episode will leave you feeling lighter, freer, and more grounded. I hope it blesses you like it did me.
(00:00) Introduction to Christian Parenting Podcast
(00:57) Meet Ginny Yurich: A Homeschooling Mom's Journey
(03:50) The Benefits of Homeschooling and Outdoor Living
(07:55) Navigating Parenting Pressures and School Choices
(10:42) The Importance of Boredom in Child Development
(18:28) Fostering Independence and Creativity in Kids
(27:06) Final Thoughts on Parenting and Homeschooling
Connect with Ginny
Resources Mentioned
A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Faith over fame in youth sports with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith →
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If youre navigating the world of youth sports with your kids, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, two seasoned sports dads with decades of experience in athletics and ministry to talk about one of the biggest parenting pressures today: how do we raise kids who love sports without losing sight of their faith, values, and family life?
Whether you're in the early stages of weekend games or juggling high-stakes club teams, this conversation offers so much wisdom and practical advice for keeping Jesus at the center.
Here are four takeaways from our conversation:
- How to keep your childs identity rooted in Christ not in their performance
- Why character development > championship rings (and how to model that)
- Questions to ask when its time to set boundaries or take a step back
- The importance of re-centering your family's values in the middle of a busy sports season
Ed and Brian are the co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. With deep backgrounds in athletics, family ministry, and discipleship, they speak directly to the heart of Christian parents trying to balance competition, character, and calling. Their passion is helping families honor God both on and off the field.
Im so grateful for this timely conversation, and I hope it encourages you to lead your kids through sports with peace, confidence, and kingdom perspective.
(02:49) The Youth Sports Industrial Complex
(05:30) Parental Pressures and Identity in Sports
(08:21) Recognizing Warning Signs as Parents
(11:21) Navigating the Balance of Support and Pressure
(14:06) Character Building Through Sports
(17:07) The Impact of Social Media on Youth Sports
(19:58) The Dangers of Specialization in Youth Sports
(21:33) Integrating Faith and Sports for Holistic Development
(26:00) Balancing Sports and Family Spiritual Life
(28:55) Navigating Sundays: Sports vs. Church
(34:41) Encouragement for Parents in the Sports Landscape
Resources Mentioned
A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal
Connect with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
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Youre not underqualified, youre just underestimated with Mary Marantz →
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Have you ever felt like you were faking it in life or parenting? Like God may have something more for you, but you're unsure if youre ready or even worthy? You are so not alone.
This week Im joined by Mary Marantz, and wow, what a conversation. Mary shares her journey from deep-rooted self-doubt to walking confidently in Gods calling. Her words will breathe courage into the parts of you that feel small, unseen, or not enough. If fear has been holding you back, this ones for you.
Here are four things youll take away from this episode:
- Why feeling unqualified doesnt disqualify you from Gods calling
- The real reason we play small and how to step out of that trap
- Practical ways to push past fear and move forward with purpose
- Encouragement for using your God-given gifts even when youre scared
Mary is the bestselling author of Dirt and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots. Shes also the host of The Mary Marantz Show and a powerhouse speaker who inspires women to rise from insecurity and step into their God-given purpose. Her newest book, Underestimated, is all about embracing the truth that you dont have to prove yourself, you just need to trust the One who called you.
I know this conversation will encourage you in both your parenting and your personal journey. Let it be a reminder: God doesnt call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
(00:00) Mary's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Ivy League Success
(02:49) The Struggle of Underestimating Oneself
(05:40) Understanding Fear and Its Impact on Creativity
(08:39) Flipping the Script: From Fear to Purpose
(11:29) The Gap Between Success and Significance
(18:09) The Cost of Achievement
(21:01) Overthinking and Its Consequences
(25:58) Neuroplasticity and the Power of Small Steps
(30:26) Confronting Fear and Embracing Change
Connect with Mary
Resources Mentioned
What is your achiever type? Quiz
A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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