Breaking free from the screen time trap with Clare Morell

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

Away Game book

A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal

Christian Parenting products

Adventure Bible

Connect with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith

Ed Uszynski X

Ed Uszynsky Instagram

Brian Smith Instagram

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

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

MaryMarantz.com

Underestimated book

Instagram

The Mary Marantz Show

Resources Mentioned

What is your achiever type? Quiz

Christian Parenting resources

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

Have you or your kids ever wrestled with hard questions about faith? If so, you're not alone and youre definitely in the right place today. This week, Im talking with Nicholas McDonald about his personal journey through disillusionment, deconstruction, and ultimately a deep renewal of his hope in Jesus. His honesty, wisdom, and compassion are such a gift to parents who are navigating this with their kids or experiencing it themselves.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• Nicholas shows how asking hard questions can actually deepen faith when approached in a safe, truth-filled environment.
• Community is key. He shares why isolation makes doubt heavier and how loving, honest relationships can carry us through it.
• Parents dont need to have all the answers. Walking with your child through their questions with empathy and humility is more powerful than a perfect explanation.
• Hope is always on the table even in the hardest seasons, Gods love remains, and he invites us to keep wrestling, trusting, and returning.

Nicholas is a pastor, writer, and speaker with a heart for helping people encounter Jesus through the truth of Scripture and the beauty of story. He is the author of The Light in Our Eyes: Rediscovering the Love, Beauty, and Freedom of Jesus in an Age of Disillusionment, and his teaching often bridges the gap between doubt and belief for a new generation of Christians.

I know this conversation will encourage your heart and give you practical wisdom for those messy, holy moments of parenting. You dont have to be perfectyou just have to show up.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(05:24) Disillusionment with the Church

(10:46) Parenting and Faith Challenges

(16:27) The Importance of Community

(22:02) Hope for the Future of Faith

Connect with Nick

X account

Substack

The Light in Our Eyes book

Resources Mentioned

Christian Parenting resources

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

What do we do when Gods calling for our childs life looks nothing like we expected? This weeks episode is such a gift. Im joined by Katie Davis Majors, a mom, missionary, and founder of Amazima Ministries who shares her journey from a planned gap year to a lifelong mission in Uganda. Her story will stretch your perspective on calling, parenting, and what it means to truly trust God with your kids.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

• Gods plans often surprise us. Katie's one-year mission trip became a lifelong ministry and calling.
• Katie talks about raising kids who care deeply for others and reflect the love of Jesus.
• Letting go is part of faithful parenting. We don't need to control the outcome, but we do need to walk in trust.
• Sustainable service requires surrender; serving others shouldnt lead to burnout when its done from a place of abiding in Christ.

Katie is the founder of Amazima Ministries in Uganda, a mother of fifteen through adoption and birth, and the author of multiple books including Kisses from Katie and Safe All Along. She lives in Uganda with her family, where she continues to serve and write about faith, motherhood, and surrender.

This conversation will remind you that the bravest thing we can do as parents is trust God with the story hes writing in our kids lives.

Resources Mentioned:

A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal

Christian Parenting resources

(00:00) Katie's Journey to Uganda and Amazima

(05:51) The Impact of Compassionate Parenting

(11:57) Letting Go of Control in Parenting and Ministry

(18:13) Amazima's Mission and Future Goals

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

Weve reached the final week of our school choice series, and Im so excited for you to hear this conversation. Today, Im chatting with my friend, Brittaney Devane about what it looks like to choose online school even when it wasnt the original plan. Her family made a big pivot, and what followed was growth, flexibility, and a deeper sense of purpose in their schooling journey.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Online school brings unexpected flexibility for schedules, learning styles, and family time.
2. Decision-making is a team effort. Brittaney shares how she and her husband stayed united in prayer and discernment.
3. Community still matters. Even with online learning, finding support and social outlets is possible and vital.
4. Its okay to change course. God can lead you to something better than you planned.

Whether youre curious about online school or just love hearing real stories from fellow parents, this episode is full of wisdom and grace.

(01:59) Navigating Schooling Choices

(05:55) The Benefits of Online School

(12:01) Socialization and Community Support

(17:57) Academic Structure and Flexibility

(23:49) Decision-Making and Family Dynamics

(29:49) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Brittaney

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Liberty University Online Academy

Support Christian Parenting

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