Creating a home where kids thrive with Melissa Kruger
Apr 2 • 36:05
Creating a home where kids thrive with Melissa Kruger
Episode:

Creating a home where kids thrive with Melissa Kruger

April 2, 2024 • 36:05 • Steph Thurling

In this weeks episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Melissa Kruger, a wise and experienced voice in parenting and discipleship. As the vice president of The Gospel Coalitions discipleship program and a mother to three adult children, Melissa brings wisdom and practical insights. Our conversation centers around her book, Parenting with Hope, and we really get into the nuances of parenting teens and children of all ages.

Melissa offers a refreshing perspective on building and maintaining strong relationships with our children. She emphasizes the importance of parenting from a foundation of values and principles, highlighting the need for us to take responsibility for our own reactions and actions. Her reminder to focus on grace and to trust in the journey God has us on is both comforting and empowering.

Here are some of my insights that Melissa shares:

  • Parenting from Values and Principles: Melissa discusses how parenting guided by core values and principles can foster a nurturing environment for children to grow and flourish.
  • The Role of Grace and Warmth: Emphasizing the power of grace, warmth, and welcome, Melissa illustrates how these elements can transform our home life and relationships with our children.
  • Trusting in Gods Word and Prayer: At the heart of our discussion is the reminder to parent with hope, leaning on prayer and Gods promises. Melissa encourages us to see parenting as a long game, where faithfulness in prayer and trust in Gods plan is paramount.

Whether youre in the thick of parenting teens or preparing for the years ahead, Melissas insights offer a path to a more connected, faithful, and hopeful parenting experience.

Connect With Melissa online 

Order your copy of Parenting with Hope HERE

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melissabryankruger/

Resources mentioned:

Raising Mentally Strong Kids

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Podcast:

The Christian Parenting Podcast

With Steph Thurling
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.
All Episodes:
Dec 3 • 45:18
Having a Flourishing Family with Amanda & David Erickson

Todays episode is one youll want to listen to more than onceor grab a notebook and take some notes! Im joined by Amanda and David Erickson from Flourishing Homes & Families. 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The importance of fostering trust and connection in your parenting approach.
  • How discipline can be a meaningful part of guiding our children spiritually.
  • Tangible tips for building strong family relationships and fostering emotional maturity in kids.
  • Amanda and David share their own experiences and practical advice for implementing these principles in everyday parenting.

Amanda and David Erickson are the founders of Flourishing Homes & Families, a ministry dedicated to helping Christian families embrace grace-filled parenting. They are the authors of The Flourishing Family and are passionate about integrating the teachings of Jesus with modern neuroscience to create lasting and meaningful family connections.

This conversation is packed with wisdom and actionable insights. I know youll leave feeling encouraged and equipped to nurture trust, connection, and spiritual growth in your family.

Enjoy!

(03:05) The Role of Trust in Parenting

(05:52) Trust-Based Obedience Explained

(08:51) Navigating Obedience and Connection

(11:59) Creative Discipline Strategies

(14:56) Discipline as Discipleship

(17:50) Consequences and Repairing Relationships

(21:05) Modeling Repentance and Growth

(23:46) Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Connect with Dr. David and Amanda Erickson

Flourishing Homes and Families

Instagram

Resources Mentioned 

Flourishing Homes and Families

The Flourishing Family book

How to set up an Alexa routine

Wild Interest Podcast

Christmas Gift Guide

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 26 • 39:39
Chasing whimsy and faith in parenting with Bob Goff

Happy Thanksgiving week! We are so thankful for you, our listeners, and the time we spend growing in faith together. This podcast is a special place for us to be real, learn, and grow, and I am so grateful for every moment! This week, I am beyond thrilled to sit down with the one and only Bob Goff.  Were diving into his newest book, Chasing Whimsy.

Heres what youll hear in todays episode:

  • Insights on fostering faith in your family and raising kids with a love for God and life.
  • How do you cultivate a spirit of whimsy and joy in your family life, and why does it matter?
  • Embracing teachable moments and living with a sense of adventure, even in the everyday.
  • Tips for recognizing and celebrating the unique differences of each of your children.

Bob Goff is a New York Times bestselling author, including works like Love Does and Everybody, Always. A former lawyer, he left his practice to pursue writing and speaking full-time. Bobs infectious energy, storytelling, and heart for adventure and faith inspire people around the globe. He is also the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit dedicated to pursuing justice and hope for those in need.

This conversation is packed with laughter, wisdom, and practical ways to infuse whimsy, adventure, and meaningful moments into your family life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

With Love,

Steph

Chapters

(03:08) Living in Anticipation: Family Values and Faith

(05:55) The Role of Humor and Fun in Faith

(08:53) Creating Teachable Moments Through Shared Experiences

(11:48) Balancing Routine and Adventure in Parenting

(14:57) Understanding Individuality in Parenting

(17:47) The Importance of Genuine Interest in Children

(21:07) Navigating Love and Discipline in Parenting

(24:05) Embracing Whimsy and Wonder in Family Life

(26:54) The Legacy of Parenting and Grandparenting

(30:14) The Structure of 'Catching Whimsy' Devotional

(33:10) Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 19 • 45:03
Decluttering our thought lives with Cleere Cherry Reaves

I am thrilled to share today's episode with you! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cleere Cherry Reaves, our conversation was rich with insights and heartfelt moments, and I know youll love it.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Navigating the complexities of parenting a child with special needs and the lessons learned along the way.
  • Emphasizing the importance of leaning on God's plan and embracing grace in our parenting journey.
  • Utilizing rituals and declarations to foster deep, meaningful connections and spiritual growth.
  • We must be fully present with our children and cherish the moments we have with them.

Cleere Cherry Reaves is the owner and creator of Cleerely Stated, a successful online boutique whose inspirational products can be found in retail stores all over the United States. She also hosts the growing Let's Be Cleere podcast. Known for her relatable writing style, Cleere's mission is to help others see themselves and the world around them through the eyes of Jesus. Cleere and her husband, Will, live in Greenville, North Carolina, and welcomed their first child, Sledge, into the world in the summer of 2021. 

This conversation felt like catching up with an old friend; youll feel the same way. Enjoy!

(02:59) Parenting Journey and Special Needs

(05:59) The Complexity of Parenting

(09:05) Navigating Parenting Challenges

(11:56) The Importance of Surrender

(14:56) Decluttering Thought Lives

(18:06) Squirreling Out: Managing Overwhelm

(20:53) Intentional Declarations and Family Dynamics

(23:54) Practical Applications of Declarations

(26:58) Creating Family Rituals

(30:01) The Role of Grace in Parenting

(32:54) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Cleere

https://www.cleerelystated.com/

@cleerelystated

Resources Mentioned

Revive: Declarations of Gods Truth to Renew Your Spirit

Cleerely Stated Store

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting store

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 12 • 29:11
Building a legacy of gratitude and grace with Sally Clarkson

I am absolutely thrilled about today's episode! We have the honor of welcoming Sally Clarkson to the showa voice that has profoundly influenced Christian parenting for many years. Her wisdom and approach have significantly impacted so many of us, and I have long admired her message on parenting.

We discussed her newest book, Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace. Sally shares invaluable insights on:

  • Emphasizing our crucial role in nurturing our children.
  • Reflecting on her own challenges and the growth that came from them.
  • Discussing the joys and responsibilities that come with our role as parent.
  • Offering practical advice on instilling faith and gratitude in our families.
  • Sharing the joy of seeing her family carry on these practices in their own lives.

Sally Clarkson co-founded Whole Heart Ministries with her husband, Clay, where she serves as the womens ministry director. She is the author of numerous popular books, including Own Your Life and Desperate (co-authored with Sarah Mae). As a mother of four, Sally has inspired thousands of mothers through her Mom Heart Conferences and small groups since 1998. 

This conversation is filled with gentle wisdom and practical advice. I hope you find it as enriching as I did.

(02:59) The Legacy of Parenting and Writing

(05:55) Embracing the Role of 'Queenie' in Family

(09:05) Challenges in Parenting and Reliance on God

(11:57) Daily Parenting Practices and Building Legacy

(14:59)The Importance of Unconditional Love

(17:59) The Joy of Grandparenting and Passing on Legacy

Connect with Sally

https://sallyclarkson.com/

At Home with Sally podcast

Resources Mentioned

Well Lived book

Christian Parenting store

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 5 • 37:21
Faith, identity, and self-acceptance in a digital world with Jill Atogwe

Weve reached the final week of our series on identity, and Im thrilled to be joined by Jill Atogwe. She brings a wealth of wisdom on faith, fashion, motherhood, and more.

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

  • Parenting in a Digital Age: Jill shares practical insights on the unique challenges and opportunities of raising kids in a digital world.
  • Teaching Diversity and Self-Acceptance:We discuss the importance of teaching our kids to appreciate diversity and embrace who they are.
  • Faith and Identity: How our faith serves as the foundation for a healthy, Christ-centered identity.

Jill Atogwe is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur behind Gold and Graphite, where she shares her thoughts on faith, family, and style. She also authors The Gold Standard, a weekly newsletter focused on intentional living, and her childrens book Left Out encourages young readers to embrace uniqueness and inclusivity. Jills thoughtful approach to life and parenting makes her a trusted voice for families navigating faith and identity.

This conversation is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom, especially as we seek to raise children grounded in Christ in an ever-changing world. I cant wait for you to listen!

(02:49) The Evolution of Influencing and Writing

(05:59) Navigating Social Media and Parenting

(09:01) Embracing Uniqueness in Children

(11:48) Faith and Identity in Christ

(15:00) Modeling Faith and Trust for Kids

(21:54) Practical Ways to Celebrate Uniqueness

(30:03) Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Jill:

https://goldandgraphite.com/

Instagram: @jillatogwe

Resources Mentioned

Identity Simplified

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Left Out by Jill Atogwe

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
About the Host

Steph Thurling

Steph Thurling is Executive Director of Christian Parenting and host of The Christian Parenting Podcast.

Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement.

Steph lives in Minnesota with her husband and three amazing and hilarious kids. When she is not hanging out with her family, you can probably find her on a walk with a friend, organizing things that won’t stay organized, or somewhere cozy reading a book.

More from Steph →

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