Having a Flourishing Family with Amanda & David Erickson

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

Im so excited about this weeks episode because Im joined by two of my favorite guests Sissy Goff and David Thomas from the Raising Boys and Girls podcast! Theyre sharing incredible insights from their counseling practice and offering encouragement for every parent navigating the emotional ups and downs of raising kids today.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Anxiety and emotional overwhelm are on the rise, but there are simple, effective ways to help our kids cope.
• Sissy and David share how their therapy dogs are making a big difference in helping kids feel safe and supported.
• Small, consistent stepslike routines and regulation toolscan strengthen your childs emotional health.
• They tell us about their upcoming Raising Capable Kids Conference and share a special listener discount! (Use RAISING25 for 25% off tickets!)

Sissy and David are therapists, speakers, authors, and co-hosts of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast. With decades of combined experience at Daystar Counseling Ministries, theyre known for their practical, grace-filled approach to helping parents raise emotionally healthy, faith-rooted kids.

This conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement for every parent whos ever felt overwhelmed or unsure. I hope it gives you the tools and confidence you need to support your child with love and clarity.

(03:04) The Importance of Encouragement for Parents

(06:06) Challenges Facing Kids Today

(09:07) Understanding Anxiety in Children

(12:01) The Role of Dogs in Therapy

(15:03) Tools for Emotional Regulation

(18:07) Practical Strategies for Parents

(20:59) Upcoming Conference and Resources

Connect with David Thomas and Sissy Goff

Connect with Sissy and David

Daystar Counseling 

Daystar dogs - new books Owen Learns He Has What It Takes and Lucy Learns to Be Brave

Resources Mentioned

Raising Capable Kids Conference  Use code: RAISING25 for 25% off ticket prices!

NIV Application Bible

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

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

Im so excited about this weeks episode because Im joined by two of my favorite guests Sissy Goff and David Thomas from the Raising Boys and Girls podcast! Theyre sharing incredible insights from their counseling practice and offering encouragement for every parent navigating the emotional ups and downs of raising kids today.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Anxiety and emotional overwhelm are on the rise, but there are simple, effective ways to help our kids cope.
• Sissy and David share how their therapy dogs are making a big difference in helping kids feel safe and supported.
• Small, consistent stepslike routines and regulation toolscan strengthen your childs emotional health.
• They tell us about their upcoming Raising Capable Kids Conference and share a special listener discount! (Use RAISING25 for 25% off tickets!)

Sissy and David are therapists, speakers, authors, and co-hosts of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast. With decades of combined experience at Daystar Counseling Ministries, theyre known for their practical, grace-filled approach to helping parents raise emotionally healthy, faith-rooted kids.

This conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement for every parent whos ever felt overwhelmed or unsure. I hope it gives you the tools and confidence you need to support your child with love and clarity.

(03:04) The Importance of Encouragement for Parents

(06:06) Challenges Facing Kids Today

(09:07) Understanding Anxiety in Children

(12:01) The Role of Dogs in Therapy

(15:03) Tools for Emotional Regulation

(18:07) Practical Strategies for Parents

(20:59) Upcoming Conference and Resources

Connect with David Thomas and Sissy Goff:

Sissy and David

Daystar Counseling 

Daystar dogs - new books Owen Learns He Has What It Takes and Lucy Learns to Be Brave

Resources Mentioned:

Raising Capable Kids Conference  Use code: RAISING25 for 25% off ticket prices!

NIV Application Bible

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

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