Healing, boundaries, and raising emotionally healthy kids with Melanie Shankle

This weeks episode is one that every parent can relate to. Im joined by Monica Swanson to talk about a struggle many of us faceraising kids who arent entitled in a world that often is.  

Here are a few takeaways from todays conversation:

• As parents, we need to be intentional about combating entitlement in our homes.  
• Teaching kids responsibility and real-life opportunities to work hard builds character.  
• Helping our kids develop a heart of gratitude is one of the best ways to fight entitlement.  
• Parenting is a learning process, and it's okay to wrestle with these challenges while seeking wisdom and growth.  

Monica Swanson is an author, speaker, and host of The Monica Swanson Podcast (formerly The Boy Mom Podcast). As a mom of four boys, she shares practical wisdom on raising kids with strong character, work ethic, and faith in todays world.  

This conversation is just two friends trying to figure it out together, and were so glad youre stepping into it with us. I hope you leave feeling encouraged and equipped to guide your kids toward gratitude, responsibility, and strong character. Enjoy!

(00:00) Understanding Entitlement in Today's Culture

(02:49) The Role of Technology and Parenting

(06:12) Celebrating Achievements: A Double-Edged Sword

(08:56) Instilling Gratitude as an Antidote

(12:00) Teaching Work Ethic and Responsibility

(16:56) Building Character and Responsibility in Kids

(18:01) Fighting Entitlement and Cultivating Gratitude

(19:45) Modeling Gratitude as Parents

(22:05) Intentional Parenting in a Selfie Culture

(24:58) The Importance of Service and Perspective

(29:35) It's Never Too Late to Start

(32:58) Surrounding Kids with Positive Influences

Connect with Monica

MonicaSwanson.com

The Monica Swanson Podcast

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Character training course

Raising Prayerful Kids book

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World

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

This week, Im joined by Melanie Shankle to talk about her book, Here Be Dragons. Our conversation dives deep into important topics like generational trauma, relationships, and the impact of mean girls on young girls. Melanies focus on healing and boundaries is so powerful, reminding us that the path to raising emotionally healthy kids starts with becoming emotionally healthy ourselves.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Raising emotionally healthy children starts with doing the work to heal yourself. Its never too late to begin.  
• Boundaries are essential for protecting your emotional health and that of your family.  
• Melanie encourages parents to pause and evaluate areas in their lives that need healing or adjustment for their own and their childrens benefit.  
• We discuss the influence of relationships and mean-girl culture on young girls, and how parents can guide them toward healthy connections.  

Melanie Shankle is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Big Boo Cast podcast. Her latest book, Here Be Dragons, explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of emotional health. Melanies heartfelt writing and practical advice have made her a trusted voice for parents seeking to raise emotionally resilient children.

This episode is filled with both challenges and encouragement, offering actionable steps to prioritize emotional health in your family. I hope you find it as impactful as I did!

(02:57) The Evolution of Parenting: Embracing Change

(06:03) Healing from Generational Trauma

(08:57) Navigating Relationships: The Impact of Motherhood

(11:51) Breaking Generational Cycles in Parenting

(15:10) The Mean Girl Epidemic: Caroline's Experience

(17:59) Understanding the Roots of Mean Behavior

(21:00) The Importance of True Friendship

(24:00) Finding Grace in Relationships

(27:00) Final Thoughts: Embracing God's Plan for Our Kids

Connect with Melanie

The Big Mama Blog

The Big Boo Cast podcast

Instagram

Here be Dragons book

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

This weeks episode is extra special as Im joined by two of my favorite people, Alicia and Kirsta Graf. They are a mother-daughter duo who inspire me deeply. Alicia shares her parenting journey with Kirsta, who has down syndrome, and the lessons shes learned through adoption, loss, and raising three daughters. Kirsta is truly incrediblefunny, joyful, and a shining light. Their story is heartfelt, inspiring, and filled with wisdom.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Alicia emphasizes treating your family as a team and studying each child to meet their unique needs.  
• Relationships with those a season or two ahead in life can make a big difference in your parenting journey.  
• Kirstas journeygraduating from Bethel University, working at the school, and contributing to Jacks Basketshows the incredible potential of every child.  
• Parenting is full of surprises and challenges, requiring reliance on God and grace for yourself.  

This conversation is a beautiful reminder of the power of teamwork, grace, and celebrating the unique gifts of each family member. I hope you feel as encouraged as I did!

(06:01) Parenting Insights and Surprises

(11:45) God's Guidance in Parenting

(17:55) Kirsta's College Experience at Bethel University

(23:56) The Impact of College Programs for Special Needs

(30:40) Public Speaking and Personal Growth

(37:04) Reflections on Parenting

(42:45) Advice for Parents

Resources Mentioned

Bethel University BUILD program

Rubys Rainbow

Jacks Basket

Jacks Basket Instagram

Kirstas college drop-off video

The New Language of Toys book

A Word in the Hand book

Baby Sign Language Made Easy book

Mercy Watson book set

Christian Parenting Family Meeting Guide

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

This weeks episode is extra special as Im joined by my husband, Trevor, to share how family meetings have transformed our parenting and family life. From improving communication to empowering our kids, family meetings have become a key tool in creating a supportive and faith-centered home.

Heres what youll hear in todays episode:

• Regular family discussions help parents and kids stay connected and on the same page.  
• Involving children in activities like meal planning and decision-making gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility.  
• Keeping family meetings short, focused, and consistent builds trust and strengthens family bonds.  
• Remember, God sees you as capable and worthy of the parenting role youve been given. 

This episode is full of practical tips and encouragement for prioritizing family time. I hope it inspires you to try family meetings in your home!

Check out our latest resource, our digital Family Meeting Guide. I took what works for us in our family meetings and made this guide just for you! Every week you will be emailed a template to hold your own family meeting. I know you will love it!

(04:59) The Importance of Family Meetings

(11:03) Implementing Family Meetings: A Game Changer

(18:11) Navigating Challenges in Family Meetings

(23:56) Empowering Kids Through Family Meetings

(29:57) Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

Resources Mentioned

Whats In Mommys Tummy?

Family Meeting Guide

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

This weeks episode is packed with insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of parenting during the middle school years. Im joined by Courtney DeFeo, and together we dive into balancing love, independence, and the continuous learning process of parenting.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Parenting evolves as children grow, and middle school years often require creative ways to re-engage with your kids.  
• Allowing children to experience failure helps them develop responsibility and confidence.  
• Overparenting can hinder independenceparents should guide their children through problems, not shield them from them.  
• Self-care for parents is crucial to maintaining balance and avoiding guilt in the parenting journey.  

Courtney DeFeo is the host of the Pardon the Mess podcast here on the Christian Parenting Podcast Network where she encourages parents every week to be the imperfectly perfect parent God created them to be. She is also an author, speaker, and advocate for empowering parents to create lasting family connections. With her relatable approach and passion for practical parenting, Courtney inspires families to navigate challenges with grace and joy. 

We had a ton of fun recording this episode and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

(01:57) Navigating Parenting Stages

(06:10) Engaging with Middle Schoolers

(10:07) The Balance of Hovering and Letting Go

(13:57) Preparing for Independence

(18:02) Overparenting: Understanding the Roots

(21:06) Navigating the Challenges of Letting Go in Parenting

(24:35) The Importance of Self-Care and Mom Guilt

(26:54) Recognizing Red Flags in Parenting Dynamics

(28:54) Practical Strategies to Avoid Over-Parenting

(31:37) Embracing Independence and Building Confidence in Kids

(34:49) The Balance of Love and Guidance in Parenting

Connect with Courtney

Pardon the Mess podcast

Pardon the Mess Instagram

Courtneys Instagram 

Courtneys website

Resources Mentioned

Whats In Mommys Tummy?

Family Meeting Guide

In This House We Will Giggle

Sissy Goff episode on Apple

Sissy Goff episode on Spotify

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