Navigating tough conversations with grace with Lindsey Medenwaldt

Todays episode is a special treat as I introduce you to someone near and dearmy podcast producer and fellow podcast host, Jeanette Tapley! Jeanette hosts the Moms at Work podcast, part of the Christian Parenting Network, and she brings so much joy and wisdom to every conversation. 

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

• Whether youre a working mom of little ones or navigating the teen years, Jeanette shares how to find joy in each stage of parenting.
• We discuss preparing for different parenting stages, so theres something valuable here, even if youre not in your teen years yet.
• Jeanette offers practical advice on setting rules that work for your unique family dynamic and keeping your familys priorities in check.
• Jeanette shares some of her favorite wisdom for parenting through various seasons, helping us stay grounded and joyful.

Jeanette Tapley hosts the Moms at Work podcast, where she connects with moms balancing work, life, and family. As a podcast producer and speaker, she brings her warm, relatable style to every conversation, making everyone feel like chatting with a friend. Jeanettes heart for encouraging moms in their daily lives shines through in her practical advice and joyful approach to parenting.

Join us for this fun and insightful episode where youll feel like sitting down for coffee with a trusted friend and mentor.

(03:25) Balancing Work and Parenting

(11:28) Setting Rules and Boundaries

(17:14) Navigating the Digital World

(18:23) Challenges of Parenting Teens

(19:08) Establishing Rules and Priorities

(22:25) Transitioning from Parenting to Mentoring

(23:22) The Joy of Seeing the Lord Move in Their Lives

(27:06) Trusting God and Having Faith in Difficult Times

(30:16) Fostering Strong Relationships with Your Teenager's Friends

(35:20) Choosing Your Battles Wisely in Parenting

Connect with Jeanette:

jeanettetapley.com

Instagram: @jeanettefreakingtapley

Tiktok: @jeanettetapley

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

We are thrilled to welcome Ruth Chou Simons back to the podcast today! I am so excited to talk with her about her beautiful new children's book, Home Is Right Where You Are. Our conversation is rich with Ruths wisdom and practical advice for parenting in every season of family life.

Since this conversation was recorded, one of Ruths sons, Judah, was in a serious mountain biking accident. God is good and he is home after extensive surgery, but please join me in praying for Judahs continued recovery.

Here is what Ruth and I discuss in todays episode:

• How to create a home filled with God's presence and the importance of discipleship in everyday family life.
• The evolving journey of parenting and how to navigate various stages of family life with grace and intention.
• Practical tips from Ruth on raising boys to love Jesus (but applicable to girls, too!), with a focus on being present and keeping promises to your children.
• The process of launching children into adulthood and the value of sibling relationships.

Ruth Chou Simons is a bestselling author, artist, and speaker, known for her works GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She founded GraceLaced, an online shop that combines her artwork and devotionals, offering spiritual encouragement to others. As a mother of six boys, Ruth often speaks about grace, faith, and family, providing practical wisdom for parents who seek to raise their children with a deep love for Christ.

Join us for this heartfelt and practical conversation filled with Ruths wisdom on parenting, discipleship, and creating a home where God's love is always present.

Connect with Ruth:

Instagram:

@ruthchousimons

@gracelaced

Website:

www.gracelaced.com

https://ruthchousimons.com/

Resources Mentioned:

Home is Right Where You Are

White Bird

Chapters

(03:00) Navigating Parenting Seasons

(06:11) The Importance of Home and Gods Presence

(09:01) Discipling Children in Faith

(11:54) Tips for Raising Boys to Love Jesus

(14:54) The Challenge of Presence in Parenting

(17:47) Launching Kids into Adulthood

(21:12) Sibling Relationships and Family Bonds

(24:11) Lessons Learned from Parenting

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

Every once in a while, I love to have a guest who shares a powerful story of Gods faithfulness, and today is just that. Im joined by Kenisha Nichelle, who opens up about her journey of grief, loss, and Gods continual provision. Kenisha shares her personal story of losing both her parents at a young age, navigating life and parenting without them, and how God has faithfully guided her through the pain. There are some tough topics in this episode, so please be mindful of little ears!

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

• Kenishas story of losing her parents and how trusting God through her grief led to unexpected blessings.
• The unique challenges of parenting when youve lost your own parents and how to find strength in God.
• How Kenishas leap of faith after her loss led to a flourishing career in the sports industry and a life filled with purpose.
• Balancing life, sports, and self-care as a parent, with actionable advice from Kenishas journey.

Kenisha Nichelle is a dynamic professional in the sports industry, and her life story is a testimony to Gods faithfulness through loss and grief. After losing both of her parents, she has leaned on her faith to navigate parenting, career, and personal growth. Her passion for life and her unwavering trust in God make her an inspiring figure for anyone who has experienced loss.

Kenishas journey is filled with hard moments, but her story is beautiful and full of hope. Im sure youll feel encouraged in your own faith and empowered in your story after hearing from her today. There are some tough topics in this episode, so please be mindful of little ears!

02:36 Faith and Family

05:04 Parenting Without Parents

07:41 Finding Community and Support

11:36 The Role of Faith in Kenisha's Life

16:21 Trusting in God's Plan

20:48 Career in the Sports Industry

27:28 Balancing Sports, School, and Life

30:11 Advice for Parents

32:09 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Connect with Kenisha:

https://kenishanichelle.com/

@kenishanichelle

Resources Mentioned:

Christian Parenting store

White Bird movie

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

If you've been around the podcast for a while, you know I love practical tips that help us parent in a way that honors God and makes life a little easier. Todays episode is FULL of that! Im sitting down with Dr. Kelly Cagle who is now a fast friend of the podcast! Were diving into how to help our kids become lifelong learnersnot just in school but in all areas of life.

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

• How to encourage your kids to be lifelong learners, not just in academics but in life skills and personal growth.
• Kelly emphasizes that parents are the number one teachers in their childrens lives and play a key role in shaping their character and abilities.
• Practical tips on how understanding your child's strengths and weaknesses can help you parent more effectively and guide their development.

Dr. Kelly Cagle is a podcaster, researcher, and parent coach with a PhD in education. Her passion is to equip parents with the tools they need to raise lifelong learners and well-rounded children. With her extensive background and practical insights, she helps parents understand their role as educators in their childrens lives.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you guide your kids in learning and growing in every area of life. I hope you find it as encouraging and helpful as I did!

Time Stamps

03:00 Understanding and Nurturing Each Child's Unique Strengths and Weaknesses

08:45 Teaching Life Skills through Everyday Activities

17:59 Being Choosy and Prioritizing What Matters

27:59 Resources for Supporting Lifelong Learning

Connect with Dr. Kelly Cagle

https://www.instagram.com/drkellycagle/

https://www.drkellycagle.com/

Resources mentioned

Parenting IQ podcast on apple

Parenting IQ podcast on Spotify

Back to School workshop

Christian Parenting store

White Bird movie

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

One of my favorite conversations on this podcast was with Sandra Stanley about her book Parenting: Getting It Right, and I still go back to it often. So, when I had the opportunity to talk with Sandra again, this time joined by her daughter Allie, I knew I couldnt pass it up! Were diving into building strong, healthy relationships between mothers and daughters.

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

• How to foster open communication and maintain a close relationship with your daughter, especially during those challenging teenage years.
• We discuss the pressures and fears teen girls face, like comparison, identity formation, and the fear of being aloneand how moms often share these struggles.
• Sandra and Allie offer practical guidance and activities to help you connect with your daughter and navigate these topics together.
• The importance of strong family relationships for both faith and personal growth, making this conversation valuable for every parentwhether or not you have a daughter.

About Sandra and Allie Stanley:

Sandra Stanley is the co-author of Parenting: Getting It Right and a trusted voice in Christian parenting, while Allie Stanley Cooney brings the perspective of a daughter who has experienced these formative years firsthand. Together, theyve written Meet Me in the Middle, a book designed to help mothers and daughters strengthen their relationships and grow together in faith.

This conversation is packed with insights that every parent can benefit from, whether or not you have a daughter. I know youll walk away with practical tools and encouragement to foster connection and growth in your family.

Connect with Sandra and Allie:

https://www.sandrastanley.com/

Instagram: @standrawstanley

Instagram: @alliekaycooney

Resources Mentioned:

Meet Me in the Middle

Parenting: Getting It Right

Politics Simplified

A Life of Faith prayer journal

Christian Parenting store