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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.
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What 3 years of interviews have taught me about parenting with faith →
Hi friends,
This weeks episode is a little different and really special. It's just me, Steph, reflecting on the past three years of hosting the Christian Parenting Podcast. As I look back on the many conversations Ive had with incredible guests, a few themes have come up over and over again. And I wanted to take a moment to name them, reflect on them, and remind you (and myself!) that faithful parenting is not about doing everything perfectly, it's about showing up with humility, love, and trust in God.
In this solo episode, I share some of the truths that have encouraged me the most over the years:
- Relationship comes before instruction. Our kids dont need a lecture, they need connection.
- Consistency matters more than intensity. One big moment doesnt outweigh everyday faithfulness.
- Modeling an authentic faith makes a lasting impact. Your honesty and humility preach louder than perfection.
- Youre not responsible for the outcome. Youre invited to be faithful, present, and full of grace, and let God do the rest.
These reminders have shaped how I approach my own parenting and I hope they encourage you as you walk alongside your kids in faith, love, and truth.
With Love,
Steph
Resources Mentioned
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Teaching kids to handle money with wisdom with Stephen Day →
Hey friends,
Lets be honest, talking about money with our kids can feel a little awkward. Whether its figuring out allowance, answering Why cant we just buy that? at Target, or teaching the value of hard work without turning into the fun police, weve all been there.
Thats why Im so excited for you to hear todays episode with Stephen Day. Hes a dad of four, a professor, and the author of Teach a Kid to Save. Stephen brings a gentle, practical approach to money conversations that is full of wisdom and grace. He shares a framework he calls a mini economy, and honestly, its brilliant. This episode is packed with insight that will make you feel a lot more confident in raising money-wise kids without overcomplicating it.
Heres what we talk about:
- A simple family economy system that teaches saving, spending, and giving in real time
- Why allowances can work, but only if they're tied to your values, not just chores
- How to model contentment and generosity in a consumer-driven world
- Creative ways to connect money with character-building, not just behavior control
Stephen is a former middle school teacher, a current university professor, and a dad of four who is passionate about helping families teach financial literacy with confidence. His book, Teach a Kid to Save, is a practical guide full of tips, strategies, and encouragement for families wanting to build good money habits from the ground up. He believes kids learn best through experience, and that parents dont have to be financial experts to make a lasting impact.
This conversation will help you ditch the overwhelm and step into intentional parenting around money, with wisdom and peace.
With Love,
Steph
Connect with Stephen
Resources Mentioned
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
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
How to help kids calm their thoughts with Pastor Max Lucado →
Hey friends,
I am so glad youre here today because this episode is such a gift. I had the absolute honor of welcoming back Pastor Max Lucado to the podcast, and his gentle wisdom and encouragement are exactly what we need as we navigate parenting in an anxious world.
Max has spent decades speaking into our hearts with truth and grace. And now, hes turned his attention to helping our kids better understand and manage fear and worry through his new devotional Calm Thoughts for Kids. Its full of faith-based tools and age-appropriate encouragement, and today, were talking about how we, as parents, can come alongside our kids in their emotional and spiritual growth.
Here are a few things youll hear in our conversation:
- How anxiety shows up differently in children, and how to recognize it
- Why open, ongoing conversations are essential for helping our kids grow in faith
- How to anchor your childs identity in Gods truth instead of fear
- Encouragement for you as the parent: why your presence matters more than perfection
Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author whose books have sold over 145 million copies worldwide. Known for his approachable teaching style and heart for helping people experience Gods grace, Max has written countless books for adults, and now, for children too. His newest devotional Calm Thoughts for Kids is designed to help kids trust God in anxious moments and develop lifelong habits of hope and faith.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that we can model calm, point our children to Jesus, and be safe places for them to land, no matter what theyre walking through.
With Love,
Steph
Connect with Max
Resources Mentioned
Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!
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
No more boring Bible study with Faith Womack →
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Hey friends,
Lets be honest, studying the Bible as a busy parent can feel overwhelming. We want to be in the Word, but sometimes we just dont know where to start. Todays episode is a lifeline if youve ever stared at your Bible and thought, I want to read this I just dont know how.
Im so excited for you to hear from Faith Womack (aka Bible Nerd), who is on a mission to help people fall in love with scripture in a way thats approachable, meaningful, and, dare we sayfun. This conversation is the reminder we all need that Bible study isnt about performance; its about presence. And it is possible to make time for Gods Word in our full and fast-moving lives.
Here are a few things Faith shared that really stuck with me:
- Bible study doesnt have to be intense or intimidating, its an invitation, not a test.
- The Gospels make an incredible starting point when you need a reset or a place to re-engage with Jesus.
- We model a love of scripture to our kids not with perfection, but by simply showing up with curiosity and consistency.
- Worship can happen while we study, its not just something we do after we understand everything.
Whether youre brand new to Bible study or just need some fresh encouragement, this episode is going to feel like a deep breath of grace and motivation.
Faith is the founder of Bible Nerd Ministries, where she equips Christians to understand and enjoy scripture. Her new book, No More Boring Bible Study, is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone who wants to connect with Gods Word in a real and transformative way. Faiths mission is to help people study the Bible with joy, confidence, and depth, no seminary degree required. She lives with her husband and kids and is passionate about making the Bible accessible to everyone.
Lets start where we are, open our Bibles, and remember that God delights in meeting us there.
With love,
Steph
(00:00) Introduction to Bible Study Passion
(03:04) The Journey of Understanding Scripture
(06:02) Overcoming Intimidation in Bible Study
(08:52) The Importance of a God-Centric Approach
(12:07) Practical Steps to Engage with the Bible
(14:55) Adapting Bible Study Habits as a Parent
(17:57) Encouraging Kids in Their Faith Journey
(21:03) Navigating Bible Study Resources
(23:58) Conclusion and Resources
Connect with Faith
Resources Mentioned
No More Boring Bible Study book
Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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When faith hits you fresh with Cynthia Yanof →
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Hey friends,
You know those conversations that feel like sunshine and strong coffee at the same time? Thats what todays episode is. Im sitting down with the one and only Cynthia Yanof, OG host of the Pardon the Mess podcast and someone who knows how to bring laughter, truth, and grace into every room she walks into.
Were talking about her brand new book, Howd I Miss That? and its all about those holy aha moments, when something you've heard a million times in Scripture suddenly lands differently and stirs your heart in a new way. If you've been craving encouragement thats both lighthearted and deeply rooted, this episode is for you.
Heres what we unpack:
- Why love is the Christian brand and how we often forget that
- How mustard seed moments can shape your legacy as a parent
- What it means to live your faith in ordinary, everyday ways
- How to create a personal Mount Rushmore to guide your parenting and faith
Its hopeful. Its hilarious. And it will make you want to lean in just a little closer to Jesus today.
Cynthia is a speaker, author, and podcast host passionate about encouraging parents to pursue Jesus in the middle of the mess. Shes the original host of Pardon the Mess and now serves as a frequent voice in the Christian Parenting community. Her latest book, Howd I Miss That?, is all about rediscovering the simple but powerful truths of our faith that we often overlook. Cynthia lives in Texas with her husband and kids and brings wisdom wrapped in wit wherever she goes.
Lets keep choosing the small things, because theyre often the big things in disguise.
With love,
Steph
(00:00) Welcome Back and Introduction
(03:11) Navigating Parenting and Faith
(05:45) How'd I Miss That? Moments in Faith
(09:00) The Importance of Love in Our Lives
(12:11) Parenting Perspectives: Lessons Learned
(14:51) The Mustard Seed Mistake
(18:03) Building a Personal Mount Rushmore
(21:01) The Impact of Small Acts of Love
(24:00) Conclusion and Resources
Connect with Cynthia
https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/
Feeding the Mouth that Bites You podcast
Resources Mentioned
Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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