Parenting with faith and humor with Leeann Dearing and Michelle Fortin

Were continuing our special series on school choices today, and Im so excited to share this conversation with Leigh Nguyen, a mom who never planned to homeschool but followed Gods nudge and hasnt looked back. Her story is honest, inspiring, and full of practical insight for anyone wondering if homeschooling could actually work for their family.

Whether youre curious about it, overwhelmed by it, or already in the thick of it, Leigh brings a calm, grace-filled perspective that might just be the encouragement you need today.

Heres what youll hear in today's conversation:

• Faith can lead us down unexpected paths. Leigh didnt start out with a homeschool plan, but God met her in the unknown.
• Homeschooling isn't perfect, but it's purposeful. Every hard moment is an opportunity for connection, growth, and trust.
• Learning happens everywhere. From the kitchen table to the grocery store, faith and education beautifully intertwine.
• Theres no right way to do it. Homeschooling looks different for every family and thats the beauty of it.

Leigh is a homeschooling mom of four with a background in education and a heart for helping other parents feel confident and equipped in their own homeschooling journey. She speaks and writes about faith-filled parenting and creating a home where learning and discipleship go hand in hand.

I hope this episode gives you clarity and encouragement as you navigate your familys next steps.

(03:03) The Decision to Homeschool

(05:55) Daily Life in Homeschooling

(09:10) Integrating Faith into Education

(11:58) Choosing Curriculum

(15:05) Overcoming Doubts in Homeschooling

(18:01) Socialization in Homeschooling

(20:29) Holistic Learning Through Everyday Activities

(23:29) The Socialization Debate in Homeschooling

(26:54) Challenges of Homeschooling: Finding Balance

(29:07) The Growth of Homeschooled Children

(33:42) Lessons Learned: Reflections on Homeschooling

(36:47) Advice for New Homeschooling Parents

Connect with Leigh

Instagram

Little by Little Homeschool

Little by Little Homeschool podcast

Resources Mentioned

Christian Parenting store

Support Christian Parenting

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

Were continuing our special series all about school options, and today were diving into private Christian education. This is a conversation that I think will really help if youre trying to figure out what role faith can (and should) play in your childs school life. I'm joined by Katelyn Freitas, the middle school principal at my kids school, and her insight is full of heart, wisdom, and practical encouragement.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• Faith-based learning shapes character. Discipleship is woven into every subject and classroom moment.
• Partnership with parents matters. Christian schools work best when parents are active, involved, and aligned in mission.
• Community changes everything. Relationships between students, families, and staff create a spiritual foundation that lasts.
• Every child is discipled uniquely. Christian schools arent one-size-fits-all; theyre about helping each child grow in Christ.

Katelyn is a passionate leader in Christian education with years of experience in both teaching and administration. As a principal, she brings clarity, compassion, and a deep commitment to seeing students flourish academically and spiritually. Shes also someone I personally trust with my own kids which made this conversation extra special.

I hope this episode encourages you as you consider whats best for your family.

(02:54) Current Role and Responsibilities in Christian Education

(05:58) Understanding Private Christian Education

(09:08) Benefits of Private Christian Schools

(11:58) Challenges of Private Christian Education

(15:05) Community and Family Dynamics in Private Schools

(18:00) Identifying the Right Fit for Families

(20:56) Curriculum and Faith Integration in Christian Schools

(21:37) Integrating Faith and Education

(27:31) Discipline vs. Discipleship in Schools

(33:02) Navigating School Choices for Families

Resources Mentioned

Chapel Hill Academy

Association of Christian Schools

NIV Application Bible

Christian Parenting resources

Marriage Simplified

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

Were kicking off a brand-new series all about school choices because lets be honest, its something many of us didnt realize would be such a big parenting decision. Over the next five weeks we will be covering the pros and cons of multiple different school options: public school, private school, homeschool, and online school.

In this first episode, Im joined by my husband, Trevor, as we share our personal journey through public school, homeschooling, and Christian private school and why were always open to changing paths if thats whats best for our family.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

• Your school decision doesnt have to be forever. Weve learned its okay to reevaluate and pivot when needed.
• Gods guidance matters more than a perfect plan. Seeking him first gives peace in the uncertainty.
• Every option has pros and cons. We talk candidly about what worked (and what didnt) in each of our experiences.
• This is a judgment-free zone. This whole series is about informing, not convincing so you can make the best choice for your family.

Trevor is my husband, parenting partner, and co-navigator of all things school-related. Hes walked through this journey with me step by step, and together weve faced the highs, lows, and many what now? moments that come with raising school-aged kids in todays world.

I hope this episode encourages you and reminds you that youre not alone in figuring this stuff out. Lets keep seeking God and trusting him to lead the way.

(00:00) Navigating School Choices

(02:52) The Impact of COVID on Education

(06:08) Homeschooling vs. Private School

(08:52) Values and Priorities in Education

(11:48) Making Informed Decisions

(15:00) The Role of Finances in Education

(17:53) Understanding Your Child's Needs

(20:57) Making Big Decisions Together

(23:54) Finding Peace in Uncertainty

Christian Parenting Resources

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

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