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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.
All Episodes:
Rethinking your time with purpose and peace with Elaine Franklin →
Have you ever felt busy all day long but still wondered if any of it really mattered?
This weeks episode is a little different and so special. Im sharing a conversation from another Christian Parenting podcast, Pardon the Mess, hosted by the wonderful Courtney DeFeo. I first heard her interview with Elaine Franklin years ago, and honestly, it stuck with me in such a meaningful way. So when I saw them sit down together again, I knew I had to share it with you.
This conversation is all about time, but not in the way you might expect. Its not about doing more or getting more organized. Its about living with intention, clarity, and peace in the middle of full lives.
Here are four takeaways that really stood out:
- Why understanding your circle of care vs. circle of responsibility can completely shift how you spend your time
- The importance of defining your purpose and mission before building your schedule
- How margin isnt lazy, its protective for your faith, your family, and your well-being
- Why creating a to stop list might be the most freeing productivity tool youve never tried
This episode is packed with practical wisdom, but more than that, its an invitation to step out of the hustle and into a more thoughtful, life-giving rhythm. If youve been feeling stretched thin or a little out of alignment, I think this one will really meet you right where you are.
Elaine Franklin is a speaker, coach, and author who helps individuals and families align their time and priorities with their God-given purpose. Through her teaching, she offers practical and biblical tools for creating margin, setting healthy boundaries, and living with intention in every season of life.
Resources Mentioned
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
Navigating faith, doubt, and parenting with grace with Kristin LaValley →
Hey friends,
Have you ever felt like youre trying to pass on faith to your kids while quietly wrestling with your own? If so, this episode is for you.
This week Im joined by Kristin LaValley, writer, retreat host, and mom of five, who brings so much vulnerability and hope to the table. Kristins story is one many of us can relate to: growing up in the church, facing seasons of doubt and deconstruction, and learning how to build a gentler, deeper faith in the aftermath. Her wisdom is rooted in real experience, and she reminds us that asking questions doesnt disqualify us, it invites us to know God more fully.
Here are just a few of the things we unpack in todays conversation:
- Why fear-based faith doesnt last, and how to replace it with something more rooted in love
- The difference between shame and conviction, especially when helping our kids process emotions
- How to give our children spiritual agency without disengaging from their discipleship
- What it means to be a non-anxious presence in the midst of theological tension
This one is tender, thoughtful, and full of grace. I hope it reminds you that God can hold both your faith and your questions.
Kristin LaValley is a writer, retreat leader, and mother of five living in New England. She helps women process faith, trauma, and spiritual transformation with honesty and hope. Her latest book, Growing Up Saved, is a heartfelt reflection on evangelical culture, mental health, and rebuilding faith after deconstruction.
(01:28) Transitioning from Homeschooling to Public School
(02:41) The Power of Writing in Healing
(05:19) Navigating Church Hurt and Parenting
(10:36) Giving Kids Agency in Their Faith
(20:38) Understanding Shame and Its Impact on Faith
(28:38) Kristen's Book and Closing Thoughts
Connect with Kristen
Resources Mentioned
Disciplines of Devotion series
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
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
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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
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