When Christmas doesnt go as planned with Sheila Walsh
Dec 9 • 29:01
When Christmas doesnt go as planned with Sheila Walsh
Episode:

When Christmas doesnt go as planned with Sheila Walsh

December 9, 2025 • 29:01 • Steph Thurling

The lights are twinkling, the carols are playing, and everything should feel magical... but sometimes, it just doesnt. Whether your kids are navigating big feelings of disappointment or you're trying to balance joy and weariness in your own heart, this conversation is for you.

This week Im joined by author and speaker Sheila Walsh, and were talking about what really matters this Christmas: Gods love, Emmanuel with us, and how to guide our children through holiday letdowns with grace, presence, and prayer.

Here are just a few things we talked about:

  •  How to help kids walk through disappointment (even when they dont get the part they wanted in the play)
  •  Why our prayers for our children matter more than any gift we could ever wrap
  •  Simple ways to re-center your home on Jesus in a culture thats always asking for more
  • How unmet expectations can be invitations to discover God's love more deeply

Sheilas brand-new picture book, The Little Drummer Girl, tells a beautiful story about a child who doesnt get what she wants and instead finds the joy of giving to Jesus. Its such a special book to read together this season. You can find the link in the show notes!

Sheila Walsh is a best-selling author, Bible teacher, speaker, and co-host of TBNs Praise. She has written over 50 books for women and children, including Its Okay Not to Be Okay, Holding On When You Want to Let Go, and The Storm Inside. Her new book, The Little Drummer Girl, is a heartwarming Christmas story for kids about faith, giving, and the love of Jesus.

So whether youre on your third cup of cocoa or hiding wrapping paper in the closet, I hope this episode wraps around you like a warm blanket and reminds you: Jesus is with us. Thats what matters most.

(00:00) Embracing the Christmas Spirit

(02:52) Sheila Walsh: A Journey of Faith and Family

(05:59) The Heart of Christmas: Lessons from Isabella

(08:59) Navigating Disappointments: Teaching Kids Resilience

(12:06) The Power of Prayer in Parenting

(15:05) Finding Joy in Community and Service

(18:13) Understanding God's Love and Forgiveness

(20:47) The Impact of Prayer Across Generations

(24:08) Celebrating God's Plan in Our Lives

(26:54) The Gift of Christmas: Sharing God's Love

Connect with Sheila

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

Better Together show

Resources Mentioned

The Little Drummer Girl book

Christian Parenting resources

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

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

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Podcast:

The Christian Parenting Podcast

With Steph Thurling
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:
Mar 31 • 39:30
Discipling our kids doesnt have to be intimidating with Sarah Holmstrom

As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, were revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.

Discipling our kids to know, love, and follow Jesus is one of the most important callings of Christian parenting, but it can also feel complex and uncertain.

In this episode, Sarah Holmstrom shares wisdom on what discipleship can look like in everyday family life. We talk about how to approach discipleship with kids who have different personalities, what daily faith formation can look like at home, and why praying for our children truly matters.

Sarah and Steph also share personal experiences from their years of ministry encouraging families to make prayer and spiritual growth a natural part of the rhythms of home life.

Sarah serves alongside Steph in the ministry Raising Prayerful Kids, and they co-authored the book of the same name, helping parents nurture a culture of prayer in their homes.

Connect with Sarah:

Website: www.raisingprayerfulkids.com

Social media:

@sarahmholmstrom

@raisingprayerfulkids

Resources mentioned:

Raising Prayerful Kids book

Get the digital Discipleship Simplified guide

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

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
Mar 24 • 35:02
How understanding God's character changes our parenting with Ruth Chou Simons

As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, were revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.

Many parents feel the pressure to control outcomes, do everything perfectly, and make sure their kids turn out right. But the Christian life, and parenting within it, is ultimately a journey of trusting God.

In this episode, Ruth Chou Simons shares encouragement for parents who want to root their lives and families more deeply in Gods character. We talk about why following Jesus often feels like a pilgrimage, how time in Gods Word shapes our hearts, and why releasing control and striving can open the door to deeper faith.

Ruth is a bestselling author, artist, speaker, and mom of six boys. Her book Pilgrim: 25 Ways Gods Character Leads Us Onward explores how understanding who God is helps guide us forward in faith and everyday life.

Connect With Ruth

Resources mentioned:

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

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
Mar 17 • 37:38
Investing in Your Kids Faith with Lisa Clark

As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, were revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.

Raising kids in the Christian faith often means balancing many priorities, family life, church involvement, and helping children build their own relationship with God.

In this episode, Lisa Clark shares practical encouragement for parents who want to make faith a natural part of everyday life. We talk about partnering with the church, helping kids prioritize time with God, and why nurturing your own faith is an essential part of guiding your children.

Lisa is a mom and grandmother, co-host of the podcasts Raising Sinners and Wonder, and the author of My Time with God, a devotional created with First15 to help kids develop a daily rhythm of spending time with the Lord.

Connect with Lisa:

  • @LisaEClark
  • Lisaclarkspeaks.com
  • Raising Sinners
  • Wonder

Resources mentioned:

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

Get your copy of My Time With God today!

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
Mar 10 • 30:29
Discipling the next generation with Jen Wilkin and J.T. English

As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, were revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.

One of our most important callings as parents is discipling our kids in the Christian faith. To do that well, we need to understand what we believe, why we believe it, and be familiar with Gods Word.

In this episode, Jen Wilkin and J.T. English join me to talk about the relationship between Bible study and theology and why both matter as we raise the next generation of believers. Together we discuss how understanding theology strengthens our faith, why Bible literacy matters for parents and kids alike, and how these two practices work together to shape a lifelong walk with God.

Jen and J.T., who co-authored You Are a Theologian, also share practical encouragement for discipling kids in different seasons of parenting and helping them grow in their understanding of God.

Connect with Jen 

  • https://www.jenwilkin.net/
  • @jenwilkin
  • @knowingfaithpodcast

Connect with J.T.

  • @jtenglish
  • @knowingfaithpodcast

 

Links and resources mentioned:

You Are A Theologian book

http://newcitycatechism.com/

https://www.tinytheologians.shop/

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

Lives of Faith and Grace series

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
Mar 3 • 33:10
Bringing Joy Back to Discipleship at Home with Amanda Jass

Hey friends,

What if discipling your kids didnt feel heavy but actually felt joyful again?

I dont know about you, but sometimes the pressure to do it right as a Christian parent can slowly steal the fun and freedom out of faith. What starts as a beautiful calling can start to feel like another thing on the list. And thats exactly why this conversation felt so refreshing.

Today Im joined by my friend Amanda Jass, and she brings such a grace-filled, life-giving perspective to what it looks like to disciple our kids in a way that feels natural, joyful, and deeply rooted in Jesus.

Here are four takeaways that I think will really stick with you:

  • You can partner with the church without outsourcing discipleship, your home still matters most
  • Faith doesnt have to feel overwhelming when we make it simple, approachable, and part of everyday life
  • Play, story, and imagination are essential, not extra, when it comes to kids understanding and loving Jesus
  • You are not behind, small, consistent moments matter more than getting it perfect

This conversation is such a deep exhale. If youve ever felt like youre not doing enough or you dont even know where to start, I think this will remind you that God isnt asking for perfectionjust presence.

Amanda Joss is a childrens author, illustrator, and longtime kids ministry leader who is passionate about helping families make faith feel joyful and accessible. She is the creator of Adventures in the Friendly Forest, a 30-day storybook devotional that uses imaginative storytelling and biblical truth to help kids grow in their faith in a fun and meaningful way.

Im cheering you on as you create a home where faith feels light, joyful, and lived out together.

With Love,

Steph

Resources Mentioned: 

Amandas Website

Amandas Instagram

Sign up for Morning Minute

Christian Parenting

Open a LearningRX center

The Hunt for the Kraken

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
About the Host

Steph Thurling

Steph Thurling is Executive Director of Christian Parenting and host of The Christian Parenting Podcast.

Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement.

Steph lives in Minnesota with her husband and three amazing and hilarious kids. When she is not hanging out with her family, you can probably find her on a walk with a friend, organizing things that won’t stay organized, or somewhere cozy reading a book.

More from Steph →