For Parents

Listen to this sister and brother duo talk about their home growing up and the way they were parented. This conversation includes what their parents did to cultivate connection with one another, ways that their parents shepherded their hearts towards being people of character and how they had parents that led them towards Jesus. It's a delightfully inspiring conversation!

In this episode Allie and Miles talk about their experience of parenting their four kids. Two of their kids are currently in college and the other two are still at home in high school. They are two of the most intentional parents! This episode is full of practical ideas for discipling your kids and their personal experiences of pointing their kids towards Jesus.

Amy and her husband have 3 kids. Their oldest child was born premature and much of our conversation is around how they navigated that season of their life and the sweet ways God worked through it. She also shares some of the journey with her business RoRo's Baking Company, and how fun it has been to watch it grow and develop.

Hannah and her husband, Lance, have 3 kids and live in Franklin, TN. They moved from Brooklyn to Tennessee shortly after having their first child. It was a huge transition, and Hannah talks about how she navigated those days. Hannah is always full of perspective and great wisdom. You will love this conversation!

In this episode Matt and Tammy vulnerably share about their parenting experiences and how they have seen God work through it.  They have 3 kids - two are adulting and the 3rd is in high school.  God compelled them to create a gap year program in Colorado with the purpose of launching new adults into the world who can thrive with the purpose and responsibilities. It's an amazing story of how God brings all things together for the good of those who love Him! Find out more from their website here.

Stephanie, Fran and Ivy have a candid conversation about our kids school projects. We talk through the things we have experienced, what we have learned and what we are continuing to learn.

In this episode Ivy shares a personal story about when her son started Kindergarten and the gift of God being with us wherever we go.

On this episode I talk with Meredith who is a mom, wife of a pastor and the creator of Concrete Conversations. Concrete Conversations is a tool designed to equip us with intentional questions to better know and be known by those around us.  Meredith is someone who is naturally a great question asker, genuinely enjoys asking questions and is using that gifting to help others become more intentional at asking questions.  In this conversation she talks about why conversation with our kids matters and gives practical ideas of when and how to talk to your kids.  https://concrete-conversations.com (Here) is the website to purchase the product!

Chris is a children's pastor and founder of Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope creates books to help get kids excited about reading the Bible. They are writing every book of the Bible, in beautifully designed single volumes, at an elementary level. Check out their storehttps://readkaleidoscope.com/store ( here.) In addition to sharing how Kaleidoscope came to be, Chris shares some great wisdom on discipling your kids and how to choose a church that's best for your family.

Nanette is a mom of grown girls as well as a preschool minister. Through those experiences she has gained a wealth of wisdom. In this episode she shares lots of great ideas for helping your preschoolers experience Jesus early on. The resources Nanette mentioned are... https://parentcuestore.org/?utm_term=parent%20cue&utm_campaign=MW_PC_BRD&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=1624807474&hsa_cam=17213972336&hsa_grp=137265839275&hsa_ad=597542487800&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-626839453320&hsa_kw=parent%20cue&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAjwtIaVBhBkEiwAsr7-c3YV_M6jK955PC6uTbnlltuVZyMxkXlisu4gzjpbhIy7K1qxH7dXzRoC0B4QAvD_BwE (Parent Cue) https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Bible-Early-Readers-Hardcover/dp/0310727421/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=NIRv+bible&qid=1654786892&sr=8-3 (Bible in NIRV translation) https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Every-Whispers/dp/0310708257/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A79C1HGNSKVS&keywords=jesus+storybook+bible&qid=1654786927&sprefix=Jesus+stor%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1 (Jesus Storybook Bible) https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Household-Practicing-Everyday-Rhythms/dp/0310362938/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=1V8BD48MBONZK&keywords=christian+parenting&qid=1654786984&sprefix=christian+parenting%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNkc0MzlNSkswNjkyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTg5Njg2MjQ5VUoxSzIwRlQzMSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzMwOTQyMVVYWVM0SFBNV0tJTyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= (Habits of the Household) https://www.fbca.org/smallsteps (Nanette's Podcast is Small Steps)

Taralyn and Darrel are parents of 5 children.  Their oldest three are biological and the younger two are adopted. By God's grace in their lives they are very good parents. We talk about a lot of different things in this conversation from fostering and adoption, schooling, general parenting decisions and it's just full of spiritual wisdom.

On this episode, Victoria shares her story of how losing her husband to the war in Afghanistan spurred her on to helping military families who have lost loved ones.  Hearing her story might help give you perspective and new ideas of ways your family can honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Find out more about https://www.patientiaperfectus.org (Patientia Perfectus), her organization which connects military families with organizations. https://www.instagram.com/patientiaperfectus/ (Here) is her instagram account.

Sena talks about her incredible Korean parents, growing up in Hawaii and how God turned her heart back to Him. Her story is very similar to the Prodigal Son. All of these details of her life spurred her and her business partner to create the https://millubox.com (Millu Box.) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millubox/ (@millubox)

Laurie and Chan share their parenting experience of raising two boys while managing a career being a football coach. Chan has coached both at the collegiate and NFL. They include some wisdom and perspective on transitioning your children to new places, not bringing the stress of your work home and becoming a close knit family. The biggest theme from their experience is God being at the center of our lives is the very best way to live.

In this episode Kat shares a little bit about the losses that she experienced in her childhood, and a lot about the ways that God showed up through other people. She isn't a parent, but she's been impacted by some really incredible parents and talks about the things she has learned by watching their example.

Kari and her husband are parents of six children.  Three of her children are biological and 3 of her children are adopted from Costa Rica.  She very honestly talks about the journey of adoption, the challenges they are facing, the places of redemption and how she has seen God work through all of it. Her faith and perseverance are remarkable and there's a lot we can learn from her experience.  God used her adoption experience and medical background to create https://www.instagram.com/healing.casa/ (Healing Casa) where her heart is to create a safe space that brings hope and healing through neurobehavioral support coaching.

Courtney is a mom of 3 and has a small business called All the Best Days. She loves going places and in this episode she talks about making a trip happen, how to think about planning your trip and why it matters. Here is her https://www.instagram.com/bestdaycourt/?hl=en (instagram) and https://www.allthebestdays.com (website).

Brooke became a widow right before her son's first birthday. In this episode she shares her story and how she has experienced Jesus' redeeming power through her grief. Through her own experience she began http://songsinthenight.crownedforashes.org (Songs in the Night), a ministry for widows. Warning: you might cry a little, but you will definitely leave this episode feeling spiritually full!

Erin found out she had breast cancer when her daughter was little. She shares what it was like finding out, the treatment she endured and how she moves forward today as a survivor. She is also an elementary school counselor and she gives some thoughts on how, as parent,s we can partner with our child's teacher.

Christy and Chris are both in high school education and have incredible perspective on what is happening in the lives of high schoolers these days. In addition, they are parents of 3 - a son in junior high and a set of twins in elementary school. Their son was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome as a 2 year old, and they share the highs and lows of that experience. They talk honestly about what it was like having 3 kids under the age of 3. While it was a lot there is a very helpful viewpoint they share - it goes by fast and don't spend so much time worrying!

Jenny and Wade are grandparents and do an extraordinary job of creating memorable moments with their grandkids. In this episode they talk about practical ways to plan out time with kids that makes it fun, life-giving and super special. Wade has experience in recreational ministry and currently works for Upwards. Jenny is a natural creative type and has a gift for finding the fun activity! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FQq-IjUzQAKNAo_Q-2TsZmlwqvNodZF5/view?usp=sharing (Here )is a guide to help create your own meaningful time with the kids in your life!!

Amy and Andrew have a teenager and a set of twins in elementary school. They talk about what it was like managing twins and helping their oldest child navigate the newness of having new siblings. They talk about how knowing their kids personalities helps them navigate how to best parent their kids. They shared their most helpful resource has been the people that are a few seasons ahead who provided perspective and insight.

Valerie is a prayer warrior, an entrepreneur, a mom of two girls and a make it happen kind of person. She shares her journey of starting her business, writing her books and how in the middle of all of that her and her family prioritize rest. Her books are all https://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Woerner/e/B0196V2KAG?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1646852731&sr=8-1 (here.) Purchase her Val Marie prayer journal https://shop.valmariepaper.com/collections/journal-collection (here). She mentioned a great organizing and goal setting resource called Power Sheets from https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/?g_network=g&g_adid=558791373529&g_keyword=cultivate%20what%20matters&g_adtype=search&g_adgroupid=132990231007&g_keywordid=kwd-368371849675&g_acctid=685-738-6576&g_campaign=SD+-+Search+-+Brand&g_campaignid=15160727502&gclid=CjwKCAiAvaGRBhBlEiwAiY-yMKysU2ABS43P0tzHvFr9xWM2BIHUlkl57HqNa5l5vixOqccvZgw9VRoCL3EQAvD_BwE (Cultivate.) Valerie mentioned the book she was reading called https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Others-Months-ebook/dp/B00CU9P31K/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=CjwKCAiAvaGRBhBlEiwAiY-yMJEPrbjDbbq9cENk_KgXxXwSPfpA6s2Qm9_hdU16LHO3QDeNvSwfShoCHHYQAvD_BwE&hvadid=241630586280&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9026839&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1062587798295889361&hvtargid=kwd-261342805673&hydadcr=21871_10169513&keywords=12-week+year&qid=1646853356&sr=8-1 (The 12 Week Year) and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14212248.Valerie_Woerner (here) is her Good Reads account.

In this episode Ivy tells a story that helps you think about the times that cause you to slow down. Maybe those slow times are preparing you to actually run your best race.

Georgia and her husband, Scott, are raising 3 boys in the Atlanta area. In this episode, she shares about a traumatic experience that ultimately led her and her family to trust God even more. While this will be a painful story to hear, it is one that is full of redemption and beauty. The passage Georgia mentions is Daniel 3:17-18.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Shelby and Drew are six weeks into raising their baby! The further away we get from having a new baby there are some things we just forget. In this conversation Shelby and Drew talk about their birth experience and the joys and challenges of being in the newborn phase. At the end of the day this episode is meant to remind you that you aren't alone in the journey.

Carlos is a dad to three, a preacher, a former NFL players and full of a wisdom. He talks about growing up as a foster child and then being adopted. He talks about his dad and what he learned from him. This episode gives an incredible perspective.

Jenny and Kevin have 3 girls - 2 are in college and their youngest is in kindergarten. They talk about their journey to adopt their third and how they experienced God through it. They also are the owners of Haystack!

Kim and her husband, Randy have raised 3 girls. She talks about all sorts of girl things - clothes, friends, school and most importantly, how prayer was the most valuable thing she did with her girls. It's a great conversation! Kim talked about how important https://momsinprayer.org (Moms in Prayer) was to her. A couple of other great prayer resources for you: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Moment-Holy-Pocket-Size/dp/1951872029/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=Cj0KCQiAubmPBhCyARIsAJWNpiOaBShnc-PU-LVklY5jj9xhDW39Eltxx0hciSCwn64EPB64FonyOMQaAnSREALw_wcB&hvadid=243108494575&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9026839&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7122905347231668593&hvtargid=kwd-411383976895&hydadcr=19679_9441507&keywords=every+moment+holy&qid=1643039409&sr=8-1 (Every Moment Holy) https://shop.valmariepaper.com/?variant=40400397172927 (Val Marie Paper Journal) https://www.amazon.com/Book-Common-Prayer-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143106562/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=Book+of+Common+Prayer&qid=1643039653&sr=8-9 (Book of Common Prayer) https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Gods-Word-Beth-Moore/dp/9810439075 (Praying God's Word)

Ivy recently reflected on the incredibly impactful life of Jeanette Hilley, and shares some lessons she learned from her example. While this story has nothing to do with organization https://forparentspodcast.com/episode20/ (here's) the episode on organization she mentions.

Ivy shares a story about something her 5 year old did that reminded her a bigger truth.

Carrie and Jason talk about how their family of four came to be, and obedience to God played a HUGE part in that. They have two girls - one is biological and the other is adopted. However, their adoption story is not conventional. It's an incredible story told by two wonderful people! I mention https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pVyFCoKGB (this YouTube video)!

In this episode Ivy shares three stories about Christmas, and some things to think about in order to make this season special for your family. Purchase an ADVENT calendar https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=U1g0R20rdnpQNEE9 (here. )

This episode is all about how Buddy & Gail made their way from Richardson, Texas to NYC. How they raised their two children in the big city - their daughter is Abigail and their son is Coleman.  They are pretty remarkable people and their kids are too. Buddy and Gail both have extensive experience on Broadway.  They currently own a wonderful tap and musical theatre school called Shuffles. They talk about how they kids navigated the pressures of growing up in a big city, and the grit it produced.

Debbie describes what her oldest son was like when he was little, and what caused her to eventually look into ADHD. She shares in an honest way how she struggled, how she persevered and how parenting her son has helped her become the person she is supposed to be.

Mary & Rod have 4 boys - 3 are adults and their 4th came as somewhat of a total surprise! They talk about having their youngest son later in life, and how parenting him is a gift. They are incredible parents to boys, and their story will inspire you to treasure the moments with your kids.

In this episode Spencer shares about his mental illness, and the journey he has taken to persevere through this challenge. He talks about things his parents did to support him through the journey. He has found healing through sharing his journey, and bringing it out of the darkness into the light. For parents his story is a great reminder that as parents we do no get to write our children's stories.

Abbie and Rick are parents to three boys, and Noah, their oldest son, has down syndrome. They talk about what it was like when they first found out about his diagnosis, and how talking to another family a few years ahead of them gave them hope for Noah's future. That journey inspired them to help connect more parents raising children with down syndrome through an organization called https://hopestory.org (HopeStory). Follow more of Noah's story https://www.facebook.com/NoahsDadcom (here) or https://www.instagram.com/noahsdaddotcom/?hl=en (here)!

In this episode Lindsay and Steve talk about parenting this six kids. Their oldest is a girl, and she's in her 20s and married, the next is a girl in high school, the next is a girl in middle school the  next two are boys also in middle school in the same grade (they aren't twins - one is adopted and they other is biological), and their youngest is a girl they adopted from China. Their youngest daughter has down syndrome. You will hear about their journey to adopt Mabel from China, and it's amazing.

This episode is a conversation with Emily and Yancey, parents of two boys. Emily and Yancey met while serving in the military, and they share their experiences of raising their two boys while pursuing this calling. Military life has caused their family to move all over the world, and we talk about how their kids have learned to adjust to each new place. We talk about the challenging things about it, and the rewarding and wonderful things about this life.

In this episode Matt and Mary Kathryn share their story.  Matt is the Food Services Coordinator at a beautiful camp called New Life Ranch in Oklahoma so we talk a lot about camp life, why camp is special and a little bit about food.  However, we actually talk a lot more about the uncomfortable steps it took to move their family of five from the big city of Dallas to a small town in Oklahoma, and how they have seen God provide along the way.  Awesome and honest story! Check out New Life Ranch's website https://newliferanch.com (here!)

While siblings do share parents, they typically have totally different personalities, interest and motivations. In this episode Collin, Spencer and Travis talk about ways their parents celebrated and supported their differences and fully invested in their lives. Hearing these grown boys talk about how much they appreciated their parents support provides a great perspective!

In this episode I talk with Laura about her experience growing up, and things that her parents did to help her know Jesus. She talks about what it is like now being a mom of a boy and girl, and how she felt compelled to start a podcast for kids. She will share how the podcast has helped her point her own children towards Jesus.  There's also a great story of being obedient when God prompts you towards something.  Even when you are thinking "surely not me!"   Check out Laura's podcasts for kids called Backseat Bible Nuggets https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backseat-bible-nuggets/id1573752728 (here. ) Her dad and sister were also on the podcast in https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e6b96c37-50bb-429b-8686-df8322f64ccf (episode 26!)

John is the founder of an organization called Middleman Ministries that supports the skateboard community by helping teenagers realize their IDENTITY, PURPOSE, and COMMUNITY in Christ. John lives in Waco with his wife and 3 kids. He loves skateboarding, fixing up cars and doing those things alongside other people. In this episode he will share so many great concepts that will make you think a little differently about parenting. For more info about Middleman Ministries check out https://www.middleman-ministries.org (this website) and follow his https://www.instagram.com/middlemanskateboards/?hl=en (instagram account) (@middlemanskateboards).

This episode is a short story about what the kindness and generosity we experience when we share our painful journey with others. Warning: It includes a story about our sweet chocolate lab, Deuce. You might cry.

If you are wondering what CODAS is, it stands for  Children Of Deaf Adults In this episode Adelina, Sabrina and Monica share what it is like having parents who can not hear. As you will discover in the episode these sisters are resourceful, hard-working, delightful and engaging. Much of who they are is because their parents are Jack and Grace, two incredible people who have lived their entire lives deaf. It's an incredible episode!!

Kathleen is a mom of two adult children. Kathleen and her husband found out when their daughter was a few months old that she had a rare genetic disorder.  While the disorder causes her daughter to have some delays, it doesn't mean she can't do it. From day one she has been her daughter's advocate and cheerleader - learning when to step in and when to not intervene. Kathie talks very honestly about being a mom to a child that struggles to accomplish the things that other kids might soar through, and she really doesn't sugar coat her experience. On top of the genetic disorder her daughter was diagnosed with diabetes and a little later with Celiacs, a autoimmune disorder. Kathleen brings a unique perspective that will help us all see a perspective that we have not seen before.

Zach talks about the hurt he experienced in his growing up years and what happened as he became an adult to heal those wounds. Spurred by his own experiences he started a mentoring program in Dallas which allows children without father figures to have a relationship with men that follow Jesus. All the links referenced: https://youcanmentor.com (You Can Mentor) https://www.forerunnermentoring.com/home (Forerunner Mentoring) https://youcanmentor.com/podcast (Podcast) https://youcanmentor.com/book (Zach's book) https://medium.com/@zachgarza/tell-me-about-your-father-ef6d5652d8f4 (The Blog Post that made me cry)

Kenny and his wife, Sweet married, left Alabama to move to Texas and started their family. They raised two girls, Kendall and Ivy (yes, me!). This episode Kenny talks about the challenges of starting out, how they built community and some words of wisdom on how to raise your children to be adults.

This is a story about two little parenting moments including a time where a child didn't do what their parent wanted them to do and another where a child does exactly what they've asked been to do.... and how there might be a bigger lesson for us in those moments. Let's be people that GET OUT OF THE MINIVAN!!

Sarah is a mom 3, a set of elementary aged twins and a toddler. Her twins were born prematurely which resulted in a 5 month stay at the NICU. Sarah talks about how she experienced God during those days and how it has impacted her parenting today. If you would like to reach out to Sarah for parenting support, send her a message on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/sarahstone08/ (@sarahstone08)