Raising Up Copts

Madona and Laura sit down with Andrew Ishak to talk about his new short film (and pilot episode) Abouna, which is being screened across the globe!You can learn more about the film by listening to the episode and visiting Andrew on his YouTube channel and Instagram account.Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Madona and I discuss the idea that children mirror the behavior of their parents and how parents can hold themselves accountable for their actions. We also talk about the essential role of prayer and relying on God's guidance in parenting.Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Madona shares her amazing idea for making the most of this holiday season, even if the budget is a little tight or if the priorities are a little different.Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Madona shares her amazing idea for making the most of this holiday season, even if the budget is a little tight or if the priorities are a little different.Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

How do you approach current events with your kids? Do you tell it like it is? Keep them focused on what they can control? Or some other approach?Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

How do you approach current events with your kids? Do you tell it like it is? Keep them focused on what they can control? Or some other approach?Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

What are the guidelines for giving advice? How can we do a better job giving—and receiving—advice?Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

What are the guidelines for giving advice? How can we do a better job giving—and receiving—advice?Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Is there a right way and a wrong way to deal with your kids? Is there a way to avoid sibling resentment and keep the family unit cohesive (instead of competitive)?Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Is there a right way and a wrong way to deal with your kids? Is there a way to avoid sibling resentment and keep the family unit cohesive (instead of competitive)?Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Of all the advice and options and opportunities we have as parents, what really makes a difference? When it comes down to it, what do we really need to do?Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Of all the advice and options and opportunities we have as parents, what really makes a difference? When it comes down to it, what do we really need to do?Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

I asked my Instagram followers for advice they would give teens. Madona and I examine the results and tell our own stories to illustrate the best of the wisdom.Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

I asked my Instagram followers for advice they would give teens. Madona and I examine the results and tell our own stories to illustrate the best of the wisdom.Did you agree or disagree with our points? Send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Do you ever watch TV with the kids? How do you handle inappropriate scenes and topics? Listen in as Madona and I discuss how we handle family screen time with our kids.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Do you ever watch TV with the kids? How do you handle inappropriate scenes and topics? Listen in as Madona and I discuss how we handle family screen time with our kids.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

In this episode, Madona and I explore the topic of anxiety in ourselves and in our kids! We share hilarious personal stories and real-world advice for handling those anxious moments with a lighter heart.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

In this episode, Madona and I explore the topic of anxiety in ourselves and in our kids! We share hilarious personal stories and real-world advice for handling those anxious moments with a lighter heart.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

After a very busy summer, we're back and raring to go :)

After a very busy summer, we're back and raring to go :)

Today, Tina Kozman joins us on the podcast to share her tips for more energy and better health management. Have trouble getting your kids to try veggies? Tina has a great tip for that, too!You can find Tina on Instagram at @trinityhealth20Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Today, Tina Kozman joins us on the podcast to share her tips for more energy and better health management. Have trouble getting your kids to try veggies? Tina has a great tip for that, too!You can find Tina on Instagram at @trinityhealth20Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Madona came across this article which posits that there are only two types of school: Elon Musk or Mother Teresa. Intrigued, she and I try to unpack what the authors meant and the implications for our own kids.You can read the article on the Institute for Family Studies page.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Madona came across this article which posits that there are only two types of school: Elon Musk or Mother Teresa. Intrigued, she and I try to unpack what the authors meant and the implications for our own kids.You can read the article on the Institute for Family Studies page.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

We received an email asking, in essence, if it was okay to supplement our Coptic Orthodox Faith with services from other churches.It's a complex question, and Madona and I did our best. But we'd love to hear from YOU… what do you think about the conclusions we came to? This topic may need a part 2!Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

We received an email asking, in essence, if it was okay to supplement our Coptic Orthodox Faith with services from other churches.It's a complex question, and Madona and I did our best. But we'd love to hear from YOU… what do you think about the conclusions we came to? This topic may need a part 2!Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Planet Earth has completed another rotation around the sun, and we're gearing up for Holy Week again.But the kids have grown and changed—and so have our life situations. Madona and I discuss what's good, what's new, and what's different, and how we're going to bring it all together.Be sure to check out the Holy Week Guide!And if you'd like, pick up a copy of the Holy Week Journal.Do you have any tips for Holy Week? Let us know!Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

Planet Earth has completed another rotation around the sun, and we're gearing up for Holy Week again.But the kids have grown and changed—and so have our life situations. Madona and I discuss what's good, what's new, and what's different, and how we're going to bring it all together.Be sure to check out the Holy Week Guide!And if you'd like, pick up a copy of the Holy Week Journal.Do you have any tips for Holy Week? Let us know!Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

We received an email from a listener asking if she was still worthy to serve despite her situation. Listen in as Madona and I weigh in on who is worthy to serve.What do you think? What makes someone worthy to serve?Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

We received an email from a listener asking if she was still worthy to serve despite her situation. Listen in as Madona and I weigh in on who is worthy to serve.What do you think? What makes someone worthy to serve?Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

This week, Madona brings up a great topic about how committed servants (in some churches called volunteers) are (or aren't!) to their service these days. Have levels of commitment dropped off? Listen in and then let us know!Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

This week, Madona brings up a great topic about how committed servants (in some churches called volunteers) are (or aren't!) to their service these days. Have levels of commitment dropped off? Listen in and then let us know!Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

The Atlantic published an article called “Why American Teens Are So Sad.” Madona and I unpack some of the ideas in the piece and how we can course-correct in our own parenting.Read the article.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

The Atlantic published an article called “Why American Teens Are So Sad.” Madona and I unpack some of the ideas in the piece and how we can course-correct in our own parenting.Read the article.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @raisingupcopts, @madona_writes, or @copticlaura

I found us a Buzzfeed article about Controversial parenting decisions, and woooo did Madona and I have fun picking away at these!! Listen and let us know if you agree or if we're way off course.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @madona_writes or @copticlaura

I found us a Buzzfeed article about Controversial parenting decisions, and woooo did Madona and I have fun picking away at these!! Listen and let us know if you agree or if we're way off course.Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @madona_writes or @copticlaura

We're just coming off the holiday season where we—and our kids—were exposed to a lot of different opinions and approaches to life. Madona and I unpack healthy boundaries with others' opinions and how we can learn from positive examples (without trampling on our own self-esteem).Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @madona_writes or @copticlaura

We're just coming off the holiday season where we—and our kids—were exposed to a lot of different opinions and approaches to life. Madona and I unpack healthy boundaries with others' opinions and how we can learn from positive examples (without trampling on our own self-esteem).Don't forget to send us your opinions via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @madona_writes or @copticlaura

While Madona's out this week, I make a special request of you!Would you please fill out the survey at raisingupcopts.com/survey to help us plan for the next year and next season of Raising Up Copts?

While Madona's out this week, I make a special request of you!Would you please fill out the survey at raisingupcopts.com/survey to help us plan for the next year and next season of Raising Up Copts?

Heads up, this episode was recorded nearly a month after 44, so we are just having WAY too much fun here!This week, Madona and I wonder “where have the years gone by” and “why does everything ache so much”?Bring your sense of humor because we are cracking up!

Heads up, this episode was recorded nearly a month after 44, so we are just having WAY too much fun here!This week, Madona and I wonder “where have the years gone by” and “why does everything ache so much”?Bring your sense of humor because we are cracking up!

This week, our special guest is university student Teresa Michael (who also happens to be my baby sister) who nearly got cornered in a college class when she shared a little about the Coptic faith.Listen in to our VERY complex conversation about this issue. We got on all kinds of tangents and were very real throughout. Be sure to stick around when you think it's over because there's a MAJOR story in the P.S. that you won't want to miss!You can reach Teresa on Instagram @teresa_michael!

This week, our special guest is university student Teresa Michael (who also happens to be my baby sister) who nearly got cornered in a college class when she shared a little about the Coptic faith.Listen in to our VERY complex conversation about this issue. We got on all kinds of tangents and were very real throughout. Be sure to stick around when you think it's over because there's a MAJOR story in the P.S. that you won't want to miss!You can reach Teresa on Instagram @teresa_michael!

All things being equal, what can a family do to raise children rooted in Christ and in the Church? We bring them to church services regularly, and we serve to show our example. Is that enough?Madona and I unpack this complex topic and try to see what factors make for faithful kids.Don't forget to send us your opinion via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @madona_writes or @copticlaura

All things being equal, what can a family do to raise children rooted in Christ and in the Church? We bring them to church services regularly, and we serve to show our example. Is that enough?Madona and I unpack this complex topic and try to see what factors make for faithful kids.Don't forget to send us your opinion via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @madona_writes or @copticlaura

When a teachable moment happens, we have a few options as parents for how to deal with it. There's a range of choices from ignoring it completely and letting it slide to sitting our kids down for a formal conversation.Recently, Madona had a strange experience at Wal-mart that she couldn't let slide. She felt compelled to process it with her kids—but not directly. Listen in to see how the conversation went and our takeaways.Don't forget to send us your opinion via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @madona_writes or @copticlaura

When a teachable moment happens, we have a few options as parents for how to deal with it. There's a range of choices from ignoring it completely and letting it slide to sitting our kids down for a formal conversation.Recently, Madona had a strange experience at Wal-mart that she couldn't let slide. She felt compelled to process it with her kids—but not directly. Listen in to see how the conversation went and our takeaways.Don't forget to send us your opinion via email at raisingupcopts@gmail.com or via IG @madona_writes or @copticlaura

As parents, especially parents on social media, we're constantly bombarded with tidbits of advice about how to be better parents—and the mental health damage we could be inflicting on our kids with things we say. In this episode, Madona and I talk about when enough is enough.

As parents, especially parents on social media, we're constantly bombarded with tidbits of advice about how to be better parents—and the mental health damage we could be inflicting on our kids with things we say. In this episode, Madona and I talk about when enough is enough.

Madona just came back from a long and, in many ways exhausting, vacation… We chat about whether it's worth it to take our kids with us on our adventures.