The Parenting for Faith podcast

In today's episode we speak to Dorothy Mendez about social media, online safety and relationships. Dorothy Mendez is the Mobilisation Coordinator for A21 UK. A21 is a global anti-human trafficking organisation, operating programmes in over 20 countries, with the mission to Abolish Slavery in the 21st century. Links: A21 resources available at a21.org/content/resources-uk This episode was inspired by the social media and p0rnography chapters of an A - Z of Parenting for Faith. Listen the episodes they summarise on pornography (S7E10) at https://on.soundcloud.com/KJXA3eYiwGd22VhF8 and social media (episodes 31 https://on.soundcloud.com/ngsjjB7yCCBDTLgX7 and 117 https://on.soundcloud.com/1nz8rLEQ1fbWrFrA6 of the first season) Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Rebecca St James about framing the ups and downs of life. Rebecca St. James is among the most defining artists in Christian music history. She's a GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter, best-selling author, speaker and actress who catapulted into the global spotlight following the release of her self-titled Forefront Records debut in 1994. Rebecca has been involved in multiple podcast partnerships with Christian organizations, and now serves as a resident worship leader at the renowned church First Dallas in Texas. Links: Book onto any of our upcoming zoom courses https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/upcoming-events/ rebeccastjames.com Unsung Hero - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23638614/, Lasting Ever - https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-biographies/general-biography/lasting-ever/ Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Debs Peake about Self Worth, drawing on some ideas from the Puberty, Emotions, Eating Disorders and Self Harm chapters in the A - Z of Parenting for Faith book. Debs is a parent of two and Founder of the Charity Know Your Worth which is all about helping teenage girls to grow self-esteem. The charity also supports professionals and parents/carers to support their teens too. Links: - Book onto any of our upcoming zoom courses https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/upcoming-events/ - Become a friend of Parenting for Faith by giving just £2 per month https://www.brf.org.uk/give/friends/ - Find out more about Know Your Worth on their website know-your-worth.org.uk/ or Instagram @knowyourworth_uk - Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid about sport. Dr Graham Daniels is General Director of Christians in Sport. A former professional footballer, he also serves as a director of Cambridge United Football Club. Graham is on the staff of St Andrew the Great Church, Cambridge, UK and an Associate of Ridley Hall Theological College, Cambridge. He is on the Board of Trustees for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Jonny Reid co-leads Town Church Bicester and is Director of Engagement at Oak Hill College. He worked for Christians in Sport for 13 years, helping sportspeople connect their sport and faith. He is married to Caroline and they have two children. Graham and Jonny have just released a book called Spiritual Gameplan. A book for anyone who enjoys sport to discover how the gospel transforms our thinking, our playing and our watching. Links: Book onto any of our upcoming zoom courses https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/upcoming-events/ Buy Spiritual Gameplan https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/spiritual-game-plan The parents section of Christians in Sport https://christiansinsport.org.uk/academy/audience/parent/ Podcast episode on Connecting with God through sport with Richard Shorter https://on.soundcloud.com/fhn173TuRyAbLrqGA Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Joy Wendling about emotions. Joy Wendling is a mum of 5 girls, writer, speaker, parent coach, founder of Created to Play, and former family pastor. She has over 25 years of experience in children, youth, and family ministry and a Master's in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. The springboard for the conversation was the emotions chapter of An A - Z of Parenting for Faith (out October 2025). Links: Book onto any of our upcoming zoom courses https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/upcoming-events/ Become a champion or find a champion https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/meet-team/all-about-champions/ Created to play https://createdtoplay.com/ Follow Created to Play on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/createdtoplay The emotions chapter of An A - Z of Parenting for Faith book is based on Struggling with emotional health (Rae Morfin, S5E6) https://on.soundcloud.com/fSfePS4XGjgXZGvRA, Helping an autistic child manage emotions with God (Rachel, E96) https://on.soundcloud.com/makDYqLQ3MwYvK4D7, Dealing with big emotions (Lisa Campbell, S9E3) https://on.soundcloud.com/mH5LQMEufayXfbCB8 Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Karen Allen about forgiveness. She is an author, speaker and mother of five. Passionate about inspiring and empowering young people challenging the norms and changing the narrative especially as it relates to young black men. Links: Book onto any of our upcoming zoom courses https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/upcoming-events/ Become a friend of Parenting for Faith and partner with us for just £2 a month https://www.brf.org.uk/give/friends/ to help these resources keep reaching the people who need them. Find Karen on her website at karenallen.info or on social media @iamkarenallen Buy her books including Broken Into Useful Pieces from https://karenallenenterprise.myshopify.com/collections/books For more on explaining forgiveness listen to episode 96 of the podcast https://on.soundcloud.com/pqojbTRY1WxQgT1c9 Amani, the short film Karen is in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm6PwChWiJ8 Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Our guest today is Melissa Richards, a wife and mum of four. She is originally from Canada but moved to Australia in 2007.She is the Children's Pastor at Door of Hope Christian Church in Tasmania and became a Parenting for Faith champion six months ago. She talks us through how she used the questions tool (from the big questions chapter of An A - Z of Parenting for Faith) to help her son when his Nana died. This episode explores processing the death of the loved one so feel free to skip this week if that's particularly raw for you at the moment. Links: Hear the original podcast episodes that the big questions chapter is based on: Answering questions with Justin Brierly https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/s6-ep3-asking-questions; Big questions with Canon J.John https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/s8e8-connecting-with-god-through-big-questions-with-canon-jjohn; Are answers important with Becky Sedgwick https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/114-tackling-big-questions-chatting-if-kids-need-verbal-reassurance-and-kate-wharton-on-singleness; and Apologetics with Rachel Turner https://on.soundcloud.com/DHp9mBhX6bpVV9JQ6 Questions tool (video and postcard) - https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/questions/ Death and grief https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/grief/ Become or find a Parenting for Faith champion https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/meet-team/all-about-champions/ Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Chris Morphew. Chris is an author, teacher, youth leader and school chaplain living in Sydney, Australia who has written (he thinks!) 32 books. Anna spoke to Chris about how to explain tricky bits of the Bible and how to tackle tricky questions. The springboard for this was the ‘Tricky parts of the Bible' chapter in ‘An A - Z of Parenting for Faith) which is out in October 2025. Links: - Book onto the Forge gathering or any of the Parenting for Faith courses on zoom https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/upcoming-events/ - You can find more about Chris and his books at https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/authors/chris-morphew or at chrismorphew.com - Hear the original PFF podcast episodes that the tricky parts of the Bible chapter is based on: Explaining concubines https://on.soundcloud.com/VG1sYvwoQRs4rk8t6, Bible baddies https://on.soundcloud.com/STJDZjMVY5vvbro29 and explaining awkward Biblical love stories https://on.soundcloud.com/fEjdHkG6DXFSc1abA. - The questions tool https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/questions/ - Sharing the whole story of the Bible - https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/the-whole-gospel-showing-kids-the-big-story-of-god-and-us-in-the-bible/ Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Natalie Frisk about her new book A Light To Share. Natalie Frisk has worked in ministry for over 15 years. During which time she earned a Masters in Theological Study (Biblical Studies) and began pursuit of her Doctorate in Practical Theology with an emphasis on the spiritual experience of children (in process). She is now the Director of Curriculum for RaiseUpFaith as she continues doing what she loves: content developing, team building, and pastorally nurturing the souls of whomever she encounters. Links: A Light To Share - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Light-Share-Stories-Spreading-Changing/dp/151381446X Raise Up Faith - https://www.raiseupfaith.com/ Book any of the Parenting for Faith courses and events - https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/upcoming-events/ Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we ask Rachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith, your questions. She has worked in churches for over 15 years and continues to consult, speak at conferences and run training days for church leaders, parents and families around the world. Rachel is the author of nine books, and the original Parenting for Faith course. We asked her four questions: 1) (3:48) I feel like other people have it together, or at least more together than me. When people post pictures of family Bible times or prayer walking or something like that I just think how!?! We're struggling just to get everyone dressed and fed over here. I don't feel like I will ever be organised enough and have life under control enough to be able to do stuff like that and it makes me feel a failure. 2) (9:38) I recently read an article on your website about siblings. I'm a single parent with an only child and I sometimes wonder if there are things I should be doing differently in my parenting to take that into consideration. Faith stuff always feel quite high pressure - like if I suggest we read the Bible or pray or do an activity and she doesn't want to, I feel a bit stuck. There's no option to sort of sit on the edges and watch first or listen to others chipping in, if that makes sense. Anything I should be doing specifically to help an only child? 3) (17:25) I don't 'chat to God' myself. I am a Christian and I do pray but I prefer to do that through set prayers and Bible meditations. I've watched the course sessions on chat and catch but not sure what to teach my children as that's not really how I have a relationship with God. 4) (22:15) My son's partner is of another faith and they are coming to stay over the Easter holidays. I'm not sure what to do about Easter. We'd normally go to church together but I don't want to seem rude or pushy. Even if they do come I'm worried they'll feel uncomfortable and it won't be a positive experience. Links: - Check out our courses and events coming up and book on at https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/upcoming-events/ - Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Craige Young about Easter. Craige Young is a speaker, educator, author, and media creator specialising in growth mindset education. Passionate about empowering children through storytelling, faith, and learning, he helps them develop their skills and share their talents. A certified lay preacher and radio presenter, he creates opportunities for young broadcasters and produces engaging children's programmes. He chose an extract from the chapter on Easter in An A - Z of Parenting for Faith, out October 2025 to talk about. Links: Listen to the original podcast episodes that the Easter chapter is based on at Explaining Good Friday to under fives - https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/good-friday-for-under-5s/ Find out more about Craige and what he does at https://ucy.org.uk/ or https://craigeyoung.co.uk/ Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Book onto one of the online Forge gatherings for children's youth and family leaders https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/theforge/ Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Bethany McIlrath about friendship.Bethany loves to get lost in a book and to help others discover their next read in her marketing role at The Good Book Company. When she's not reading stories, she's usually writing them or dreaming about them as she comes up with real-life creative adventures for friends, her husband, and a doorbell-like dog named Indy. Serving in children's ministry is also one of her greatest joys. Links: Abigail books https://www.abigailseries.com/ To listen to the original podcast episodes that the friendship drama chapter is based on: navigating friendship difficulties with Olly Goldenberg https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/s4-ep3-school-and-friendships-with-olly-goldenberg; dealing with mean kids with Rachel Turner https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/8-emotional-intelligence-dealing-with-mean-kids-and-explaining-guy-fawkes-and-religious-violence; making new friends with Rachel Turner https://on.soundcloud.com/XTFJdgDCRg7sYjq97; and managing emotions around friendships with Clare Luther https://on.soundcloud.com/XPj7LtWH1RHEw6zp8 Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Esther Kuku about Stepparenting. Esther is a bio mum and Stepmum, and has been married for 12 years. She is passionate about step families and compassionate leadership. Stepping Up, her devotional for stepfamilies will be released in June 2026. Links: Send us your questions and stories at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Preorder Esther's book, Stepping Up https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stepping-Up-Esther-Kuku/dp/1800394241 Book one of The Forge gatherings for children's, youth and family leaders https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/theforge/ Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Wini Heron, a mum of three adopted children (17,8 and 8). Originally from Malaysia she now lives in Tasmania and is the Pastoral Care and Young Adult Minister at her church where she runs Parenting for Faith courses. She's chosen to speak about gaming, which is a chapter of the A - Z of Parenting for Faith book (out October 2025). Links: Send us your questions about Easter or anything to do with helping kids and teenagers meet and know God at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Hear the original PFF podcast episode that the Gaming chapter is based on at https://on.soundcloud.com/T15NrERav7hzxrEa8 or scroll back to episode 116 of the very first season. The Forge Online - https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-events/products/the-forge-gathering-online-2025 The Forge in-person - https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-events/products/the-forge-gathering-in-person-2025 Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Matthew White. Matthew White is a priest, poet and songwriter whose debut poetry collection, "Propelled into Wonder," was published in September 2024. He is married to Sarah and they have three children (9,7 and 4). We spoke to Matt about Lent and Good Friday, which is a chapter of the A - Z of Parenting for Faith book (out October 2025). Links: Journeying with Jesus free download for Lent - https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/lent-journeying-jesus/ Send us your questions about Easter or anything to do with helping kids and teenagers meet and know God at parentingforfaith.org/podcast or email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk Hear the original PFF podcast episode that the Lent and Good Friday chapter is based on at https://on.soundcloud.com/BihPDQuQz6sS4Y4s8 or scroll back to episode 23 of the very first season. The Forge Online - https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-events/products/the-forge-gathering-online-2025 The Forge in-person - https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-events/products/the-forge-gathering-in-person-2025 You can find more about Matthew and his work at @poetunearthed on Instagram, @priestlypoet on X or on his website https://www.matthewwhite.online or substack https://idleandblessed.substack.com/ Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Kate Fear, Emerging Generations Coordinator at Trinity Church Nottingham. Kate loves Jesus and loves being an invested adult to many children including her nephew, five godchildren and the children at her church. She shares some thoughts on the shame chapter of the A-Z Parenting for Faith Book (out October 2025). Links: Book a group or church onto the original Parenting for Faith couse, which starts in March. https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-courses/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 Hear the original PFF podcast episodes that the shame chapter of the A - Z of Parenting for Faith book is based on. https://on.soundcloud.com/3K6tjgoLKsZyfqbM9 or scroll back to episode #46 of the very first season. The six stage circle https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/the-six-stage-circle/ Session six of the original Parenting for Faith course which teaches the six stage circle https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/course/6-surfing-the-waves/ Find out about becoming a Parenting for Faith Champion like Kate https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/meet-team/all-about-champions/ Record a question or share a story at parentingforfaith.org/podcast. Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to CK and Chidiuto Imediegwu, a young christian couple from Milton Keynes. They are new parents looking forward to raising their daughter to meet and know God. They share some thoughts on the worship chapter of the A-Z Parenting for Faith Book (out October 2025). Links: Book a group or church onto the original Parenting for Faith couse, which starts in March. https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-courses/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 Hear the original PFF podcast episodes that the worship chapter of the A - Z of Parenting for Faith book is based on - #84 kids and worship https://on.soundcloud.com/pXnpYNbtfFxN4ggu7, #72 kids and songwriting https://on.soundcloud.com/PetL5j4jD5dBiL2t7 and #97 the power of songs https://on.soundcloud.com/AERLaEcAtfCwM46R6 or scroll back to these episodes in the very first season. Record a question or share a story at parentingforfaith.org/podcast. Worship albums/artists mentioned: Shout to the Lord Kids https://open.spotify.com/album/3srxJtNh6S5SCHgxoMomWV The Corner Room https://www.cornerroommusic.com/ Seeds Kids Worship https://seedskidsworship.com/ Slugs and Bugs https://slugsandbugs.com/ Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Matt and Alison Keddilty. Matt and Alison are a couple on mission in the North East of England. They love ministering to, and with, families, including their own six children. As an interacted couple, Matt loves ultra running and Alison loves her wheelchair. They chose the chapter from the A-Z of Parenting for Faith book on illness to share some of their story and how to navigate parenting for faith through the illness of a parent. Please be aware, this is an incredibly powerful episode that contains themes of illness, death and dying so you may choose to listen to it without children around or might decide it's not helpful for you to listen to at all at the moment. It is also a longer than normal episode to enable them to share sensitively and more in depth about this topic. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.-Joshua 24:15b Links: Book a group or church onto the original Parenting for Faith couse, which starts in March. https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-courses/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 Hear the original PFF podcast episodes that the Illness chapter are based on: What if I have cancer? https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/s5-ep7-what-if-i-have-cancer and Where is God when life is tough? https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/s10e3-where-is-god-when-life-is-tough-eric-schumacher-and-jessika-sanders Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's episode we speak to Olof Bradt, who works at both the Bible Society in Sweden and Scripture Union Sweden . He is married to Rachel and they have four children, aged between 2 and 16. He shares some thoughts prompted by the chapter of the A-Z Parenting for Faith Book on helping older kids engage with the Bible and the Here To Stay research in Sweden. Links: Book a group or church onto the original Parenting for Faith couse, which starts in March. https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-courses/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 Here to stay research from Australia https://here2stay.org.au/ Hear the original PFF podcast episodes that the Helping older kids engage with the Bible chapter is based on: #56 Equipping kids to find answers in the Bible https://on.soundcloud.com/SDmrUNTeBazHqcUbA, #111 How to help our kids love the Bible https://on.soundcloud.com/5uyW2DvSQttXTajD8, S2E1 Framing the Bible's origins and understanding the whole story of the Bible https://on.soundcloud.com/oDHjkoA1TiB1jqrt9 Finally we'd love you to do one of these three Ps today: Participate - email us at parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk with your stories, become a Parenting for Faith Champion https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/meet-team/all-about-champions/ or rate review and subscribe to the podcast. Pray with us - brf.org.uk/get-involved/pray Pennies or pounds - If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/. We are so grateful for all donations, big or small.

In today's episode we speak to Caitlin Boddy, a single mum to an 11-going-on-15 year old, from the outskirts of Edinburgh. Caitlin used to be a primary teacher and now works for her local church. We asked Caitlin to share her thoughts on arguments, not because she's especially argumentative but because A is top of our list! She chose two extracts from the arguments chapter in A - Z of Parenting for Faith (out in Oct 2025), one called ‘More than obedience' on helping our kids be who they're called to be not just getting them to do what we want and one called ‘Progress not perfection'. Links: - Book a group or church onto the original Parenting for Faith couse, which starts in March. https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-courses/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 - Hear the original PFF podcast episode that the Arguments chapter is based on at https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/s7e14-the-one-about-arguing-well or scroll back to Season 7 Episode 14 on your podcast app. Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

For our first episode of 2025, Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith Ministry Lead shares about the A-Z of Parenting for Faith - a brand new book which will be out in October 2025 and the focus for this season's podcast. We'll be picking all sorts of hot Christian parenting topics, collating the wisdom of previous guests and finding out what this looks like on the ground by interviewing you! Links Book onto the original Parenting for Faith course on zoom starting 6 March - https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-events/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 We'd love to give you: Five key tools https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/tools/ Free access to all four of our Parenting for Faith courses - https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/the-courses/ Resources to help you navigate every season of life with kids and teens. For parents and carers go to https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/parents/ and for churches https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/churches/ We'd love you to give us (our new year wishlist): Your participation - send in a story or volunteer to be on the podcast by emailing parentingforfaith@brf.org.uk, become a Parenting for Faith champion https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/meet-team/all-about-champions/ or leave us a review wherever you listen to this podcast Your prayers Your pennies (or pounds!) - https://www.brf.org.uk/donate/

Today, we're discussing how we can disciple our adult children. Becky and Kate, from the Parenting for Faith team, are sharing their wisdom on this topic. DATE CHANGE. We're now running the Parenting for Faith course on zoom from 6 March not 16 Jan as earlier advertised. Book the Parenting for Faith Zoom course here - https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/events/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 Watch the Parenting for Faith course online here - https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/course/ Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Many of us are trying to disciple our children without the example of our own parents. Perhaps we came to faith through friends in our teens or adulthood, or the faith our parents have now is not one that they had when we were growing up. How do we nurture our kids' faith when we have no example to follow? How do we help them not to make the same mistakes we made? And what are the basics of family discipleship? Here to help us navigate these issues is writer Hope Bonarcher. Native New-Yorker Hope came to faith in her late 20s, after a life of drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. Her life was radically turned around by Jesus, and within a couple of years she was married with a baby! Hope now lives west of Glasgow with her Scottish husband and their four children, who she is currently homeschooling. Links: Follow Hope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopebonarcher/ Follow Beauty Faith Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyfaithlife/ Read Hope's articles for Woman Alive magazine: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/hope-bonarcher/2104.bio Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Statistics show the importance of an active dad in a child's life. How can dads be a positive presence in their kids' spiritual lives, even if they don't live with them, and how can we all support dads to be the best they can be? The Father's Club is an initiative led by Christian dads in south-east London to support and equip each other across the generations. Today we welcome founders Isaac Frimpong, Tsion Martins and Gary Baah-Sackey to share their story of setting up the club and their insights into the importance of dads. Links: Check out Father's Club https://phlive.london/fathers-club/ Check out Tsion's business https://www.bridgethegapstudios.com/ To help this podcast continue to bless families and churches the world over, please consider giving a one-off or regular gift here: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Many of us feel despondent if our children tell us they don't believe in God anymore, or they don't wish to come to church or pursue their faith. We feel like that's it - there's no more hope for our kids to find Jesus - and often feel like we've failed in some way. Parenting for Faith founder Rachel Turner is our guest today to tell us that that's not true! There are no dead ends when it comes to discipleship - only new conversations and new waves to surf. Rachel shares ideas to help us at every stage: when our kids have questions they're afraid to raise, when our teens no longer want to come to church, when our young adult children leave home without a faith of their own, when our older adult children lose the faith they were once excited about. Links: To help make this podcast happen, we need over £300 per episode. Will you help us? You can give a one-off or regular gift here: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Prayer is a key part of our lives as Christians - both individually and corporately. For our families, this might involve helping our kids to chat to God on their own, but also praying together as a family. How can we do this in ways which our kids respond to? Sarah Hogben is one of our Parenting for Faith speaking team and we're delighted to welcome her to the podcast today. She is a wife and mum to three primary-aged children, and works as a Church Children's Leader. Sarah's vast experience of helping children of all ages to pray is hugely helpful to us as we unpack what it might look like within our own families. Sarah and her family live in York. Links: For more on Chat and Catch, including a short video and some practical ideas to try out, check out https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/tool/chat-and-catch/ Godventure: https://godventure.co.uk/ We hope you found Sarah as helpful and insightful as we did. If you'd like us to keep bringing you great guests and practical wisdom, please consider giving a one-off or regular financial donation to enable this ministry: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Our dream, as Christian parents, is surely that our kids will find God in the everyday - knowing they can chat to him about anything, ask him questions, and invite him to be a part of their decision-making. But how does this happen, what about if it's not happening, and where does play fit into all this? To help us think through discipling our kids in the everyday is Joy Wendling. Joy is a family pastor, writer, speaker, podcaster, certified parent coach and founder of Created to Play. She has over 20 years of experience in children, youth and family ministry, as well as a Master's in Youth, Family and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. Joy is based in the Pacific Northwest of America with her husband and five daughters, and loves nothing more than gazing at the mountains from her island home with an ice-cold Diet Coke and a good book. Links: Check out Joy's website Created to Play: createdtoplay.com Follow Joy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createdtoplay/ Joy's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@playfullyfaithfulparenting Listen to Joy's podcast Playfully Faithful Parenting: https://createdtoplay.com/podcast/ Listen to Joy on the Parenting for Faith podcast from 2022 talking about play and the Bible: https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/season-3-bible-play-and-a-question-about-noah Join the Original Parenting for Faith course in January: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-events/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 Did you enjoy listening to Joy as much as we did? Why not get involved with the Parenting for Faith podcast, by giving a one-off or regular gift to keep this ministry moving? www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Family life is a constant series of changes and transitions as our kids grow and family dynamics change. But what about when a big change hits us, whether something that we've discerned as God's best for our family, or something unplanned and uncontrollable? Dan Hawken is a church Families and Outreach worker in the Forest and Wye valley. His family has been through a number of major life changes in the last couple of years including relocation, serious illness, home education, new job and new school. Sharing his story with us, Dan helpfully guides us back to the God who never changes, who knows the future and who cares for us so well. Links: Postal Bible school: https://postalbibleschool.com/ Join our forthcoming Babies and Toddlers Zoom course: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/events/products/babies-and-toddlers-course-online-2024 This podcast costs over £400 per week to produce. If you value its ministry, please would you consider giving so that others can benefit? www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

When it comes to discipling our children, one of the greatest joys and the greatest challenges is surely church. What happens if we need to move church? How can we help our kids see the potential of church, as well as be honest about the difficulties? And what about if our children can't find their place in church? Helping us unravel this is church planter Paul Pavlou. Paul leads an Anglican church graft in Coventry, hosts the Church Plant Chat podcast and is author of Journey of a Church Planter. He lives in Coventry with his wife and two children. Links: Paul's book ‘Journal of a Church Planter' https://amzn.eu/d/5hjzzx3 Follow Paul on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pcpavlou/ Listen to Church Plant Chat: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UdTgD9R39tBlb1g5lHGsY?si=f6ce5f2364c8416e Follow Church Plant Chat on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/churchplantchat/ Watch Paul's videos based on his book: https://ccx.org.uk/course/journal-church-planter/ Join us for Forge East: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/theforge/ If you love this podcast, why not partner with us to continue its ministry? You can give a one-off or regular gift her: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Surveys suggest that younger generations of Christians are not reading the Bible regularly. It's a complicated book, full of tricky bits and things which might seem culturally wrong to our 21st century ears. So how can we encourage our kids not only to read it but to grow to love it? Today's guest, Trillia Newbell, shares helpful thoughts for us all, whether we have babies, teens or anything in between. She is the author of many books for children and adults including God's Very Good Idea and The Big Bide Welcome. When she isn't writing, she's encouraging and supporting other writers as the Acquisitions Director at Moody Publishers. Trillia is married to her best friend, Thern, they reside with their two children near Nashville, Tennessee. Links: Discover more about Trillia at her website: https://www.trillianewbell.com/ Follow Trillia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trillianewbell/ The Bible Project videos: https://www.youtube.com/@bibleproject The Bible in Ten (David Kitchen): https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/bible-in-ten-any-book-of-the-bible-cracked-in-ten-minutes-or-less Check out the Original Parenting for Faith course, starting in January on Zoom: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-events/products/the-original-parenting-for-faith-zoom-course-2025 The Parenting for Faith podcast costs over £300 per episode to produce. Why not partner with us to help us reach more parents, carers and others involved in the lives of children and young people? www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

It's one thing following Jesus when life is peachy and the road is smooth - but what about when we face obstacles and hurdles? How do we help our kids navigate life with God when their prayers go unanswered, or it feels like he is distant from them? Helping us navigate this sensitive topic today are authors Eric M. Schumacher and Jessika Sanders. With experience of medical emergencies and miscarriage, Jessika and Eric share what it's like to walk through a dark season, how we can support families who are struggling, and how we can nurture our own kids' faith when there are no glib answers. Links: Check out Eric and Jessika's book ‘In His Hands: Prayers for your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis' https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/prayer-books/teaching-on-prayer/in-his-hands-9781784989798/ Jessika's organisation ‘Praying Through Ministries' http://prayingthroughministries.org/ Follow Praying Through Ministries on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/praying_through_ministries/ Follow Jessika on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessikasanderswriter/ Eric's book ‘Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage' https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-devotional-books/ours-9781784987312/ Eric's website: emschumacher.com Hear more from Eric on his podcasts Worthy https://worthycelebratingthevalueofwomen.libsyn.com/ and Nothing is Wasted https://www.nothingiswasted.com/podcast Parenting for Faith Babies and Toddlers course: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/events/products/babies-and-toddlers-course-online-2024 Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Family life seems to get busier and busier, with a multitude of activities, playdates and school events to fit into the calendar. As Christian families, we long to do a good job of nurturing what God is already doing in the lives of our kids - but how can we do this when life is so hectic? Here to share some wisdom with us today is Dave Newton, the new National Director of Scripture Union England and Wales. Dave has over 30 years' experience in a range of ministry and leadership roles, including Director of Training and Principal of Regents Theological College and national leadership team of Youth for Christ. He is married with 3 grown up children and enjoys any kind of sport. Links: Check out Scripture Union: www.scriptureunion.org.uk SU's ‘Revealing Jesus' initiative: su.org.uk/revealingjesus Free mission support to you from SU: su.org.uk/missionsupport The Forge gathering for Children's, Youth and Family Leaders: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/theforge/ We hope you enjoyed hearing from Dave today. If you'd love to be part of helping make this podcast happen, why not become a Friend of Parenting for Faith, for as little as just £2 a month? Click here to find out more: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

As Christian parents we long to see our children meet and know God for themselves and so we bring them up learning about God, going to church, praying and reading the bible. But sometimes others say that we are brainwashing our kids. Is that true, or are we simply sharing things we know are good and important for them? Here to help us unpick the difference between brainwashing and discipling is Rachel Turner, Founder of Parenting for Faith. Rachel has a huge amount of wisdom, gleaned from years of experience in children's, youth and family work and from being a parent, and loves talking about how to disciple kids. Rachel has written a whole host of Parenting for Faith titles, presents three of our four courses and loves talking to churches all over the world about how to disciple people well. You can contact her at rachelturner.org and read and watch her posts on parentingforfaith.org. Links: Buy Rachel's books: www.brfonline.org.uk/search?type=pr…=rachel+turner Watch Rachel in the Parenting for Faith courses: parentingforfaith.org/the-courses See Rachel's posts on parentingforfaith.org - https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/author/rachel-turner/ Thank you for listening today. If you are able to contribute to the cost of producing this podcast, please click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

This term, we have been thinking about curveballs to family life, and what they mean for our children's (and our) discipleship journey. To end the season, we wanted to speak - more generally (or perhaps more specifically?) - on the topic of disappointment. How do we coach our children through disappointment - whether it's a theme park that didn't live up to expectations, or school grades which were worse than predicted? And how do we manage our own disappointment, framing it for our kids in a helpful way? Our guest for this episode needs no introduction - but, go on, we'll do it anyway! Rachel Turner is the founder of Parenting for Faith, author of numerous books, and much-in-demand speaker across the UK and internationally. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband and son. Links: Rachel's books: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/topics/shop/ Parenting for Faith website: https://www.parentingforfaith.org Become a Friend of Parenting for Faith by giving a regular gift of as little as £2/month: www.brf.org.uk/donate Parenting for Faith is part of the charity BRF Ministries. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible - and we are grateful for each and every one. Big or small, your financial gifts make a massive difference. Thank you.

Whether you have much or little, finances are always a key part of family life. How do we frame Christian principles around money with our children? How can we raise them to be responsible stewards of what God has given them? And when a financial curveball hits - perhaps a job loss or mortgage hike - how do we navigate our families through this season? Here to help us today is CAP UK's Philanthropy Manager, Jess Monteiro. Jess is no stranger to Parenting for Faith, having appeared before on the podcast and our Facebook Lives for parents and carers. She has years of experience in the money/budgeting sector, and is married to Ricardo. Together they have two young children. Links: CAP Money Coaching: https://capuk.org/get-help/money-coaching Life Skills: https://capuk.org/get-help/cap-life-skills Job Clubs: https://capuk.org/get-help/cap-job-clubs The Forge (our kids/youth/family leaders' retreat): https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/theforge/ We are so pleased that you're tuning in to listen to this podcast! If it has blessed your parenting and family life, would consider giving a small, regular gift of £2, £5 or £10 a month (or more if you can afford)? Alternatively, why not give a one-off donation? These really do help us to create helpful resources for you and other Christian families around the globe. Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity BRF Ministries. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible - and we are grateful for each and every one. Big or small, your financial gifts make a massive difference. Thank you.

Stephanie Foster has been married for 7 years and has 3 young children. Despite having a background in Law and International Public Policy, she has had the privilege of working as a Youth Leader and it remains her most meaningful role to date. Stephanie enjoy worship and spending time with her family amongst other things. She is also a fully accredited local preacher of the Methodist Church U.K. Links: The Forge (our kids/youth/family leaders' retreat): https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/theforge/ Did you know that it costs over £300 to produce each episode of this podcast? A regular gift of £2, £5 or £10 a month (or more if you can afford) really helps us to cover the costs. Alternatively, if you have enjoyed our podcast, why not give a one-off donation? Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible - and we are grateful for each and every one. Big or small, your financial gifts make a massive difference. Thank you.

Curveballs aren't necessarily ‘negative' in nature. Sometimes our families can be thrown off track by something positive and joyful, if it arrives unexpectedly. One example is when you have a high-achieving child, whose opportunities require you to make some sacrifices as a family. Our guests today, Carey and Frances Simon, know a lot about this, having nurtured their daughter Naomi's gift of singing from a young age. Naomi was a chorister at York Minster, then moved on to Rugby School with a music scholarship. In 2022, Naomi was crowned BBC Young Chorister of the Year. Carey, a life coach and author, and Frances, a professional actress, talk openly about Naomi's journeys, the joys and challenges along the way, and how they've nurtured her faith at different stages. Links: Follow Naomi's musical journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomisimonmusic/ Follow the Simon family on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamsimonpics/ Check out Carey's book: www.powerfullytransforming.com Talking about the election: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/talking-about-the-election/ We love bringing fabulous guests onto this podcast to talk about such fascinating topics. But we can't do it without financial support! Thank you to those of you who give regularly to enable the ministry of Parenting for Faith to continue. If you don't - would you consider partnering with us in this way? Even just £2 a month goes a long way! Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible - and we are grateful for each and every one. Big or small, your financial gifts make a massive difference. Thank you.

What happens when you're trying to parent ‘well', but your own upbringing was challenging? How do you break the cycle of generational trauma? And where does journeying with Jesus fit into it all? Sharing her wisdom today is author and teacher Fran Hill. Fran had a turbulent childhood and entered foster care at the age of 14. In her late teens, she came to faith through the witness of her foster family, got married and started a family. In today's episode, Fran shares her story of dealing with trauma as a child, adolescent, parent and now grandparent. Fran lives in Warwickshire with her husband. They have three children and two grandchildren. Links: Read Fran's Substack: https://franhill123.substack.com/ Buy ‘Cuckoo in the Nest': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cuckoo-Nest-Daily-Mail-Book/dp/1915643910 Buy ‘Miss, what does incomprehensible mean?' https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-biographies/autobiography/miss-what-does-incomprehensible-mean/ Fran's website: https://www.franhill.co.uk/ Follow Fran on X: https://twitter.com/franhill123 Follow Fran on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franhill123/ If you appreciated this episode, would you consider giving as little as £2 a month to help support Parenting for Faith (part of BRF Ministries)? Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Disability can be a huge curveball to family life - particularly if it occurs suddenly. At the age of 12, Jade Reynolds was struck by an extremely rare, debilitating virus which left her unable to walk again. How she walked through this curveball, and how her parents walked through it, give us much hope and encouragement if this is something happening to our family or those we love. Jade talks with so much wisdom and honesty about that time of her life, as well as what it's been like to be a disabled mum and wife, and how we - the church - can do better in our inclusion of those with disabilities. Jade and her husband John are content creators, who regularly post funny videos about disability and family life on Instagram and TikTok. They're about to start a podcast, Able to Laugh, and have a book by the same name coming out in the Autumn. They live in the north west with their two young children. Links: Follow Jade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jade.reynolds_/ Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnejreynolds/ Follow Able to Laugh podcast: https://www.instagram.com/abletolaughpod/ Pre-order ‘Able to Laugh' book: https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-biographies/autobiography/able-to-laugh/ Parenting for Faith team training videos: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/events-and-training/team-training-videos/ We are so grateful for Jade's insights today. If you enjoyed this episode as much as we did, would you consider partnering financially to help us make it happen? You can give as little as £2 a month - and trust us when we say that really does make a difference! Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Regardless of our situation, the challenge of balancing work and family life will always be a curveball in our parenting journey, throwing up new and interesting problems that we never expected before we became parents. So we're delighted to welcome Naomi Aidoo onto today's podcast, to share wisdom about managing the different aspects of our lives well and finding peace through that. Naomi is a former secondary school teacher, current work-life wellbeing coach and the founder of Time & Pace® - where, with a faith focus, she help clients reframe their mindset, build momentum toward their goals, and obtain work-life wellbeing. She is also Co-Director of Innerscope, an education coaching company she leads with her husband James. Naomi's debut book 'Finding Flourishing - Time & Pace for your work-life wellbeing' will be published by BRF in July 2024. She lives in South London with her husband and two young children. Links: Check out Time and Pace: https://www.timeandpace.com/ Follow Naomi on Instagram https://instagram.com/naomiaidoo Follow Naomi on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomiaidoo/ Check out Time and Pace on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/timeandpace Check out Naomi's book ‘Finding Flourishing' https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/finding-flourishing-time-and-pace-for-your-work-life-wellbeing If you've appreciated this episode, did you know that you can be an important part of making it happen? For just £2 a month, you can give to the work of Parenting for Faith and help us make all our resources freely available to all. Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Arguably the biggest curveball life can throw at us as parents is losing our child. On today's podcast, we hear from Rebecca Fogarty, who lost her son Leo to cancer shortly before his 4th birthday. With candour and honesty, Bec walks us through the challenges of his illness and the social isolation it created for her and her husband as they travelled to a hospital hundreds of miles away in order to access treatment for Leo. She talks movingly about his death and the whirlwind of emotions at that time, but also of the faithfulness of God throughout everything they experienced. Bec is a psychologist and lives in Tasmania, Australia with her husband, son and daughter. We would be so grateful for your partnership with us as we produce this podcast. Most of all, it is your prayers we value. But second to that is finance! You can give a one-off or regular gift here, to be part of all God is doing through this podcast: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Mental illness affects a huge proportion of families, whether in the life of a parent/carer or a child/teen. So how can we navigate our way through this as Christian families? How can we frame mental health and mental illness for our children, from the time they're born through to when they're teens and young adults? What are the healthy practices we can model, and what do we do when they're not enough? Bringing wisdom, experience and compassion to this episode is Rachael Newham. Rachael is a specialist in the theology of mental health and formerly worked for Kintsugi Hope. She is the author of two books: Learning to Breathe (about her own experiences of mental illness as a teen, intertwined with the theology of mental health) and And Yes (finding joy in hard times through lament). Rachael is also a wife and mum, and is based just outside London. Links: Follow Rachael on on Facebook, X and Instagram at @RachaelNewham90 Read Rachael's Substack: https://rachaelnewham90.substack.com Rachael's website: www.rachaelnewham.com Rachael's books: https://www.eden.co.uk/shop/search.php?products%5Bquery%5D=rachael%20newham Join us tonight for our pop-up small group “Different ways to engage kids and teens with mission” with Rachel Turner https://www.facebook.com/parentingforfaithBRF/ If you're enjoying this podcast, why not partner with us to make it happen? For just £2 a month, you can give to the work of Parenting for Faith and help us make all our resources freely available to all. Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

There's not a family alive who hasn't experienced the curveball of big emotions at some point or other - sometimes from the child, sometimes from the grown-up! Helping us to navigate the emotions that crop up in family life with Biblical wisdom is Lisa Campbell. Lisa is a freelance children, youth and family ministry consultant who specialises in inclusion. She's a former SENCO (in both primary and secondary schools), and is passionate about enabling churches to create safe, inclusive, trauma-sensitive spaces where every child feels seen, heard and valued and can discover more of the incredible love of Jesus. Lisa is the founder of Wonderful Me! which offers training and support to churches looking at issues of trauma and inclusion. She also created Living Well which offers discipleship resources for anyone who would like to explore well-being that has Jesus at the centre. Lisa lives in the north west with her husband and two teenage daughters. Links: Check out Wonderful Me! https://wonderfulme.org.uk/ Follow Wonderful Me! on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550796820336 Check out Living Well https://living-well.online/ Star of Safety tool https://wonderfulme.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/STAR-of-safety.pdf Emotional literacy book reviews and family time resources https://wonderfulme.org.uk/childrensbookreviews/ The Whole Brain child book by Dan Siegal https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whole-Brain-Child-Strategies-Nurture-Developing-ebook/dp/B0070TRH6O Unlocking the Adolescent Mind: Insights from Dr Siegel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O1u5OEc5eY The video Lisa made to simply Dr Siegel's hand-brain model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG0TzSn9Y1Q Join us next Tuesday for our pop-up small group “Different ways to engage kids and teens with mission” with Rachel Turner https://www.facebook.com/parentingforfaithBRF/ If you enjoyed this podcast, would you consider a small, regular financial gift to help us continue to produce it? You can give from as little as £2 a month (less than a decent coffee!), and it makes such a difference to our ministry. Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They really do make a difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In this longer episode, we chat to Russ De Vos - husband, father and creator of LIFELINE - about the curveball of addiction. Russ is open about the many challenges he and his family have been through over the past 20 years, and the incredible grace of God in bringing his heart to repentance and healing. Together with his wife Heather, Russ has equipped hundreds of couples across the United States whose teens are struggling with addiction with the skills and strategies that were so life-changing for them as they parented their own teen. Links: Check out Catalyst Coaching: www.catalystcoachinghq.com Watch Russ' YouTube channel: The Wrestling Room: https://bit.ly/3yWnxXtYouTube Grab Russ' free resource: LIFELINE Quick Start Guide: https://discovery.catalystcoachinghq.com/free-guide What Healthy Love Looks Like For Your Child: https://bit.ly/49ELXXV Parenting Teens course: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/parenting-teens-course/ In order to continue this podcast, we need your help! Can you commit to giving just £2 a month to support all the free resources - including this podcast - that Parenting for Faith makes available to families, churches and leaders all around the world? Click here to give a one-off or regular gift: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

This season, we're looking at the ‘curveballs' that enter our parenting journey and threaten to derail family life. In today's episode, we're thinking about early life trauma. Whether we're parenting adopted or fostered kids, or whether our birth kids have been through traumatic events, what are the obstacles to discipleship, and what are the practices which help our kids see Jesus? Sharing her nuggets of truth and wisdom is mum-of-eleven (yes, you read that right) and co-founder of Back2Back Ministries, Beth Guckenberger. Parenting has not been the journey Beth imagined, as God has opened the hearts of her and her husband Todd to more and more children, but wow - what a sanctifying process it has been for them! Beth offers hope within the gutsy reality of life with trauma-experienced children. Links: Beth's website and books: https://recklessfaith.com/ Back2Back Ministries: https://back2back.org/ Follow Beth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bguckenberger Trauma-Free World: https://traumafreeworld.org/ Parenting for Faith mailing list: https://brf.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=399acccd02338888d8b7cb202&id=0309f54a6d We are so grateful for all Beth shared with us today. If you'd like to see this podcast continue, with guests like Beth who give so much of their wisdom and experience, would you consider partnering with us financially to enable this podcast to continue? Click here to give a one-off or regular gift at www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

As we head towards Easter, today's episode - the Season 8 finale - looks at how we can help our families connect with God through the major (and minor) festivals throughout the year. Do we have to set up multiple exhausting family traditions? What about secular festivities? Where do they fit in? And how do we talk about the tricky bits of Easter? Joining us to share her wisdom from many years' experience of children's, youth and family work is Parenting for Faith founder Rachel Turner. Rachel is the author of many Parenting for Faith titles, presents three of our four courses, and was the original host of this podcast! Links: Buy Rachel's books: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/search?type=product&q=rachel+turner Watch Rachel in the Parenting for Faith course: The Garden, The Curtain and The Cross: https://www.eden.co.uk/bibles/childrens-bibles/storybook-bibles/age-4-to-7-childrens-storybook-bibles/the-garden-the-curtain-and-the-cross-storybook/ The Jesus Storybook Bible: https://www.eden.co.uk/the-jesus-storybook-bible-anglicised-edition/ Partner with us as we share in God's work of discipling children and young people in a faith that matures into adulthood and lasts their whole life: https://www.brf.org.uk/donate (You can become a Friend of Parenting for Faith for as little as £2 a month!)

What does it mean to be creative? Whether our kids enjoy visual art like painting or drawing, or whether their creativity can be seen in music, cooking or problem-solving, today's episode is all about how we can connect with God through art. We look at how to encourage our kids to be creative, whether or not they consider themselves ‘arty' - and also how looking at, interpreting and responding to visual art around us can turn our eyes towards our Creator. Sharing her expertise and wisdom in today's episode is Sophie Killingley of Perish and Fade. Sophie is an artist and author, and lives in Surrey with her husband and two teenage children. Links: Perish and Fade https://www.perishandfade.com/ Follow Sophie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perishandfade/ Buy Sophie's creative spiritual journal Draw Near: https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/draw-near Curious Questions: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/curious-questions/ Book onto the Forge: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/the-forge-west-2024 If you enjoy this podcast, did you know that you can help ensure its future by partnering with us as a Friend of Parenting for Faith? You can become a Friend from as little as £2 a month and we are so grateful for each and every one of you! Click here to get involved: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/

Many of our children enjoy dance, formally or informally, and today's episode is all about how we can connect with God through the bodies he's given us, whether that's in dance, exercise or any kind of movement. To guide us through, we're delighted to be joined by Ruth Carpenter, founder of Psalms and Stretches. Ruth is a professionally-trained contemporary dancer, Pilates teacher and mum of two little ones. Links: Psalms and Stretches: https://www.psalmsandstretches.com/ Follow Psalms and Stretches on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psalmsandstretches/ Follow Psalms and Stretches on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psalmsandstretches Pop-up small group, 19 March, 8.00 pm on our Facebook page: Different ways to engage kids and teens with worship (with guest Becky Drake, Worship for Everyone) https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/post/different-ways-to-engage-kids-and-teens-with-worship/ We are so grateful to all of you who partner with us by being a Friend of Parenting for Faith so that we can continue to produce this podcast. You can start from as little as £2 a month and we are so grateful for each and every Friend. Could you partner with us in this way? www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/

Fashion is something all of our children experience in various ways. At the very least, all our kids have to choose something to wear each day! But for many of our children and young people, fashion is a hobby, a way they can express themselves, and a mark of their God-given creativity. So how can we help our kids to connect with God through fashion? How do we help them navigate body image and confidence? And what about the ethics of fast fashion? Tola-Doll Fisher is our guest today. Tola is a model, as well as editor and creative director at Premier Woman Alive. She co-hosts the YouTube show Sisterhood with TBN and is the author of 'Still Standing:100 Lessons From An 'Unsuccessful' Life'. Tola writes weekly for her Substack subscribers. Links: Read Tola's weekly essays https://stillstanding.substack.com/ Watch Sisterhood on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrokxQDREPA&list=PLl49n61XUvugndzrqt8tCWOsfOhfvsFHX Buy Tola's book ‘Still Standing' https://www.amazon.co.uk/Still-Standing-Lessons-Unsuccessful-Life/dp/0281083258/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=tola+fisher&qid=1575994020&sr=8-1 Listen to Tola's TedX talk - Debunking the Myth of Success: https://www.ted.com/talks/tola_fisher_debunking_the_myth_of_success Premier Woman Alive magazine: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/ General info on Tola: https://linktr.ee/christcouturegirl Join our Teens course launch on 13 March! https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/parenting-for-faith-teens-training-online We can only continue to produce this podcast if we have the financial means to do so. If you've enjoyed today's episode and would like us to keep making fun episodes like this one, please would you consider supporting us? You can become a Friend of Parenting for Faith for as little as £2 a month - less than the price of a coffee! We are a charity, reliant on fundraising to continue doing what we do. Your donations, big or small, make a real difference and are very much appreciated. Give here: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/

Many of our children and teens will ask big questions about God, faith and the church at some point in their childhood. Some of our kids ask 100 questions a day, every day! How should we answer these questions? How can we help our kids seek Jesus through their questions? Here to help us think through how we approach these questions is none other than Canon J.John: an experienced evangelist, minister, speaker, broadcaster and writer of over four decades. In particular, J.John's book ‘That's a Good Question!' helps children think through some of the most common questions about faith. Canon J.John lives near London with his wife Killy, and is a dad and a grandad. Links: Check out J.John's books for children and adults here: https://canonjjohn.com/books/ Parenting for Faith Jumpstart Training: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/parenting-for-faith-courses-jumpstart-training Wow, what wise words from Canon J.John! We loved learning from his experience in ministry and family life. If you did too, please consider giving a one-off or regular gift to support this podcast going forward. We are a charity, reliant on fundraising to continue doing what we do. Your donations, big or small, make a real difference and are very much appreciated. Give here: www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/

Sport is a large part of life for many of our children and young people, and there is a bigger range than ever for them to get involved in. Even our children who don't enjoy sport will usually be taking part in school PE lessons or active extra-curricular clubs. So what are the lessons we can learn from sport to help us as we draw closer to Jesus? How can we enjoy the bodies and opportunities God has given us, without them becoming an idol? And what are the sorts of windows we can create, through sport, into what a life lived with God looks like? Today's guest is Richard Shorter, Baptist minister and founder of Non-Perfect Dad, an organisation working in elite sport, aiding conversations between coaches, parents and young people so that children can thrive in and off the sports field. Links: Non-Perfect Dad https://non-perfectdad.co.uk/ Take Richard's quiz for sports parents: https://conversations2succeed.scoreapp.com/ Teens course training event https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/parenting-for-faith-events/products/parenting-for-faith-teens-training-online Richard gave such helpful wisdom today to all parents, carers and leaders whose children are involved with sport. These podcasts cost money to produce, so if you'd like to see them continue, please consider giving a one-off donation or setting up a regular gift to Parenting for Faith at www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.