The Parenting Podcast

Send us a textWhat does it look like to give your kids space to grow—without giving up your role as a parent? In this episode, we talk about holding steady in the push and pull: letting kids be their own person while still leading with clarity, connection, and calm.

Send us a textIf you ever feel like you're missing the golden moments of parenting or just never have enough time, this episode is for you. Whether you work full-time or are simply feeling the pressure, we're exploring how meaningful connection can still happen—in the margins, in the mess, and in the everyday. Let's take the pressure down and focus on what really matters.

Send us a textWe're not just talking about kids and screens—we're talking about us. In this final episode on parenting in the digital age, Cheryl and Christie reflect on what stuck, what's still hard, and where real change begins. If you've ever wondered how to lead your family differently in a tech-driven world, this conversation is for you Resources Mentioned:– The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch– The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin– The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt– How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Send us a textWe've heard the warnings about screens and devices —but what does real change look like in everyday family life in this digital culture? In this follow-up conversation, Cheryl and Christie unpack what's still echoing in their minds, and what small steps are actually working for families.Resources Mentioned:– The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch– The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin– The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt– How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Send us a textRaising kids in a digital world doesn't come with a manual—but it does come with community. In this final conversation with Crystal Coon, we talk about what's working, what's shifting, and how small decisions are shaping a bigger story.

Send us a textOur kids are learning how to handle technology long before they ever get a phone—just by watching us. In this episode, Crystal Coon returns to explore what it looks like to model tech-wise habits with humility, honesty, and connection. It's not about having it all figured out. It's about paying attention—and starting where you are.      •    Resources Mentioned:– The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch– The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin– The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt– How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Send us a textScreens are everywhere—but what are they doing to our kids, and to us? In this eye-opening episode, Crystal Coon joins us to unpack what's really at stake in a screen-saturated world—and why awareness is the first step toward change.Resources Mentioned: – The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch – The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin – The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt – How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Send us a textBirthdays can be more than celebrations—they can be intentional moments to hand off growth. In this episode, we explore how “birthday boxes” can help parents pace privilege, responsibility, and freedom with purpose through every stage of childhood.

Send us a textParenting and grandparenting aren't separate stories—they're deeply intertwined. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to honor both roles, navigate tensions with grace, and build bridges that hold strong through the seasons.

Send us a textWhat keeps the bridge open as our kids grow up?  This episode explores how boundaries, emotional control, and quiet consistency can hold the weight of connection — especially in the teen years and beyond

Send us a textWhen connection with your child starts to feel shaky, what can you do? In this episode, we're talking about the invisible—but powerful—relationship bridge between you and your child, and how to keep it clear, strong, and open at every stage.

Send us a textFriendships can feel so fragile, and loneliness hits hard—especially in the middle and teen years. Today, we're unpacking how to walk beside our kids through the hurt, building connection and trust as we go.

Send us a textWhy do our kids—raised in the same home—turn out so different? This episode explores how birth order shapes personalities, expectations, and family dynamics. From firstborn pressures to youngest-child freedom, we unpack what's really going on—and how parents can respond with awareness, grace, and intention.

Send us a textWe all start parenting with ideas of how it should go. But instead of getting stuck in regret, what if we saw those moments as part of the process? In this episode, we're talking about the mistakes, the learning curves, and how growth happens—for us and our kids—one imperfect step at a time.

Send us a textIt's impossible to keep up—new apps, new shows, new trends. Do we allow it? Block it? Ignore it? In this episode, we're tackling the challenge of guiding our kids through media without just saying no to everything.

Send us a textEver feel like your kids should just get it by now? You've taught, reminded, and corrected—but the same struggles keep showing up. What if that's not failure, but part of the process? Today, we're talking about the hidden work of parenting and why real growth takes more time than we expect.

Send us a textA mom sat down with me and asked, How much do I guide, and how much do I let them figure out on their own? It's a balance every parent wrestles with. In this episode, we talk about how to help our kids notice what they don't see—without doing all the thinking for them.

Send us a textNo matter how much kids get, it never seems to be enough. And if we're honest, we know that feeling too. How do we help our kids feel content in a world that constantly tells them to want more? In this episode, we explore why gratitude is so hard to hold onto—and how we can build it into our family's daily life.

It's easy to focus on outward success—getting kids to listen, behave, and meet expectations. But true parenting happens beneath the surface, shaping who they become, not just how they act. In this episode, we uncover the hidden trap of "apple nailing"—why surface-level parenting feels effective in the moment but ultimately may miss the heart.

It's instinctive—we see our kids struggling, and we want to step in, fix the problem, and make it better. But what if fixing isn't always what they need? 

As children grow into adulthood, the dynamics of your relationship naturally evolve. This episode delves into effective ways to navigate these changes, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and mutual respect. Discover how to sustain meaningful connections without overstepping.

Being a parent is part of who you are, but it's not all of who you are. In this episode, we explore how to step back from the pressures of parenting to reconnect with your own identity. Join us as we discuss practical steps for separating your worth from your kids' actions and embracing the person you were created to be.

Parenting can stretch you, but it doesn't have to define you. Tune in to learn how to maintain your sense of self, separate your worth from your kids' actions, and celebrate who you are outside of parenting.

What if life itself became your best parenting partner? Join us as we unpack the art of using real-world consequences to teach your kids lessons that stick—without the power struggles or endless reminders.

In this episode, we're exploring a game-changer for parents: allowing kids to learn lasting lessons through life experience. Join us as we dive into how consequences can do the talking, as we unpack the art of letting real-life consequences guide our kids—no lectures required.

In today's polarized world, it's easy to tell kids what to think, but how do you teach them how to think? This episode uncovers strategies for guiding kids to navigate information thoughtfully while maintaining respect for others.

Want to raise kids who stand up for what they believe—without putting others down? This episode unpacks ways to nurture conviction and kindness side by side.

Sibling relationships can be tricky, but they also offer the chance for something truly special. In this episode, we talk about how to build bridges between your kids—helping them navigate their differences and grow closer, even through the daily challenges of growing up together.

Releasing your young adult into the world is tougher than it looks. In this episode, we dig into how to trust their path, even when you're holding your breath. Join us as we talk about letting them lead while finding your own way through this new chapter.

No one said parenting would be easy, but it's definitely worth it. If you're navigating those early days with a new baby or thinking back on your own experiences, this episode offers honest conversations, support, and the reminder that growth happens in the hardest moments. Listen in and discover how to keep going, because your journey is just as important as your child's.

If you're expecting or just stepping into parenthood, the whirlwind of emotions and decisions can be overwhelming. In this episode, we dive into the real challenges of those early days—how to let go of perfection, embrace the unexpected, and find your own way through the ups and downs of new parenthood.

Single parenting isn't just about surviving—it's about finding moments of joy, resilience, and connection amidst the challenges. Whether you're walking this path or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insight and encouragement for the journey ahead.

Step into the world of single parents—where every day is both a challenge and a celebration of strength. Whether you're a single parent or a friend to one, let's share, learn, and grow together in understanding. Tune in for an episode that connects and uplifts.

Feeling like parenting is one challenge after another? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful reality of raising kids when things don't go as planned. Through shared stories and insights, we'll help you rediscover the joy and purpose in your parenting journey, even on the tough days.

When home becomes the classroom, parenting takes on a whole new dynamic. In homeschooling, how do you balance expectations, juggle responsibilities, and still create those meaningful moments with your kids? As part of our series on parenting in the various educational paths, join us as we explore what it truly means to parent in this intertwined world of learning and living.

There's something about private school that conjures images of privilege and achievement. But as we dive in today, we're not focusing on those elements. Instead, we're talking about the parent's journey—how do you stay grounded, offer support, and raise a well-rounded child in this complex world of privilege and pressure? Let's talk parenting in private school—honestly, openly, and with heart.

Step into the shoes of parents making their way through public, private, and homeschooling paths. Our mini-series reveals the joys, challenges, and unexpected twists of parenting in different educational environments. Listen in for a fresh, heartfelt perspective on parenting. This episode spotlights parenting public schooled children.

Why do some people thrive while others struggle? The answer lies in soft skills. This episode takes you on a journey through some essential non-academic abilities that shape successful adults. Learn how to foster these skills in your kids, helping to prepare them for whatever life throws their way.

Enhance your parenting approach by weaving practical life skills into your daily routines. Discover how these simple yet powerful strategies can shape your children's future, especially your teens, in profound ways.

Get real about parenting with us on this episode! Learn how to tackle everyday challenges like embracing natural consequences, all while showing yourself and your kids some much-needed compassion.

Peel back the layers of your child's behavior with us in this eye-opening discussion on parenting that goes beyond behavior management. In this episode, we explore how understanding the root causes of your child's behavior can lead to more effective and compassionate parenting.

Tired of dinner table chaos? This episode dives into the art of family communication. We share real-life stories and practical tips to help you move from noisy exchanges to meaningful conversations. Tune in to discover how to truly connect with your loved ones.

Ever wonder why - from toddler to young adult - your child keeps pushing back on your parenting? Join us as we explore why this resistance is crucial for their emotional development and a foundation for their healthy future. Tune in for practical strategies on navigating these milestones with positivity and understanding, fostering a strong parent-child bond along the way.

Unlock a summer of fun and learning with our tips for family-friendly activities for children of all ages. Discover how to enjoy these warm months without overspending and how to create lasting memories while keeping your kids active and engaged.

Step into this episode, where we open the door to your letters and dive into the world of parenting styles. Join us as we share listeners' questions and explore the ways in which our approach to parenting shapes our children's growth and development - As well as our own.

Welcome to this episode where we dive into questions from parents about the everyday struggles of raising children and various parenting styles. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and insights to help you navigate the complexities of parenthood with confidence and compassion.

Dive into a lively coffee shop conversation where parenting styles take center stage. As we role-play different approaches, we explore various parenting lenses shedding light on the strengths and weaknesses of each and perhaps you may even recognize yourself in the mix. Our episode delves deep into the heart of parenthood, reminding us that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. 

Step into the world of adaptive parenting, where flexibility meets structure to create a nurturing environment for both parents and children. Discover how this approach adapts to the unique needs of each child, nurturing their growth while maintaining a strong foundation of support and guidance.

Unlock the secrets of empowering parenting! Explore how to nurture your child's autonomy while offering the support they need. Listen now to this newest installment on parenting styles.

Discover the power of the attachment parenting style which prioritizes emotional connection, responsiveness, and positive discipline. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this perspective and whether it would strengthen your parenting.

Join us for this episode where we delve into both the challenges and the positive aspects of authoritarian parenting. Learn how clear boundaries and expectations can provide security and support for children and their parents.