Podcasts about intentional parenting

How do we faithfully raise children in a culture that constantly fragments their attention? In this episode of Base Camp Live, Davies Owens welcomes Suzanne Phillips of Beacon Parent for a thoughtful and deeply encouraging conversation about parenting in an age of distraction, anxiety, and cultural confusion. Rather than offering another parenting checklist, Suzanne shares a biblical framework for becoming the kind of parent your children can follow. Together, they explore what Suzanne calls the seven facets of a “Beacon Parent,” including the supremacy of Christ, expressed honor, intentional legacy, transformative wisdom, humble courage, secure identity, and personal responsibility. Along the way, they discuss: • Why everything starts at home • The difference between knowledge and wisdom • How technology is reshaping childhood • Why honor is disappearing from families • The dangers of fear-based parenting • Why children need gradual responsibility • How parents can lead with clarity instead of anxiety This conversation is both practical and hopeful for parents seeking to raise grounded, thoughtful, Christ-centered children in a rapidly changing world. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

How do salmon journey from a freshwater river to the saltwater ocean? And after years at sea, how do they find their way home to the exact river where they hatched? Discover how God designed salmon just right for their incredible adventure.Here's our trail map:Where Do Salmon Live?How Do Salmon Live In Both Fresh and Salt Water?Why Do Salmon Swim Upstream?Where Is Our True Home?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-salmon-swim-upstream/Related Lessons to listen to next:How Do Fish Breathe Underwater? The Curious Ways Creatures Breathe - Lesson 68: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0fc09da4-deab-42ce-9e57-2a2d5e9a2d8c/How Does God Water All the Plants and Animals? Lesson 110: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/01e9495f-489d-46cf-9c58-e0be1b6084f3/Eryn's Books:Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/wonderMade to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvelThe Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Discover God's designs in crabs and other ocean creatures with Apologia's Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set/Explore all of Apologia's award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Salmon Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-salmon-swim-upstream/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“So God created the large sea animals and every living thing that moves in the sea. The sea is filled with these living things, with each one producing more of its own kind. He also made every bird that flies, and each bird produced more of its own kind. God saw that this was good. God blessed them and said, ‘Have many young ones so that you may grow in number. Fill the water of the seas, and let the birds grow in number on the earth.'” Genesis 1:21-22 (NCV)“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore…. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Now God's presence is with people, and he will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.'The One who was sitting on the throne said, ‘Look! I am making everything new!...'” Revelation 21: 1,3-5a (NCV)“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,' and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Anadromous: An animal that is born in fresh water, lives most of its life in the ocean, and then returns to fresh water to have babies.Osmoregulation: The process of an animal's body balancing water and salt so it stays healthy.Ionocytes: Special cells in a salmon's gills that help control salt balance.Smoltification: The set of changes that helps a young salmon get ready to leave fresh water and live in salt water.Redd: A nest that a female salmon makes in the gravel at the bottom of a stream or river.Homing Instinct: A natural ability in some animals to return to an important place, like its home or nesting area, even after traveling far away.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why does the star-nosed mole have such a funny looking nose? And how did God design moles for their underground lives? Uncover the mysteries of moles as we burrow beneath the soil and discover God's plans and purposes.Here's our trail map:What Is a Star-nosed Mole?Why Do Moles Dig Tunnels?How Many Worms Can a Mole Eat?What Should We Store Up for the Future?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-moles-dig-tunnels/Related Lessons to listen to next:How Do Prairie Dogs Use A Secret Language? Episode 41: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aafc491f-9872-4bf1-acc2-43a9701f44af/Eryn's Books:Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wonder-Leads-Adventure-Wonderful/dp/1645076210Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Marvel-Devotions-Exploring-Creation/dp/0800748506The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Mole Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-moles-dig-tunnels/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed. Life is not measured by how much one owns.'Then Jesus told this story: ‘There was a rich man who had some land, which grew a good crop. He thought to himself, “What will I do? I have no place to keep all my crops.” Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and other goods. Then I can say to myself, ‘I have enough good things stored to last for many years. Rest, eat, drink, and enjoy life!'”‘But God said to him, “Foolish man! Tonight your life will be taken from you. So who will get those things you have prepared for yourself?”'‘This is how it will be for those who store up things for themselves and are not rich toward God.'” Luke 12:15-21 (NCV)“Jesus said to his followers, ‘So I tell you, don't worry about the food you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest, they don't have storerooms or barns, but God feeds them. And you are worth much more than birds.'” Luke 12:22-24 (NCV)“Don't store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. But store your treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your treasure is.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Mammal: A group of animals that have hair or fur, are warm-blooded, have a backbone, (most) have live births, and feed their babies with milk from their bodies.Eulipotyphla: An order or smaller category of mammals including moles, shrews, and hedgehogs.Eimer's Organs: Tiny touch sensors (sensory receptors) that help a mole know what is around it.Fossorial: Animals that are designed for digging and living underground.Insectivores: Animals that mostly eat insects, spiders, worms, and other small invertebrates.Larder: A place where an animal stores food so it can eat it later.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

In this episode Michael and Angela DeAquino discuss the importance of pre-parental counseling, building a shared family vision, navigating disagreements in marriage, and understanding how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent. They talk honestly about family trauma, generational patterns, survival mode parenting, apologizing to our kids, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection.Whether you are preparing for your first baby, parenting young kids, or realizing you want to become more intentional years into parenting, this conversation offers practical encouragement and hope for every season. Michael and Angela are the founders of The Parenthood Project and authors of The Parenthood Primer, a resource designed to help couples prepare spiritually, emotionally, and relationally for parenting.(00:00) Introduction to Parenthood Preparation(03:08) The Importance of Pre-Parenting Counseling(06:12) Navigating Identity Shifts in Parenting(08:55) Communication and Alignment in Parenting(12:06) Reflecting on Upbringing and Family Values(14:51) Addressing Family Trauma and Patterns(17:49) The Long Game in Parenting(20:55) Practical Steps for Intentional Parenting(23:48) The Role of Community in Parenting(26:51) It's Never Too Late to Start(30:09) Conclusion and ResourcesResources MentionedThe Parenthood Primer workbookThe Parenthood ProjectMoms, Dads, and Grads Gift GuideSign up for Morning MinutePrefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In society we are often saying 1 thing and modeling another. Don't lie but then punishing when the truth is told, don't bully and then character assassinating at the dinner table or on social media, etc., etc. It's not about being perfect, it's about being intentional with our parenting.————————————————————You can join the conversation Live every Monday at 6 pm ET on Facebook & YouTube! Check out my new book Down to Earth The Spiritual Beings Guide to a Happy, Human Experience. Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in digital and paperback!For Life Coaching, Exclusive Content, or More Info: GlennAmbrose.comHave you joined the new community Loving Nation in the Glenn Ambrose Nov 6, 2022 AcadeTo help support my work and the free content I providemy yet?, please donate HERE

What causes waves? How do sloths not fall out of trees? Why is a sunset splashed in beautiful colors? And what makes a bird's poop white? We are following our God-given curiosity and discovering answers to nature questions sent in by listeners.A special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Apologia! Discover God's fingerprints in creation with their award-winning science curriculum and courses at Apologia.comJoin the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubEryn's Books:Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wonder-Leads-Adventure-Wonderful/dp/1645076210Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Marvel-Devotions-Exploring-Creation/dp/0800748506The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Lessons mentioned in this episode:Why Do Sloths Hang Upside Down? Episode 32: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a058a718-62c1-4baf-b357-ab70f2fbd983/What Is Light? Lesson 109: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4eb19e42-31c5-4143-8e42-a5a0eb63daed/This podcast contains paid sponsor ads.

Why in the world did God make mosquitoes? Let's look past the itch and glimpse God's good designs and purpose in an insect with a biteful reputation.Here's our trail map:How Are Mosquitoes Born?Why Do Mosquitoes Suck Blood?Why Did God Make Mosquitoes?How Do Mosquitoes Show Us God's Goodness?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-did-god-make-mosquitoes/Related Lessons to listen to next:How Do Water Striders Walk On Water? Lesson 69: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ce7200f3-9322-46b6-bdc5-f6355f73de07/Are Bats Blind? Episode 39: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/56235373-ab56-4920-aeaf-29af9b2f2a7a/Why Are Bats Great Gardeners? Episode 40: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e2851257-6ed1-477e-bd47-2321e54de717/Eryn's Books:Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wonder-Leads-Adventure-Wonderful/dp/1645076210Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Marvel-Devotions-Exploring-Creation/dp/0800748506The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Bugs: Big & Small, God Made Them All: https://www.masterbooks.com/bugsExplore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Mosquito Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-did-god-make-mosquitoes/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31 (NIV)“God said, ‘Look, I have given you all the plants that have grain for seeds and all the trees whose fruits have seeds in them. They will be food for you. I have given all the green plants as food for every wild animal, every bird of the air, and every small crawling animal.' And it happened.” Genesis 1:29-30 (NCV)“Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Romans 8:20-22 (NLT)“...I am making everything new!...” Revelation 21:5 (NIV)“The Lord is good to everyone.He showers compassion on all his creation.” Psalm 145:9 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Larva: A baby insect.Mosquito Wriggler: The larva stage of a mosquito.Siphon: The breathing tube at the end of a mosquito larva's body that allows it to breathe while underwater.Pupa: A juvenile insect. The life stage before growing into an adult.Mosquito Tumbler: The pupa stage of a mosquito.Protein: Tiny building materials in living things that help bodies grow, repair themselves, and do important jobs.Pollinator: A creature that helps spread pollen, which helps plants grow.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.Mentioned in this episode:Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat TheoJoin us for summer Bible & nature study! https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify

Welcome back to Pep Talk Friday, an episode of Raising Confident Girls. In this episode, Melissa Jones offers compassionate encouragement for parents reflecting on the moments they wish they had handled differently.Melissa explores how easy it is for parents to get caught up in the pressure to “get it right” all the time, especially during challenging or emotionally charged interactions with their children. She reminds listeners that parenting is not about perfection—it's about intention, repair, and the willingness to keep showing up with love and connection.With honesty and reassurance, Melissa shares why growth happens in the everyday moments of reflection and reconnection. She encourages parents to focus less on being flawless and more on building trust, understanding, and emotional safety over time.Tune in to discover: Why parenting mistakes do not define your relationship with your child  How intention and connection matter more than perfection  Why your response after difficult moments can strengthen trust  How self-reflection helps parents grow alongside their children  What emotional safety looks like in everyday parenting interactions  Why repair and reconnection are powerful parts of healthy relationships  Practical encouragement for approaching parenting with more compassion and confidence This episode is a reminder that parenting is an ongoing journey of learning, growth, and connection. Even the moments you question most can become opportunities to deepen trust, strengthen your relationship, and show your child what love and resilience truly look like.Melissa's Links:• Website • Instagram • Facebook• TikTok• LinkedIn

This episode centered around a simple but uncomfortable reality: a lot of families are moving fast, staying busy, and still feeling disconnected. Pastor Q breaks down how survival mode slowly becomes normal when the pace of life starts setting the pace of the family. This conversation is packed with practical leadership for the home, from setting rhythms to learning how to say no before culture decides your priorities for you. CONNECT WITH US Mark Q | Instagram JUST LEAD | Instagram JUST LEAD | TikTok JUST LEAD | YouTube WATCH & SUBSCRIBE If you haven't yet, make sure to tap subscribe on your favorite podcast platform — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. JUST LEAD is now available on YouTube! We release NEW episodes on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. Turn on your notifications and you'll be the first to know when new content drops. LEAVE A REVIEW If you love the show, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a 5-Star Review! This is one of the best ways to help other people find us and join the JUST LEAD community. Seito Sushi Orlando

Can rainbows appear in the night sky? Discover how God uses light and water to make rainbows, and explore the many places—and even times of day—we might see them. Learn how the rainbow's full circle reminds us that God's promises have no end, appearing after storms and even in the night.Here's our trail map:What Makes a Rainbow?Why Is a Rainbow Curved?Where Do Rainbows Appear in Nature?How Do Rainbows Remind Us of God's Promises?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/how-are-rainbows-made/Related Lessons to listen to next:What Is Light? Lesson 109: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4eb19e42-31c5-4143-8e42-a5a0eb63daed/What Is Earth's Atmosphere For?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/be61b270-5a47-4fd0-ae15-d140867738aa/Eryn's Books:Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wonder-Leads-Adventure-Wonderful/dp/1645076210Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Marvel-Devotions-Exploring-Creation/dp/0800748506The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Try CTCMath FREE: https://ctcmath.com/God's Design for Heaven & Earth: https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-heaven-earth-set-mb-editionExplore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Eryn's video of a lunar halo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYfYsaeFWCU/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Rainbow Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/how-are-rainbows-made/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…” 1 Corinthians 14:33a (NLT)“For through him (Jesus) God created everythingin the heavenly realms and on earth.He made the things we can seeand the things we can't see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.Everything was created through him and for him.He existed before anything else,and he holds all creation together.” Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT)“And God said, ‘This is the sign of the agreement between me and you and every living creature that is with you. I am putting my rainbow in the clouds as the sign of the agreement between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and a rainbow appears in them, I will remember my agreement between me and you and every living thing. Floods will never again destroy all life on the earth. When the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and I will remember the agreement that continues forever between me and every living thing on the earth.'So God said to Noah, ‘The rainbow is a sign of the agreement that I made with all living things on earth.'” Genesis 9:12-17 (NCV)“The Lord's love never ends;his mercies never stop.They are new every morning;Lord, your loyalty is great.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NCV)“But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,and through each night I sing his songs,praying to God who gives me life.” Psalm 42:8 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Light Refraction: When light bends as it moves from one material into another.Light Dispersion: When white light splits and spreads out into rainbow colors.Moonbow: A faint rainbow created by moonlight that is directly opposite of the moon's position in the sky.Lunar Halo: A glowing ring around the moon, often with rainbow colors. It forms when moonlight passes through tiny ice crystals high in the sky, which bend the light and make a circle of light around the moon.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.Mentioned in this episode:Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat TheoJoin us for summer Bible & nature study! https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify

Send us Fan MailDaniel Hong is a father of two daughters, fitness coach, cancer survivor, and founder of DH Fit Inc., where he helps busy parents build sustainable health habits that actually fit inside real life.In this episode, Daniel and Oscar have an honest conversation about fatherhood, burnout, identity, fitness, and the emotional weight many dads silently carry while trying to provide for their families.Daniel also opens up about surviving cancer in his early 20s, becoming obsessed with fitness afterward, and how fatherhood ultimately reshaped his understanding of what truly matters.This is a powerful conversation for any dad trying to navigate work, family, health, and identity without losing himself in the process.Follow Daniel:

Do you ever feel that tension between wanting to help your kids… and knowing you probably shouldn't step in so fast?Because if we're honest, it's almost always easier and quicker to just do it ourselves. Open the bottle. Fill out the form. Solve the problem.But what if that instinct is exactly what's holding our kids back?In this episode, I'm talking with Amy Carney about what it really takes to raise kids who are ready for the real world. Not just capable on paper, but confident, resilient, and able to handle life when things don't go smoothly.This is part two of our conversation, and we're digging into the everyday moments that actually shape independent kids. (Here's part 1 if you missed it.)Here's what we cover:Why so many young adults struggle with basic problem-solving (and what parents are unintentionally doing that contributes to it)The surprising power of letting kids struggle instead of stepping inHow to create family fun that actually works, even with teens who “don't want to” participateThe mindset shift from doing things for your kids to mentoring them through lifeReal-life examples of skills that fall through the cracks (even in great homes)Why “easier and quicker” should be your red flag as a parentPractical ways to start handing over responsibility, one small step at a timeIf you've ever wondered how to raise kids who can actually handle adulthood, this conversation will both challenge and encourage you in the best way.Resources We Mention for Raising Independent KidsGet those kids some life skills at #LifeSkillsNow summer camp!Letting toddlers help in the kitchenMy interview with Jessica Lahey on letting kids failAmy's viral post on 8 things you should stop doing for your kidsGet your kids REAL skills for real life - register for #LifeSkillsNow!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Whatever your feelings are toward spiders, jumping spiders may be the cutest! But do jumping spiders bite or have venom? And what's the secret to their super-power jumps?Here's our trail map:Is a Jumping Spider a Bug?Do Jumping Spiders Bite?Why Do Jumping Spiders Jump?How Can We Learn From Our Mistakes?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-jumping-spiders-jump/Related Lessons to listen to next:How Do Spiders Make Webs? Episode 38: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/51a0e526-d77f-46bf-8dd6-364667633989/Eryn's Books:Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wonder-Leads-Adventure-Wonderful/dp/1645076210Made to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Marvel-Devotions-Exploring-Creation/dp/0800748506The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Apologia Zoology 3: Land Animals Course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-3-course-set/Explore Apologia's award-winning courses and curriculum form a Biblical worldview: https://www.apologia.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Jumping Spider Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-do-jumping-spiders-jump/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” Proverbs 24:16 (NLT)“Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live.Guide me in your truth, and teach me, my God, my Savior. I trust you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 (NCV)“​​But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you.” James 1:5 (NCV)“The Lord says, ‘I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.'” Psalm 32:8 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Arachnid: A type of animal with eight legs, a body with two main parts, and no antennae or wings. Spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites are all arachnids.Cephalothorax: The front main body section of some creatures, where the head and thorax (or mid section) are joined together into one part.Hydraulic System: A way of moving something by using liquid pressure such as from water or oil.Hemolymph: The fluid inside insects and arachnids that carries nutrients and helps their bodies work. This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. Mentioned in this episode:Join Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat TheoExplore God's creation right where you live and learn from Eryn in live video classes: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify

One of the motivations for creating the Kids Cook Real Food™ eCourse was that I was just over halfway to “launch” with my oldest child.Nine years old is half of the intensive part of parenting, and Paul had just turned 10. He demonstrated how to make homemade guacamole to his 4th-grade class, and I realized that guac was the only thing he truly knew how to make!One cannot live on guac alone…so I knew I needed to teach him more before he left my home!I love that parenting expert and author Amy Carney also uses the word “launch” to describe the process of sending off a child into the world, ready to serve and grow and live on purpose.She too had a crisis of parenting when her oldest kids were about 10, and she reacted even more strongly than I did – that and more in today's interview!What Amy made me desire: The sort of MARGIN she found in her life when she taught her kids certain things.How I'll rethink something today: That being frustrated about a task is an opportunity for a teaching moment.A goal I need to keep in mind: Play is as important as “being busy.”In the first two days after the interview, I quoted a certain portion twice, and it's what college professors and deans all agreed that young adults need more of.This is a heartfelt, fun, fascinating, and inspiring interview, and I hope you enjoy Amy as much as I did!Amy is teaching on How to Spot a Scam in #LifeSkillsNow Season 5 – register now!Resources We Mention for Teaching Life Skills to TeensSupporting the foster care systemAmy's video on adoption through foster careMy interview with Julie Lythcott-Haimes about raising successful adultsFind Amy online hereFollow her on social media: Facebook, InstagramGet your kids REAL skills for real life - register for #LifeSkillsNow!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Is a starfish a fish? How do sea stars regrow an arm? Do these cosmic-shaped sea creatures have eyes? Discover how God made sea stars unique and how their thousands of feet encourage us to walk in God's path for us.Here's our trail map:Is a Sea Star a Starfish?How Does a Sea Star Regrow an Arm?How Do Sea Stars Move?How Can We Walk in God's Ways?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/how-does-a-sea-star-regrow-an-arm/Related Lessons to listen to next:What is an Axolotl and How Does it Regrow its Brain? Lesson 6: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ce122f49-e5c6-4b63-ad8e-da56ed0936aa/What Are We Made Of? Exploring Human Cells - Lesson 57: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0517c0e2-471a-465d-b475-763e0bbaa539/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Sensational Sea Creatures (From the Marvels of Creation Book Set): https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-packExplore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Sea Star Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/how-does-a-sea-star-regrow-an-arm/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“He lifted me out of the pit of destruction,out of the sticky mud.He stood me on a rockand made my feet steady.” Psalm 40:2 (NCV)“Blessed are all who fear the Lord,who walk in obedience to him.” Psalm 128:1 (NIV)“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)“On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.” Ephesians 6:15 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Echinoderm: a class (large category) of ocean animals with a hard, bumpy, or spiny body, such as a sea star, sea urchin, or sand dollar.Asteroidae: The group of echinoderms that includes sea stars.Sea Star Ray: The pointed arm of a sea star extending from a central body.Regeneration: The ability to regrow a lost or damaged body part.Autotomy: When an animal purposely drops or sheds a body part, like an arm or tail, to escape danger.Blastema: A group of cells that forms at an injured spot and helps regrow a missing body part.Tube Feet: Tiny, tube-shaped body parts with suction cups on the end that help a sea star move, cling to surfaces, and hold prey.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.Mentioned in this episode:Join Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat TheoExplore God's creation right where you live and learn from Eryn in live video classes: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify

A song, "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me," once carried hope through generations who believed a brighter future would come. Today, Nolong Bonner Bullock and Yahosh Bonner say they're living that future. In this episode, they open up about heritage, gratitude, and the responsibility of honoring those who came before them. 3:21- Writing a Book as a Family 5:53- Bucket List Experiences 9:28- African Heritage 11:22- The Weight of a Name 13:58- Sibling Dynamics 17:58- Spending Time With the Savior 21:01- Family Councils and Intentional Parenting 26:36- Unity in the Home 31:00- Gender, Race and Priesthood 37:16- The Next Generation 38:54- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  "He's the end all, be all. He makes all the decisions. Everything makes sense through Him."  Links: Preorder the Bonners' new book here- https://www.deseretbook.com/product/PR00001659.html The Bonners in Kansas City- https://youtube.com/shorts/xx2BIniskQc?si=jtBf1hERgmhhVJiW The Bonners National Anthem at the NBA All-Star Game-https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aJlm14WU4pw&pp=ygUeVGhlIGJvbm5lciBmYW1pbHkgbmJhIGFsbC1zdGFy&ra=m    The Bonners NBA All-Star Game recap- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCU8jUirSw&pp=ygUeVGhlIGJvbm5lciBmYW1pbHkgbmJhIGFsbC1zdGFy&ra=m

Step into the marsh with one of the strangest (and coolest) birds on Earth: the shoebill—often called a “shoebill stork,” even though it's not actually a stork! Discover how God designed these unique birds with their razor-sharp bills, massive feet, and piercing eyes, and what they teach us about being adopted into God's family.Here's our trail map:Is a Shoebill a Stork?Can a Shoebill Eat a Crocodile?How Are People Saving Shoebills from Extinction?How Has God Adopted Us?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/is-a-shoebill-a-stork/Related Lessons to listen to next:Do Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand? Lesson 115: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5eaf8961-e99d-4591-a73e-dd7729bc2e90/What Is a Killdeer and Why Does It Fake a Broken Wing? Lesson 85: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/85fab65e-9733-4294-ac85-4bd1976e2305/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day Course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-1-course-set/Explore Apologia's award-winning science curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/subject/science/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Shoebill Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/is-a-shoebill-a-stork/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard, and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ.” Romans 3:23-24 (NCV)“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!...” 1 John 3:1a (NLT) Terms Learned in This Episode:Taxonomy: The sorting and naming of living things in nature.Pelecaniformes: An order of waterbirds including pelicans, shoebill, and hamerkop.Monotypic: When a creature is the only kind in its taxonomy group.Balaenicipitidae: A Family of animals including only the shoebill.Bill-clattering: A unique sound made by a shoebill when it rapidly claps together its bill to communicate.Ambush Predator: An animal that hunts by staying very still (often camouflage) and then striking.Vulnerable Species: A type of animal or plant that is at a high risk of going extinct in the wild.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. Mentioned in this episode:Join Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat TheoExplore God's creation right where you live and learn from Eryn in live video classes: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify

Adventure, challenge, heroes…and a whole lot of rabbits with swords! Author S.D. Smith shares how rabbits inspired the Green Ember books and how God's creation serves as a canvas for our creativity, which leads to great stories.S.D. Smith's Website: https://store.storywarren.com/The Green Ember Series: https://store.storywarren.com/products/green-ember-books-full-setBrand-new! The Lost Key: https://store.storywarren.com/products/lostkeyA huge thanks to our sponsor, Master Books! Here are some of our favorites by Master Books:Wonders of Creation: https://www.masterbooks.com/wonders-of-creationMarvels of Creation 3-book set: https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-packDinosaurs by Design: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-by-designDinosaurs for Kids: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-for-kids-hardback-singleDinosaurs of Eden: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-of-eden-revised-hardback-singleEryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. Mentioned in this episode:Join Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat TheoExplore God's creation right where you live and learn from Eryn in live video classes: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify

Why does a cottontail rabbit wiggle its nose? Does it have an itch or need to sneeze? Discover how all that nose wiggling helps them stay alive. Explore the amazing ways God designed cottontail rabbits to sense danger and make a quick getaway. Finally, learn how we can memorize pathways back to God's safety and remain in his refuge.Here's our trail map:Why Does A Rabbit Wiggle Its Nose?Do Rabbits Hibernate?How Do Rabbits Know Their Way to Safety?How Can We Run to God's Protection?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-does-a-rabbit-wiggle-its-nose/Related Lessons to listen to next:Why Do Pika Pick Flowers? Lesson 91: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a3d8e986-f9d6-4477-b36e-ef9b008a2c46/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Rabbit Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/why-does-a-rabbit-wiggle-its-nose/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (NLT)“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Olfactory Sensors: Tiny smell detectors inside the nose that pick up scents and send information to the brain.Lagomorpha: The animal group (order) that includes rabbits, hares, and pikas.Herbivore: Creatures that eat only plants, such as leaves, grass, fruits, or vegetables.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.Mentioned in this episode:Join Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat TheoExplore God's creation right where you live and learn from Eryn in live video classes: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify

Why do cats nap all day? How do insects survive winter? What makes cheetahs so fast? We're answering nature questions sent in by listeners!Join the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubThis episode is made possible by Apologia! Discover God's fingerprints in creation with their award-winning science curriculum and courses at Apologia.comEryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Lessons mentioned in this episode:Ladybugs Use Antifreeze?! 3 Curious Ways Insects Survive in the Cold - Lesson 16: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9887db7d-cc15-4865-8254-af164545cfac/How Does God Water the Plants and Animals?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2eeaa634-1d96-45d4-9059-b64c2dc0ef78/Are Owls Wise? Exploring Bird Brains - Lesson 25: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6e4ef493-60d2-4acc-9fe9-252b9b55ee53/This podcast contains paid sponsor ads.

This episode is a special one! I brought my sister on the podcast for the first time, and we went deep.We're talking about the real reason you're snapping at your kids, why toddler tantrums trigger you so much, and how your own childhood is shaping the way you parent (whether you realize it or not).My sister shares her journey from burnt-out, overwhelmed working mom with postpartum anxiety… to completely shifting how she parents through intentional parenting, emotional regulation, and understanding the root cause behind her reactions.We get into practical, real-life strategies you can actually use! From handling toddler meltdowns, to reducing the mental load, to breaking generational patterns.Ways to work with Corinne: Join the Mind Your Hormones Method, HERE! (Use code PODCAST for 10% off!!)Mentioned in this episode:Check out GutPersonal products here & their testing packages HERE! Code CORINNE saves you 10% on supplements (& on testing!) or take the GutPersonal Quiz to find out exactly which supplements are best for your unique situation! Submit a question for the podcastFollow Renee on Instagram @reneeseely_Free Audio: Stop Snapping at Your Kids (quick, actionable training)Join The Intentional Mom Circle here!Have you heard? Corinne is hosting a brand new free 3-Day Root Cause Ovulation Protocol. It kicks off on April 22nd, and if you can't make it live, you'll still get access to the replays. 

Why is an inchworm called an inchworm? Do these creeping “Earth Measurers” actually measure the planet? Discover God's designs in fascinating inchworms—caterpillars designed to delight!Here's our trail map:Is an Inchworm a Worm or a Caterpillar?Why Do Inchworms Hang From Trees?Is an Inchworm Actually an Inch Long?How Does God Measure His Creation?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://erynlynum.com/is-an-inchworm-a-worm-or-a-caterpillar/Related Lessons to listen to next:Can Butterflies Remember Being Caterpillars? Lesson 10: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ba9b3327-315d-453a-ae96-f13b9483d2db/How Do Spiders Make Webs? Episode 38: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/51a0e526-d77f-46bf-8dd6-364667633989/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Bugs: Big & Small, God Made Them All: https://www.masterbooks.com/bugsExplore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Inchworm Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/is-an-inchworm-a-worm-or-a-caterpillar/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Who has measured the oceans in the palm of his hand?Who has used his hand to measure the sky?Who has used a bowl to measure all the dust of the earthand scales to weigh the mountains and hills?” Isaiah 40:12 (NCV)“Where were you when I made the earth's foundation?Tell me, if you understand.Who marked off how big it should be? Surely you know!Who stretched a ruler across it?” Job 38:4-5 (NCV)“God even knows how many hairs are on your head.” Matthew 10:30 (NCV)“And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:18-19 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Geometridae: A family of over 23,000 moths whose larvae are often called “inchworms.”Inchworm: Caterpillars (larvae) of geometer moths known for getting around by inching along.Caterpillar True Legs: A set of six legs on a caterpillar's thorax that have claws and become the true legs of the adult moth.Caterpillar Prolegs: Unsegmented stubs that help a caterpillar move along. They are not true legs, and they are absorbed during metamorphosis.Spinneret: A small tube-shaped organ on or near the bottom of a caterpillar's mouth that releases liquid proteins, which quickly hardens into a silky thread.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Is there more to a porcupine than its spikes? Discover what makes a porcupine's spikes so special, and whether a porcupine can shoot its quills like harpoons. Learn how God designed these pin-cushion rodents just right for life in the forest and up in the treetops.Here's our trail map:How Are Porcupines and Hedgehogs Different?Do Porcupines Have Hair?Do Porcupines Shoot Their Quills?How Can We Avoid Being Prickly Toward Others?Related Lessons to listen to next:Why Do Beavers Have Orange Teeth? Lesson 96: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5ae7ba93-1078-45da-9800-091435bef5c8/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:God's Design for Life: For Beginners by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-life-for-beginnersExplore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Porcupine Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-are-porcupines-and-hedgehogs-different/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Do your best to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NCV) “...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15b (NIV)“My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily, because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.” James 1:19-20 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Underfur: A dense layer of fine fur used for insulation (to keep warm)Guard Hairs: Long, stiff hairs that act like a raincoat. They are an extra layer of protection over the underfur.Quills: Hard, hollow hair-like structures made of keratin and used for defense, equipped with sharp barbs.Keratin: A type of protein that porcupine quills (and many other things in nature) are made from.Porcupine Rosette: An area on a porcupine's back, above its tail, that is full of quills. It also has glands that make a very smelly scent to warn predators to back off.Arrector Pili: Tiny muscles that cause skin or hair to rise up. Us humans have arrector pili in our skin which causes our skin to raise up in goose bumps. This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

What creature glides through the ocean with a tail like a monkey and a head like a horse? The seahorse, of course! Seahorses are very unique with their long noses, upright bodies, and curling tails. So….what exactly is a seahorse? Discover God's incredible designs in these one-of-a-kind creatures of the sea.Here's our trail map:What Exactly Is a Seahorse?How Is a Seahorse Like a Vacuum Cleaner?Why Do Male Seahorses Have Babies?How Does God Prepare Us For Growing Up?Related Lessons to listen to next:What Is a Shark's 6th Sense? With Marine Biologist Michael Lane - Lesson 45: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6d415944-5436-4f3c-810f-7ab3cf20591a/How Do Fish Breathe Underwater? The Curious Ways Creatures Breathe - Lesson 68: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0fc09da4-deab-42ce-9e57-2a2d5e9a2d8c/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Apologia's Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/Explore Apologia's curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Seahorse Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-do-male-seahorses-have-babies/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“You saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.” Psalm 139:16 (NCV)“‘For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)“Teach me to do what you want, because you are my God.Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 43:10 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fish. Fish with cartilage instead of bones.Bony Fish: The largest fish category consisting of fish with bony skeletons.Hippocampus: Genus (category) of fish with seahorses.Pivot Feeding: A rapid way a seahorse catches food by quickly snapping their head and sucking in water like a tiny vacuum to pull in prey.Brood Pouch: A special pouch on a male seahorse where the female's eggs are placed. The male incubates the eggs inside the pouch until they are ready to hatch.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Maybe you have found sea glass on a beach, but where does sea glass come from? Is sea glass natural? Discover how God designed sand to make glass, and how beautiful sea glass reminds us God is writing amazing stories in our lives.Here's our trail map:How Is Sea Glass Made?How Does Sand Make Glass?How Does Sea Glass Tell Stories?How Does God Write Our Stories?Related Lessons to listen to next:How Is A Pearl Made? Exploring Seashells and Mollusks - Lesson 46: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/61f83e79-70ab-4daa-a3ff-f8f3b0b2d681/What Is Lava Made Of? Lesson 88: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b7d70399-b50e-47e4-b257-a18a6cce297d/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:General Science 2: Survey of Geology & Archaeology (Curriculum Pack): https://www.masterbooks.com/general-science-2-curriculum-packExplore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Sea Glass Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-is-sea-glass-made/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” Psalm 107:2 (NIV)“You saw my body as it was formed.All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.” Psalm 139:16 (NCV)“We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Sea Glass: Bits of broken glass that have been tumbled by ocean waves over many years. Waves and sand smooth the glass and give it a frosty look.Weathering: When rocks or minerals are slowly worn down by nature, like through water, wind, or chemicals.Sand: Bits of rocks or minerals that are 0.0625mm to 2mm in size.Volcanic Glass: A rock that forms when lava from a volcano cools so quickly that it doesn't have time to grow many or any crystals. Also called obsidian and made mostly of silica.Fulgurite: A natural glassy tube made when lightning hits sand or a rock and the heat melts the silica.Redeem: To buy something back.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Send us Fan MailMost dads don't miss it on purpose… they just don't realize it's happening.In this episode, we dive into a realization that hits hard once you see it—the time you think you have with your kids isn't what you think. Not the time in the same house. Not the time spent driving them around. But the real, meaningful connection time.This conversation unpacks how many fathers unintentionally trade presence for provision, and how easy it is to give our best energy to work while our families get what's left.Jon Hord is a father, coach, and founder of The Engaged Father Project—a community and coaching platform dedicated to helping dads become more intentional, present, and connected before it's too late. Through his work, he helps fathers recognize where their energy is going and how to shift toward what matters most.This episode is a gut check—but also a reminder:

Is it true that a woodpecker's tongue wraps around its brain? Discover the amazing ways God designed woodpeckers as avian acrobats and what they teach us about Jesus taking the impact of our sins.Here's our trail map:Why Do Woodpeckers Peck On Trees?Does a Woodpecker's Tongue Wrap Around Its Brain?Do Woodpeckers Hurt Trees?How Does God Shield Us From Harm?Related Lessons to listen to next:How Do Wood Duck Babies Survive a 60-Foot Fall? Lesson 53: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7df63827-a6cc-4e50-a3f2-4afee0e19933/Why Is Nature Musical?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/076641d2-bf3c-4eaf-b810-ef1f1b256e65/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Woodpecker Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/does-a-woodpeckers-tongue-wrap-around-its-brain/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3 (NIV)“But he took our suffering on himand felt our pain for us.We saw his sufferingand thought God was punishing him.But he was wounded for the wrong we did;he was crushed for the evil we did.The punishment, which made us well, was given to him,and we are healed because of his wounds.We all have wandered away like sheep;each of us has gone his own way.But the Lord has put on him the punishmentfor all the evil we have done.” Isaiah 53:4-6 (NCV)“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Cavity Nest: A nest inside a tree often made by a woodpecker.Drumming: Rapid pecking of a woodpecker to communicate with other nearby woodpeckers.Zygodactyl: A four-toed foot design with two facing forward and two facing backward, built for gripping.Hyoid Bone: A long bone wrapping around the woodpecker's skull that allows its tongue to move in and out and stabilizes its brain.Capillary Action: When liquid climbs a surface because it sticks to itself.Some but not all sources used for research (*additional information from some sources may present conflicting worldviews)https://answersingenesis.org/birds/what-we-knew-about-woodpeckerhttps://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/hole-story-how-woodpeckers-make-homes-forest/https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-recognize-woodpeckers-by-their-drumming-sounds/This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.Credits:Woodpecker sound credit: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSap sucker video clip: Paul Danese, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Is a “sawtooth shark” a real animal? And how do they use their nose like a metal detector, sword, and shovel? Discover the mystery of this often confused creature and how God designed sawfish with a long jagged nose to find and catch their next meal. Here's our trail map:What Is a Sawtooth Shark?Why Do Sawfish Have a Saw?Are Sawfish Born With Saws?How Can We Tell What Is True From What Is False?Related Lessons to listen to next:How Do Fish Breathe Underwater?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0fc09da4-deab-42ce-9e57-2a2d5e9a2d8c/What Is a Shark's 6th Sense?: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6d415944-5436-4f3c-810f-7ab3cf20591a/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Discover God's designs in crabs and other ocean creatures with Apologia's Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set/Explore all of Apologia's award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Sawfish Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/are-sawfish-born-with-saws/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askFurther Research:An excellent article on sawfish by Creation Ministries International: https://creation.com/en/articles/wonderfully-designed-sawfishScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“There used to be false prophets among God's people, just as you will have some false teachers in your group. They will secretly teach things that are wrong—teachings that will cause people to be lost. They will even refuse to accept the Master, Jesus, who bought their freedom. So they will bring quick ruin on themselves. Many will follow their evil ways and say evil things about the way of truth.” 2 Peter 2:1-2 (NCV)“The time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching but will find many more teachers who please them by saying the things they want to hear. They will stop listening to the truth and will begin to follow false stories.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NCV)“...The Bereans were eager to hear what Paul and Silas said and studied the Scriptures every day to find out if these things were true.” Acts 17:11b (NCV)“Really, there is no other Good News. But some people are confusing you; they want to change the Good News of Christ. We preached to you the Good News. So if we ourselves, or even an angel from heaven, should preach to you something different, we should be judged guilty! I said this before, and now I say it again: You have already accepted the Good News. If anyone is preaching something different to you, let that person be judged guilty!” Galatians 1:7-9 (NCV)“Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode:Spiracle: A special breathing hole located behind each eye that brings in water to flow over gills, so a creature can breathe while resting on the bottom of the ocean.Rostrum: A long, flat, saw-shaped snout with sharp “teeth” along the edges.Dermal Denticles: Teeth-like scales covering the skin of sharks and rays.Chondrichthys: Fish including sharks and rays that have cartilaginous bodies instead of bones.Cartilage: Strong tissue in a body that is flexible. Ray: A category of chondrichthyes (cartilaginous) fish with flat bodies and large pectoral fins, mouths and gills on their underside, spiracles for breathing, and some have whip-like tails.Ampullae of Lorenzini: Jelly-filled sacs (pores) that allow sharks and rays, including sawfish, to sense the electrical field and find food using electrical currents.Ovoviviparous: Babies grow inside the mother and are born live, but they're fed by a yolk sac (not a placenta) and no hard egg is laid.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Why do kangaroos hop? Can they walk? Do all kangaroos have pouches, and what are they for? Discover God's wild and wonderful design in kangaroos and how they're designed to move forward—never backward.Here's our trail map:Do All Kangaroos Have Pouches?Why Do Kangaroos Hop?Can Kangaroos Jump Backward?How Does God Help Us Move Forward in Faith?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Subscribe to the Ginger Hubbard podcast for biblical parenting advice and encouragement: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/podcastNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Kangaroo Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/do-all-kangaroos-have-pouches/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NCV)“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:5 (ESV)“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)“‘For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) Terms Learned in This Episode:Marsupial: A group of mammals that have very tiny babies which are born early. Most have a pouch in which their baby or babies crawl into. Inside the pouch, the baby drinks milk and stays warm and safe as it continues growing.Marsupium: A pouch on a mother marsupial's belly where her tiny baby or babies stay safe and warm after being born. Inside the pouch are nipples so the babies can drink milk and keep growing.Macropodidae: A family (category) of marsupials meaning “big feet,” including kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, tree-kangaroos, pademelons, quokkas, and other creatures known for large feet for hopping and tails for balancing.Saltation: Moving by jumps or hops instead of walking.Pentapedal Locomotion: Moving by using five feet. Or in the case of kangaroos, four feet and one tail.This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

Ever wonder how to handle picky eating at parties without creating food battles? Or how to set healthy screen time boundaries when screens feel like the only babysitter?In this Ask Me Anything episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I'm answering your real-life parenting questions about dessert rules for kids, the Division of Responsibility in feeding, raising independent children, and building healthy family habits that actually stick.We're talking about practical strategies for limiting screen time for toddlers and young kids, alternatives to screen time that encourage creativity, and how involving kids in chores builds responsibility and executive functioning. I'm also sharing how to create a real food family culture without labeling foods as “bad,” how to monitor sugar and food dyes without being extreme, and how to gradually pass ownership of health to your kids so they can make wise choices when no one is watching.If you want less pressure around food, more confidence in your parenting decisions, and a clear path toward raising healthy, independent future adults, this episode is for you!Resources We Mention in This Parenting Q&AGet the one-page “cheat sheets” at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/handbook.Register for the No More Picky Eating ChallengeCheck out my chores system hereFor my lemon water: collagen and vitamin C powderThe blue light glasses I haveStarting to eat real food is easier with the Monday Missions!The risks of synthetic food dyesSome ways we deal with sugar and desserts at the Kimball houseTap over and see the YouTube shorts channelTake control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

1 Timothy 4:8 NIV “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”   *Transcription Below*   Brian Smith, author of The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports, is a staff member with Athletes in Action and a cross-country coach at Lowell High School. A former collegiate runner at Wake Forest University, he earned a BA in Communications and Journalism before completing his MA in Theology and Sports Studies at Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary. Brian lives in Lowell, MI with his wife and three children. You can find him on Twitter @BrianSmithAIA.   Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades' experience discipling college and professional athletes. With a heart for reconciliation and justice, he also works as a racial literacy consultant and marriage conference speaker, blending Biblical wisdom with practical living in the midst of complex cultural realities. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.   The Christian Athlete Website   Thank You to Our Sponsor:  Sam Leman Eureka   Questions and Topics We Cover: What is one of kids' greatest game day complaints?  Is it true that young athletic success is a predictor of adult athletic success? What are a few tips for instilling a heart of gratitude in our young athlete, rather than entitlement?   Related Savvy Sauce Episode: 230 Intentional Parenting in All The Stages with Dr. Rob Rienow   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:51) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today, over 55 years later, at Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka.   Owned and operated by the Bertschi family, Sam Leman and Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over Central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at lemangm.com.   Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski are my guests for today.   They are co-authors of this recent amazing book entitled, A Way Game, A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. And from the very beginning, I was captivated, even with one of the endorsements from Matt Martens, who's the president and CEO of Awana, and he summed it up this way, A Way Game provides a much needed perspective shift on one of the most sacred idols in our culture, youth sports. So, Brian and Ed are all for youth sports, and yet you're going to hear there's a different way to approach it than what we've been trained in culture.   And they're going to share some wonderful and very practical insights. I can't wait to share this with you. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Ed and Brian.   Ed Uszynski & Brian Smith: (1:51 - 1:54) Thanks for having us, Laura. Yeah, good to be here, Laura.   Laura Dugger: (1:54 - 2:04) So, excited about this chat. And will the two of you just start us off by sharing your family's stage of life and your involvement in sports?   Brian Smith: (2:05 - 3:29) Yeah, there could be a lot on the back end of that question. I'll start with sports, then get into family. I've been involved in sports my entire life, played every sport imaginable growing up, got cut from just about every single sport my freshman year of high school, ended up running track and cross country because it was the only sports that you could not get cut from at my high school.   And I ended up being pretty good at it by the time I was a senior, won some state championships, ended up getting a scholarship to run at Wake Forest University. So, I did that for four years right out of college. I coached a little bit collegiately.   Soon after that, I joined staff with a sports ministry called Athletes in Action that Ed and I have a combined 50 years with Athletes in Action. And really, that's been my life ever since. I've been ministering to college and pro athletes, discipling them, helping them figure out what does that actually look like to integrate faith in sport.   Even today, I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I coach high school cross country while I'm still on staff with Athletes in Action. I have a middle school Bible study that I run on Wednesday mornings.   Been married to my wife, who I actually met in high school. She was a distance runner too, and she ran at Wisconsin. So, we've been married for 20 years.   We have three kids, a high schooler, a middle schooler, and an elementary schooler who are all involved in sport at some level, some way, shape, or form.   Laura Dugger: (3:30 - 3:34) Wow, that's incredible. Thank you, Brian. And Ed, what about you?   Ed Uszynski: (3:34 - 5:04) Well, my story is very parallel to Brian's, just different sports and some different numbers. Just tack on 15 years. Yeah, I was a basketball player.   Grew up on the west side of Cleveland with a high school football coach. My dad was, but I was a basketball player. I played at high levels all the way through my 20s, got to play overseas.   I mean, this was a long time ago, but I got everything I could out of that sport. And as soon as I graduated from college, though, I started to work with that Athletes in Action ministry that Brian mentioned. So, I've been working with college and professional athletes for 34 years now.   And same, coached at different levels, have four kids. Amy and I have been married for 26 years. We have four kids, three are in college, and one's in ninth grade, who has a game this afternoon, actually.   So, we've just been going to games and have been involved in going to sports stuff for the last 20 years with our kids. And really what happened with Brian, and I is that we looked up a decade ago and realized this youth sports thing was a fast train that was moving in directions that we weren't used to ourselves, even though we've been around sports our whole life. It's like, there's something different happening now.   And then thinking about it as Christians, like, how do we do this well as Christ followers? We don't want to separate from it. We don't want to just go for the ride. How do we do this as Christian people? And that's what got us talking about it and eventually led to this book.   Laura Dugger: (5:05 - 5:23) Well, the book was easy to read and incredible. And I'd like to start there where you begin, even where you go back before going forward. So, when you're looking back, what are the factors at play that changed youth sports over time?   Ed Uszynski: (5:26 - 6:17) Well, I'll say this and then Brian, maybe you jump in and throw a couple of them out there. I mean, youth sports is a $40 billion industry today, which is wild to think about. It's four times how much money gets spent on the NFL, which is just staggering.   I can't even hardly believe that that's true, but it is. And it's really just in the last 20 years that that's happened. I mean, 50 years ago, you couldn't have had the youth sport industrial complex, as we refer to it.   You couldn't have had it. There were a bunch of things that had to happen culturally, as is true with any new movement or any paradigm shift that happens in culture. You've got to have certain things be true all at the same time that make it possible.   So, Brian, what were a couple of those? Again, I'll throw it over to you. There's six of them that we talk about in the book. And I think it's really fascinating because I'm a history guy.   Brian Smith: (6:18 - 8:40) Yeah. And we can obviously double click on any of these, Laura, that you want to, but we talk about how the college admissions process became an avenue where youth sports parents saw, man, if we can get our kids involved in some extracurriculars and kind of tag on high level athlete to their resume, it actually helps with the college admissions process. And so even the idea of college scholarships became an opportunity for youth sports parents to get their kids involved.   And then, yeah, maybe sports can actually get them into college. We talk about the economic shifts that happen, the rise of safetyism and helicopter parenting. ESPN was a massive one in 1979.   This thing called ESPN starts, and we get 24-7 coverage of sports, which they started exploring even early on. What does it look like to give coverage to something like Little League World Series and saw that it didn't really matter how young the sport was, it's going to draw a national audience. And so, we've almost been discipled by ESPN really over the last 50 years with this consistent coverage.   We talk about the rise of the sports complex. This one to me is like the most fascinating out of all of them. In 1997, Disney decided to try to get more people to come to their parks.   They built a sports complex, just a massive sports complex. The idea was, are the older kids getting sick of the Buzz Lightyear ride and the Disney princesses? So, let's build a sports complex and maybe it'll be something else that will draw this older crowd too.   And what happened was, I mean, a lot of people started coming to it, but kind of the stake in the ground game changer was when 9-11 hit. In the months and years after that, they saw a lot less people go to their parks, but population actually doubled going to the sports complex, which is wild to think that people were afraid to go to theme parks for a vacation, but they were willing to travel across state lines to play sports at the Disney complex. So other cities and municipalities took notice of that.   Today, there's over 30,000 sports complexes like Disney's, which again, this is all adding to the system of the youth sports industrial complex. Did I miss any, Ed?   Ed Uszynski: (8:41 - 10:47) Well, no, and that's good. And the reason why we even put all that on the table, again, everybody kind of intuitively knows if you're involved, you know, something's not right. But I think it's important to say this is not normal what's happening.   It's a new normal that's been manufactured by a bunch of cultural trends, by a bunch of entrepreneurs that are doing what entrepreneurs do, and they're taking advantage of the moment, and they are generating lots of money around it. So, it should be encouraging. If it's not normal, that means actually there's a counter way of going about this.   There really can be reformation. But when all this money gets involved, the two biggest consequences that come out of that is our kids start getting treated like commodities, which they are, and we could talk the whole time even just about what that means. But maybe even more importantly, or what comes out of that is that beyond their physical development, most coaches and clubs are not paying any attention to their emotional development, their psychological development, their spiritual development, all the different aspects of what it means to be human that, frankly, used to be paid quite a bit more attention to in youth leagues when I was growing up.   I'm 58 now, so I was playing in the 70s and the 80s. And it used to be expected, at least at some level, even among non-Christian people, that you would take those aspects of a kid's life seriously. And now those just aren't prioritized.   And so, what do we do about that? Again, that's kind of our whole point is, well, as Christian people, we're really supposed to be our kid's first discipler anyways. And part of that role and part of taking on that identity is that we would be asking, what is God trying to do in the wholeness of their life, the entirety of their life, even in the context of sports?   So again, I don't want to get ahead of myself here, but that's why we're trying to poke into that to say, oh, we could actually make change. We may not change the whole system. In fact, we won't. Most of us won't be expected to do that, but we can make significant change in our corner of the bleachers and what happens with our kids.   Laura Dugger: (10:48 - 11:05) That's good. And just like you said, to double-click on a few places, first of all, real quick, the 30,000 number, I remember that shocking me in the book, but I'm forgetting now, is that worldwide, the amount of sports complexes or is that just in America?   Brian Smith: (11:05 - 11:06) That's domestically in the US.   Laura Dugger: (11:07 - 11:52) Yeah. That is staggering. And then one other piece, all of this history was new to me as you brought it all together, but it was also fascinated.   This is from page 32. I'll just read your quote. The American youth sports ball began rolling when a British movement fusing spiritual development with physical activity made its way across the Atlantic Ocean at the turn of the last century.   And Ed, that's kind of what you were touching on, that they were mixing, I'm sure, spiritual, psychological discipleship, physical. Can you elaborate more on what was happening and where it originated? Because we've come very far from our origins.   Ed Uszynski: (11:53 - 13:18) Yeah. And there's been a bunch of really great books written about this topic called muscular Christianity. This idea, like you just said, Laura, of wedding physical activity through sports with our spiritual development and expecting and anticipating that somebody that was taking care of their body and that was engaging in sport activity, that was the closest thing to godliness.   That opened up the door for you to also be developing spiritually. And there was an expectation that both of those are going on at the same time. A bunch of criticism about that movement, but it was taken seriously.   The YMCA is actually a huge byproduct of the muscular Christianity movement. The Young Men's Christian Association created space for sports and for athletic activity to take place under the banner of you're also going to grow spiritually as you're doing this. So again, that was a hundred years ago.   And that's not really what AAU stands for today. The different clubs and leagues that we get involved in just don't talk that way anymore. Of course, culture just in general has shifted away from sort of a Judeo-Christian ethic guiding a North Star for us.   Even if we're not Christian people, that used to be more of a North Star. That's gone now. And so, it really is not expected in sports anymore.   Brian Smith: (13:18 - 13:55) And what we're saying is we cannot expect organizations to own that process for our kids. We can't outsource the discipleship of our kids to the youth sports industrial complex or the YMCA or the AAU. It really does start with us as Christian parents to be the primary discipler of our kids.   And there is a way to take what's happening on the field or the court or the pool and turn it into really amazing discipleship opportunities. But it means, and Ed is starting to tease this out, it means we need to change our perspective as parents when we sit in the bleachers or on the sidelines of what we're looking for and even the conversations we have with our kids on the back end.   Laura Dugger: (13:57 - 15:29) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka has been owned and operated by the Bertschi family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago.   If you visit their dealership today though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity. Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle.   This is why they do everything they can to make the car buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple welcome to Sam Leman's. Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different.   I've known Sam and Stephen and their wives my entire life and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car buying process doesn't have to be something you dread, so come see for yourself at Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Stephen would love to see you and they appreciate your business.   Learn more at their website, LemanEureka.com or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them on 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship.   Laura Dugger: (15:30 - 15:31) And I want to continue getting into more of those practicals. Do you want to give us just a taste or an example or story of what that might look like?   Brian Smith: (15:32 - 16:54) We keep saying, we keep talking about the importance of the car ride home that it's tempting for us and not us broadly in the U.S., tempting for us, Ed and I, as people who have done this for 50 plus years and who should know better, it's tempting for us as discipled by an ESPN over analyzing everything culture and want to talk about sports to get in the car ride home with our kids and all we want to talk about is how game went, what they did right, what they did wrong, what they could fix next time.   Maybe instead of passing to Tim, they should take the shot next time because they're wide open. They just hit three in a row. So, and what our kids need from us in those moments is less coaching, less criticizing, less critiquing, and they just need us to connect with them.   The stats on kids quitting youth sports is crazy right now. Its 70 percent are quitting before the age of 13, in large part because it's not fun, and a lot of kids are attaching this idea of it not being fun to the car ride home with their parents who, let's say this too, most of us are well-intentioned parents. We're not trying to screw our kids up.   We want what's best for our kids, but the data and the research and the lived experience continues to tell us what our kids need from us is just to take a deep breath, connect with them, less coaching. Ed keeps saying less coaching, more slurpees.   Laura Dugger: (16:55 - 17:07) I like that. And that ties in. Is it called the peak-end principle that you discovered why kids are resisting that critique on the way home?   Brian Smith: (17:07 - 18:17) Yeah, absolutely. The peak-end rule in psychology is known as this: we, just as humans in general, not just kids, we largely remember things in our lives based on the peak moment of that event, but also how the event ends. And so, the peak moment in sport can be anything from something that goes really well, like they scored a goal or made a basket or something that did not go well, just like a massive event that took place that they're going to remember.   But then it's also married to how that event ends. So, if you think for kids, how does every youth sport experience end? It ends with the car ride home.   So, if they're experiencing the car ride home as I did not live up to mom and dad's standards, or there's fear getting into the car because they don't know what their parents are going to say, how are they remembering the totality of their youth sport experience? It is, I didn't, I didn't measure up. I wasn't enough.   It felt like sports was a place that I needed to perform for my parents or my coach. And I always feel a little bit short. We want to help parents see like there's a different path forward that can be more joyful for you, but hopefully more joyful for your kid as well.   Ed Uszynski: (18:17 - 21:37) Well, and, and I'll just, let me keep going with that, Brian. I thought you really articulated all that so well. I can just imagine a parent maybe thinking, was there never a time to correct?   Is there never a time to give input? And we would say, well, of course there, there is, they need far less of it from us than we think they need when it comes to their sport. And again, we can talk about that.   They need far less of that from us. They need us to be their parents, not to be their coaches. Even if we are their coach, they need us to be more their parents.   But there is a time to do it. We're just saying the car ride home is the worst time to do it. And that's usually the time that most of us, you know, we've got two hours of stuff to download with them.   And that's just, it's not a good time. But the other thing that Brian and I keep talking about is how about, what if we had some different metrics that we were even trying to measure? So, most of the time our metrics have to do with their performance.   Like what, what are we grading them on? Again, depending on what the sport is, there's these different things that we're looking for to say, how you did today is based on whether you did this or you didn't do that and whatnot. And we're saying as parents, and again, starting with us, we needed some other metrics that were actually more concerned about what was going on in their soul.   So again, I'm sure we'll talk more about this, but the virtues, how did love show up in the way they competed today? Where that usually is tied to them noticing somebody else. Do I, am I even asking them any questions about that?   Are they experiencing peace in the midst of all this chaos and anxiety that shows up at every game? How do we teach them to experience peace? How do they become other-centered instead of just self-centered all the time in a culture, a sport culture that's teaching them to always be the center of attention and try to be?   So, we just have needed to exchange some of what we had on that performance list, like tamper that down a little bit and maybe expand the list of categories that we're looking for that actually will matter when they're 25. And we keep saying this, our goal is that they'd come home for Thanksgiving when they're 25. And so, we need to stay relationally connected to them and how we act on the car ride home day after day after day after day, year after year is doing something to our relationship.   But we also are recognizing that it's really not going to matter whether Trey finishes with his left hand at the game today when he's 25, it's not going to matter. It's not going to matter probably a year from now, but how he goes through the handshake line after the game and the way he addresses other people, and whether or not he's learning to submit to authority, whether or not he's learning to embrace other people's humanity. Yes, even in the context of sports, that's really going to matter when he's 25.   It's going to matter when he's married. Those are the things that will matter. And we say that as people who are older and have been involved in ministry and have worked with college athletes and see what happens in their lives even after they're finished, and they have no idea who they are anymore.   And this thing that's dominated their life has not actually prepared them well to do life. And that's a problem that we say, let's start changing that when they're six and not hope they're figuring it out when they're 22.   Laura Dugger: (21:38 - 22:11) I love that because that's such a theme throughout those virtues that you talked about, but discipleship and sports are a tool or a way that we can disciple our kids. I also love that you give various questions throughout the book and even quick phrases. So to close that conversation on the car ride home, if we say, okay, that's what I've been coaching the whole way home, what is a question we could ask our child afterwards and a statement we could say and leave it at that and do it a better way?   Brian Smith: (22:12 - 23:56) The question I have consistently asked my kids after learning that I've been doing this the wrong way for a long time, I tweet my question to they get in the car and I say, is there anything that happened today from the game that you want to talk about? And it's frustrating to me because 99% of the time they say, no, can we listen to the radio? And we listen to the radio, or they play a on my phone, but I'm respecting their desire that they're done with what just happened and they're ready to move on to the next thing, even though I really want to talk about what just happened.   And then the statement that I want to make sure that I'm consistently saying that they're hearing is I love you and I'm proud of you. So, game didn't go well. Yeah, you did play well today.   That's okay. Hey, I love you and I'm proud of you. Game went well today.   Awesome. Great job. Hey, I love you and I'm proud of you.   So I want that to be the consistent theme that they're hearing for me, which is hopefully going to help them better understand the gospel later in life, that as they get older and older, hopefully they'll begin to realize it seemed like the way that my mom and dad interacted with me when I was performing in sport, but their love was not attached to my performance. That seems really similar to what I'm learning more and more that Jesus does for me, that I'm trying to do all these things that are good. But from what I'm understanding about the gospel, it seems like Jesus loves me in spite of what I do.   He loves me just because He's connected to me, that God loves me because I'm a son or daughter, not because I'm performing as a son or a daughter. So, in a very real way, I really am hoping that I'm giving a good teaser for my kids now for when they fully experience the gospel as they go through the life.   Ed Uszynski: (23:56 - 24:47) Another really good connecting question. I love how you said all that, Brian, is if they don't want to talk about the game, is it okay, did you have fun today? And they can only go in one of two directions.   No. Well, tell me about that. Why not?   And it opens up the door to talk about, well, because I didn't get to play or because something bad happened. And again, tell me more about that. Tell me more about that.   Or they say, yes, great. What happened that was fun? And it creates a very different conversation in the car.   And it opens up, again, relational possibilities that go way beyond, why do you keep passing it when you should be shooting it? Wow. And just all the different ways that that comes out of us, depending on sport, depending on their age.   But those are great questions. Go ahead, Brian.   Brian Smith: (24:47 - 25:41) I just asked my son this morning. He's a freshman. His wrestling season is almost done.   And I just asked, like, what has been most fun for you in wrestling this year? And his first thing was, I feel like I'm learning a lot. And that's really fun for me, which he's on a really good team.   He's had a lot of success. He's made a lot of good friends. But even that gave me a window into his characters.   My son enjoys and I knew this is true about him. But my son enjoys learning, which means he enjoys the process of getting better and better and better, which can happen in school, it can happen doing stuff in the yard, it can it can also happen in sport. But for me to remember moving forward, yeah, he he's probably going to have a different metric for what's fun in sport than I often do for him.   Yeah, like I wanted to learn. I want him to win though, too. He's happy with learning right now.   So, I need to be happy with that for him.   Ed Uszynski: (25:41 - 26:34) If I can say this, too, again, I don't want to be vulnerable on your behalf. But then knowing this, he's lost a lot this year to really good kids. Yeah.   And so much of the learning has been in the context of losing. So, you as a dad, actually, you could be crushing him because of those losses and what he needs to do to fix that and what he needs to do so that that doesn't happen again. And it's like he's already committed to learning.   How do you just how do you celebrate the loss? Like he took the risk to try something new in this movie. He tried to survive an extra period.   That's a process when and it's we just need to get better at that. Like you genuinely can celebrate that. That's not just a that's not like a participation trophy.   It's acknowledging now, do you're taking you're taking the right steps that are actually making you a winner, even if you don't have more points at the end of the game right now.   Laura Dugger: (26:34 - 26:54) Yeah. Yeah. And that long term win that you're talking about, even with character and you've talked about fun and asking them about fun.   Is it true that that's the main reason kids are dropping out of sports at such a rapid rate before age 13 is that it's just not fun anymore?   Ed Uszynski: (26:55 - 28:58) Yeah. Yeah. And why is it not fun?   And again, this is where Brian and I are always getting in each other's business. And we know that this conversation gets in all of our business as adults. But why is it not fun?   It's not fun because of the coaches and it's not fun because of the parents. We are creating stress. We are creating again collectively because we're all in different places on the on the spectrum on this in terms of what we're actually doing when we show up at games.   But if you even just go to any soccer game and you be quiet and just listen to what's happening and everybody's shouting and screaming things and there's contradictory messages being sent and there's angst at every turn and there's an incredible celebration because this eight year old was able to get the ball to go across the line for another goal. And what that's doing inside the kids is it is creating a not fun atmosphere. Let's just say it like that.   That's a not fun atmosphere when you're eight, when you're 10, when you're trying to figure out how to make your body work. You're trying to learn the game that you're unfamiliar with and you're trying to do what this coach is telling you to do. And you're also trying to do what all the parents are telling you what to do.   And if it's a team sport, you're trying to interact and play with other kids who are all in that same state of disarray, which is very stressful and frustrating. And we're just adding to it. So instead of removing it, instead of playing a role that says, we're going to keep diffusing that stress.   And again, I'll speak for myself. Too often, I have been the one that's actually adding to it. And so, kids are just like, why would I do this?   Why would I want to get in that car again with you? It's not fun. This is a game.   And so, there's a million other things that I can do with my time where I don't have everybody yelling at me and I don't have to listen to you correct me for two hours.   Laura Dugger: (29:00 - 29:21) Well, and one other thing that surprised me, maybe why kids are dropping out, you share on page 47, a quote that research reveals a strange correlation. The more we spend, the less our kids actually enjoy their sport. So, did you have any more insight into that?   Brian Smith: (29:21 - 30:50) Yeah, this was a real study that was done at Utah State. Researchers found that the more money parents are spending, again, let's say well-intentioned parents, the more we're spending in sports, the less our kids are enjoying. And the more they have dug into it, they're finding, and intuitively it makes sense.   If you buy your kid a $600 baseball bat, what's the expectation that they're supposed to do with this really expensive bat? When they swing, they better hit the ball, and they better get on base. If we're going to buy you this expensive of a bat, you can't just have process goals with it.   You better swing and hit it. And that's causing stress for kids. If you travel across state lines and you go to Disney to play at their sports complex, you're not there for vacation.   You're there to perform. So even if parents are saying we're trying to have fun, kids know when you're traveling and you're getting all this good equipment and you're on the elite team and you're receiving the best of the best stuff, they know it comes with some sort of an expectation. College athletes can barely handle that type of pressure and expectations, but we've placed this professional on youth sports from fifth five-year-olds to 15-year-olds, and it's just crushing them.   It's crushing them. Again, college athletes and professional athletes can barely handle it. They need mental health coaches for sports, but we're expecting that our five-year-olds can handle it, and they can't.   Ed Uszynski: (30:51 - 31:19) And they may not even be able to articulate it. So that's the other thing. They may not be able to identify what's actually going on inside and put it into words.   So again, that's why we're trying to sound the alarm for ourselves and for others who are listening, because we can do it different. Again, just to even keep spinning it back in an encouraging direction, we can do this different. We can change this this week in our corner of the bleachers.   We can start over again.   Laura Dugger: (31:21 - 31:48) Absolutely and make a difference. And before we talk about even more of the pros with sports, I think it's also necessary to reflect and maybe even grieve a few things. So, what would you say are some things families are missing out on when they choose youth sports to overfill their calendar, that that's all that they make time for?   What do you think they're missing out on?   Brian Smith: (31:51 - 33:16) Yeah, I think a couple that come to mind are family dinners are a big one. That's big for us in the Smith house, is just having the ability after a long day to sit at the dinner table together, to eat food together, and to process the day and be with one another. But when my kids' practice goes late, it means we're either eating almost towards bedtime or we're eating in different shifts.   And so that's something that we grieve. I think for me, when my schedule is full, I'm tempted to adopt the mindset that what's happening on the wrestling mat or on the track matters more than it actually does. And it robs me of the ability to just take a deep breath and smile and enjoy watching my kids play sports.   That without an intervention or a pregame devotional in the car for myself, I risk sitting in the stands or being on the sidelines, being stressed out and putting pressure on myself and pressure on my kids and gossiping about why the coach didn't put this kid into the people next to me, instead of just enjoying the gift that is sports and watching my kid try and succeed and try and fail. That is a gift available to me as a dad to watch my kid do that. But the busyness often robs me of that perspective.   Ed Uszynski: (33:17 - 36:06) Well, and the busyness robs, again, if you're married, that busyness eventually wears away at your relationship. And it's not just sports. I mean, busyness, we can fill our schedule, overfill our schedules with any number of things.   We can overfill our schedules with church stuff to a point where it becomes detrimental to our relationship. If we don't set boundaries so that we're making sure we're doing what we need to do to be face-to-face and to be going to areas beneath the surface with each other in our relationship and being able to do that with our kids as well, eventually there's negative consequences to that. It may not happen right away, but I've definitely experienced that.   We've experienced that in our home where it's easy to maybe chase one kid around for a while, but what happens when you add three into the mix and you haven't really done a time budget or paid attention to the fact that when we sign up for all these things, you get a month into it and you realize, oh, we have to be in different places at the same time. So, we're not even watching stuff together anymore. We're just running.   I can endure anything for a season, but what youth sports wants now in every sport from the youngest ages is that it becomes a year-round commitment. So, you're not even signing up to play a season anymore. You're signing up for a year in most cases because after the games, then they're going to have training.   They're going to have this other thing going on. And so again, can we say, well, we'll play the actual season, but then we're not going to do the additional training over these next three months. Again, we want to give parents' permission that you can say no to that.   Well, we paid for it. Well, it's okay. If you want your kid to be on that team and you like this club or whatever, then you pay the money and you just say, we're going to sit those three months out and we're going to use those three months actually to have people over our house for dinner.   Again, whatever's on the list, Laura, that you said about being more holistic and not letting sport operate like an idol in our life where it's taken on, it's washed out everything else in our life. We can get back in control of that by just saying no a little bit. You can go to church on Sunday.   Even if there's tournament games going on on Sunday, you can go to the coach early and say, hey, we just, in our family, we just don't want to be available before 12. Are you okay with that? And most of the time coaches will be.   The kid might have to sit extra maybe for not being, whatever. Okay. That's not going to be the end of the world that they had to sit out an extra game or had to sit out a half because they weren't available on Sunday morning.   It might actually make a huge difference that they weren't at church for two and a half years in the most formative time of their life.   Laura Dugger: (36:07 - 37:36) And a lot of times the way of wisdom includes reflection, getting alone with the Lord and asking, have we overstuffed our schedule this conversation today? Let's talk specifically with youth sports. Is that trumping everything else?   Because what if we're putting it in a place it was never intended to be as an idol where we sacrifice hospitality or discipleship or community or even just a more biblical way of life? I think we have to bring wisdom into the conversation for what you've mentioned. Whether it's worth it, if they're even enjoying it, how much we're spending on it, and do we have the budget to allocate our finances that way and evaluating the time just to see and make sure that it's rightly ordered.   Did you know you could receive a free email with monthly encouragement, practical tips, and plenty of questions to ask to take your conversation a level deeper, whether that's in parenting or on date nights? Make sure you access all of this at thesavvysauce.com by clicking the button that says join our email list so that you can follow the prompts and begin receiving these emails at the beginning of each month. Enjoy!   But if we flip that to if youth sports are rightly ordered, then what are some things that we can celebrate or reasons that you would want families to give this a try?   Brian Smith: (37:37 - 40:09) The massive positive that we keep coming back to is we have a front row seat to see our kids go through every possible emotion in sport, the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. And then if we have the right perspective, we are armed with awesome opportunities and awesome information that we're seeing. We get to see what our kids are really good at.   We get to see their character gaps. And then we get to be the ones who, again, who are their primary response, primary disciplers. It really goes back to like, are we trusting youth sports for too little in our kids' lives?   Like many of us are trusting that our investment is going to get them a spot on a team, or maybe they get an opportunity in high school, maybe in college. And what we're saying is, yeah, that maybe. And that's not a bad end goal.   But if that's everything that you're investing into youth sports, it's not enough. Like what you have available to you every single day is to ask your kid if they showed somebody else's dignity on the field. You don't know if your kid's going to hit a home run today.   That may not be available to them their entire life. What's available to them every single day is to ask a question to their teammate, to see somebody and show dignity to them. And that's really, it's like, it's almost the opportunity of a lifetime for us as parents who, when our kids get home from school, we really don't know what happened most of the day.   We asked them how it went and we get the one-word answer. In sports, we don't have to guess. We get to see everything that happens.   And again, if we are actually trusting youth sports for discipleship investment, that's a good ROI. That's a good return on our investment. But we need a consistent intervention almost daily to say, no, this is why they're in sports.   Yes, I want to see them get better. I want to see them have fun, but Holy Spirit, would you help me see things today that I normally don't see? Holy Spirit, would you put them in circumstances and relationships today and in the season that's going to help them look more and more like Jesus by the time the season's done?   Holy Spirit, would you convict me in the moment when I am being a little too mouthy and saying things that I shouldn't? Would you help me to repent? And God, in those moments where I'm actually doing wrong on behalf of my kid, would you help me to humble myself and apologize to them?   And God, would you repair our relationship that way? So again, all of these options are available just because our kid's shooting a ball or they're on the field with somebody else tackling other people. We're trusting youth sports for too little.   Ed Uszynski: (40:10 - 41:10) That's all big boy and big girl stuff. It just is. I don't normally naturally do any of that.   I have to be coached into that. I have to be discipled myself. I have to work through my own issues, my own baggage, my own fears about the future, my own idolatrous holding onto this imagined future that I have for my kid, irrespective of what God may or may not want.   I've got my own resentment. I've got my own regrets from the past. I wish things had gone differently for me, so I'm going to make sure they go different for you when it comes to sports.   And it's hard to look in the mirror and admit that I have anger issues. I mean, youth sports create a great opportunity for me to get up all my pent-up frustration from the day. We've given ourselves permission to do that, in most cases, to just yell and yell at refs and gripe about coaches and yell at kids.   Brian Smith: (41:10 - 41:31) Because that's what we do at the TV, right? When our favorite team is playing, we've conditioned ourselves to say, awful call, that was terrible. Then we get on social media and we complain about it.   We are discipling ourselves to this is how it's normative to respond within the context of sports. Then we carry all that baggage to our six-year-old soccer game.   Laura Dugger: (41:33 - 42:02) Well, I love how you keep pointing it back toward character and discipleship. You clearly state throughout the book, sports don't develop character, people do. But could you maybe elaborate on that a little bit more and share more now that we've listed pros and cons, you still list a completely different way that we can meaningfully participate while also pushing back?   Brian Smith: (42:04 - 43:49) I'll start with the first part, and then you can answer the second. We use the handshake line as a great example of why character needs to be taught to our kids. If you just watch a normal handshake line left without coaching, the kids are going through it, especially the ones who lose with their head down, they have limp hands, there's no eye contact, and they're mumbling good game, good game.   Sometimes they don't even say it, they'll say GG stands for good game. They don't just learn character by going through the handshake line. If anything, that's going through it like that without any sort of intervention or coaching, that's malforming their character.   That's teaching them when things don't go well, that it's okay for them not to be a big boy or a big girl and look somebody in the eye and congratulate them. What needs to happen? An adult needs to step in and say, hey, as we go through the handshake line, whether you win or lose, here's how we do it with class.   We shake somebody's hand, we look them in the eye, and we say good game. Even if in those moments we don't actually mean it, we still show them dignity and honor. And then when we're done going through the handshake line, guess what we're going to do?   We're going to run down the refs who are trying to get in their car and get out of here, and we're going to give them a high five and say, thank you so much for reffing today. That stuff needs to be taught. Our kids don't just come out of the womb knowing how to do that.   We have to teach them how to do it. Sometimes good coaches will do that, but the more and more we get sucked up into the sports industrial complex, we're getting well-intentioned coaches, but we're getting coaches who care more about the big W, the win, than the character formation stuff that happens.   Ed Uszynski: (43:49 - 45:27) They need to keep hearing it over and over again. I have a ninth grade Bible study in my house the other day with athletes and a whole bunch of my son's basketball team. Exactly what Brian just said, I actually was like, wow, I've got them here.   There was a big blow up at a game the other day, and we wound up talking about it. I said, I'm going to take this opportunity actually to say what Brian just said. When you go through a handshake line, this is how you go through it.   I watched what happened in the game a couple days later. Basically, they did the exact opposite of what I told them to do, and they lost. It was just what Brian said.   They went through limp handed. They didn't look anybody in the face, and they weren't even saying anything. I just chuckled to myself, and you know how this is as a parent.   They may or may not do it. Of course, those aren't my kids. I have more stewardship over my child, who actually, he is doing what I've asked him to do because I've re-emphasized it across time now.   It's not a failure because they didn't do what I said. Again, the pouty side of me wants to be like, forget it. I'm just not even going to try anymore.   It's like, no, they're kids. That was the first time they've heard that. They're going to do what their patterns have, the muscle memory that's been created by their patterns, just like we do as adults.   The next time I have a chance to bring that up again, I'm not going to shame them. I'm just going to go over it again with them. Here's how we do it.   It's super hard to do this, guys, when you just want to be violent with people or you want to cry. You got to pull yourself together. That's what big men do.   That's what big women do in life. They pull themselves together in those moments and do the right thing.   Brian Smith: (45:28 - 46:01) You don't know whether the fifth time you say it is going to stick or the 50th time. Your responsibility as the Christ-following parent is to do it the sixth time and the seventh time and the seventh time and trust that God is going to take those moments and do what he does. We're ultimately not responsible for our kids' behavior.   We're responsible for pointing them in the right direction, and then hopefully, yeah, the Holy Spirit steps in and transforms and changes and convicts in those moments, but it might take some time.   Ed Uszynski: (46:02 - 47:47) Tom Bilyeu So that's how you push back, Laura. You were asking that. How do we push back without being just completely involved in it or going for the same ride that everybody else is going for?   There's just little moments like that scattered throughout. Literally, every day that my kids are involved in youth sports, the car ride over, what happens on the way home, how we talk about it, what happens during the game and what we wind up talking about out of that, the side conversations that happen that just get brought up apart from games of how we interact with people and so-and-so looks like they're struggling. What do you know about that?   That's how we push back, that in our corner of the bleachers, oh, how we interact with other parents. We haven't even talked about that yet, that I can take an interest in more than just my own kid in the bleachers and spend way more energy actually in cheering for other kids and just trying to give them confidence and spend way less time trying to direct that at my own child who knows that I'm there. In fact, my side kid has said he doesn't want to hear my voice during the game.   It distracts him. He's like, I'd much rather that you cheer for other people. It's like, okay.   Having questions ready for other parents during timeouts and as you sit there for hours together, what do you talk about? Well, I could be the one that actually initiates substantive conversations over time with them and asks them about what's going on in different parts of their life. And in having done that, people want to talk.   They want a safe place actually to share what's going on in their So let me be the sports minister. Let me take on that identity and actually care about other people.   Laura Dugger: (47:49 - 49:47) I love that. Even that practical idea of just coming to each game, maybe with a different question, ready to open up those conversations. And I'll share a quick story as well.   Our two oldest daughters recently just gave cheerleading a try at a local Christian school that allows homeschool kids to participate. And this is an overt way that somebody chooses the different way. So, it's the coach of the basketball team.   His name is Cole. And at the end of every game, we saw him consistently throughout this season when it was a home game, whether their team won or lost, he would ask them, okay, shut off the scoreboard. It's all blank.   He gathers both teams. As soon as the game is over teams, cheerleaders, the stands stay filled with all the parents. And he says, this is not our identity.   The world and Satan, our enemy, who's very real. He wants us to put our identity here, but it's not here. You made us better tonight by the way that you played and you were able to shine Jesus.   And we're going to go a step further and we're going to do what we call attaways. So, he's like, all right, boys, you open it up. And his team is trained.   They say to the other team, Hey, number 23, what's your name? I loved how you pushed me so much harder tonight and says, my name's Ben. And so, their Attaway is, Hey, Ben.   And everybody goes, Hey, Ben. Yeah, Ben. Yeah, Ben Attaway.   And everybody just erupts in clapping. And the other team is always blown away and they are just grinning, whether they just lost. So, the boys go through that for a while and then they open it up to the other team and they start sharing Attaways.   And then they open it up to the crowd and the parents are able to say, I see the way you modeled Jesus by being selfless with the ball or whatever it is. So, Cole said that his college coach did that many years ago and he's passed that on. And I love that's one way to redeem the game.   Ed Uszynski: (49:47 - 51:39) Wow. Beautiful. Beautiful.   Yeah. That's amazing. And, you know, I, so Brian and I talk about this too.   And I coached at a Christian school. So, we, we think that it's really important if you're going to play sports and you're going to be a Christian coach that you actually take the game seriously. And that we actually are here to compete and we are here to try to win.   There's nothing wrong with that. And we're going to pursue excellence when we show up with our bodies, and we train for this sport and we're going to try to win. Cause I think sometimes we end up kind of going all or nothing, especially within our Christian circles.   We're uncomfortable with that. And it's like, yes, do that. And on the backside of that to do what that coach did is amazing.   It's that, that is, that is exactly what we're saying. We're also going to try to form our souls in the midst of this. We're going to try to win on the scoreboard.   Okay. The game's over, we lost, we won, whatever. There's more going on here than just that. And can we access that together? And again, that's so rare. Probably everybody listening has never even heard of anything like what you just said.   It would be amazing if a bunch of people did, but that's what we're saying. Let's do more of that. Let's find ways to have more of those conversations in our sphere of influence.   Maybe we're not the coach, but we can do that in our car. We can do that when we're at dinners with the other, with other players and other team, you know, we, we can do that. We can take that kind of initiative.   If we have those categories in our mind, instead of just being frustrated that my kid didn't get to play as much tonight. And I'm that bugs me. It's like, okay, it can bug you.   And now I gotta, I gotta be a big boy and get more out of this than just being frustrated that he or she didn't get to play as much. It's hard.   Laura Dugger: (51:40 - 52:11) Absolutely. Well, and like you guys are doing having Bible studies outside of the, the team that you can instill values in that way and share scripture that they're memorizing to go out there with excellence for the Lord. So, I love all of that.   And I've got just a few quick questions, just kind of for perspective. I want to draw out something from the book. Is it true that young athletic success predicts adult athletic success?   Brian Smith: (52:13 - 53:51) It is not true. This is, this is not a hot take. This is researched back more and more research they're doing on this.   And they're finding that there's not a direct correlation between a young elite athlete and them continuing that up into the right trajectory and being an elite athlete later in life in large part, because when puberty hits, like everything is a game changer. So, this is, I found this fascinating and this is probably going to be new to you too. This just came out today.   At the time we're doing this podcast, the winter Olympics is going on in Norway. It's just like, they're killing it. Nor Norway's youth sports system.   This is wild. They give participation trophies for all the kids. They don't keep score until 13 years old.   They don't do any national travel competitions, no posting youth sports results online. So, there's no online presence of youth sport results. And their country motto is joy of sport for all.   And they're, they're killing it right now in the Olympics. So, like, that's not to say, like you got to follow their model and then you're going to win all these gold medals, but it is, there is something to just let the kids have fun. And the longer they play sport, because it's fun, the better opportunity you're actually going to have to see them blossom and develop some of these God-given gifts that they might have.   Don't expect it to come out before they're 13. Even if it does, there's no guarantee that it's going to continue on until they're 23. Just let them have fun.   Ed Uszynski: (53:52 - 55:55) Brian, we, Brian and I got to speak at a church the other day about this topic. And there was a couple that came up afterwards and they asked the question of what, so when do you think we should let our kids play organized sports or structured sports? And so again, Brian and I are careful.   Like I, there's no, there's no one size fits all answer to that. We would suggest as late as possible, wait as long as possible. Because once you start doing structured sport where there's a coach and you have to be at practices and the games are structured and there's reps, it just cuts away all the possibility they have to just play and just to go up to the YMCA and just play for three hours at whatever it is that they like to do.   And they said, well, it's encouraging to hear that they said, because we, we actually are way more into just developing their bodies physically. And so, we do dance with them, and we do rock climbing and they were kind of outdoorsy people, and they just started listing off all these things they do because we want them to become strong in their bodies, and learn to love activity like that. And I just thought, again, that's, that probably would cause a lot of people to freak out to hear that, that they have eight, nine-year-olds that aren't on teams yet.   They're just, they're training their bodies to appreciate physicality and to become coordinated and to, you know, to get better at movement. And it's like, what sport is that not going to be super helpful in five years from now, even when they're 12, 13 years old. And now they really do want to play one sport, and they do want to be on a team.   They're going to be way ahead of the kids actually that just sat on benches or stood in the outfield, you know, day after day after day at practices. Again, that's maybe hard to hear, but maybe there's some adjustments that need to be made again; to give ourselves permission to say, we don't have to get on that train right now. You don't have to, your kid's not going to be behind.   They actually could be ahead. If you do the kinds of things we just talked about.   Laura Dugger: (55:56 - 56:11) I love that. And even that example with what it looks like played out with Norway and also, do you have any other quick tips just for instilling and cultivating a heart of gratitude and youth sports rather than entitlement?   Brian Smith: (56:13 - 57:33) I'm a high school cross country and track coach, and I have kids on my team who want to get faster at running, but instead of running, they want to lift weights and they want to do plier metrics. So, there's, yes, there's a spot for that. But the way you get better at running is to run.   You got to run more miles and more miles. And I think gratitude is similar. That gratitude, part of it is a, it's a feeling, but it's also a muscle that we can flex even if we don't feel it.   And so, I would encourage parents who are trying to instill gratitude into their kids to give them practical things like, hey, after practice, just go shake your coach's hand or give them a fist bump and tell them, thanks for practice today, coach. That that's a disciplined way to practice gratitude that will hopefully build the muscle where they're, they're using it later in life. After a game, I taught my kids this when they were young and they still do it today.   Go shake a ref's hand. I mentioned this earlier, just a really, really practical way to show thankfulness and gratitude to somebody who really doesn't get a whole lot of gratitude pointed at them during a game or after a game. If anything, they have people chasing them through the parking lot for other reasons.   I want my kids to be chasing them down to give them a fist bump or a high five. And so, gratitude is something that we can just practice practically. And hopefully the discipline practice will lead to a delight and actually doing it.   Ed Uszynski: (57:34 - 59:39) And how do we cultivate an inner posture? Cause I tend to be a cup half empty type person. I'm a, I'm a whiner by nature and a continuous improvement.   There's always something wrong. And I'm, it's easy for me to find those things just as a person. I'm not even saying that as a dad or a coach or anything.   And it's been super helpful to me in the last decade, even to just like, I can choose to shift that. There, there is, there's a list of things that are broke, but there is always a list of things that are good. There's always something good here to be found.   And even as I've tried to like, again, tip the scales more in that direction, I can keep pushing that out of my kids. So, so this, you know, my ninth-grade son tends to just like, he doesn't like a whole bunch of what's going on in basketball right now. So, I keep asking him if he's having fun.   He says, no, like, why not? Or like, who did, why did you not have fun today? So, it's just the same thing every day.   I'm like, okay, who did you enjoy even being with today? Nobody. And I'm like, dude, I don't believe that actually.   I just, I don't believe that. There was somebody that you had some moment with today that you enjoyed, or you wouldn't want to keep going back up there because, and he does. So, give me a name.   Okay. Lenny. What happened with Lenny that was fun? And I make him name it. Like I'm, I'm, I'm trying to coach him through it. And sure enough, he does have some sentences of what was fun today.   And it's like, good, let's, let's at least hold onto that in the midst of all the other stuff that's not right. Let's choose to see the thing that was good and that you enjoyed and that we could be thankful for. Not everybody got to have that today.   Again, I have to have my, I have to be the parent. I have to be the discipler. I have to be in, you know, in charge of my own soul that wants to be negative all the time and say, nope, we're going to, we're going to choose gratitude today because the Bible tells us to do that.   There's something about that posture that opens the door for the gospel to be expressed through us. So, let's practice.   Laura Dugger: (59:40 - 59:50) Well said, and there's so much we could continue learning from both of you. Where can we go after this chat to learn more from each one of you?   Brian Smith: (59:52 - 1:00:14) Yeah, we do a lot of our writing online at thechristianathlete.com. And so, if you go there, you can see articles that are specifically written for parents, for coaches, for athletes, all around this idea of what does it look like to integrate faith and sport together? So, the

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✨  Ready to transform your parenting from reactive to intentional? Join the Amazing Parents Club now → https://www.drlindsayemmerson.com/club In this episode, I'm sharing the research-backed parenting approach that's been proven for over 60 years to create happier, more confident, better-behaved kids—and it's something almost nobody knows about. You'll discover the authoritative parenting style that research proves works best, why the "strict parent/lenient parent" dynamic from TV shows actually hurts kids, and the Family Mantra strategy—a Level 1 preventive tool you can start using today. I'll show you how to shift from reacting to your kids to intentional, confident parenting, with real examples of this framework in action with families just like yours. Plus, you'll get a FREE Family Mantra Guide to help you create your customized family values and start implementing them this week. #drlindsayemmerson #authoritativeparenting #parentingtips #positiveparenting #parentingworkshop  Better behavior starts with a better framework. Download the full 7-page guide here →  drlindsayemmerson.com/mantra-download New to my podcast?  I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future. ------------------------------------------- Let's connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayemmerson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlindsayemmerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@drlindsayemmerson ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention.  Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.   If you or your child have concerns or need further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional. 00:00 – 02:02: The Chaos Check-In   02:02 – 05:23: The Problem We All Face   05:23 – 06:08: The Research – Brief but Powerful   06:08 – 08:16: Introducing Authoritative Parenting   08:16 – 09:55: The Missing Piece   09:55 – 13:09: The 5 C's Overview   13:09 – 22:52: Family Mantra – The Foundation for Better Behavior

Dung beetles do more than roll poop—they roll it straight while walking backward in the dark. How? Meet the scientists who answered that question—using beetles, moonlight, and tiny cardboard hats.Here's our trail map:Why Do Dung Beetles Roll Piles of Poop?Why Do Dung Beetles Collect Dung?How Is a Dung Beetle Like a Tiny Beetle Astronomer?How Can We Use God's Word to Find Our Way?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Subscribe to the Ginger Hubbard podcast for biblical parenting advice and encouragement: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/podcastNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Dung Beetle Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/why-do-dung-beetles-roll-piles-of-poop/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This...

Send a textWhat happens when a 20+ year educator — who has worked with thousands of children — becomes a father of twin daughters?In this episode, Oscar sits down with Kyle Hill, longtime educator, intervention leader, professor, and father, to unpack what decades inside classrooms have taught him about raising daughters at home.Kyle has spent over two decades helping children with:• ADHD and neurodivergence• Behavioral and emotional challenges• Academic struggles• Confidence and resilience issuesAnd now he brings that experience into his own home as a girl dad navigating adolescence, medical challenges, and the daily realities of fatherhood.We dive into:• Why kids copy what we do — not what we say• The difference between reacting and responding• Why consistency beats big speeches• How to build a “village” around your child• When dads need coaching — not just their kidsIf you're serious about becoming a stronger, more mindful, more present father… this conversation delivers.RechargeEDDad's All In Parent Hub00:00 Kids Are Watching00:45 Penn State Fan Control01:18 Podcast Welcome02:44 Kyle's Dad Journey05:25 Twins and No Sleep06:59 Helping Kids With Needs10:05 The Easy Button Trap14:43 Coaching Beyond Sports17:10 Finding the Right Help23:37 Laugh and Let Go30:14 Becoming a Girl Dad32:10 What Daughters Teach34:22 ADHD Hyperfocus Lens35:23 Boys vs Girls Reactions36:04 Protecting Sons and Daughters38:00 How Daughters Rewire Dads39:07 Boy Brain Girl Brain39:57 Aggression Nurturance Story43:51 Emotions and Hormones46:13 What Daughters Teach47:40 Individualized Discipline50:36 Help Framework for Parents54:00 Type One Diabetes Example58:18 Find True Specialists01:00:59 Podcast and Resources01:02:34 Final Takeaways and OutroGuest Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, any organizations, companies, or institutions mentioned, or corporate entities represented by the host.Our aim is to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue. While we strive for accuracy and balance, it's important to recognize that opinions may vary. We encourage critical thinking and further exploration of the topics discussed.Support the showCatch up w/ The Daughtered Podcast Oscar on Instagram Few Will Hunt. 10% OFF use GIRLDAD Want to be a guest on The DAUGHTERED Podcast? Want to collaborate? Send Oscar Pena a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/daughteredpodcast

Why do ostriches not fly? And is it true ostriches bury their heads in sand when they are scared? Discover how God designed ostriches—the largest bird on earth—with pogo stick legs and feathery eyelashes, and what ostriches can teach us about facing our fears head on.Here's our trail map:Why Don't Ostriches Fly?How Is an Ostrich Like a Pogo Stick?Do Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand?How Can We Face Fears?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Subscribe to the Ginger Hubbard podcast for biblical parenting advice and encouragement: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/podcastNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Ostrich Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/do-ostriches-bury-their-heads-in-the-sand/Ask your nature question:

We know about massive dinosaurs, but how small were the smallest dinosaurs? Did dinosaurs swim and fly? Ken Ham, the founder of Answers in Genesis, joins us as we discover God's wild and wonderful designs in dinosaurs.Episode Links:Dinosaurs for Kids: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-for-kids-hardback-singleDinosaurs of Eden: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-of-eden-revised-hardback-singleKen Ham's Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/authors/ken-hamExplore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Visit the Creation Museum: https://creationmuseum.org/Visit the Ark Encounter: https://arkencounter.com/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

Why do decorator crabs dress up? Are they trying to be fancy, or do their costumes serve a purpose? Do they use duct tape or hot glue to stick slimy seaweed and prickly urchins to their shells? Learn how and why decorator crabs decorate themselves and what their elaborate outfits teach us about our own appearances.Here's our trail map:Why Do Decorator Crabs Dress Up?How Do Decorator Crabs Stick Things to Themselves?What Happens When a Decorator Crab Molts Its Shell?How Can We Dress Ourselves in God's Goodness?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Discover God's designs in crabs and other ocean creatures with Apologia's Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set/Explore all of Apologia's award-winning curriculum and courses: https://www.apologia.com/Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Subscribe to the Ginger Hubbard podcast for biblical parenting advice and encouragement: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/podcastNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Decorator Crab Coloring Sheet:

Send a textWhat if the most powerful influence on your daughter's future isn't what you tell her — but how you show up when life gets stressful?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a psychologist and parent coach, to break down the science behind how children actually learn from their parents — and why modeling matters more than lectures.We explore:The difference between reactive vs intentional parentingWhy “being strict” can create compliance without characterThe parenting style research that leads to the healthiest long-term outcomesA practical 3-step triage plan for handling discipline moments without damaging connectionHow fathers can hold high standards while still building emotional safetyThis is not theory or gentle parenting trends.It's psychology-backed, real-world guidance for dads who want to lead with strength, clarity, and presence.If you've ever walked away from a moment with your daughter thinking “that's not how I wanted to handle that” — this conversation is for you.Dr. Lindsay on InstagramDr. Lindsay Parenting TipsDr. Lindsay on Youtube00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Fathers on Daughters 01:05 Welcome to the Daughter Podcast01:42 Meet Dr. Lindsey Emerson03:15 Parenting as a Learned Skill06:38 The Five Cs Parenting Framework11:11 The Importance of Authoritative Parenting32:58 The Role of Consistency and Communication36:18 Establishing Consequences36:47 The Importance of Authoritative Parenting37:42 The Five C's of Parenting38:47 Intentional Parenting and Self-Check40:55 Introducing the Three-Step Triage Plan41:31 Step One: Respond, Don't React45:49 Step Two: Teach, Don't Punish57:08 Step Three: Monitor and Reinforce01:02:10 Final Thoughts and ResourcesGuest Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, any organizations, companies, or institutions mentioned, or corporate entities represented by the host.Our aim is to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue. While we strive for accuracy and balance, it's important to recognize that opinions may vary. We encourage critical thinking and further exploration of the topics discussed.Support the showCatch up w/ The Daughtered Podcast Oscar on Instagram Few Will Hunt. 10% OFF use GIRLDAD Want to be a guest on The DAUGHTERED Podcast? Want to collaborate? Send Oscar Pena a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/daughteredpodcast

Can a massive moose swim through water? And what are their giant antlers for? Discover one of the largest land animals in North America and what they can teach us about being good listeners.Here's our trail map:Is a Moose a Big Deer?Can Moose Swim?Why Do Moose Have Massive Antlers?How Can We Listen Well For God's Voice?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Explore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Parents and caregivers: hear remarkable stories of God's work in real people through the Compelled Podcast: https://compelledpodcast.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Moose Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/can-moose-swim/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askMoose Antler Amplification Test: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2008/mar/21/medicalresearch.animalbehaviourScriptures Referenced in This...

Besides light and warmth, what is so special about the sun? Discover how God Set the Stage for life when he placed the sun at the center of our solar system, and how this solar design reflects his faithfulness to us.Here's our trail map:What Is the Sun and How Does it Rise?How Hot is the Sun?How Does the Sun Hold Our Solar System Together?How Does the Sun Help Us Spend Our Time Well?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:God's Design for Heaven & Earth: https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-heaven-earth-set-mb-editionExplore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Try CTCMath for free and with a 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/Parents and caregivers: hear remarkable stories of God's work in real people through the Compelled Podcast: https://compelledpodcast.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Sun Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-hot-is-the-sun/

Do we need plants to live? Why did God fill the earth with plants before making creatures and people? Discover how God builds plants from air, and uses those plants to clean the air around us! and how seeds grow and spread to fill earth with tasty, useful, and life-giving plants.Here's our trail map:How Do Water, Light, and Air Build Plants?How Is Fruit Made?Why Is Earth Full of Plants?How Can We Grow Good Fruit?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Try CTCMath for free: https://ctcmath.com/Discover God's designs in plants with Apologia's Exploring Creation with Botany course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/botany-course-setDiscover all of Apologia's curriculum and courses from a Biblical worldview: https://www.apologia.com/Parents and caregivers: hear remarkable stories of God's work in real people through the Compelled Podcast: https://compelledpodcast.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree God Made Plants Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-is-fruit-made/

Parenting doesn't suddenly get easier as kids grow — it just changes. In this honest and practical episode of The Journey to Becoming Podcast, I'm joined by Nellie Harden, wife, mom of four daughters (ages 16–20), author, and speaker in family life and leadership, to talk all about what she calls “the great transition” — parenting in the middle years. We dive into the real-life challenges and opportunities that come with raising teens and young adults, from setting healthy phone boundaries to understanding different learning styles, meeting your children where they are, and creating meaningful one-on-one time with each child. Nellie also shares powerful tools for staying calm when you're overstimulated, emotionally taxed, or tempted to react instead of respond. This conversation is a much-needed reminder that leadership in the home matters — especially in seasons of discipline, tension, and growth. Nellie encourages moms to lead by example, model emotional regulation, and create an environment where connection and character development can flourish. If you're a mom navigating the in-between — no longer in the little years, but not quite on the other side — this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, equipped, and reminded that you're not alone in this season. ✨ In this episode, we talk about: Parenting teens and young adults with wisdom and confidence Setting boundaries with phones and technology Understanding learning styles and meeting your kids where they are Creating intentional one-on-one time Staying calm when you feel overstimulated Leading by example in discipline and character

We enjoy water everyday, but how much of Earth's water can we actually drink? And where does it come from? Discover how God set the stage for life when he created bodies of fresh water. We'll visit Psalm 104 to see how God shaped mountains, valleys, and springs to care for his creatures, then dive into groundwater and underground aquifers to learn how water moves beneath our feet. Finally, we meet Jesus at Jacob's well (John 4) to understand the gift of Living Water that never runs dry.Here's our trail map:How Much Fresh Water Is on Earth?What Does Psalm 104 Say About God's Water System?Why Is There Water Underground?How Is Jesus Like a Water Well?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Parents and caregivers: hear remarkable stories of God's work in real people through the Compelled Podcast: https://compelledpodcast.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree God Made Water Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-much-fresh-water-is-on-earth/

What is the atmosphere and how does it keep us alive? Discover how God Set the Stage for life by carefully engineering the sky and air around and above us. Travel through the five layers of the atmosphere and discover how God carefully protects us through his design of waters above and below.Episode Links:God's Design for Heaven & Earth: https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-heaven-earth-set-mb-editionDebbie Lawrence's books: https://www.masterbooks.com/authors/debbie-lawrenceExplore Christ-centered books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Scriptures In This Episode:“Then God said, ‘Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.' And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space ‘sky.' And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day.” Genesis 1:6-8 (NLT)This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

We welcome Elizabeth and Brook Mosser from the Intentional Parents Podcast for a "copod" that—despite the catchy name—is definitely not a killer whale documentary. They tackle the "Godzilla of intentionality", a terrifying concept that often looms over parents like a massive monster with surprisingly tiny arms. Moving beyond "prescribed trails" and scripture-based scavenger hunts, the group focuses instead on ordinary moments, like sharing milkshakes in the dark or surviving "homeschool sarcasm." You'll learn about TikTok's "aura farming" and why the best parenting strategy involves leaving your "fixing" agenda in the car to focus on simple curiosity. Visit Intentional Parenting: https://www.intentionalparents.org/ Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We see and use light every day, but have you ever wondered what is light? Why can we see colors? And how did God use light at the very beginning?We're exploring how light travels in waves and photons, why objects bounce colors into our eyes, and even how creatures glow using living light (bioluminescence) and reflective light (biofluorescence). We'll hear how in Genesis 1:1-5 God said, “Let there be light,” and see how that shines into our lives today. Get ready to discover the amazing science of light — and the One who IS the Light!Here's our trail map:What Is Light?How Do Colors Work?Where Can We Find Light In Nature?How Is God Light?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Save 20% and get a FREE speaker using code Nat20 at https://www.sherwoodkids.com/nat20 (offer valid through March 31, 2026)Discover all of Apologia's curriculum and courses from a Biblical worldview: https://www.apologia.com/Parents and caregivers: hear remarkable stories of God's work in real people through the Compelled Podcast: https://compelledpodcast.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree God Made Light Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-do-colors-work/

In this heartfelt year-end episode, Connected Families team members Stacy Bellward, Chad Hayenga, and Joe Dewey gather to reflect on a transformative year and share exciting plans for 2026 to continue to encourage you on your journey with intentional parenting. Along the way, they open up about their own families’ rhythms for reflecting on the year past and looking ahead. This episode has practical ideas you can try with your own family. Whether you’re curious about what’s next for Connected Families or looking for fresh ways to close out the year together, this episode has something for you. Key Takeaways: Ideas for family rhythms for year-end reflection Connected Families highlights from 2025 Looking forward to 2026 Mentioned in this Podcast: The Heart of Jesus, Dan Orland Book Connected Families Impact Stories Donate to Connected Families Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We'd love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Joe Dewey is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. He has a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and has served in full-time ministry with Cru in Leader Development and Human Resources since 2010. He has been a certified life coach since 2017. These experiences and more have molded him to lead with solutions. Whether it comes to ministry or parenting, he finds clarity in the midst of complexity, providing win-win solutions. Chad Hayenga joined Connected Families in 2005. He is married to Carma and has three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chad oversees coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-14eb4a5-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-14eb4a5 {background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-894693700-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important;}.stk-14eb4a5-container{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-14eb4a5-container:before{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-14eb4a5 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:300px !important;max-width:400px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-14eb4a5 {background-position:center right !important;padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:30px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important;}} .stk-a848eca .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}“Things began to change when…” .stk-945cf01 .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important;}Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. .stk-6b4031e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-6b4031e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-6b4031e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-9906cf2 .stk-button{background:#431c3b !important;}.stk-9906cf2 .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-9906cf2 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-9906cf2 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-9906cf2 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}DONATE TODAY

This week on Minimalish, I'm welcoming Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, for a conversation every toddler parent needs, especially during the holiday season. Devon brings so much clarity and compassion to the toddler years, and this episode is full of encouragement and truly helpful strategies you can start using right away. We talk about what's really going on beneath “big behaviors,” why toddlerhood is such an important developmental season, and how a lot of the work actually starts with us—our emotions, our expectations, and the environment we create. Devon also shares practical tips for everyday challenges, including navigating sibling conflict, managing screen time, prepping for busy seasons (like holidays) so you and your kids can handle transitions with more ease, and setting boundaries with family and friends in a way that protects your values. If you're craving more peace, confidence, and connection in your home—especially with little ones in the toddler stage (though the tips can span many ages of childhood)— then this episode is for you. Links from this episode: Devon's Website Devon on Instagram (@transformingtoddlerhood) Check out Devon's Book: Transforming Toddlerhood Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Holiday episodes: Declutter with me (Holiday Edition) A Values Based Holiday Season with Kat Steck Values Based holiday spending with Jen Hygge Holidays with Diane in Denmark Mental Decluttering for the Holidays Getting intentional about Gift Giving Thinking Ahead for Intentional Holiday Traditions Holiday Q&A (dealing with the influx of stuff, Finding time to rest, Traditions, etc) Teaching our kids contentment and gratitude with Rachel Cruze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we sit down with Brook and Elizabeth Mosser, founders of Intentional Parents, to talk about marriage, parenting, and navigating life's toughest challenges. From chronic illness to raising children with unique needs, they share their personal stories, practical advice, and faith-based strategies for building resilience in family life. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about how to lead with intention, love, and purpose in your home :) Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices