Embracing Your Season: Raising Littles and Understanding Teens with Paige Clingenpeel

*Trigger Warning* This episode mentions complex psychological disorders, sexual abuse, sexual trauma, and other adult themes. Listener discretion is advised.

In today’s episode of Embracing Your Season, Paige shares an interview from her recent trip to AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) in Dallas, TX with Dr. Shannae Anderson. Dr. Shannae is a licensed clinical psychologist and is currently the Clinical Director at Monarch Recovery Intensive Outpatient Program in Ventura, California, and Director of Psychology and Co-Director of Ethics and Advocacy at the American Association of Christian Counselors. Paige and Dr. Shannae discuss the markers that can point to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), how attachment disorders in infancy and childhood can indicate a future diagnosis, and, ultimately, how God has designed our brain to rewire itself and heal with professional guidance and healthy relationships.

Paige’s Takeaways

• We can still heal from a poor attachment from childhood
  • This does require other people: professionally trained counselors or wise individuals who have navigated this on their own successfully. Let others speak into you to help you grow and heal.
• It’s okay to make mistakes - but repair is necessary
  • As parents, mistakes will happen! The important thing is how we resolve the mistake with our kids.
  • Go to them. Apologize (be specific), assure them that you will work to make sure it doesn’t happen again, and ask for forgiveness.
• Communicate clearly: Let your yes be yes, and your no be no
  • When navigating relationships with someone difficult/toxic, etc., mean what you say! Whatever boundaries you make with this individual, stand firm. The more consistent you are with keeping your word, the better for your relationship.
  • Doing this also models to your children how to stick to their word and stand their ground as they navigate their own relationships and convictions.

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Connect with Dr. Shannae Anderson

Dr. Shannae Anderson

Email: [email protected]

Additional Resources Mentioned

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Understanding the Borderline Mother

Stop Walking on Eggshells

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #drshannaeanderson #borderlinepersonalitydisorder #clinician #gaslighting #emotionalchaos #hypersensitivity #disorganizedattachment #nacc #pfcaudiovideo

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How can we as parents, step-parents, caregivers, leaders, and mentors, be a safe place for our kids to be able to talk to us about their biggest questions? On this week's episode of Embracing Your Season, host Paige Clingenpeel interviews Kara Powell, PHD as they discuss her book, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager. Kara is the chief of leadership formation and executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary and provides a wealth of knowledge when it comes to changing the narrative with our youth today. 

Three Takeaways:

1. Every behavior that our child has is rooted in what they are hungry for. Help them identify what is wrong, what they are striving to achieve and walk alongside them to answer questions.
2. A lot of the things that are identified in our children are from external perspectives or influences.  Helping our kids know and understand that ultimately our identity is in the creator, know who He is and who we are in Him.
3. Their journey will look different than yours. Stop dictating to our kids what they need to believe, what their relationship is like with Jesus. Instead ask questions and open up dialogue with them to understand where they are at.

Links:

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email [email protected]

Facebook: Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: paigeclingenpeel

Kara Powell

Fuller Youth Institute

Facebook: Kara Powell

Instagram: karapowellfyi

3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager

HomeWord

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So, what’s the difference between worry and anxiety?  Having lived with undiagnosed anxiety and depression for 36 years, Nichole Suvar felt like there was something inherently wrong with her. She loved her family, community, and work - and yet she still felt like the world might be better off without her in it. Listen in as author and intentional-living strategist Nichole shares with Paige the tipping point for seeking help, how medication (for a time) and counseling gave her the stepping stones for health, and how living with intention has transformed her life in the past 6 years. Filled with vulnerability and hope, this conversation is for anyone who has ever been (or knows someone who is) the “worry-wart” in their family. 

Paige’s Takeaways:

• What is the difference between worry and anxiety?
  • Anxiety is an actual medical diagnosis that indicates a chemical imbalance in the brain. There’s an overabundance of fight or flight symptomology in their bodies (thinking too much into the future, overwhelmed by circumstances in their life). 
  • Worry and stress are part of daily life but they don’t incapacitate you. You can still function; you can add truth to whatever lie/worry/stress you’re thinking about and be able to move forward.
• You don’t have to do this alone!
  • Go and get help. Talk to your spouse, talk to your friends, talk to people at church, talk to a counselor. Bring this into the light and start healing!
• Combat anxiety by being intentional
  • Ask yourself: How am I intentional? What am I prioritizing? How much screen time am I doing throughout the day? Am I making choices that bless my soul and bless my relationships? These are great questions to prompt you into more intentional living.

Resources:

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

Sponsored by: HomeWord

Donate to HomeWord

Connect with Nichole:

Website: www.livewithintent.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startlivingintentional

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs_nichole_suvar/

Books:

Numbering Our Days: Combating Anxiety in the Power of Small Intentional Moments

Keywords/Hashtags:

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #pfcaudiovideo #nicholesuvar #anxiety #worry #stress #seekhelp #intentionality #livingwithintention #psalms #combatanxiety #counselor #prioritize #yourenotalone

Suicide Hotline: 988

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On this week's episode of Embracing Your Season with Paige Clingenpeel, author Gary Thomas joins Paige to discuss his book, Sacred Marriage. Married for over 40 years, Gary credits his devotion to loving his wife well to his faith in God. Recognizing that even the best marriages face challenging moments is key to a successful marriage! While no marriage is perfect, if we surrender our imperfections to God, He will shape us to become more like Christ.

Takeaways:

1. Marriage is hard. Even the best marriages have difficult moments. You can seek counsel or therapy and advice from mature married couples that can speak into your lives and marriage.
2. Romanticism in our culture - where sometimes we are made to think that our partner isn’t made for us and that when marriage gets tough, we should just give up. We have to be realistic and give each other grace because nobody is perfect and it takes a lot of work to make marriage last.
3. Good marriages aren’t something that you find, they are something that you make. We are constantly growing and changing so give yourself and your spouse grace.

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

Got Questions Website

Sponsored by: HomeWord

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Guest Info:

Gary Thomas

Book: Sacred Marriage

Resources

Substack

Facebook: @authorgarythomas

Instagram: @garythomasbooks

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“When I lay my burden down to Him, He takes it and releases me—and I can rest in His peace.” -Paige 
Paige and producer Mike dive into the difference between a weekly Sabbath and a longer sabbatical, exploring why God cares deeply about our rest—and even commands it. Paige shares practical ways to pause intentionally, prioritize what truly matters, and trust God with the things left undone. She opens up about her own upcoming sabbatical from the podcast to fast, pray, and seek God’s vision, while she and Mike reflect on the challenges and life-giving renewal that come when we surrender our burdens and rest in Him.

Resources:

• Paige Clingenpeel’s website: PaigeClingenpeel.com
• Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel
• Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season sponsored by HomeWord

Keywords/Hashtags:

#EmbracingYourSeason #PaigeClingenpeel #Christian #Faith #Sabbatical #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #HomeWord #PFCAudioVideo 

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Research shows a child’s worldview is largely formed by age 13, making these early years critical for shaping their hearts and minds. In this episode, Paige Clingenpeel sits down with Molly DeFrank—author, speaker, and mom of six—to talk about what today’s boys need to thrive. Molly shares practical ways moms can model a biblical worldview, create meaningful moments with their sons, and equip them with the essentials for life—belonging, authority, bravery, tenderness, creativity, and emotional durability. Be encouraged as you discover how God intentionally paired you with your children and how, with His help, you have what it takes to raise confident, godly young men.

Resources:

• Mothering Boys: 8 Things Your Son Needs from You before He Turns 10 by Molly DeFrank: https://mollydefrank.com/mothering-boys/ 
• Molly DeFrank’s website: https://mollydefrank.com/ 
• Molly DeFrank’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollydefrank 
• Paige Clingenpeel: PaigeClingenpeel.com
• Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel
• Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel
• YouTube: Embracing Your Season sponsored by HomeWord

Paige’s Takeaways:

• Lead your kids to the ultimate source of Truth—God’s Word.
  • Show them that Scripture isn’t just true—it’s real and it works in everyday life.
    
    
• Use the Bible as the foundation for understanding masculinity, truth, and gender identity.
  • Remember: the Bible alone is our unchanging source of Truth.
  • Explore resources like HomeWord to support and encourage a biblical worldview in your family.
    
    
• Trust that God calls us to train our children in His ways and promises to guide us.
  • Don’t fear your children’s tough questions—see them as opportunities for growth and discipleship.
  • Rest in the assurance that the Holy Spirit is already at work, pursuing their hearts.

Keywords/Hashtags

#EmbracingYourSeason #PaigeClingenpeel #MollyDeFrank #BoyMom #Christian #Faith #BiblicalParenting #ChristianParent #Parenting #Parents #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #HomeWord #PFCAudioVideo 

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Parenting today can feel overwhelming as families face loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicide, and bullying. In this episode, Paige talks with Dr. Eric Scalise, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Hope for the Heart, about his book The Care and Counsel Handbook and how parents can build a strong emotional and spiritual foundation for their kids. They discuss why deep relationships matter in a world that’s “technologically connected but relationally disconnected,” share tips for choosing battles wisely, having tough conversations, and modeling Jesus’ love from an early age. Dr. Scalise also challenges churches to better address mental health, offering hope and practical guidance for raising resilient, faith-filled children.

Paige’s Takeaways:

• There is power in relationships 
  • When our kids see that we consistently show up for their needs, it builds trust and relational equity for the future.
  • Building strong connections takes time—and we won’t always get it right. Owning our mistakes and asking for forgiveness keeps the relationship growing.
• Don’t be afraid of conversation.
  • Don’t shy away from tough conversations. Lean into the topics that feel uncomfortable.
  • When we respond to our kids’ questions with curiosity instead of judgment, we earn their trust.
• Choose your battles.
  • Focus on heart posture. You don’t need to fix every small misstep.
  • Above all, raise your children with the love of Jesus.

The Care and Counsel Handbook: https://a.co/d/4KoTJia
Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/
Hope Talks Podcast: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/explore/shows/hope-talks
Paige Clingenpeel: PaigeClingenpeel.com

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season sponsored by HomeWord

Keywords/Hashtags

#EmbracingYourSeason #PaigeClingenpeel #DrEricScalise #HopeForTheHeart #MentalHealth #Christian #Faith #ChristianParent #Parenting #Parents #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #HomeWord #PFCAudioVideo 

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Talking with kids about sickness, grief, and death is never easy—but it’s essential. In this episode, counselor and speaker Paige Clingenpeel joins producer Mike Segovia to share honest, practical ways parents can walk their children through these difficult moments. Paige opens up about her own health journey, the questions kids naturally ask, and how parents can give age-appropriate, hope-filled answers without needing to have it all figured out. Together, they discuss how children process grief differently than adults, why honesty matters more than perfection, and how modeling faith in hard times points kids to Jesus. As Paige reminds us: “God has a different view than we do. He sees the bigger picture… and He is still a good God, even in this.”

Episode 62-Hope in Grief with Dr. Curt Thompson: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271776/episodes/16440828
Paige Clingenpeel: PaigeClingenpeel.com

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season sponsored by HomeWord

Paige’s Practical Tips:

• Be honest and clear
  • Choose your words wisely and keep the conversation age appropriate
• Point people to Jesus
  • Death is not the end. It’s a great opportunity to have a conversation about what happens after we die and point people to Jeus.
• Invite Questions
  • Ask, What are you thinking? How are you feeling? 
• Keep checking in with your children
  • Be a safe place for them to ask questions not just when a death happens, but also later as they are processing and grieving

Keywords/Hashtags

#EmbracingYourSeason #PaigeClingenpeel #Death #Loss #Grief #Christian #Faith #ChristianParent #Parenting #Parents #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #HomeWord #PFCAudioVideo 

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When life feels heavy and we’re worn down, the only true source of strength and confidence is God. In this episode of Embracing Your Season, Paige Clingenpeel talks with Amber Albee Swenson—wife, mom, speaker, and author of 13 books, including her latest The Key to Confidence: Where to Go When You Feel You’re Not Enough. Amber shares why our identity must be rooted in God rather than in ourselves, and how we can point our kids to the same truth. Together, they explore the difference between self-reliance, arrogance, and a healthy confidence in who God created us to be. They also dive into how parents can help shape their children’s hearts toward Him. You’ll walk away feeling encouraged and more connected to the incredible God we serve.

Amber Albee Swenson’s website: https://www.amberalbeeswenson.org/
The Key to Confidence: Where to Go When You Feel You’re Not Enough by Amber Albee Swenson: https://timeofgrace.store/products/the-key-to-confidence-where-to-go-when-you-feel-you-re-not-enough
Paige Clingenpeel: PaigeClingenpeel.com

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season sponsored by HomeWord

Paige’s Takeaways:

• Get in the Word of God.
  • We will never be able to know who we are and who God is, if we are not in the Bible.
  • Our God cares and pursues us and He transforms us.
• The Holy Spirit gives us gifts.
  • The ultimate glory and motivation is Jesus.
  • Let’s serve Him well with the gifts He’s given us.
  • We are called to bring His Kingdom here.
• Community is important.
  • Often, good community means getting out of your comfort zone.
  • Bible studies, small groups, and connecting with others on a similar journey can make all the difference.
  • Our kids see us in community and see us growing.

Keywords/Hashtags

#EmbracingYourSeason #PaigeClingenpeel #AmberAlbeeSwenson #GodIsGood #TheKeyToConfidence #Christian #Faith #ChristianParent #Parenting #Parents #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #HomeWord #PFCAudioVideo 

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Sending your young adult into the real world can feel both heartbreaking and heart-warming. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns—author, speaker, and president of HomeWord—joins Paige Clingenpeel to share practical, faith-based wisdom for parents navigating this season. Together, they unpack the essential life skills kids need before leaving home, how to raise children toward greater responsibility without enabling, and the shift parents must make from being in control to becoming a coach. They also explore how to help your child build a lasting faith in God, ways to keep a marriage strong as family dynamics change, and the importance of spiritual intimacy and intentionality in marriage. Dr. Burns leaves parents with hope, reminding them that even in the hard moments of letting go, God is at work shaping both us and our children for what’s ahead.

HomeWord: https://homeword.com/
Doing Life With Your Adult Children by Dr. Jim Burns: https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/
A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body by Dr. Jim Burns: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/ 
Paige Clingenpeel: PaigeClingenpeel.com

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season sponsored by HomeWord

Paige’s Takeaways:

• Have I fully prepared them for the real world? 
  • As parents, we’ll always feel like there’s something we missed, but we can trust that God’s plan for our children is bigger than ours.
    
    
• Rest in surrender
  • Release your kids to the Lord and know He will continue to guide them.
    
    
• Stand firm in your parenting boundaries 
  • Set clear boundaries and consequences, while also beginning to release control as they grow.
    
    
• Keep investing in your marriage
  • Make intentional choices to grow together as your child transitions into adulthood.

Keywords/Hashtags

#EmbracingYourSeason #PaigeClingenpeel #DrJimBurns #Christian #Faith #ChristianParent #College #EmptyNest #Parenting #Parents #Marriage #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #HomeWord #PFCAudioVideo 

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