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

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 author and advocate Sandy Kirkham. She currently serves on the board of the Council Against Child Abuse and works with survivors, conducting victim support conferences. Sandy’s book, Let Me Prey Upon You, contains the vulnerable details of abuse she suffered at the hands of her youth pastor for 5 years and the aftermath she has been navigating for 27 years. While this story is neither happy nor concluded with legal justice, it is vitally important for parents to hear so they can be made aware of this all-too-common occurrence and the signs to look out for. 

Special Note: If you or someone you know has suffered abuse at the hands of someone in ministry, please know: it is NOT your fault, you are not alone, and there are so many resources available to you, several listed below.

Paige’s Takeaways

• Go with your gut.
  • As parents, along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, if something doesn’t feel right - TRUST YOUR GUT. Ask questions and don’t brush off that bad feeling.
• Talk to your kids about how it’s hard to say “No” sometimes.
  • Teach your kids that they are allowed to be critical thinkers and that they are allowed to say “no” in how their bodies are used (hugging, high fives, etc.) - but that you also understand it can be hard for them to say “no” to an adult, especially one they know, like, and respect. Remind them that they can ALWAYS talk to you about anything. 
• What you bury, you carry.
  • There is so much value in processing wounds. If you don’t process and leave it in the dark, it will continue to affect you, most of the time compounding and intensifying. 
  • When you’re ready to process, think about who is truly safe for you to talk to. Start there. 
  • GOD IS WITH YOU. He always was, and He always will be. 

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

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Resources Mentioned:

The Hope of Survivors

List of Resources for victims, survivors, advocates, and anyone looking to learn more: https://sandyphillipskirkham.com/resources/

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst

Books on Spiritual Abuse by Marie Fortune

Connecting with Sandy Kirkham

SandyPhillipsKirkham.com

Let Me Prey Upon You Book

Email: [email protected]

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #aacc #sandykirkham #clergyabuse #sexualabuse #exploitation #churchabuse #clergysexualabuse #thehopeo

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*Trigger Warning* This episode centers around marijuana use, mentions additional illegal drugs, and the impacts of these drugs on teens and young adults. 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. Linda Mintle. Dr. Linda has a Ph.D. in Urban Health and Clinical Psychology and is a national expert on mental health. She is also an author, speaker, professor, media personality and Licensed Therapist

Host of the Dr. Linda Mintle Radio Show. Today, Paige and Dr. Mintle discuss the unknown dangers behind marijuana use and why it is especially dangerous for teens and young adults. More and more research studies are being conducted and the results are shocking. As parents, being educated on this issue is vital to engaging in thoughtful conversations with our teens.

Paige’s Takeaways

• Marijuana is NOT harmless.
• The marijuana that people are ingesting today has a completely different potency level than back in the 60s and 70s.
• Don’t allow fear to dominate the way you educate your kids. We must model good behavior and choices, get educated as a parent, and give the “why” behind why we don’t partake in certain things. 

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Resources Mentioned:

John Hopkins Cannabis Use Article

BOOK: Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and The Drug Company That Addicted America

Dopesick Mini-Series

Connecting with Dr. Linda Mintle

DrLindaMintle.com

The Dr. Linda Mintle Show

Books by Dr. Linda Mintle

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #aacc #drlindamintle #marijuana #marijuanause #drugs #myths #truth #geteducated #bigpharma #mediamanipulation #pfcaudiovideo 

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*Trigger Warning* This episode contains adult themes, specifically centered around self-harm. Listener discretion is advised.

No parent wants to find out that their child is self-harming. Such a revelation can leave you devastated, confused, and desperately wanting to find solutions - but where do you begin? 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. Mark Mayfield. Dr. Mayfield is a former pastor, award-winning author, speaker, certified master Christian coach, mental health counselor, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. This necessary discussion on self-injuring behaviors is full of insight on approaching your child in this instance, how to initiate a conversation and your next steps. While this may seem counterintuitive, Paige and Dr. Mayfield explain how a child’s self-injuring behavior means they want to know they’re alive - which means there is always hope.

Paige’s Takeaways

• Remind your kids they have been made on purpose, for a purpose.
• Talk through the behavioral attitudes of your kids. Be curious about why your kid asks out - ask questions and listen.
• Spend 1-2 minutes looking into your child’s eyes. There is power when we put aside distractions and intentionally connect with our kids.

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Connecting with Dr. Mark Mayfield

Dr. Mayfield

Hope & Healing for Loneliness Workbook

Dr. Mayfield Books

Help! My Teen is Self-Injuring Ebook

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #therapy #counseling #aacc #parenting #selfharm #selfinjury #curiosity #listen #support #resources #coreneeds #intention #askquestions #pfcaudiovideo 

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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. Mercy Connors. Dr. Connors is a Licensed Professional Counselor, the Director of Program Development and Professional Relations with AACC and is happily married to Jesse Connors, Founder of TrueLife.org, and has three children and one waiting in heaven. Together, Paige and Dr. Connors discuss parenting mechanisms that help ensure our children grow up feeling safe, loved, protected, and empowered. 

Paige’s Takeaways

• Recognize that we need to create structure in our homes
  • When there is a lack of structure, there is an anxious attachment in our kids.
  • Our kids need guidance/guardrails/boundaries to learn self-control and discipline.
• When we lay down rules, we explain the “why” behind the rules
  • Though our kids may not fully understand or agree with our reasons, explaining the why behind a rule is so important as they develop.
• Green Therapy
  • Get your kids outside! There’s so much value in getting outside in God’s creation - and it’s been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Connecting with Dr. Mercy Connors

drmercylpc.com

Christian Care Connect

American Association of Christian Counselors

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #therapy #counseling #aacc #parenting #boundaries #friendship #healthychildren #betterself #guide #instruct #model #pfcaudiovideo 

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The term “catfishing” has been around for years, and many of us like to think we’re savvy enough to spot a scam. But as catfishers become more sophisticated, it’s easier than ever for both adults and kids to fall victim - risking not just money but personal safety. In this episode, Paige shares her personal experiences with scammers and is joined by producer Mike Segovia to reveal key strategies for avoiding scams and having essential conversations with our kids about staying safe online.

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist (Manti Te’o Documentary on Netflix)

Guest Info:

Mike Segovia - PFC Audio Video

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #onlinesafety #catfishing #communicate #educate #research #beinformed #redflags #criticalthinking #scammed #homeword #pfcaudiovideo 

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*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.

Links:

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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Curious about taking your children on a short-term mission trip? This episode is for you! Join Paige as she welcomes her producer, Mike, and reflects on her transformative journey to the Dominican Republic with her two daughters. She unpacks key considerations for parents, the heart posture needed for this type of experience, and the real “pros and cons” to weigh before committing. Mission trips can be humbling and life-changing, offering a powerful opportunity for both you and your children!

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Solid Rock International

Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=bRXlTvQf5Ao&feature=youtu.be

Guest Info:

Mike Segovia - PFC Audio Video

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #missionstrip #missions #connection #relationships #shorttermmissions #familymissions #dominicanrepublic #culturedifferences #solidrockinternational #homeword #pfcaudiovideo 

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What if parenting focused on teaching our children self-regulation? Imagine if they knew how to advocate for themselves and understood the unique ways they learn best. In today’s episode, Paige welcomes Dr. Kelly Cagle, host of the Parenting IQ podcast, author of God's Promises as Waves, and devoted mom to three boys: Levi, Titus, and Micah, alongside her husband, Josh. Holding a PhD in Education, Dr. Kelly is passionate about guiding parents to turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities, equipping their children with both the heart and mind to thrive as lifelong learners. This is an encouraging and impactful conversation for parents with all school-aged (or soon-to-be school-aged) children. 

Paige’s Takeaways

• During different seasons, certain things deserve a no, (even if they’re good things).
  • Filter and focus! If it’s not part of the vision, filter it out. 
  • Your child needs time to REST and CREATE. 
• Take a brain break!
  • Physically remove yourself from your task to reset your brain.
  • Move your body! Stretch, do jumping jacks, run stairs, etc.
• Teach your child to recognize their body cues.
  • Kid have the wiggles? Let them know they can get up and dance, move around, and reset their body. 
  • Teach them how to advocate for this need, especially in a school setting. E.g. Go to the teacher and kindly ask if they can move/stretch in the back of the class during lessons so they can focus better. 

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud

Connect with Dr. Kelly Cagle

https://www.drkellycagle.com/

Instagram: @drkellycagle 

God’s Promises as Waves

Parenting IQ Podcast

University Model School

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #drkellycagle #godspromisesaswaves #parenting #homeschooling #lifelonglearning #selfregulation #emotionalintelligence #student #children #adhd #brainbreaks #pfcaudiovideo 

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On today’s episode of Embracing Your Season, Paige welcomes Nirup Alphonse, lead pastor of LIFEGATE Church in Denver, devoted husband, and father of four boys. Nirup delivers a powerful message on parenting, emphasizing the importance of leading children toward their God-given identity. He challenges parents to go beyond raising independent kids and instead nurture humility - teaching them to recognize their role in shaping others and to take ownership of their lives. Paige and Nirup dig into formation through Godly discipleship, how studying our kids makes us better parents, and how orienting our family rhythms on Christ helps combat the passive (yet powerful) “discipleship” of culture. 

Paige’s Takeaways

• What are we orienting your family around?
  • Even in the busiest seasons, keep returning to the rhythm of putting Jesus at the center of your family. When your family knows why Jesus is the focal point, you go through your days at a different speed and with a new perspective.
• Implement a family rhythm
  • This can look like any number of things but maybe it’s implementing a family Sabbath or adding family devotions before or after school - the point is to keep to a rhythm that grounds your family and helps to keep you oriented on Christ.
• Love your kids into becoming
  • Kids will make foolish decisions, but that is NOT their identity. Highlight their God-given identity, and address them by calling out who God has designed them to be. 
• Deconstruct the culture in real-time
  • While this takes work, we need to be dedicated as parents to ask our kids about the messages they see through media, peers, at school, etc., consistently. If we avoid these conversations, we’re allowing the world to disciple our kids.

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Connect with Nirup Alphonse

LIFEGATE Church, Denver

Church Instagram: @lifegatedenver

Instagram: @nirupalphonse

Email: [email protected]

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #lifegatechurchdenver #pastor #leadpastor #family #raisingchildren #familyunit #discipleship #community #relationship #pfcaudiovideo 

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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

Discussing Spiritual Warfare (SW) isn’t the most comfortable topic for the modern-day Christian. We like our “spiritual forces of evil” to be metaphorical rather than literal. Yet, the Bible is clear that we are in a battle against a very real Satan and very real principalities - so, how do we fight? Today, Paige is joined by Gina Burns, the founder and director of Praying Wives & Mothers Ministries, the founder and director of a homeless ministry called The Blessed Portion along with her husband, and a mother who has been doing Spiritual Warfare ministry for 15 years. Gina breaks down SW and how it can affect all the areas in our lives. By paying attention to the subtle ways the enemy sneaks in, we can stand firm in the authority given by Christ and teach our children how to guard themselves as they grow. 

Paige’s Takeaways

• Spiritual Warfare is anything contrary to the Word of God.
• We have the authority.
  • Guard your heart, guard your mind. Be on alert for doors that you may inadvertently leave open for the Enemy to come in and find a foothold.
  • Ephesians 1: All the spiritual blessings of Jesus have been given to us!!
• Normalize conversations on this topic with your kids.
  • Start simply by asking: How can I pray for you today? How has the enemy been messing with you lately?
  • Remind them that they have a God who loves them, who is always with them, who hears their prayers, and who has appointed them with the authority of the Holy Spirit. 

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @Paige Clingenpeel

Instagram: @paigeclingenpeel

YouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWord

HomeWord

Connect with Gina Burns:

Praying Wives & Mothers Ministries

Facebook: Praying Wives and Mothers Ministries

The Blessed Portion Ministries

Keywords/Hashtags

#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #ginaburns #spiritualwarfare #deception #prayingwivesandmothersministries #prayer #ltruth #speaktruth #knowJesus #bible #nofear #pfcaudiovideo 

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