What does fatherhood look like as a stepdad? 

In this honest and encouraging conversation, Joe shares his family’s story — from building trust and “credit in the bank” with your child, to choosing your battles wisely, being courageous, and finding security in knowing the battle is already won because of Jesus. 

He also reflects on how church community has helped strengthen family life. 
A thoughtful listen for every parent and step-parent.

This week on the Faith in Parents podcast, Ed and Amy are joined by Chris Morphew—teacher, chaplain, author, and new dad—to help you make Easter one of the big three family celebrations (alongside Christmas and birthdays).

From sock donkeys and paper mâché tombs to great books, easy podcasts, and our brand new Let’s Go Easter story resource—there’s something for every family, however much prep time you’ve got.

Be inspired to share the brilliant news of Jesus’ death and resurrection this Easter.

Chris Morphew is an author, teacher, and school chaplain living in Sydney, Australia. His books include Best News Ever, a 100-day guide to the Gospel of Mark, and The Big Questions, a series of short books answering tough questions about life and faith. Chris enjoys Mario Kart, obscure board games, and superhero movies, and has been told he looks like Chris Hemsworth from the back. 

The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath 

Books to help you talk about Easter:

For 0-3s: The Easter Fix by Steph Williams

For 3-6s: God's big promises: Easter Sticker and Activity Book by Carl Laferton

For 7-10s: Jesus storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

For 11+: How Do We Know That Christianity Is Really True? by Chris Morphew 

Fun facts about kings and queens who couldn’t stop reigning! Bonus fun facts from Ed about Easter celebrations in France, Italy, and Australia; Jam gets excited about marzipan, and even Action Tim gets some chocolate eggs. Astonishing news from the tomb in Matthew 28: 1-10. But what does it mean?! It’s the best news ever! All that plus music from Dumbrocks.

Brick by Brick resources right HERE

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Within a week, the king who arrived on a donkey is now being killed on a cross. What is going on? Ed explains why that might be sad but good from Matthew 27:35-54. Fun facts about how Roman soldiers were ready for anything, including carrying around Emperor Penguins?! Action Tim’s favourite Yew Tree has gone missing, but that might be a good thing. All that, and music from Awesome Cutlery. 

Brick by Brick resources right HERE

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How do we talk to our kids about war and conflict?

When the news is full of suffering and injustice, it can be hard to know what to say — or how much our children should hear. 

In this episode of the Faith in Kids Parents Podcast, we explore how Christian families can engage with these tough topics with wisdom and hope.

Listen in for encouragement and ideas to help your family face difficult world events with truth, compassion, and prayer.

Why can’t you farm zebras? Unless you're very rich? Jam impersonates a fly and we go back to the woods to meet an old favourite friend who can’t get across the river! 

Why did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on a donkey? Is that what kings really do? Ed explains why from Matthew 21:1-11. Michael J Tinker sings Jesus is the Hero from The Greatest Rescue Ever.

Check out The Easter Story Brick By Brick, including Let’s Go! A Family Easter Adventure, our brand new digital family devotional.

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Let Stewart talk you into the light of God's love for all, whether they have lots of money or very little. He has stories to help us to get to grips with how different God's Kingdom is from our world. Join the adventure as Stewart tells us the joy he found in a Rwandan home, the contentment of his childhood (with very little money) and the heroes who are breaking free of their debt. 

Stewart McCulloch leads Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and he is passionate to help us talk about poverty, injustice and the stories of the many who are living it. A third of the UK are severely stressed about their finances and 4 million of our children are living in poverty. As a special bonus, hear about the origin of the grand old Duke of York's march up a hill!

We are here to make your difficult conversations a little easier and this one is another belter! 

At CAP, Stewart champions a collective, church-based movement, a clear response to the UK's deepening poverty crisis. This combines with his personal passion to free people from debt and see transformed lives as a result. Previously, he headed an international insurance business before moving to Christian charities like World Vision and Stewardship, as part of his wish to integrate his faith and work.

Jam is very proud of fixing a hoover. But how did he manage this given how useless he is with spanners and screwdrivers?! And what does Ed do in an emergency? If that’s stressing you out, don’t worry: we’ve got birdsong to calm you. But also something much much better as James, the brother of Jesus, explains in his letter. We’re looking at James 5:13-18! More japes from our hopeless pirates, and one more chance to hear our brand new song by Dumb Rocks! Sing along here:

Get your Living Faith resources here:

https://www.faithinkids.org/resources/sunday-school/james-living-faith/

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Amy and Ed return to talking about illness. 

This time they have found an expert to bring the help. 

Anika helps us to walk a child through the fear and the confusion, when they can't explain it and they can't understand it. Anika tells us how to do it with playdoh. Amy tells us she's done it with pictures of bridges and lying in wet grass. Ed admits that he always knew the answer didn't lie in a book. And you'll never guess- it's all about the parents, the church and Jesus as he walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death.

Anika lives in Cambridge with her husband Matt, their six children and lively chocolate labrador. She works as a pastoral counsellor and tutors for Biblical Counselling UK. Having previously worked as a doctor she is now training in child and adolescent psychotherapeutic counselling. In her spare time she likes to crochet or write poetry. Anika has written a book about Easter for children How can they call it good?  and a video version of it can be found here.  

Some songs to listen to  

Yet not I but through Christ in me 

Tumbling skies - An album of Psalms for weary souls 

Some books for children 

Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen? by Chris Morphew 

The Moon is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson 

Have you ever grown anything? How did it go? Probably very slowly! Jam explains how his carrots went! We’re not very good at waiting, but this episode is about waiting – and how to be patient. Like certain creatures that lurk in the water – those are the fun facts! Ed and Jam are looking at James 5:7-11. Meanwhile, the pirate crew are getting fed up and want their mummies. But there’s a party coming soon! Michael J Tinker has a song about that – and check out his space adventure, Mission to Dendros! 

Get your Living Faith resources here:

https://www.faithinkids.org/resources/sunday-school/james-living-faith/

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