How can we teach our children gratitude in a world that’s constantly telling them (and us) that we should always want more? In this episode, Paul and Cindy Karos return to the podcast to share practical tips and encouraging words for parents who are looking for healthy alternatives to materialism. They talk about their own experience with raising their children to value gratitude, give generously and live simply. They also answer a few listener questions and discuss how you can take a balanced approach to the coming Christmas season.|

Find the “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know eBook” at https://www.faithtree.org/parenting

Download The Encounter app at https://www.faithtree.org/the-encounter

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking about gratitude and materialism with Paul and Cindy Karos.
• Why is materialism such an issue in our culture? 
• How do you teach your children to find “the middle way”?
• What are some signs that we’ve maybe lost balance?
• How have you taught your kids to value giving?
• The simpler you live, the more freedom you have.
• How did you approach fasting as a family? 
• Can you share some strategies you used to teach thankfulness? 
• Do you have any tips for approaching the Christmas season intentionally? 
• What would you say to a parent whose child is obsessed with trendy things?

Resources:

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“Parenting Toward the Kingdom” by Dr. Philip Mamalakis (with the new companion guide) 

10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know

Ever wonder if your kids are really noticing your faith or if anything you’re doing is sinking in? In this episode, Michelle sits down with musician Joe Ayoub to talk about the quiet, powerful ways parents shape their children’s spiritual lives without even realizing it. Joe reflects on how the lessons his parents modeled decades ago still shape his life today, and why love will always reach further than guilt or fear. If you’ve ever questioned whether your example matters, this episode will remind you that your kids are watching, and God is working—even when you can’t see it yet. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Our Foundations of Faith cards offer an engaging and easy way to teach the essentials of Orthodoxy, providing a beautifully designed introduction to help new members feel at home. Learn More at https://www.faithtree.org/cards

The Lionheart Sessions offer a transformative four-week curriculum designed to integrate men into the life of the Church. Learn More at https://www.faithtree.org

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, we’re talking with Joe Ayoub
• How did Joe’s parents shape his faith?
• What role did freedom play in helping him stay connected to the Church?
• Why is unconditional love more powerful than guilt or fear in parenting?
• What hope can parents hold onto when their children take a different path?

Resources:

Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 

Download this episode’s free discussion guide

Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources

Download The Encounter app

Get your copy of 10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know

We all want to feel like we’re doing a good job raising our kids. But what does success actually mean for Orthodox Christian parents? In this episode, Dr. Philip Mamalakis returns to the podcast to share his perspective on the long-term goals parents should focus on when raising children who know God and love the Church. He also offers some practical tips for prioritizing hard work over accolades, creating a safe space for our kids to make mistakes, and helping them find their vocation. 

Find the “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know eBook” at https://www.faithtree.org/parenting

Download The Encounter app at https://www.faithtree.org/the-encounter

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re welcoming Dr. Philip Mamalakis back to the podcast 
• How can we define success for ourselves and our children? 
• What have you done to raise children who’ve stayed engaged in the life of the Church?
• How can we avoid prioritizing accolades and achievement? 
• What does it look like to bring the Church into the home?
• How can parents set realistic expectations?
• Why should we teach our kids to make mistakes? 
• How can we find balance between hard work and pursuit of excellence?
• How do you guide your children through finding their vocations? 
• What do you do with a child who’s struggling to tell the truth? 
• Can you share advice for co-parents who don’t share the same beliefs?

Resources:

Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 

Download this episode’s free discussion guide

Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources 

Get The Encounter App

“Parenting Toward the Kingdom” by Dr. Philip Mamalakis (with the new companion guide) 

It’s normal to feel afraid for our children and worry about their futures. But when we let those feelings take control, it often leads to a style of parenting that doesn’t consider our children's emotional lives. In this episode, George Papageorge explains how we can embrace peace and prioritize heart-to-heart communication that makes our children feel known and loved. He also reminds us to develop our own healthy emotional lives, so we can better serve God and love our children. Finally, he shares some advice and encouragement for parents who worry about their children leaving the church when they grow older. George is a marriage and family therapist with more than 35 years of experience working with families, so you won’t want to miss out on his expert perspective! 

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking with George Papageorge about building deeper connections with our children 
• What can parents do to foster heart-to-heart connections?
• How can we help our children feel known and loved?
• What might it look like to parent out of peace instead of fear? 
• What is the parenting stethoscope, and how does it work? 
• With so many things to be afraid of today, how can we embrace faith instead?
• What does a healthy emotional life look like for a parent, and why is it so important? 
• How do we know if we’re good listeners? 
• What can the parable of the prodigal son teach us about parenting? 
• How can we help our children stay connected to the church?
• What are the killers of communication?
• How can we repair broken communication? 

Resources:

Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 

Download this episode’s free discussion guide

Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources

Dr. John Gottman’s research

The culture around us can make it seem like technology use is just inevitable. But as a parent, you have the power to choose what role you want technology to play in the life of your family. In this episode, Dr. Felicia Wu Song joins the podcast to share some of her best advice and encouragement for parenting in the digital age. She explains why intentionality is so important when it comes to technology and shares some practical examples of what it can look like to set healthy boundaries. She also reminds us that every family and every child is different and encourages parents to get creative and stay open to experimentation. 

Find the “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know eBook” at https://www.faithtree.org/parenting

Download The Encounter app at https://www.faithtree.org/the-encounter

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking with Dr. Felicia Wu Song about parenting in the digital age 
• Why do you say that technology is not inevitable? 
• How can parents go against the grain with technology usage? 
• What is monotasking, and why do you recommend it? 
• Is technology neutral? 
• How can parents have grace for themselves as they navigate this new environment? Should we engage with technology at all? 
• What might it look like to experiment with technology use as a family? 
• What tools do you recommend for maintaining boundaries? 

Resources:

• Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 
• Download this episode’s free discussion guide
• Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources
• “Restless Devices” by Dr. Felicia Wu Song
• Download our guide to “Navigating the Digital Tsunami” 
• Download The Encounter app
• BePresent App
• Brick

We all want to raise our kids to love God and love the Church, but what are the practical strategies that can help us do that? In this episode, Paul and Cindy Karos reflect on the biggest lessons they learned from parenting three children who have stayed deeply rooted in the Church into adulthood. They share some of the tactics that worked well for them, like surrounding their family with friends who share the faith and teaching their kids about the saints, along with a few things they wish they’d done differently. They also offer encouragement to any parent who feels like they’re running on empty. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, this episode is full of relatable, useful information! 

Find the “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know eBook” at https://www.faithtree.org/parenting

Download The Encounter app at https://www.faithtree.org/the-encounter

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, we’re talking with Paul and Cindy Karos 
• What role did the Church play in your upbringings and your early marriage? 
• How did you raise your children to love the Church?
• Why is joy so important when instilling faith in our kids? 
• What practical steps did you take to teach your kids about priorities? 
• How can parents adapt to the difficult times we’re living in today? 
• How can we raise our kids to rejoice in suffering? 
• What should you do if you feel like you’re running on empty?

Resources:

Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 

Download this episode’s free discussion guide

Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources

Download The Encounter app

Orthodox Christian parenting is about forming our children’s hearts and minds in light of eternity. For our very first episode of the podcast, we’re thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. Philip Mamalakis, author of “Parenting Toward the Kingdom.” Philip explains why theosis, or union with God, is the ultimate goal of parenting, and he shares some practical examples of how this attitude informs his approach to raising children. He also shares why he doesn’t think parents are called to eradicate their children’s sin and discusses the difference between being directive and providing choices.

Find the “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know eBook” at https://www.faithtree.org/parenting

Download The Encounter app at https://www.faithtree.org/the-encounter

• For our first episode, we’re talking with the author, counselor and professor Dr. Philip Mamalakis
• What is theosis, and why is it the goal for Orthodox Christian parents? 
• Can you share an example of applying this approach to parenting in a difficult moment? 
• What role can the Church play in raising kids toward the Kingdom? 
• Why do you say it’s not a parent’s job to help eradicate sin? 
• How do you balance being directive and providing choices? 
• How should we respond when we find ourselves feeling angry? 
• Why are consequences less important than teaching self-control? 

Resources:

Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube 

Download this episode’s free discussion guide

Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources

“Parenting Toward the Kingdom” by Dr. Philip Mamalakis

Parenting in today’s world isn’t easy — but you don’t have to walk it alone. Orthodox Christian Parenting, hosted by Faithtree Resources Executive Director (and mom of four!) Michelle Moujaes, is a weekly podcast for parents and grandparents navigating the holy struggle of raising kids in the Holy Orthodox Faith. Each episode offers honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom from the Church — creating space to exhale, freedom from the pressure to be perfect, and openness to grow as you raise children who are growing in their knowledge and love of Christ.

Visit faithtree.org to learn more.