Parenting for the Everyday

This week, we’re diving into the world of almost-teenagers and all the wild, wonderful (and occasionally weird) changes ahead. From navigating new moods, new bodies, and new steps in independence, we’re talking about what to expect and how to prepare yourself. Whitney Heightmeyer, mom of four, gets real as we discuss gearing up for the journey. Get ready for tips, laughs, and real talk on prepping for preteens—because if you think toddlers have meltdowns, you haven’t met a 12-year-old!

Body image is something we all struggle with at times, regardless of age. So, how can we raise kids to feel confident in their own bodies? What should we be doing or saying—and, just as importantly, what should we definitely avoid saying?

Mom guilt is real, and it’s no match for Instagram faith. Becca, Sara, and Holly discuss what realistic quiet time looks like for busy, tired, and overwhelmed moms. We share practical ideas, encouragement, and a few challenges to help ensure we’re equipped to be the best version of ourselves for our kids.

We take our kids to check-ups and teeth cleanings, but do we check in on their mental health? Often, we don't consider mental health in our parenting unless we sense something is wrong. In this episode, our favorite clinical counselor talks to us about how to stay attuned to our kids' mental well-being. What are the day-to-day things we can do to promote and equip our kids with a foundation for whole-body healthy living?

In this episode of Parenting for the Everyday, we explore parenting for the long game—focusing on raising resilient, compassionate, and independent adults. Discover practical strategies for building lasting relationships, instilling lifelong values, and making decisions that prioritize your child's future. Perfect for parents at any stage, this episode offers valuable insights on parenting with intention and vision. Tune in!

Sibling rivalry is a common challenge in many households, and it can stem from various factors such as competitive nature, differing personalities, and changing dynamics. In this episode of the Parenting for the Everyday Podcast, we dive deep into understanding the roots of sibling conflicts and explore effective strategies to manage and even prevent them. Is it truly possible to have a household free from sibling rivalry? Tune in to find out as we discuss real-life experiences and practical tips to foster a harmonious environment for your children. Don't miss out on today's enlightening conversation!

Do we really know how to honor the Sabbath as Christian parents? In this episode, we explore the true meaning of the Sabbath as a rest from work, not just a day to relax or watch TV. We'll discuss how to be intentional about observing this sacred day, following God's model of resting to reconnect with Him. Discover practical tips to help your family embrace the Sabbath and strengthen your relationship with God.

Sources:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-most-important-reason-we-work
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/sabbath-rest-moms/

On this episode of Parenting for the Everyday, we bring on guest speakers Pastor Zach Weihrauch and Jimmy Kozy to discuss the fast-paced trend of faith deconstruction. We dive into what it means to deconstruct one's faith, the negative connotations associated with it, and how to reflect on your faith in a healthy manner. Tune in to today's episode to learn more.

Did you know parental burnout is a real thing? As parents, we often feel tired, defeated, and worn out. Did you know it's both normal and not normal at the same time? Join us as we talk about the real science behind parental burnout, the danger of ignoring it, and practical ways to overcome it.

In this episode of Parenting for the Everyday, we sit down and discuss how to help give our kids gospel sighted vision. What can we do in our homes to equip our kids to have compassion, grace, and kindness towards people who look and act differently than them? We sit down withLori, mother of five and Heather, CCC's CCC’s Ability Inclusion Director to talk through practical tools we can use to grow our kids in this area. 

Guest: Heather Gleason and Lori Thomas