In this episode of the 'Healthy by Heather Brown' podcast, Heather is joined by Melissa Kruger, Vice President of Discipleship Programming at The Gospel Coalition who uses Biblical teachings, insights from developmental experts, and her personal experiences as a teacher and mother of three young adults to help guide parents on raising teens with a rock-solid faith in her new book Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age.

Melissa has made the transition from raising three kids to adults, while learning and discovering how to make shifts in her parenting style. Like many parents experience, childhood transitions snuck up on Melissa, and she found limited resources to help guide her past the early years of mothering. Melissa shares insights from her new book, Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age, and offers practical advice on maintaining open communication through intentional bonding, setting boundaries around technology and schedules, and creating a loving home environment. Melissa and Heather discuss the harmful effects of parents emphasizing performance over relationship and character as well as the idols that hold parents back from a more faith-filled home. The episode also touches on the importance of outdoor activities, understanding teen development, and the power of prayer. Heather and Melissa wrap up with an encouraging prayer and actionable tips for parents striving to nurture their children's faith.

00:00 Welcome to Healthy by Heather Brown
00:42 Introducing Melissa Kruger and Her New Book
01:22 Understanding the Gospel Coalition
02:58 Challenges of Raising Teens in a Digital Age
05:24 Navigating Technology and Social Media with Teens
12:32 Setting Boundaries and Leading by Example
15:45 Encouraging Outdoor Activities and Reducing Screen Time
16:29 Communicating with Teens and Addressing School Influences
17:41 Creating Space for Teens to Open Up
19:26 The Power of Open Conversations
21:13 Balancing Teaching and Curiosity
24:21 Building a Warm and Loving Home
27:31 Staying Connected with Your Kids
29:37 Encouraging Curiosity and Genius
32:19 Resources and Final Thoughts

Links from this episode:

• Melissa Kruger's website: https://melissabkruger.com/
• Melissa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissabryankruger?igsh=MThsbWMzMjM1cXpyZQ==
• The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
• Melissa's Book On Raising Teens: https://amzn.to/4hSB1uE
• All of Melissa's Books: https://amzn.to/4hVvbso
• iGen Book: https://amzn.to/48UCdcO
• Heather's Favorite Sensory Activities: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/?s=sensory
• Heather's Favorite Devos For Adults, Families, and Kids: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/devolist
• Dr. Jean Twenge’s book iGen Book: https://amzn.to/48UCdcO
• Don’t Waste Your Life Sermon by John Piper: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/boasting-only-in-the-cross/excerpts/dont-waste-your-life
• How Community Directly Impacts Your Health and Why Isolation Adds to Anxiety and Depression with Justin Earley: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-community-directly-impacts-your-health-why-isolation/id1638763905?i=1000651151721
• A Conversation on Masculinity, Education, and Parenting with Matt Beaudreau: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-on-masculinity-education-and/id1638763905?i=1000623777027

Connect with Heather:

• 7 Days FREE of the HBHB Membership: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/membership/
• Heather's ebooks: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/product-category/digital-products/
• Heather's Amazon favorites: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/HBstorefront
• Heather's freebies: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/freebies/
• Heather's favorite liquid collagen: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/everyday-must-haves/
• Heather's email list: https://spring-pine-631.myflodesk.com/9347a138-077e-4c55-bf61-2137aeed89ea
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