In a world that constantly pushes us to hustle harder and do more, this week’s conversation is a breath of fresh air. I sat down with the wise and grace-filled Kari Kampakis, and she reminded us of something so important: sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is make peace with accomplishing less in a day.

As parents, it's easy to feel like we need to keep up with everything: our careers, commitments, expectations, and a perfectly run household. But what if slowing down is actually the bravest and most obedient thing we can do? Kari gives us permission to step back, breathe, and create space for the things that really matter.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• How doing less can actually strengthen your parenting and your peace
• Why margin in your schedule creates more room for spiritual growth
• Ways to listen to God's leading in the pace of your family life
• The freedom that comes when you stop chasing “shoulds” and start embracing “enough”

Kari Kampakis is a mom of four daughters, a bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Girl Mom Podcast. Her books, including Love Her Well and More Than a Mom, have encouraged countless women to parent with purpose, grace, and deep faith. Kari’s message is always full of wisdom and grounded in truth and this conversation is no different.

I hope this episode helps you take a deep breath and remember: you don’t have to do it all to be a faithful parent.

(00:00) Introduction to Parenting Dynamics

(03:08) Navigating the Challenges of Modern Parenting

(05:58) Building Lifelong Relationships with Our Children

(08:47) The Importance of Connection in Parenting

(12:07) Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

(16:24) Embracing Vulnerability in Parenting

(17:16) Navigating Big Emotions

(18:40) Understanding Adolescent Emotional Development

(20:32) Staying Grounded as a Parent

(24:01) Connecting Before Correcting

(27:32) Self-Care for Moms

(30:00) Modeling Healthy Behaviors for Future Generations

Connect with Kari

KariKampakis.com

Instagram

Girl Mom podcast

Resources Mentioned

Kari’s books

Raising Kind Daughters episode on The Christian Parenting Podcast

Christian Parenting resources

A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
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Hey Friends,

What does it really mean to build a strong family? Not a perfect one, but one grounded in love, grace, and connection? That’s exactly what we’re digging into this week on the podcast. I’m joined by the wonderful Jessica Smartt, and this conversation is the cozy encouragement every parent needs right now.

From navigating sibling squabbles to embracing the uniqueness of your kids, Jessica brings both wisdom and warmth. If your heart feels weary or your home feels chaotic, I promise this episode will feel like a deep breath and a much-needed hug.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• Why embracing your kids' personalities makes space for stronger connection
• The role of prayer in anchoring your home in peace
• How to guide sibling dynamics with grace (not just control!)
• Ways to cultivate a home that feels safe, joyful, and full of belonging

Jessica is a homeschooling mom of three, speaker, and author of several books including her newest release, Come On Home: Building a Home That Welcomes and Strengthens Your Family. With a relatable, heartfelt voice, Jessica shares from her own family life, encouraging moms to press into the everyday moments that matter most.

If you’ve ever needed a reminder that strong families are built, not born, this episode is for you.

With Love, 

Steph

Resources Mentioned

A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
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Have you ever wondered how to talk to your kids about justice in a way that’s rooted in Scripture and lived out with compassion? This week’s conversation is one that will both equip and encourage you. I’m joined by Elisa Johnston and we’re talking all about raising kids who care deeply about others and live out their faith in practical ways.

This episode isn’t about having all the answers, it's about taking small, faithful steps toward raising kids who see the needs of the world and respond with the love of Jesus.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

• How to help your kids develop compassion that leads to action
• Why biblical justice starts with seeing others the way God does
• Practical ideas for making justice part of your family’s daily rhythms
• How to guide kids through cultural conversations with truth and grace

Elisa is a mom of four, a passionate justice advocate, and the author of Justice-Minded Kids: Bite-Size Challenges to Empower Kids to Practice Justice, Compassion, and Love. Through her writing and work, she helps families build a lifestyle of justice that starts at home and extends into the world. Her work invites parents and kids alike to walk humbly, love deeply, and live boldly in their faith.

Whether you’re just beginning this journey or have been in it for a while, I hope this episode gives you the tools and encouragement you need to keep going.

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:57 Balancing Family and Work

06:13 Raising Justice-Minded Kids

09:09 Understanding Justice in a Biblical Context

11:57 Practical Steps for Families

15:07 The Kindness Quest Challenge

17:57 Navigating Challenges in Kindness Initiatives

19:15 Teaching Kids to Respond to Injustice

25:15 Equipping Parents for Justice-Minded Parenting

29:01 Practical Lessons for Raising Justice-Minded Kids

33:01 Encouragement for Parents on the Journey

Connect with Elisa:

Instagram

Website

Resources Mentioned:

Justice Minded Kids book

Clear Focus Bible for Kids

A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal

Christian Parenting resources

School Simplified

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
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Have you ever felt like your kids are too bored… or maybe like you’re the only one swimming upstream when it comes to slowing down family life? This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. I’m joined by Ginny Yurich, homeschooling mom of five and founder of the Thousand Hours Outside movement and she brings the most encouraging reminder that less structure can sometimes lead to more growth.

We talk about parenting with confidence in a culture that loves hustle, the value of being outside, and why you don’t have to do it all to be doing it right.

Here are four big takeaways from our conversation:

• Why boredom is not a problem to fix but a gift to embrace
• How outdoor time can actually help with emotional regulation, creativity, and confidence
• What it looks like to parent boldly without apologizing for your convictions
• A beautiful reminder that just showing up is a win in homeschooling (and in parenting in general!)

Ginny is a homeschooling mom of five and the founder of Thousand Hours Outside, a global movement encouraging families to spend more intentional time outdoors. She is also the author of Homeschooling, You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It and The Power of Outdoor Living for Your Child’s Development. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy, Ginny champions slower, simpler, joy-filled childhoods rooted in nature and connection.

This episode will leave you feeling lighter, freer, and more grounded. I hope it blesses you like it did me.

(00:00) Introduction to Christian Parenting Podcast

(00:57) Meet Ginny Yurich: A Homeschooling Mom's Journey

(03:50) The Benefits of Homeschooling and Outdoor Living

(07:55) Navigating Parenting Pressures and School Choices

(10:42) The Importance of Boredom in Child Development

(18:28) Fostering Independence and Creativity in Kids

(27:06) Final Thoughts on Parenting and Homeschooling

 

Connect with Ginny

Facebook

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

1000 Hours Outside

1000 Hours Outside Podcast

A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal

Christian Parenting Resources

School Simplified

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com


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If you’re navigating the world of youth sports with your kids, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, two seasoned sports dads with decades of experience in athletics and ministry to talk about one of the biggest parenting pressures today: how do we raise kids who love sports without losing sight of their faith, values, and family life?

Whether you're in the early stages of weekend games or juggling high-stakes club teams, this conversation offers so much wisdom and practical advice for keeping Jesus at the center.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• How to keep your child’s identity rooted in Christ not in their performance
• Why character development > championship rings (and how to model that)
• Questions to ask when it’s time to set boundaries or take a step back
• The importance of re-centering your family's values in the middle of a busy sports season

Ed and Brian are the co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. With deep backgrounds in athletics, family ministry, and discipleship, they speak directly to the heart of Christian parents trying to balance competition, character, and calling. Their passion is helping families honor God both on and off the field.

I’m so grateful for this timely conversation, and I hope it encourages you to lead your kids through sports with peace, confidence, and kingdom perspective.

(02:49) The Youth Sports Industrial Complex

(05:30) Parental Pressures and Identity in Sports

(08:21) Recognizing Warning Signs as Parents

(11:21) Navigating the Balance of Support and Pressure

(14:06) Character Building Through Sports

(17:07) The Impact of Social Media on Youth Sports

(19:58) The Dangers of Specialization in Youth Sports

(21:33) Integrating Faith and Sports for Holistic Development

(26:00) Balancing Sports and Family Spiritual Life

(28:55) Navigating Sundays: Sports vs. Church

(34:41) Encouragement for Parents in the Sports Landscape

Resources Mentioned

Away Game book

A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal

Christian Parenting products

Adventure Bible

Connect with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith

Ed Uszynski X

Ed Uszynsky Instagram

Brian Smith Instagram

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com


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Have you ever felt like you were faking it in life or parenting? Like God may have something more for you, but you're unsure if you’re ready or even worthy? You are so not alone.

This week I’m joined by Mary Marantz, and wow, what a conversation. Mary shares her journey from deep-rooted self-doubt to walking confidently in God’s calling. Her words will breathe courage into the parts of you that feel small, unseen, or not enough. If fear has been holding you back, this one’s for you.

Here are four things you’ll take away from this episode:

• Why feeling unqualified doesn’t disqualify you from God’s calling
• The real reason we play small and how to step out of that trap
• Practical ways to push past fear and move forward with purpose
• Encouragement for using your God-given gifts even when you’re scared

Mary is the bestselling author of Dirt and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots. She’s also the host of The Mary Marantz Show and a powerhouse speaker who inspires women to rise from insecurity and step into their God-given purpose. Her newest book, Underestimated, is all about embracing the truth that you don’t have to prove yourself, you just need to trust the One who called you.

I know this conversation will encourage you in both your parenting and your personal journey. Let it be a reminder: God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.

(00:00) Mary's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Ivy League Success

(02:49) The Struggle of Underestimating Oneself

(05:40) Understanding Fear and Its Impact on Creativity

(08:39) Flipping the Script: From Fear to Purpose

(11:29) The Gap Between Success and Significance

(18:09) The Cost of Achievement

(21:01) Overthinking and Its Consequences

(25:58) Neuroplasticity and the Power of Small Steps

(30:26) Confronting Fear and Embracing Change

Connect with Mary

MaryMarantz.com

Underestimated book

Instagram

The Mary Marantz Show

Resources Mentioned

What is your achiever type? Quiz

Christian Parenting resources

A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
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Have you or your kids ever wrestled with hard questions about faith? If so, you're not alone and you’re definitely in the right place today. This week, I’m talking with Nicholas McDonald about his personal journey through disillusionment, deconstruction, and ultimately a deep renewal of his hope in Jesus. His honesty, wisdom, and compassion are such a gift to parents who are navigating this with their kids or experiencing it themselves.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• Nicholas shows how asking hard questions can actually deepen faith when approached in a safe, truth-filled environment.
• Community is key. He shares why isolation makes doubt heavier and how loving, honest relationships can carry us through it.
• Parents don’t need to have all the answers. Walking with your child through their questions with empathy and humility is more powerful than a perfect explanation.
• Hope is always on the table even in the hardest seasons, God’s love remains, and he invites us to keep wrestling, trusting, and returning.

Nicholas is a pastor, writer, and speaker with a heart for helping people encounter Jesus through the truth of Scripture and the beauty of story. He is the author of The Light in Our Eyes: Rediscovering the Love, Beauty, and Freedom of Jesus in an Age of Disillusionment, and his teaching often bridges the gap between doubt and belief for a new generation of Christians.

I know this conversation will encourage your heart and give you practical wisdom for those messy, holy moments of parenting. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to show up.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(05:24) Disillusionment with the Church

(10:46) Parenting and Faith Challenges

(16:27) The Importance of Community

(22:02) Hope for the Future of Faith

Connect with Nick

X account

Substack

The Light in Our Eyes book

Resources Mentioned

Christian Parenting resources

A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What do we do when God’s calling for our child’s life looks nothing like we expected? This week’s episode is such a gift. I’m joined by Katie Davis Majors, a mom, missionary, and founder of Amazima Ministries who shares her journey from a planned gap year to a lifelong mission in Uganda. Her story will stretch your perspective on calling, parenting, and what it means to truly trust God with your kids.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

• God’s plans often surprise us. Katie's “one-year” mission trip became a lifelong ministry and calling.
• Katie talks about raising kids who care deeply for others and reflect the love of Jesus.
• Letting go is part of faithful parenting. We don't need to control the outcome, but we do need to walk in trust.
• Sustainable service requires surrender; serving others shouldn’t lead to burnout when it’s done from a place of abiding in Christ.

Katie is the founder of Amazima Ministries in Uganda, a mother of fifteen through adoption and birth, and the author of multiple books including Kisses from Katie and Safe All Along. She lives in Uganda with her family, where she continues to serve and write about faith, motherhood, and surrender.

This conversation will remind you that the bravest thing we can do as parents is trust God with the story he’s writing in our kids’ lives.

Resources Mentioned:

A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal

Christian Parenting resources

(00:00) Katie's Journey to Uganda and Amazima

(05:51) The Impact of Compassionate Parenting

(11:57) Letting Go of Control in Parenting and Ministry

(18:13) Amazima's Mission and Future Goals

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
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We’ve reached the final week of our school choice series, and I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation. Today, I’m chatting with my friend, Brittaney Devane about what it looks like to choose online school even when it wasn’t the original plan. Her family made a big pivot, and what followed was growth, flexibility, and a deeper sense of purpose in their schooling journey.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Online school brings unexpected flexibility for schedules, learning styles, and family time.
2. Decision-making is a team effort. Brittaney shares how she and her husband stayed united in prayer and discernment.
3. Community still matters. Even with online learning, finding support and social outlets is possible and vital.
4. It’s okay to change course. God can lead you to something better than you planned.

Whether you’re curious about online school or just love hearing real stories from fellow parents, this episode is full of wisdom and grace.

(01:59) Navigating Schooling Choices

(05:55) The Benefits of Online School

(12:01) Socialization and Community Support

(17:57) Academic Structure and Flexibility

(23:49) Decision-Making and Family Dynamics

(29:49) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Brittaney

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Liberty University Online Academy

Support Christian Parenting

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
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We’re continuing our school choice series, and today’s episode is such a thoughtful one. I’m joined by Ashley Grutzmacher—a public school teacher, mom, and passionate advocate for loving your neighbor and showing up well in your community. Ashley offers such a grounded and honest look into the public school experience, and I think this conversation will leave you feeling both encouraged and equipped.

Whether public school is your current path or you're simply exploring options, Ashley brings clarity and hope to the decision-making process.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation:

• Public schools offer unique opportunities to build relationships, engage with diversity, and reflect Christ in a natural way.
• Faith and public education can coexist. With intentionality, families can stay grounded in their values while fully participating in the public system.
• Challenges will come, but so will growth. Ashley shares practical ways to prepare your kids spiritually for real-world experiences.
• You don’t do this alone. Community, church, and family rhythms all help support your child’s faith, wherever they attend school.

Ashley is a seasoned public school teacher and mom who brings a front-row perspective to the joys and challenges of raising Christian kids in a public school setting. Her heart for students and her passion for faithful parenting make her a trusted voice in this important conversation.

I hope this episode reminds you that with prayer, wisdom, and support, you can thrive wherever God calls your family.

With grace,

Steph

(00:00) Introduction to Public Education and Personal Background

(15:08) Benefits of Public Schooling

(29:53) Challenges in Public Schooling for Believers

(24:06) Misconceptions About Public Schools

(31:48) Navigating School Choices as Parents

(36:42) Core Values in Education

Resources Mentioned

NIV Application Bible

Support Christian Parenting

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy