In this episode, I dive into Parenting: Getting It Right by Andy and Sandra Stanley — a practical, encouraging guide for parents at any stage. I’ll walk you through the core ideas of the book, what stood out to me, and a few areas where I’d add a slightly different perspective. Whether you’re a new parent, deep in the teenage years, or just thinking ahead, this conversation will give you real, relatable insights on how to parent with purpose, connection, and long-term vision.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually means to “get it right” as a parent — and why it matters — this one’s for you.

In this episode, we dive into the biblical principle of "training up a child in the way they should go." As parents, it's crucial to understand the difference between promises and principles in Scripture. While this verse in Proverbs is not an unconditional promise, it provides valuable guidance on how to spiritually nurture our kids. 

Main Idea: How parents can guide children toward discovering their purpose, focusing on aligning skills, interests, and service to others, grounded in a spiritual framework.

0:07–1:00 – Introduction: Overview of the topic – helping kids find their purpose beyond happiness. Reflects on cultural pressures and introduces the idea of "purpose as glorifying God."

1:00–3:45 – The Happiness Myth: Critique of happiness as a shallow life goal and how culture emphasizes instant gratification, creating a cycle of dissatisfaction.

3:45–5:00 – Purpose Beyond Self: Introduces Rick Warren’s "Purpose-Driven Life" concept of glorifying God and the importance of pursuing meaningful, high goals.

5:00–7:40 – Mission and Context: Differentiates between life purpose (to glorify God) and mission contexts (changing roles like parenting, work). Highlights how society overemphasizes occupation.

7:40–10:00 – Intersection of Skills, Interests, and Service: Defines purpose as the combination of these three elements. Discusses how service to others brings fulfillment.

10:00–12:00 – Practical Parenting: Encourages trying various activities to help kids discover interests that align with service. Stresses the role of the church as a resource.

12:00–13:14 – Resilience Through Purpose: Explains how aligning skills and service builds resilience and unlocks a child's potential.

13:14–16:30 – Power of Prayer: Links purpose discovery with the spiritual practice of prayer. Suggests teaching kids that prayer empowers them to affect change and connect with God.

16:30–17:43 – Closing Thoughts: Reinforces the idea that parents can help children find their purpose through prayer, service, and aligning their unique gifts with God’s will.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Chap Clark, discussing his insights on the book "Anxious Generation" and his unique philosophy on parenting in today's world. Dr. Clark shares a fourfold strategy for parents aiming to create an environment that fosters joy, critical thinking, expanded perspectives, and communal love.

Dr. Clark emphasizes the role of community and authentic relationships in helping the younger generation build resilience against societal pressures and technological influence. This episode offers strategies for effectively navigating parenting challenges and encouraging a thriving, joyful, and connected life for children.

In this episode of the Curious Podcast, we explore into the thought-provoking book "Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt. Join me as I explore the rising anxiety levels in Generation Z and Generation Alpha, and discuss how parents can effectively navigate this challenging landscape. 

I explore Haidt's arguments about the dangers of overprotection in the real world and under-protection in the virtual world. I also discuss the importance of encouraging free play, fostering resilience, and understanding the gender differences in mental health impacts.

Lastly, I cover practical solutions for parents, including delaying social media exposure, limiting online interaction, and promoting real-world engagement–especially in churches.

I discuss the historical shifts in the age of puberty and its cognitive implications, the importance of early childhood attachment and free play, and the evolving needs of young people today. The episode also highlights the significant role of parents in shaping their children's values and behaviors, especially in a rapidly changing world filled with anxiety and technological advancements.

Lastly, we will uncover practical strategies for fostering resilience and emotional intelligence in children, while also addressing the importance of parents' mental health and community support.

Stay tuned for an upcoming episode featuring a deep dive into a new book on the rising anxiety levels among kids and how parents can effectively respond.

If you want to preview the book: The Anxious Generation

In this episode, Scott dives into the evolution of parenting styles over the last few hundred years, highlighting the shift from authoritarian methods to more individualized approaches.

Scott explores various parenting styles, including attachment, gentle, helicopter, and authoritarian parenting. He discusses the importance of adapting parenting techniques to different life situations and emphasizes the need for values-based parenting.

By examining the cultural and historical context of these styles, Scott offers insights into how parents can navigate the complexities of modern parenting. 

A talk about helping parents and adults to be mindful of the signs our young people exhibit that may lead to suicidal tendencies. We're here to help. 

The final episode of this 3 part miniseries where Dr. Chap Clark discusses the need we all have to belong and how parents and adults can support young people in our 21st century context. 

In this episode, Dr. Chap Clark dives into the second core need we all have as people - Our search for Purpose.