Upside-Down Parenting

Every child wants to belong. But in a culture of constant comparison, social pressure, and the desire to fit in, how can Christian parents help their kids find lasting confidence and identity in Christ?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Heather Holleman, author of the Elita Brown series and This Seat's Yours, to explore how parents can help their children navigate friendship challenges, rejection, bullying, and comparison. Heather shares practical insights on building meaningful relationships, fostering emotional resilience, and helping kids understand that their worth isn't determined by others' approval but by who they are in Jesus.

Discover how to help your children find true belonging, embrace their God-given identity, and extend Christlike love and kindness to those around them.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with another parent who could use some encouragement!

Have you ever caught yourself saying or doing something and thought, "Oh no, I'm becoming my parents!"?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig share some of the funny, unexpected, and meaningful ways they've become more like their parents. From family quirks and traditions to habits of faith and serving others, they reflect on the things worth passing down to the next generation.

But what about the habits and character flaws we don't want our kids to inherit? How can we recognize unhealthy patterns and become more intentional parents?

Join Matt and Janel for a lighthearted and encouraging conversation about family, faith, and the joy of parenting. Discover how we can learn from our upbringing, grow as parents, and build a lasting foundation of faith for our children.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker

*Discipling & Parenting in God's Grace & Hope—Arlene Pellicane

*Passing Godly Faith to Your Kids: Think Small, Win Big—Dr. Jeff Myers

Should Christians celebrate Halloween? For many Christian parents, Halloween raises difficult questions about faith, culture, and biblical convictions. Is trick-or-treating harmless fun, or are certain Halloween traditions incompatible with following Jesus? And how should families respond when other Christians reach different conclusions?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, hosts Matt Jones and Janel Greig join Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to explore how parents can approach Halloween with biblical wisdom and discernment. Together, they discuss what Scripture clearly teaches, how to distinguish biblical commands, broader biblical principles, and matters of conscience, and how to navigate disagreements with grace.

They also share practical ways to help children think critically about Halloween traditions, understand their family's convictions, and use the holiday to show Christ's love to their neighbors.

Whether your family celebrates Halloween or chooses not to participate, this conversation will encourage you to make thoughtful, biblically informed decisions while helping your children develop a lasting Christian worldview.

Learn more about Elizabeth Urbanowicz and Foundation Worldview: https://foundationworldview.com

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Foundation Worldview

*Loving God with All Your Mind—Elizabeth George

*A Christian Response to the Occult—Christopher L. Reese

Your kids are learning about sex and sexuality. But who is shaping their understanding—parents, friends, social media, or the internet? For many Christian parents, talking about sex can feel awkward, intimidating, or overwhelming. When should these conversations begin? How much should kids know at different ages? And how can parents teach God's good design for sexuality in a way that builds trust rather than shame?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Kristen Miele, founder of Sex Ed Reclaimed, to discuss how Christian parents can confidently navigate conversations about sex and sexuality from a biblical worldview. Together, they explore why parents should be their children's primary source of guidance, how to approach age-appropriate conversations, and why talking about sex should be an ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time event.

Discover practical ways to build trust, respond to difficult questions with grace and truth, and equip your kids with a biblical understanding of sexuality before culture shapes it for them.

Learn more about Kristen Miele and Sex Ed Reclaimed: https://www.sexedreclaimed.com/

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Sex Ed Reclaimed

*The True Story of Sexuality—Timothy Fox

*What is the Biblical View of Sex?—John Stonestreet

*Sexuality, Gender & God's Design—Hillary Morgan Ferrer

What do daughters really need from their dads? And how can fathers build relationships where their daughters feel loved, understood, and safe sharing what's on their hearts?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig are joined by Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, licensed professional counselor, author, and founder of The Abba Project, to discuss how dads can build stronger, more intentional relationships with their daughters.

Michelle shares practical ways fathers can move beyond surface-level conversations, listen well, build trust, and navigate difficult topics like relationships, anxiety, and body image. She also explores why daughters need meaningful connections with their dads, how fathers can respond when their daughters pull away, and why managing anger is essential to creating a safe and loving relationship.

Whether you're raising a young daughter or navigating the teenage years, this conversation offers encouragement and practical steps to help you pursue your daughter's heart and strengthen your relationship with her.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Let's Talk: Conversation Starters for Dads and Daughters—Michelle Watson Canfield, PhD

*Dad, Here's What I Really Need from You: A Guide for Connecting with Your Daughter's Heart—Michelle Watson

*Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World—Zachary Wagner

*Called to Be Dad: Becoming the Father God Designed You to Be—Mark Pitts

After spending several episodes exploring the challenges of raising kids in a technology-saturated world, what have we learned? What challenged our thinking? And what are we doing differently in our own families?

Matt Jones, Janel Greig, and Aaron Klemm reflect on their biggest takeaways and how these conversations have changed the way they approach technology and parenting.

Together, they discuss the importance of modeling healthy technology habits, setting intentional boundaries, and why it's okay for Christian families to make countercultural decisions about screens and smartphones. They also explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence, how technology can replace important opportunities for character formation, and why convenience isn't always what's best for our kids.

Ultimately, a family tech reset isn't just about reducing screen time. It's about putting technology back in its proper place and making more room for relationships, discipleship, and the things that matter most.

Whether you're just beginning to rethink your family's technology habits or have already started making changes, this conversation offers practical encouragement to take the next step.

Ready to start your own family tech reset? Get your free copy of The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at techresetbook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*Can Parents Use Technology for Good?—Johnathan McKee

*How Can We Minimize the Negative Effects of Technology in Our Homes?—Dr. Kathy Koch

How can parents protect their kids online without parenting from fear? When does gaming become unhealthy? How should kids use AI without letting it do their thinking for them?

In this special Q&A episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones, Janel Greig, and Aaron Klemm tackle some of the questions Christian parents are asking about raising kids in a technology-saturated world. They discuss online safety and exposure to inappropriate content, healthy boundaries around video games, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and how parents can prepare their kids for greater digital responsibility.

But technology isn't the only challenge parents face. Matt, Janel, and Aaron also talk about discipline, responding when a teenager begins questioning or rejecting their faith, and the advice they wish they had received when they first became parents.

Whether you're navigating smartphones, gaming, AI, faith questions, or everyday parenting decisions, this conversation offers practical encouragement for discipling your kids with wisdom, truth, and grace.

Want to go deeper on technology in your home? Order your free copy of Arlene Pellicane's The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families at TechResetBook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*The Five Love Languages for Christian Parents: Loving Your Kids Well—Gary Chapman

*Are Video Games Good for Kids? A Christian Parent's Guide—Stephen Mapstone

*Every Screen Has a Gospel: How Technology Shapes What Your Child Loves, Trusts, & Worships—Danielle Smith

Is technology just a neutral tool—or is it actually shaping who we and our children are becoming?

Smartphones, social media, video games, and artificial intelligence are woven into nearly every part of our kids' lives. But before Christian parents can help their children navigate technology wisely, we need to ask a bigger question: What does the Bible say about technology?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Ryan Pauly to explore a biblical worldview of technology. They discuss our identity as image-bearers and creators, whether technology is truly neutral, and how our devices can shape our habits, desires, relationships, and even the way we think.

Ryan also explores what children may be losing as childhood increasingly moves from face-to-face relationships into digital spaces and how parents can think biblically about artificial intelligence. How can kids benefit from AI without outsourcing critical thinking, creativity, perseverance, and wisdom?

Technology isn't going away. The goal isn't simply to embrace it or reject it, but to understand its shaping power and steward it wisely as we prepare our children for life in a technology-saturated world.

Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers. Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at TechResetBook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*From the Garden to the City: The Place of Technology in the Story of God—John Dyer

*Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age—Samuel James

*Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other—Sherry Turkle

*AI & Our Kids: Parenting with Purpose in a Tech World—Todd Korpi

What is it really like to grow up with parents who limit your screen time?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Noelle Pellicane, daughter of The Great Tech Reset author Arlene Pellicane, to hear about technology boundaries from a kid's perspective. Noelle shares whether she ever felt left out, what filled her childhood instead of screens, and why she's now grateful for the boundaries her parents put in place.

If you've ever wondered whether limiting technology will cause your kids to miss out, Noelle's story offers an encouraging look at what they might gain instead.

Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at TechResetBook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*Parent Kit: Navigating the World of Technology & Social Media

*Technology: Tool or Tyrant?—Charlie Meo

In Part 2 of our conversation with Arlene Pellicane, we move from awareness to action. What does it actually look like to reset your family's relationship with technology?

Arlene joins Matt and Janel to share practical ways parents can establish healthy tech boundaries, navigate pushback from kids, create screen-free rhythms, and help children rediscover boredom, creativity, play, and face-to-face connection. They also discuss how parents can model healthy technology habits and navigate screens that may be necessary for school.

If your family knows it's time for a tech reset but you're not sure where to begin, this conversation will help you take the first step.

Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane. Get your copy at techresetbook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness—Jonathan Haidt

*Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones—James Clear

*Transformative Household Habits for Families in God's Redemptive Story—Charlie Meo