Upside-Down Parenting

What should your student do after high school—and how can you help without taking over?

In Part 2 of this conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig dive into one of the most challenging tensions for parents: guiding your child's future while still allowing them to take ownership of their decisions. From gap years to college choices, they explore how to support your student with wisdom, not control.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Ask better questions that help your student think critically about their future
• Introduce options early (starting as soon as sophomore or junior year) without overwhelming them
• Encourage and incentivize wise decisions—without making those decisions for them
• Allow room for failure and growth, looking at how even Jesus gave his disciples space to struggle and learn (Mark 9)
• Have meaningful conversations by asking questions like: What excites you? What concerns you about your options?

Matt and Janel also reflect on their own post-high school experiences—including lessons they wish they had known earlier, like the importance (and pressure) of choosing a major.

Plus, they take a closer look at one powerful option many families overlook: the gap year.

Summit Gap Year is a seven-month Christian program designed to help students pause, reflect, and grow before stepping into adulthood. Instead of rushing into big decisions, students build a strong foundation of faith, character, and purpose through intentional rhythms of prayer, study, work, rest, and community.

The program includes:

• Fall Semester (Tarryall River Ranch, CO): Identity formation, solitude, spiritual disciplines, small groups, and outdoor adventure
• Spring Semester (Manitou Springs, CO): Applying faith through vocation, career exploration, cultural engagement, and evangelism

Students live in a close-knit, family-style community—sharing meals, responsibilities, and daily life—learning to live out their faith in real, tangible ways.

If you're looking for a thoughtful, Christ-centered approach to life after high school, this episode will help you navigate the decision with clarity and confidence.

Learn more about Summit Gap Year: https://www.summit.org/programs/gap-year

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Summit Gap Year

*Jesus-Centered Money Habits for Families—Dr. Shane Enete

*Truth Prepares the Soil: How Summit Gap Year Forms Lasting Faith—Isaac Hans

What should your student do after high school? College, gap year, trade school… the options can feel overwhelming—especially for Christian parents who want their kids to grow not just academically, but spiritually.

In this two-part series of Upside-Down Parenting, we walk through how to think wisely about your teen's next steps after high school. From evaluating Christian colleges to considering alternative paths, this conversation will help you guide your student with clarity, confidence, and faith.

In this series, we cover:

*The different post–high school options (college, gap year, trade school, and more)

*What really matters when evaluating a Christian college

*Why a "Christian" label doesn't always mean biblical worldview integration

*Key red flags to watch for when researching schools

*How to think about faith, academics, and personal growth together

*The bigger goal: helping your student take ownership of their faith, not just independence

*A different perspective on success

Your student doesn't "graduate" from discipleship after high school. This next season is about more than picking a school—it's about forming identity, strengthening faith, and preparing for a life of purpose.

Considering a gap year? We also talk about the value of taking a step back before rushing into big decisions. Summit Gap Year is a 7-month Christian program designed to help students grow spiritually, socially, and personally before college or career. Through community, mentorship, study, and real-world experience, students gain clarity about who they are and what God is calling them to do. Learn more here: https://www.summit.org/programs/gap-year

Helpful? Share it! If this episode encouraged you, be sure to: Subscribe for more episodes, leave a review, and share this with another parent navigating these decisions.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Episode 82: What You Should Know About Preparing for College—Dr. Mike Adams

*Top 5 Reasons Most College Students Give Up their Christian Faith

*Truth Prepares the Soil: How Summit Gap Year Forms Lasting Faith—Isaac Hans

Did Jesus really rise from the dead—and does it actually matter for how we raise our kids?

In this episode, Janel Greig and Matt Jones break down the "Minimal Facts" behind the resurrection—historical claims that even critical scholars accept—and explore why they point to something extraordinary. Then they bring it home, discussing how the resurrection changes everything about Christian parenting, from how we handle fear to how we teach truth in a skeptical world.

👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another parent trying to raise healthy, resilient kids in today's world.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Cold-Case Christianity for Kids: Investigate Jesus with a Real Detective—J. Warner and Susie Wallace

*The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus—Gary R. Habermas and Michael Licona

*On the Resurrection, Volume 1: Evidences—Gary R. Habermas

*'Possums and the Empty Tomb: Picture Book Apologetics with James and Ruth—J. D. Camorlinga

*The Resurrection of Jesus: Truth & Meaning for This Life & Beyond—Douglas Groothuis

Is screen time actually rewiring your child's brain and body?

In this episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, we explore the hidden physical and neurological impact of screen time on kids—and why Christian parents can't afford to ignore the body.

Many parents focus on spiritual growth, but what if we're overlooking something critical? God designed our kids as whole beings—body and soul. And in today's digital world, technology is shaping both in powerful ways.

We're joined by Bryan Crutcher, Professor of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, to unpack the science and theology behind movement, physical development, and screen use.

• How screen time affects kids' brain development and physical health
• The long-term costs of a sedentary childhood
• Why movement is essential for learning, emotional regulation, and growth
• Common mistakes parents make with kids' sports, activity, and habits
• How to build healthy rhythms of movement at every stage (kids, teens, adults)
• A biblical vision for the body: why faith is not just "spiritual"
• Practical ways to reduce screen dependence and raise active, healthy kids

What message are we sending if we prioritize spiritual disciplines but neglect physical ones? This episode will help you think differently about stewardship, discipline, and raising kids who honor God with their whole lives.

👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another parent trying to raise healthy, resilient kids in today's world.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain—Dr. John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman

*How Technology Affects Us (and What to Do About It)—Timothy Fox

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

*Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World—Dr. Kathy Koch

Is following Jesus just about the "spiritual" side of life—or does the body matter too?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, hosts Matt Jones and Janel Greig tackle a topic often overlooked in Christian parenting: the role of the body in raising kids who thrive in God's Kingdom.

Joined by Dr. Bryan Crutcher, a professor of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, this conversation explores how physical health, movement, and embodied living are essential parts of discipleship—not just optional add-ons.

Together, we unpack:

*Why the body is central to a biblical worldview

*Common mistakes parents make with kids and physical activity

*How to foster healthy movement habits without creating performance pressure

*The impact of screen time and sedentary lifestyles on kids today *What age-appropriate physical formation looks like from childhood through adolescence

*How movement helps kids regulate stress, anxiety, and emotions

*Practical ways parents can model healthy habits—even when they feel exhausted

You'll also hear how to talk about the body as a gift to steward, not a project to perfect—and how to raise kids who value health, joy, and God's design for their lives. Key takeaway: Raising kids in God's upside-down Kingdom means caring for their whole person—body and soul. If you want to raise resilient, healthy, and grounded kids in a distracted and sedentary culture, this episode will give you both a fresh perspective and practical next steps.

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with other parents who want to raise the next generation well.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

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

*Human Value & the Image of God—Christopher L. Reese

*Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality—Nancy R. Pearcey

Parenting kids is challenging—especially when you want them to stand firm in their faith in a world full of confusion and pressure. But guiding them doesn't mean controlling every decision or striving for "perfect parenting." In this episode, part two of our discussion with Alicia Bennett from Mobilizer Mom, we walk you through practical ways to guide your teen's faith, create space for honest questions, and nurture resilient, Christ-centered young people who truly own their beliefs. She shares her own journey from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to discovering joy and freedom in parenting through Christ.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Window on the World: A Children's Prayer Resource—Operation World

*Mobilizer Mom

*Feeding the Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teenagers Into Adulthood—Kenneth Wilgus

We all want our kids to stand strong in their faith—even when the world feels confusing, challenging, or downright hostile. But raising children who truly own their beliefs isn't about controlling every behavior or hitting the "perfect parenting" mark. It's about creating space for them to wrestle with faith, ask questions, and see God's truth in everyday life.

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, we're joined by Alicia Bennett from Mobilizer Mom, who knows firsthand the struggle of feeling overwhelmed and stuck in the cycle of parenting frustration. Through a personal transformation in Christ, Alicia rediscovered the joy of motherhood and the power of discipling her children in everyday moments.

She now equips parents to embrace their God-given identity, create Christ-centered homes, and raise the next generation of "Daniels and Esthers"—kids who stand firm in their faith and boldly impact the world.

Tune in as we explore how to guide your child's faith without controlling it, challenge them in new ways, and trust God to lead their hearts. This episode is packed with practical strategies for raising resilient, faith-driven kids in today's culture.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Mobilizer Mom

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

*When Mom Guilt Meets Grace: A Biblical Approach—Dr. Maggie Pope

*Gospel Mom: How to Make Biblical Decisions and Discover the Mom God Created You to Be—Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, where we help Christian parents navigate today's culture with biblical wisdom, practical tools, and real encouragement.

Parenting has never been simple—but in a world filled with new spiritual ideas, social media influences, and shifting cultural values, many parents are asking an important question: How do we help our kids recognize truth and follow Christ with confidence?

In today's episode we're talking about the growing influence of New Age and 'new spirituality' trends among young people. From mindfulness culture to manifestation, spiritual-but-not-religious beliefs, and online influencers, these ideas are shaping how kids think about truth, identity, and God—often in subtle ways.

Joining us today is Dr. Michael Plato, who will help us understand what these movements are, why they're so appealing to the next generation, and how Christian parents can respond with wisdom, grace, and a strong biblical worldview.

You'll walk away with practical insights, conversation starters, and encouragement to help your kids grow in a faith that's thoughtful, resilient, and rooted in Christ.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World—Tara Isabella Burton

*Confronting the New Age: How to Resist a Growing Religious Movement—Douglas Groothuis

*5 False Worldviews That Ensnare Your Church—Dr. Jeff Myers

In today's rapidly changing culture, many parents feel caught between two extremes: withdrawing from the world or being swept away by it. How can we raise kids who stay grounded in truth while engaging culture with wisdom, courage, and hope?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, we're joined by Sarah Stonestreet to explore how families can cultivate resilient, faith-filled kids in a post-Christian world. Together, we discuss what true biblical strength looks like, why meekness is actually power under control, and how simple daily rhythms of prayer and Scripture can shape lasting faith.

You'll be encouraged and equipped with practical insights on:

• Raising hopeful kids without fear

• Teaching biblical character in a competitive culture

• Building spiritual resilience through everyday habits

• Staying engaged with culture while rooted in truth

If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough as a parent — or felt overwhelmed by the world your kids are growing up in — this conversation will remind you that faithful parenting is about consistent formation, not perfection.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*What Marriage Has Taught Us About God—Dustin and Ruthann Jizmejian

*When Mom Guilt Meets Grace: A Biblical Approach—Dr. Maggie Pope

*Your Identity in God's Story—Natasha Smith

Parenting in today's culture can feel overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes even upside-down. But you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself.

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, we sit down with Aaron Klemm, Director of Content & Publishing at Summit Ministries, to talk about an important shift happening at Summit Ministries: a growing commitment to supporting parents more intentionally than ever before.

For years, Summit has been known for equipping students to think critically and live out a biblical worldview. Now, Summit is expanding its focus to come alongside moms and dads—providing resources, training, and encouragement to help them confidently guide their kids' faith and character.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

*Why Summit is investing more in parents right now.

*What new programs and resources are available for families

*What makes Summit's approach to parenting unique

*How a biblical worldview shapes practical parenting guidance

*Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start

Whether you're raising young kids, teens, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that you don't have to navigate today's challenges alone—and that equipping the next generation starts with equipping parents.

👉 Subscribe for more practical wisdom and biblical encouragement to help you parent with confidence.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Raising Gender-Confident Kids: Helping Kids Embrace Their God-Given Design—Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch

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

*The Nuts and Bolts of Worldview Formation—Dr. Maggie Pope and Dr. Roger Erdvig