The Christian Parenting Podcast

With Steph Thurling
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Podcast:

The Christian Parenting Podcast

With Steph Thurling
The Christian Parenting Podcast with Steph Thurling
As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God's love for them every day! But some days, it's really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be. Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.
All Episodes:
Nov 19 • 45:03
Decluttering our thought lives with Cleere Cherry Reaves

I am thrilled to share today's episode with you! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cleere Cherry Reaves, our conversation was rich with insights and heartfelt moments, and I know youll love it.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Navigating the complexities of parenting a child with special needs and the lessons learned along the way.
  • Emphasizing the importance of leaning on God's plan and embracing grace in our parenting journey.
  • Utilizing rituals and declarations to foster deep, meaningful connections and spiritual growth.
  • We must be fully present with our children and cherish the moments we have with them.

Cleere Cherry Reaves is the owner and creator of Cleerely Stated, a successful online boutique whose inspirational products can be found in retail stores all over the United States. She also hosts the growing Let's Be Cleere podcast. Known for her relatable writing style, Cleere's mission is to help others see themselves and the world around them through the eyes of Jesus. Cleere and her husband, Will, live in Greenville, North Carolina, and welcomed their first child, Sledge, into the world in the summer of 2021. 

This conversation felt like catching up with an old friend; youll feel the same way. Enjoy!

(02:59) Parenting Journey and Special Needs

(05:59) The Complexity of Parenting

(09:05) Navigating Parenting Challenges

(11:56) The Importance of Surrender

(14:56) Decluttering Thought Lives

(18:06) Squirreling Out: Managing Overwhelm

(20:53) Intentional Declarations and Family Dynamics

(23:54) Practical Applications of Declarations

(26:58) Creating Family Rituals

(30:01) The Role of Grace in Parenting

(32:54) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Cleere

https://www.cleerelystated.com/

@cleerelystated

Resources Mentioned

Revive: Declarations of Gods Truth to Renew Your Spirit

Cleerely Stated Store

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting store

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 12 • 29:11
Building a legacy of gratitude and grace with Sally Clarkson

I am absolutely thrilled about today's episode! We have the honor of welcoming Sally Clarkson to the showa voice that has profoundly influenced Christian parenting for many years. Her wisdom and approach have significantly impacted so many of us, and I have long admired her message on parenting.

We discussed her newest book, Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace. Sally shares invaluable insights on:

  • Emphasizing our crucial role in nurturing our children.
  • Reflecting on her own challenges and the growth that came from them.
  • Discussing the joys and responsibilities that come with our role as parent.
  • Offering practical advice on instilling faith and gratitude in our families.
  • Sharing the joy of seeing her family carry on these practices in their own lives.

Sally Clarkson co-founded Whole Heart Ministries with her husband, Clay, where she serves as the womens ministry director. She is the author of numerous popular books, including Own Your Life and Desperate (co-authored with Sarah Mae). As a mother of four, Sally has inspired thousands of mothers through her Mom Heart Conferences and small groups since 1998. 

This conversation is filled with gentle wisdom and practical advice. I hope you find it as enriching as I did.

(02:59) The Legacy of Parenting and Writing

(05:55) Embracing the Role of 'Queenie' in Family

(09:05) Challenges in Parenting and Reliance on God

(11:57) Daily Parenting Practices and Building Legacy

(14:59)The Importance of Unconditional Love

(17:59) The Joy of Grandparenting and Passing on Legacy

Connect with Sally

https://sallyclarkson.com/

At Home with Sally podcast

Resources Mentioned

Well Lived book

Christian Parenting store

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 5 • 37:21
Faith, identity, and self-acceptance in a digital world with Jill Atogwe

Weve reached the final week of our series on identity, and Im thrilled to be joined by Jill Atogwe. She brings a wealth of wisdom on faith, fashion, motherhood, and more.

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

  • Parenting in a Digital Age: Jill shares practical insights on the unique challenges and opportunities of raising kids in a digital world.
  • Teaching Diversity and Self-Acceptance:We discuss the importance of teaching our kids to appreciate diversity and embrace who they are.
  • Faith and Identity: How our faith serves as the foundation for a healthy, Christ-centered identity.

Jill Atogwe is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur behind Gold and Graphite, where she shares her thoughts on faith, family, and style. She also authors The Gold Standard, a weekly newsletter focused on intentional living, and her childrens book Left Out encourages young readers to embrace uniqueness and inclusivity. Jills thoughtful approach to life and parenting makes her a trusted voice for families navigating faith and identity.

This conversation is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom, especially as we seek to raise children grounded in Christ in an ever-changing world. I cant wait for you to listen!

(02:49) The Evolution of Influencing and Writing

(05:59) Navigating Social Media and Parenting

(09:01) Embracing Uniqueness in Children

(11:48) Faith and Identity in Christ

(15:00) Modeling Faith and Trust for Kids

(21:54) Practical Ways to Celebrate Uniqueness

(30:03) Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Jill:

https://goldandgraphite.com/

Instagram: @jillatogwe

Resources Mentioned

Identity Simplified

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Left Out by Jill Atogwe

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 29 • 33:39
Finding confidence and self-worth in Christ with Ashley Henriott

Were continuing our series on identity this week, with a focus on finding self-worth and confidence through Christ. Be sure to check out our Identity Simplified Guide on our website! This incredible resource compiles over 90 tools to help affirm your child's identity in Christ.

Ashley Henriott is a confidence coach and speaker whose mission is to empower others to discover their worth in Christ. Her inspiring story and practical approach to building self-worth and confidence make her a sought-after mentor and coach for parents and children alike.

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

  • Ashley shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a confidence coach, emphasizing the critical role faith has played in building self-worth.
  • We discuss common confidence obstacles and how they impact both parents and kids.
  • Ashley provides actionable ways to help kids embrace and celebrate their true selves in Christ.

Ashley Henriott is a confidence coach and speaker whose mission is to empower others to discover their worth in Christ. Her inspiring story and practical approach to building self-worth and confidence make her a sought-after mentor and coach for parents and children alike.

Join us for this inspiring conversation, and leave with practical tools to help both you and your kids embrace the confidence and identity found in Christ.

(03:02) Ashleys Journey to Confidence Coaching

(06:01) The Role of Faith in Building Confidence

(08:57) Understanding Identity in Christ

(11:53) Confidence Killers: Comparison, Inaction, and Fear

(18:09) Empowering Our Children: Building Their Confidence

(25:01) Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

Connect with Ashley

Confidence is an Inside Job 

https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/

@ashley.henriott

Resources Mentioned

Identity Simplified

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 22 • 39:17
Navigating sexual and gender identity with Rachel Gilson

Welcome back to Week Two of our series on identity! This week, were diving into a super important yet challenging topic: sexual and gender identity. Ill be honest, having this conversation initially felt intimidating. But after hearing Rachel Gilson speak and reading her book, I knew she was the right person to guide us through this discussion.

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

  • Rachel emphasizes how our identity is ultimately tied to our relationship with God, which sets the foundation for navigating complex topics.
  • We touch on the cultural elevation of romantic relationships to a place they were never meant to fulfill and how this impacts our understanding of intimacy.
  • Rachel encourages us to point our children to Jesus as the true source of life and intimacy.
  • A helpful tool introduced by Rachel for discussing difficult topics with your kids in a structured, compassionate way.

Rachel Gilson is a speaker, writer, and author of Parenting Without Panic in a LGBTQ-Affirming World and Born Again This Way. She shares her journey of coming to faith and navigating her sexuality, offering a unique and powerful perspective on identity in Christ. Rachels wisdom and vulnerability make her an invaluable voice for parents grappling with how to address topics of sexual and gender identity with their children.

This episode is filled with hope and encouragement, even as we tackle tough topics. I hope you feel as uplifted and equipped as I did after talking with Rachel!

(02:59) Understanding Identity in Relation to God

(05:48) The Pitfalls of Salvation by Romance

(09:02) Teaching Children the True Source of Life and Intimacy

(12:03) The 'Yes, No, Yes' Framework for Difficult Conversations

(19:21) Parenting from Love and Grace

(24:50) Supporting Children with Same-Sex Attraction

(27:17) Continual Communication and Love

(30:57) Living the Gospel

Connect with Rachel

RachelGilson.com

Resources mentioned

Parenting Without Panic in a LGBTQ-Affirming World

Born Again This Way

Identity Simplified

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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

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

Steph Thurling

Steph Thurling is Executive Director of Christian Parenting and host of The Christian Parenting Podcast.

Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement.

Steph lives in Minnesota with her husband and three amazing and hilarious kids. When she is not hanging out with her family, you can probably find her on a walk with a friend, organizing things that won’t stay organized, or somewhere cozy reading a book.

More from Steph →

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