Preparing for the College Years with Dr. Greg Jones

Hey there! 

This weeks conversation is one that got me thinking aheadway ahead. While my oldest is still in middle school, college feels like its going to be here before I know it. Thats why Im so grateful to have *Dr. Greg Jones*, president of Belmont University, on the podcast today to talk about helping our kids prepare for life beyond high school with purpose, faith, and community at the center.  

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

Choosing a school isnt about prestigeits about finding a place where your child can grow, thrive, and live out their calling.  

Relationships formed during the college years play a vital role in shaping a students identity and faith.  

Not getting into a dream school isnt the endit can be a redirection toward Gods best.  

Each childs path is unique, and our job is to guide them with patience, grace, and a big-picture mindset.  

Dr. Greg Jones is the president of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. With a background in theology, leadership, and education, Dr. Jones is passionate about helping students discover their God-given purpose and equipping families to think beyond rankings and toward flourishing futures.  

This episode is full of wisdom for parents at every stage. Whether college is around the corner or years away, I hope it encourages you to guide your kids with faith and intentionality.

With love,

Steph Thurling

(02:56) The Role of Community in College Selection

(06:04) Finding Purpose and Character Formation

(08:45) Navigating College Decisions and Parental Guidance

(11:58) The Importance of Relationships in College

(14:46) Helping Kids Discover Their Purpose

(18:08) Trends in College Students Today

(20:51) Dealing with Rejection and Redirection

(23:56) The Long View of Parenting

(27:11) Final Thoughts on Faith, Hope, and Love

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to Christian Parenting

Easter Bundle

Adventure Bible

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

Time management can feel overwhelmingespecially for moms! Thats why Im so excited to have Kendra Adachi, also known as The Lazy Genius, on the podcast today. Were talking about her latest book, The Plan, and how we can approach time management with grace, flexibility, and a mindset that actually works for moms.  

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:  

• Many systems dont account for the unpredictability of parenting, so we need a different approach.  
• Embracing flexibility and realistic goals helps reduce stress and make time management sustainable.  
• Making tiny, intentional changes can create lasting rhythms that serve both you and your family.  
• Time management isnt just about productivityits about managing life in a way that allows you to be fully present with your family.  

This episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement, and I hope it helps you find rhythms that bring peace and presence to your days. Enjoy!

Connect with Kendra

The Lazy Genius Collective

The Lazy Genius Podcast

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

The PLAN book

The Lazy Genius Way book

The Lazy Genius Kitchen book

Christian Parenting website

Christian Parenting Easter Bundle

(02:46) The Concept of Compassionate Time Management

(05:58) The Discrepancy in Time Management Literature

(08:53) The Need for a New Paradigm in Time Management

(12:04) Introducing the PLAN Framework

(14:58) The Importance of Adjustment in Time Management

(17:56) Mindsets for Adjusting Expectations as a Parent

(20:39) Adjusting Expectations in Parenting

(23:36) The Power of Starting Small

(24:37) Understanding Big Black Trash Bag Energy

(26:34) Navigating Seasons of Parenting

(30:59) Embracing Change and Flexibility

(32:21) Practical Tips for Parents

(34:16) Finding Goodness in the Everyday

(37:50) The Freedom of Diverse Parenting Paths

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

Todays episode is such a fun one! Im talking with Danny Loeffelholz all about summer camp and how it helps build resilience, independence, and faith in our kids. We dive into the challenges of letting our kids take risks and the incredible growth that can come from stepping out of their comfort zones.  

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Allowing kids to experience age-appropriate challenges helps them develop resilience and confidence.  
• Camp experiences can deepen kids faith and foster personal growth in ways we dont always expect.  
• Sending kids away can be tough, but its an opportunity for them to learn independence and rely on God.  
• Even if a child has a so-so experience at camp, they can still grow from it and want to return!  

Danny Loeffelholz is a camp director, mentor, and advocate for the transformative power of summer camp. With years of experience in Christian camping, he has witnessed firsthand how camp experiences shape kids' faith, character, and resilience.  

If youve ever wondered if summer camp is worth it for your kids or struggled with the idea of letting them go, this episode is for you! I hope it encourages you to embrace the opportunities that help our kids grow in confidence and faith.

(05:56) Navigating Parenting Fears and Risks

(08:50) The Importance of Controlled Risks for Kids

(12:01) The Role of Summer Camp in Child Development

(14:56) Influence of Camp Counselors on Kids' Faith

(17:56) Finding Community and Faith in Adolescence

(19:08) The Impact of Christian Camping on Faith Development

(23:23) Navigating Parental Concerns About Camp

(25:48) The Importance of Community and Adventure

(29:00) Growth Through Challenges at Camp

(32:10) The Ultimate Goal: Meeting Christ

(35:02) Resources for Finding the Right Camp

Connect with Danny

Sky Ranch Camps

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

cpgive.org

Christian Camp and Conference Association

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

Friendship plays such a huge role in both our lives and the lives of our kids, and todays episode is all about fostering healthy, meaningful relationships. Im joined by Grace Valentine, for a super fun and insightful conversation on navigating friendships with faith and intention.  

Heres what youll hear in today's conversation:

• Community doesnt happen by accidentits something we cultivate with intention.  
• Learning to handle friendship struggles in a healthy, Christ-centered way is a crucial skill for both parents and kids.  
• Grace shares wisdom on building confidence and setting boundaries in friendships.  
• As parents, we have the opportunity to show our kids how to connect, communicate, and care for others.  

Grace Valentine is a bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for young women seeking faith-filled encouragement. Her latest book, The Better Friend, dives into what it means to create lasting, meaningful friendships that reflect Gods love and grace.  

This conversation is such a breath of fresh air! If youve ever wondered how to support your kids in building strong friendshipsor how to set healthy boundaries in your own relationshipsyou wont want to miss this episode. 

(02:59) The Importance of Friendships

(06:00) Building Intentional Friendships

(09:11) Understanding Different Types of Friendships

(11:53) Navigating Conflict in Friendships

(14:55) Insecurity and Confidence in Relationships

(17:59) Modeling Friendship for Our Kids

(20:51) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Grace

https://gracevalentine.org/

Water into Wine Podcast

Resources Mentioned

The Better Friend book

The Unbreakable Boy movie

Christian Parenting

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

This week, Im joined by Trillia Newbell for a meaningful conversation on the importance of community, celebrating differences, and how intentional family time can shape our kids' understanding of love, faith, and culture.  

Heres what youll hear in todays episode:

• Intentional time spent around the table fosters communication, connection, and love within families.  
• Food, stories, and shared experiences are great ways to introduce kids to different cultures and traditions.  
• Parents can have meaningful, scripture-based conversations with their kids about diversity and celebrating differences.  
• Gods Word is central to helping kids understand and appreciate the beauty in how He made each of us.  

Trillia Newbell is a speaker, writer, and author of multiple books, including Celebrating Around the Table. She is passionate about faith, family, and fostering meaningful conversations about race, culture, and community through a biblical lens.  

This conversation is both refreshing and practical, giving parents tangible ways to celebrate diversity, build strong family connections, and create a home centered on faith and love. I hope you enjoy it!

(02:57) The Importance of Celebrating Around the Table

(06:03) Understanding and Celebrating Differences

(08:54 )Incorporating Culture and Food into Family Life

(12:08) Practical Tips for Discussing Race and Culture with Kids

(15:55) The Role of Scripture in Conversations about Diversity

(18:52) Creating Resources for Families to Learn Together

(22:04) The Cookbook as a Tool for Connection

(24:47) Lamenting and Bonding Through Shared Stories

(27:46) Final Thoughts on Parenting and God's Love

Connect with Trillia:

https://www.trillianewbell.com/

Instagram

Resources mentioned:

The Unbreakable Boy movie

Celebrating Around the Table

Gods Very Good Idea

ChristianParenting.org

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