The power of family meetings with Steph and Trevor Thurling

This weeks episode is extra special as Im joined by my husband, Trevor, to share how family meetings have transformed our parenting and family life. From improving communication to empowering our kids, family meetings have become a key tool in creating a supportive and faith-centered home.

Heres what youll hear in todays episode:

• Regular family discussions help parents and kids stay connected and on the same page.  
• Involving children in activities like meal planning and decision-making gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility.  
• Keeping family meetings short, focused, and consistent builds trust and strengthens family bonds.  
• Remember, God sees you as capable and worthy of the parenting role youve been given. 

This episode is full of practical tips and encouragement for prioritizing family time. I hope it inspires you to try family meetings in your home!

Check out our latest resource, our digital Family Meeting Guide. I took what works for us in our family meetings and made this guide just for you! Every week you will be emailed a template to hold your own family meeting. I know you will love it!

(04:59) The Importance of Family Meetings

(11:03) Implementing Family Meetings: A Game Changer

(18:11) Navigating Challenges in Family Meetings

(23:56) Empowering Kids Through Family Meetings

(29:57) Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

Resources Mentioned

Whats In Mommys Tummy?

Family Meeting Guide

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

This weeks episode is packed with insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of parenting during the middle school years. Im joined by Courtney DeFeo, and together we dive into balancing love, independence, and the continuous learning process of parenting.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Parenting evolves as children grow, and middle school years often require creative ways to re-engage with your kids.  
• Allowing children to experience failure helps them develop responsibility and confidence.  
• Overparenting can hinder independenceparents should guide their children through problems, not shield them from them.  
• Self-care for parents is crucial to maintaining balance and avoiding guilt in the parenting journey.  

Courtney DeFeo is the host of the Pardon the Mess podcast here on the Christian Parenting Podcast Network where she encourages parents every week to be the imperfectly perfect parent God created them to be. She is also an author, speaker, and advocate for empowering parents to create lasting family connections. With her relatable approach and passion for practical parenting, Courtney inspires families to navigate challenges with grace and joy. 

We had a ton of fun recording this episode and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

(01:57) Navigating Parenting Stages

(06:10) Engaging with Middle Schoolers

(10:07) The Balance of Hovering and Letting Go

(13:57) Preparing for Independence

(18:02) Overparenting: Understanding the Roots

(21:06) Navigating the Challenges of Letting Go in Parenting

(24:35) The Importance of Self-Care and Mom Guilt

(26:54) Recognizing Red Flags in Parenting Dynamics

(28:54) Practical Strategies to Avoid Over-Parenting

(31:37) Embracing Independence and Building Confidence in Kids

(34:49) The Balance of Love and Guidance in Parenting

Connect with Courtney

Pardon the Mess podcast

Pardon the Mess Instagram

Courtneys Instagram 

Courtneys website

Resources Mentioned

Whats In Mommys Tummy?

Family Meeting Guide

In This House We Will Giggle

Sissy Goff episode on Apple

Sissy Goff episode on Spotify

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

This weeks episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler. Together, we discuss the journey of their ministry, the complexities of parenting, and the importance of making faith-based decisions for their families.

Here are four takeaways from this episode:

• Emily and Laura share why they decided to close Risen Motherhood, highlighting the importance of prioritizing family and trusting God.  
• They provide practical tips for making wise, God-honoring decisions through prayer, spiritual disciplines, and the gospel story.  
• Involving children in decision-making helps teach them to seek Gods guidance and make choices that honor him.  
• Faith offers hope and perspective, encouraging parents to lean on God and approach family life with humility and grace.  

Emily and Laura are sister-in-laws and co-founders of Risen Motherhood, a nonprofit ministry that has reached countless parents with the message of the gospel in daily life. Their shared passion for encouraging moms through biblical truths shines through in their work and their lives. Their latest book is called Gospel Mom. 

This episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for parents who want to align their decisions with their faith. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me!

(03:02) The Birth of Risen Motherhood

(06:09) Navigating the Decision to Close Risen Motherhood

(09:58) The Challenge of Saying No to Good Things

(14:01) Biblical Decision Making for Moms

(19:47) Guiding Kids Through Decision-Making

(23:25) Navigating Differences in Decision-Making

(30:27) The Importance of Humility in Parenting

(36:04) Finding Identity and Hope in Christ

Connect with Emily and Laura

Risen Motherhood

Lauras Instagram

Emilys Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Risen Motherhood

Risen Motherhood Podcast

Gospel Mom 

Give to Christian Parenting

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

I am beyond excited about this weeks episode because Im joined by two of my absolute favorites in the Christian parenting spaceLydia Rex and Lynne Jackson from Connected Families. Lynne, the co-founder of Connected Families, has deeply shaped my family through their ministry and parent coaching, and Im thrilled to have her join Lydia for todays conversation.

Heres what youll hear in todays episode:

• The challenges, joys, and opportunities in raising kids with big emotions and strong personalities.  
• How to identify the strengths hidden within your childs difficult behaviors.  
• Strategies for managing stress cycles and implementing sensory solutions to help your child and yourself.  
• The significance of weaving grace and biblical wisdom into your parenting approach.  

Together, Lynne and Lydia offer a wealth of wisdom, practical tools, and encouragement to help families navigate the unique challenges of raising sensitive and intense children.

This episode is packed with insights and tools you can apply right away. I believe youll walk away encouraged and equipped to parent with grace and intention. 

(00:00) Introduction and Background of Connected Families

(03:07) Understanding Sensitive and Intense Kids

(06:10) Gifts Gone Awry: Recognizing Strengths in Challenges

(08:55) Navigating Parenting Cycles and Stress Management

(11:47) Sensory Strategies for Regulation

(14:59) Building Confidence and Identity in Children

(17:56) Practical Tools and Resources for Parents

(20:54) The Role of Grace and Biblical Principles in Parenting

(23:58) Conclusion and Resources from Connected Families

Connect with Lydia and Lynne

https://connectedfamilies.org/

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Connected Families parent coaching

Connected Families courses

Sensitive and Intense Course

Give to Christian Parenting

Wild Interest podcast

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

Im so excited about todays episode because Im joined by Lydia Rex, a certified parent coach from the ministry Connected Families. This ministry is near and dear to my heart, and I cant wait for you to hear all about their mission and the importance of grace in parenting.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The heart and mission behind this impactful ministry, Connected Families.  
• How grace plays a central role in guiding and disciplining our children.  
• Lydia opens up about her experiences with foster care, adoption, and how these have shaped her parenting approach.  
• Tangible tools and strategies to navigate difficult moments with your kids.  

Lydia Rex is a certified parent coach with Connected Families, a ministry dedicated to equipping parents with grace-filled approaches to guide their children. Her personal journey through foster care, adoption, and parenting has given her profound insights into the challenges and joys of raising children. Lydia combines her experiences with practical strategies to help parents navigate tough times and build strong, faith-centered family connections.

Connect with Lydia

https://connectedfamilies.org/

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Connected Families parent coaching

Connected Families courses

Give to Christian Parenting

Wild Interest podcast

(03:06) Understanding Connected Families

(06:08) The Role of Parent Coaching

(08:56) Experiencing Grace in Parenting

(14:57) Practical Strategies for Parenting Challenges

(17:56) Preparing and Recovering from Parenting Challenges

(25:10) Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents

(28:01) Final Thoughts and Resources

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