This week’s episode is extra special as I’m 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.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s 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 you’ve 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

What’s In Mommy’s 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 week’s episode is packed with insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of parenting during the middle school years. I’m 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 independence—parents 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

Courtney’s Instagram

Courtney’s website

Resources Mentioned

What’s In Mommy’s 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 week’s 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 God’s 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

Laura’s Instagram

Emily’s 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