There comes a point in parenting when you realize something terrifying:

You can't control your kids anymore.

They choose their own friends. They date people you may not choose. They make decisions about alcohol, sex, relationships, college, marriage, and eventually even their faith.

So what do you do when you can see where a decision might lead, but you can't stop your child from making it?

In this episode, Chris and Jamie talk honestly about one of the hardest transitions in parenting: moving from control to influence.

They share from their own parenting journey, their own stories of wandering far from God, and the biblical hope we have when a child's current chapter looks nothing like the ending we prayed for.

In this episode:

• Why control becomes an illusion as our children get older
• Why Proverbs 22:6 is wisdom—not a guarantee
• What Lois, Eunice, and Timothy teach us about sincere faith
• How Deuteronomy 6 changes the way we disciple our children
• Why good parenting doesn't guarantee good choices
• The danger of both pride and shame in parenting
• Why repentance may be one of the most powerful things your children see you do
• How to move from controlling your kids to influencing them
• Why curiosity works better than criticism
• How to talk about a relationship you don't approve of
• What to do when your child questions or walks away from Christianity
• Why natural consequences can sometimes be necessary
• What the Prodigal Son teaches us about letting go without giving up
• How to remain heartbroken and hope-filled
• Why your child's current chapter isn't necessarily their final chapter

And Jamie shares the powerful true story of a mother who prayed for her estranged son for decades—and eventually watched him come home to both her and Jesus.

Your job isn't to control every chapter of your child's story.

Plant faithfully.
Live your faith sincerely.
Speak truth in love.
Keep the door open.
Keep praying.

And trust the God who loves your child even more than you do.

00:00 Parenting Control Illusion

01:07 Kids Growing Independence

01:56 When Choices Scare You

05:03 Fear Versus Trust

06:39 Proverbs Not Promise

08:00 Faith Not Checkbox

09:20 But God Redemption Stories

12:32 Hope For Wandering Kids

14:48 Sincere Faith Witness

16:29 Shema Daily Discipleship

19:56 Pride Shame Repentance

22:39 Grace And Truth Approach

23:38 Emotional Entrenchment

24:20 Love With Boundaries

25:32 Teaching Wise Decisions

27:32 Let Consequences Teach

28:28 From Rules To Benefit

30:24 Curiosity Not Judgment

33:25 Faith Doubts And Deconstruction

38:54 Mission Field At Home

40:35 Prodigal Son Hope

45:09 Prayer And Final Charge