We tackle the desperately needed topics of responsibility and resilience in today's anxiety-riddled youth culture, exploring how summer provides the perfect opportunity to develop these qualities in our children.

• 77% of Gen Z struggles with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and fearing failure according to Barna research
• Scripture teaches us to persevere through hardship rather than avoid it completely
• Responsibility connects to the biblical concept of stewardship—managing what God has entrusted to us
• Start early with clear expectations and accountability—assign meaningful chores and responsibilities
• Allow natural consequences to teach cause and effect—don't always rescue children from their mistakes
• Celebrate character development (faithfulness, diligence) rather than just outcomes
• Give children heroes who endured difficulty—consider missionary biographies for summer reading
• Anchor children in their identity in Christ—resilience flows from knowing both who you are and whose you are
• Stats show today's 18-year-olds have responsibility levels comparable to 15-year-olds from previous decades
• Only 8% of parents believed their college-bound teens could make a doctor's appointment independently
• Start small by having children order their own food at restaurants—a simple step toward independence

Email us your questions or comments at podcast@waynechristian.org. Subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help other parents equip their children to stand firm in their faith and influence the world for Christ.

Send any questions you want answered to podcast@waynechristian.org

This podcast is presented by Wayne Christian School- A Christ-centered community school whose mission is to assist parents and churches in the education of their children from a biblical worldview to impact their world for Christ. You can learn more at waynechristian.org

We explore the unique characteristics and challenges of Generation Alpha, those born between 2010 and the mid-2030s, and provide practical strategies for discipling these digital natives in a world of constant information and changing values.

• Gen Alpha is the first generation to grow up completely immersed in digital technology, never knowing a world without screens
• Most had their pictures posted online before they could walk or talk
• Four major forces shape this generation: digital technology, constant information access, moral fluidity, and global instability
• Despite having unlimited information, Gen Alpha needs guidance to develop wisdom
• Mental health challenges, moral confusion, and disconnection from real relationships are significant issues
• Practical discipleship tools include asking open-ended questions, setting tech boundaries, modeling resilience, cultivating wonder, and anchoring identity in Christ
• Helping children order their own food at restaurants and engage in face-to-face conversations builds essential social skills
• Raising spiritually resilient children requires consistent discipleship that counters cultural messages

Resources mentioned:
Check out Axis's "A Parent's Guide to Gen Alpha" for more practical resources and discussion starters: https://live-oak.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Axis-Parent-Guide-Gen-Alpha.pdf

The Anxious Generation by: Jonathan Haidt https://amzn.to/3GX77Yb

Send any questions you want answered to podcast@waynechristian.org

This podcast is presented by Wayne Christian School- A Christ-centered community school whose mission is to assist parents and churches in the education of their children from a biblical worldview to impact their world for Christ. You can learn more at waynechristian.org

Happy Mother's Day!

Motherhood is a God-ordained calling where mothers serve as the first evangelists and Bible teachers in their children's lives. Scripture and history reveal how mothers like Timothy's mother Eunice, Susanna Wesley, and Augustine's mother Monica profoundly shaped their children's faith journeys through intentional spiritual formation.

• Mothers are disciples and disciple-makers, not just caregivers
• Timothy's sincere faith originated with his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5)
• Susanna Wesley, mother of 19, dedicated one hour weekly to each child's spiritual development
• Augustine's mother Monica prayed persistently for his salvation despite his rebellious years
• Modern moms face unique challenges with social media comparisons and unrealistic expectations
• Children spend approximately 4,000 hours annually with mothers in early years
• Faithful small moments matter more than Instagram-perfect parenting
• Dads, pastors and church leaders should actively support mothers in their spiritual leadership
• Moms are raising image-bearers who will either impact the world for Christ or be shaped by it

Share this episode with a mom who needs encouragement this Mother's Day, and subscribe so you don't miss our next episode.

Send any questions you want answered to podcast@waynechristian.org

This podcast is presented by Wayne Christian School- A Christ-centered community school whose mission is to assist parents and churches in the education of their children from a biblical worldview to impact their world for Christ. You can learn more at waynechristian.org