In this episode of the Famalam podcast, Gareth and Daisy interview Mal and Seannah Calladine on a Daddy–Daughter Double Date, exploring the significance of family traditions at Christmas. Together they discuss how traditions help shape family identity, support faith-based discipleship, and create lasting memories for children.

The conversation explores ways to engage children in Christmas traditions, incorporate cultural elements, and balance spiritual and non-spiritual practices. Mal and Seannah share their own family traditions, the role of food and celebration, and how to keep traditions relevant as children grow older.

This episode encourages families to create meaningful Christmas traditions that centre on the story of Jesus, foster unity, and strengthen family connections.

Watch the Calladine Christmas Eve video via https://youtu.be/H99up4ulzPA?

We’d love to hear from you — email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Instagram @famalampod.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please like, share, comment, and subscribe!

About Famalam:

Famalam is a Christian family & parenting podcast hosted by Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy, and Toby Robinson. We explore Christian parenting, raising kids, faith at home, discipleship, family challenges, communication, boundaries, discipline, tech and screens, mental wellbeing, friendships, church engagement, Christmas traditions, and real-life family dynamics.

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Instagram: @famalampod | Email: hello@famalampod.com

Today is a special episode which is all five of us being interviewed by the lovely Lydia Bennett from Premier Christian Radio, discussing the background to the podcast.

If you like our behind the scenes videos on Instagram then think of this as an episode full of conversation, talking about the whys and wherefores behind the Famalam podcast.

The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue within families, the dynamics of family roles, and the shared experiences that shape their lives

As ever if you enjoy the podcast we’d love for you to like, share, comment to help support others in building their family lives around Jesus.

In this episode, Gareth and Daisy engage conversation with Lindsay Melluish, a family therapist, about boundaries in parenting. They explore the nuances of discipline, the fears parents face in setting boundaries, and the importance of communication and listening in building respect within family relationships.

Lindsay shares practical tips for parents on how to maintain control and calm in the home, emphasizing the need for flexibility and collaboration in parenting styles. The discussion also highlights the importance of modeling behavior and the role of logical consequences in effective discipline.

How do families get boundaries (or discipline!) right? In this episode, Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy and Toby discuss their experiences of discipline, boundaries, and emotional growth throughout their childhood and teenage years. They reflect on the importance of communication, the role of consequences, and the balance between discipline and connection.

Gareth interviews youth leader, church leader and mum Rachel Gardner about ways to encourage our children and young people to engage with church in meaningful, helpful ways. Abandoned by the rest of the Famalam due to illness or work(!) Gareth flies solo and discusses with Rachel the vital role that children and young people play in the church community, highlighting the role of belonging, modelling and spiritual practices in our family life helping make church a welcoming space for all.

In this episode we discuss the dynamics of church attendance within families. We explore how to help children and young people engage with church in a healthy way, the balance between church commitments and other activities, the role of choice in faith, and the significance of encountering Jesus. The conversation also touches on the importance of a positive church environment, the impact of role models, and the necessity of honest conversations about faith and community.

Gareth, Lizzy, and Lucy interview Phil and Dani Knox discussing the significance of friendship. Phil wrote the book ‘The Best of Friends: Choose Wisely, Care Well’ (IVP, 2023). The conversation explores the qualities that make a good friend, the importance of modeling friendships for children, and how to navigate the complexities of friendships as children grow into adolescence and adulthood.

In this episode, Gareth, Lizzy, Daisy, Lucy and Toby explore the dynamics of friendship within a family context. They discuss personal experiences, what to look for in a good friend, and how parents can encourage positive friendships for their kids. Highlights include the importance of choosing life-giving friends, the balance between Christian and non-Christian friendships, the significance of shared interests, and the challenges of toxic relationships.

We’d love to hear from you - email hello@famalampod.com or DM us on Insta @famalampod

If you're enjoying our podcast, please like, share, comment and subscribe!

Helping Children Make Friends: What Parents Can Do By Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/helping-children-make-friends-what-parents-can-do-202303062899

5 Tips to Help Your Child Make New Friends by Bekki Lindner https://www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/learning-toolkit-blog/5-tips-helping-children-develop-friendships.html