Your kid asks to watch the show everyone else is watching, and you want to say yes. But should you? Paul and Cindy Karos understand the tension of that moment, and they're here to help. In this episode, they explore practical ways to guard your child's heart when the world walks through your front door without knocking. If you're tired of saying no, take heart. You don't need more rules—you just need a different approach. Download this week's free Discussion Guide here.

Episode Recap:

• Today we're talking with Paul and Cindy Karos about the daily decisions that help our kids grow into adults who can discern what is good, noble and lovely. (0:00)
• Is there a one-size-fits-all rulebook for parents, or is it different for every family? (2:16)
• Are there some things that are always off-limits, or is everything case-by-case? (4:26)
• What happens the day a kid leaves a rules-only home and the gate finally comes down? (10:49)
• Why is it important to ask open-ended questions after watching a show? (12:00)
• How do you teach a kid to recognize what's harmful without slipping into judging other families? (16:47)
• How much is a steady media diet forming our children? (20:26)
• What can families do instead of defaulting to screen time? (21:58)
• Which resources can help you vet a show or game before you press play? (26:21)
• How do you raise kids with genuine conviction rather than surface-level compliance? (30:42)
• Is it healthy to shield our kids from every disappointment, or does some struggle do them good? (33:03)

Resources:

• Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube
• Download this episode’s free Discussion Guide
• Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources
• “Navigating the Digital Tsunami”
• Monthly Guides from Faithtree and Axis
• Get The Relationship Project
• Donate to support the podcast

Can one parent—or even two—raise a faithful son alone? Father Jacob Saylor says no family was ever meant to. In this episode, he explains why boys need faithful men beyond their own father to show them Christ's version of masculinity, and how priests, godfathers, uncles and parish friends can help form the next generation. He also offers real encouragement to moms doing this without a father present in the home. Download this week's free Discussion Guide here.

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking with Father Jacob Saylor about the importance of surrounding our sons with holy men.
• How do we help young men discover who God has created them to be?
• What can we do to help young people encounter Christ?
• How can single moms surround their sons with men to look up to?
• How can we support our Church community without overstepping?
• When should we encourage young people to talk to their priests?
• What do parents need to know about handing down the faith?
• What words of encouragement can you give to a mom who’s struggling with this?
• What have you learned from your own mentoring relationships?
• Can you share advice for a single parent who is co-parenting with someone outside the Church?

Resources:

• Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube
• Download this episode’s free Discussion Guide
• Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources
• Donate to support the podcast
• Get the Lionheart Sessions
• Get the Foundations of Faith Cards
• Learn about Arizona Christian Academy

Some days the sacred feels impossibly far away—buried under the laundry, the backpacks, the dishes in the sink. In this episode, Dr. Philip Mamalakis returns to the podcast with practical wisdom for parents worn thin by the chaos of daily life. He reminds us that a peaceful parent is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, and offers a way to leave guilt and shame behind for good. Download this week's free Discussion Guide here.

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking about finding peace in the midst of chaos with Dr. Philip Mamalakis.
• How can we stay focused on the sacred when we’re surrounded by mess?
• Our kids don’t need a clean house, but they do need a peaceful parent.
• How should we respond when we feel we’re about to snap?
• What might it look like to build a little breathing room into our days?
• How can we combat guilt and shame to show up as healthier parents?
• Where can we find peace when we’re feeling stressed or anxious?
• When things feel dark, how can we respond with light?
• How can we support single parents who are doing the work of two?
• How can we walk alongside our kids as they explore new ideas?

Resources:

• Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube
• Download this episode’s free Discussion Guide
• Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources
• Donate to support the podcast
• Get the Foundations of Faith Cards
• Download The Encounter app
• “Parenting Toward the Kingdom” by Dr. Philip Mamalakis