Hi friends,

This week’s episode is a little different and really special. It's just me, Steph, reflecting on the past three years of hosting the Christian Parenting Podcast. As I look back on the many conversations I’ve had with incredible guests, a few themes have come up over and over again. And I wanted to take a moment to name them, reflect on them, and remind you (and myself!) that faithful parenting is not about doing everything perfectly, it's about showing up with humility, love, and trust in God.

In this solo episode, I share some of the truths that have encouraged me the most over the years:

• Relationship comes before instruction. Our kids don’t need a lecture, they need connection.
• Consistency matters more than intensity. One big moment doesn’t outweigh everyday faithfulness.
• Modeling an authentic faith makes a lasting impact. Your honesty and humility preach louder than perfection.
• You’re not responsible for the outcome. You’re invited to be faithful, present, and full of grace, and let God do the rest.

These reminders have shaped how I approach my own parenting and I hope they encourage you as you walk alongside your kids in faith, love, and truth.

With Love,

Steph

Resources Mentioned

Christian Parenting resources

Sign up for Morning Minute

I Can Only Imagine 2 movie

Raising Daughters

Open a LearningRX center

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Hey friends,

Let’s be honest, talking about money with our kids can feel a little awkward. Whether it’s figuring out allowance, answering “Why can’t we just buy that?” at Target, or teaching the value of hard work without turning into the fun police, we’ve all been there.

That’s why I’m so excited for you to hear today’s episode with Stephen Day. He’s a dad of four, a professor, and the author of Teach a Kid to Save. Stephen brings a gentle, practical approach to money conversations that is full of wisdom and grace. He shares a framework he calls a “mini economy,” and honestly, it’s brilliant. This episode is packed with insight that will make you feel a lot more confident in raising money-wise kids without overcomplicating it.

Here’s what we talk about:

• A simple family economy system that teaches saving, spending, and giving in real time
• Why allowances can work, but only if they're tied to your values, not just chores
• How to model contentment and generosity in a consumer-driven world
• Creative ways to connect money with character-building, not just behavior control

Stephen is a former middle school teacher, a current university professor, and a dad of four who is passionate about helping families teach financial literacy with confidence. His book, Teach a Kid to Save, is a practical guide full of tips, strategies, and encouragement for families wanting to build good money habits from the ground up. He believes kids learn best through experience, and that parents don’t have to be financial experts to make a lasting impact.

This conversation will help you ditch the overwhelm and step into intentional parenting around money, with wisdom and peace.

With Love,

Steph

Connect with Stephen

Website

Substack

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Teach a Kid to Save

Mini economy downloads

Sign up for Morning Minute

Christian Parenting

Raising Daughters

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Hey friends,

I am so glad you’re here today because this episode is such a gift. I had the absolute honor of welcoming back Pastor Max Lucado to the podcast, and his gentle wisdom and encouragement are exactly what we need as we navigate parenting in an anxious world.

Max has spent decades speaking into our hearts with truth and grace. And now, he’s turned his attention to helping our kids better understand and manage fear and worry through his new devotional Calm Thoughts for Kids. It’s full of faith-based tools and age-appropriate encouragement, and today, we’re talking about how we, as parents, can come alongside our kids in their emotional and spiritual growth.

Here are a few things you’ll hear in our conversation:

• How anxiety shows up differently in children, and how to recognize it
• Why open, ongoing conversations are essential for helping our kids grow in faith
• How to anchor your child’s identity in God’s truth instead of fear
• Encouragement for you as the parent: why your presence matters more than perfection

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author whose books have sold over 145 million copies worldwide. Known for his approachable teaching style and heart for helping people experience God’s grace, Max has written countless books for adults, and now, for children too. His newest devotional Calm Thoughts for Kids is designed to help kids trust God in anxious moments and develop lifelong habits of hope and faith.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that we can model calm, point our children to Jesus, and be safe places for them to land, no matter what they’re walking through.

With Love,

Steph

Connect with Max

@maxlucado

https://maxlucado.com/

Resources Mentioned

Calm Thoughts For Kids

Sign up for Morning Minute

Christian Parenting

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org