The Christian Parenting Podcast - Motherhood, Teaching kids about Jesus, Intentional parenting, Raising Christian kids

Latest Episodes:

Should Christian Parents Be Worried About AI? With Ben Peterson Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Artificial intelligence is changing the way our families learn, work, communicate, and even seek advice. For many parents, it feels like this technology appeared overnight, leaving us wondering how to help our kids navigate it wisely.

In this episode, combat veteran, speaker, and author Ben Peterson sits down to discuss why AI is more than a technology conversation. It's a discipleship conversation. Together we explore how parents can embrace the benefits of AI while protecting the God-given roles of family, community, creativity, and the Holy Spirit in their children's lives.

If you've wondered where to draw healthy boundaries with AI, how to talk with your kids about using it for school, or how to raise children who seek God's wisdom before artificial intelligence, this conversation is for you.

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

Resources Mentioned

When Intelligence Isn’t Human book

Ben’s website

The Ben Peterson Show podcast

Pre-order When Intelligence Isn’t Human

Hands-On Bible

The Adventure Bible

Bridging Resilience

Get your copy of our latest prayer journal Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today!

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

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Helping Kids Experience God, Not Just Learn About Him with Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Teaching our kids Bible stories is important, but discipleship doesn't stop there. We also want our children to recognize God's guidance in their own stories, bring him into everyday conversations, and develop a genuine relationship with him that grows over time.

In this episode, Bible teachers and co-authors Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer talk about helping kids move from simply knowing about God to experiencing life with Him. They discuss why stories are such powerful discipleship tools, how to answer kids' big questions about prayer and hearing God's voice, and simple ways parents can nurture faith at home.

If you've ever wondered how to make faith feel more personal for your kids, this conversation is full of practical encouragement.

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

Resources Mentioned

Jen’s website

Gayle's website

Kingswell Kids Detective series

The Christian Grandparenting Podcast

Shame-Free Sex Talks book

The Adventure Bible

Get your copy of our latest prayer journal Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today!

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Gospel for real-life parenting messes with Scarlet Hiltibidal Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Today we are joined by Scarlet Hiltibidal, who is the new host of Pardon the Mess.

Scarlet is a wife, mom of four, author, speaker, and follower of Jesus who is passionate about helping parents see the gospel in the middle of everyday family life.

In this episode, Scarlet shares about her own parenting messes, including loving each of her kids well in very different seasons and needs. We talk about the pressure moms feel to get everything right, the invisible report card so many of us carry, and the freedom that comes when we remember parenting is not about our performance, but about pointing our kids to Jesus.

Scarlet also gives us a look at the new format of Pardon the Mess, where she will take one real parenting struggle each week and help parents untangle it through Scripture, stories, and one small faithful step.

Resources Mentioned

Scarlet’s website

Christian Parenting

Pardon the Mess podcast

Shame-Free Sex Talks book

The Adventure Bible

Get your copy of Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today!

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How to talk to your kids about sex without shame with Kelly Edmiston Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Many Christian parents want to talk to their kids about sex and sexuality in healthy, biblical ways, but feel unsure where to begin. In today’s episode, Kelly Edmiston talks about how to move away from fear, silence, and shame-based messaging and instead help our kids understand the goodness of their bodies, God’s design for sex, and the importance of open, ongoing conversations in the home.

We discuss how purity culture shaped many parents’ own experiences, why discipleship matters so much in these conversations, and how parents can build trust with their kids while still holding biblical convictions. We also talk about practical ways to make sex talks feel more natural and less intimidating for both parents and children.

Notes: use your discretion when it comes to listening to this conversation with your kids present, we do use accurate terminology for body parts and sexuality.

Kelly is the author of Shame-Free Sex Talks, is lead Pastor at Vineyard Church in Sugar Land, Texas and a mom of three kids.

(00:00) Introduction to the Conversation

(02:57) Navigating Sexuality Conversations with Kids

(05:59) Understanding Shame in Sexuality Discussions

(08:49) The Importance of Normalizing Conversations

(11:55) Spiritual Sexuality: Integrating Faith and Sexuality

(15:08) Values-Based Approach to Sexuality Education

(18:04) Empowering Kids to Make Healthy Decisions

(21:00) Hope for Future Generations

(24:05 )Resources for Parents

Resources Mentioned

The Adventure Bible

Substack

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

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You haven’t ruined your kids with Abbey Wedgeworth Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by guilt after a hard parenting moment, this conversation will encourage your heart.

In this episode, Abbey Wedgeworth talks about the fear many parents carry that they’ve somehow “ruined” their kids. We discuss parenting failures, repentance, repair, and the freedom that comes when we stop trying to be perfect parents and start trusting God’s grace.

Abbey and I talk honestly about how community shapes us as moms, why repair matters so much in relationships with our kids, and how God can use both our faithfulness and our failures in the lives of our children.

Abbey Wedgeworth is an author, Bible teacher, and speaker who encourages moms with gospel-centered truth and practical hope for everyday motherhood. Her newest book is called, Help! I’m Ruining My Kids.

(02:52) The Fear of Ruining Our Kids

(05:58) Understanding Conviction vs. Shame

(09:00) The Power of Repentance

(12:08) Navigating Apologies and Repairing Relationships

(15:01) Excuses vs. Explanations in Parenting

(17:55) Self-Care and Managing Stress

(21:10) The Importance of Community in Parenting

Resources Mentioned

Help! I’m Ruining my Kids book

Abbey’s website

Instagram

Healthy Mind Platter

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

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Growing in gentleness when you’re tired and stretched thin with Christie Thomas Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, Christie Thomas is back to talk about the quiet strength of gentleness and why it matters so deeply in our homes. Christie shares how gentleness is not weakness or passivity, but strength held under control for the good of others. We discuss parenting through the fruit of the Spirit, responding instead of reacting, and how our kids learn about the character of Jesus through the way we handle frustration, conflict, and mistakes.

We also talk honestly about the exhaustion of parenting, spiritual dry seasons, postpartum anxiety, worship as prayer, and simple ways to stay connected to God when you feel overwhelmed.

This conversation is full of practical encouragement for parents who want to build homes marked by patience, safety, grace, and the gentleness of Christ.

(00:00) Introduction to Christie Thomas and Her Journey

(03:10) Understanding Gentleness: A Deeper Meaning

(06:04) Gentleness in Parenting: Balancing Authority and Compassion

(08:51) The Role of the Holy Spirit in Cultivating Gentleness

(12:09) Discipling Our Children Through Our Actions

(14:50) Practical Steps to Grow in Gentleness

(18:05) The Impact of Gentleness on Family Dynamics

(21:02) Resources for Growing in Gentleness

(24:03) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

Everyday Prayers for Gentleness book

Little Shoots Deep Roots

Instagram

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

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The mom burnout conversation we need to have with Alli Worthington Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Motherhood is beautiful, meaningful, and holy work, but it can also leave moms completely exhausted. Somewhere between raising kids, managing schedules, carrying the mental load, and taking care of everyone else, many women slowly lose sight of themselves.

In today’s episode, Allie Worthington is here for an honest conversation about burnout, identity, and why so many moms struggle to care for themselves without guilt. Allie shares wisdom from raising five boys into adulthood and offers practical encouragement for moms who feel overwhelmed, numb, or stuck in survival mode.

If you’ve been feeling exhausted, disconnected, or like you’ve lost yourself in motherhood, this conversation will remind you that you matter too.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:12) The Importance of Self-Care for Moms

(06:01) Investing in Yourself: Overcoming Fear

(09:01) Understanding Burnout vs. Tiredness

(12:01) Practical Steps to Combat Burnout

(15:06) The Role of Physical Health in Parenting

(18:02) Tracking Health and Wellness

(20:54) Final Encouragement and Resources

Resources Mentioned

The Alli Worthington Show

Website

Instagram

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

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

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Parenting on purpose from the very beginning with Michael and Angela DeAquino Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode Michael and Angela DeAquino discuss the importance of pre-parental counseling, building a shared family vision, navigating disagreements in marriage, and understanding how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent. They talk honestly about family trauma, generational patterns, survival mode parenting, apologizing to our kids, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection.

Whether you are preparing for your first baby, parenting young kids, or realizing you want to become more intentional years into parenting, this conversation offers practical encouragement and hope for every season.

Michael and Angela are the founders of The Parenthood Project and authors of The Parenthood Primer, a resource designed to help couples prepare spiritually, emotionally, and relationally for parenting.

(00:00) Introduction to Parenthood Preparation

(03:08) The Importance of Pre-Parenting Counseling

(06:12) Navigating Identity Shifts in Parenting

(08:55) Communication and Alignment in Parenting

(12:06) Reflecting on Upbringing and Family Values

(14:51) Addressing Family Trauma and Patterns

(17:49) The Long Game in Parenting

(20:55) Practical Steps for Intentional Parenting

(23:48) The Role of Community in Parenting

(26:51) It's Never Too Late to Start

(30:09) Conclusion and Resources

Resources Mentioned

The Parenthood Primer workbook

The Parenthood Project

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Build Your Marriage with Prayer with Brad and Heidi Mitchell May 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Brad and Heidi Mitchell share wisdom from over 40 years of marriage and ministry on what it looks like to build a marriage rooted in prayer.

We talk about why prayer is so impactful for both marriage and parenting, why it can feel intimidating to pray with your spouse, and simple, practical ways to begin.

Brad and Heidi also share encouragement for couples who feel spiritually mismatched and how small steps of faith can lead to lasting change.

Brad and Heidi are the founders of Build Your Marriage, a ministry dedicated to helping couples strengthen their marriages through Christ-centered resources, books, and conferences. Their book Build Your Marriage with Prayer is a fantastic resource to help you get started praying with your spouse!

(00:00) Introduction to Marriage and Prayer

(02:27) The Power of Prayer in Marriage

(08:08) Overcoming Barriers to Prayer

(11:59) Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage

(16:46) Spiritual Warfare and Family Dynamics

(19:29) Transformative Power of Prayer

(25:12) Practical Steps to Start Praying Together

(28:36) Resources for Strengthening Marriage through Prayer

Resources Mentioned

Build Your Marriage with Prayer book

Build Your Marriage website

Marriage articles by Brad and Heidi

Instagram

Facebook

Open a LearningRX center

Summer Reading Picks

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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What 40 years of marriage has taught Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman May 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman share honestly about what 40 years of marriage has looked like through parenting, grief, counseling, career changes, and the constant transition of family life. We talk about how differences that once felt charming can become challenging over time, why repentance and humility have been essential in their marriage, and how they’ve learned to “bear with one another in love” through every season.

Steven and Mary Beth also share about the role counseling, mentors, and Christian community have played in helping them navigate hard seasons together. They offer encouragement for couples who feel weary, disconnected, or discouraged, reminding listeners that marriage is not about perfection but about continually turning back toward each other and toward the Lord.

Steven Curtis Chapman is a Grammy-winning Christian artist and songwriter, and together he and Mary Beth Chapman are authors, speakers, and longtime advocates for faith and family ministry.

(00:00) Introduction and Family Update

(03:09) Navigating Marriage Through Seasons

(06:04) The Importance of Humility and Repentance

(08:49) Seeking Help: Counseling and Mentorship

(12:06) The Journey of Parenting and Grandparenting

(15:07) Finding Joy in Long-Term Marriage

(18:01) Encouragement for Struggling Couples

Resources Mentioned

Still Here book

Steven Curtis Chapman website

Mary Beth Chapman website

Open a LearningRX center