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Upside-Down Parenting – Summit Ministries — Christianity
Upside-Down Parenting – Summit Ministries

Do you feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping your kids see the world the way God does? Does parenting sometimes leave you feeling disoriented—like you’re spinning upside-down?

You’re not alone. We love our kids and want more than anything for them to grow up with flourishing faith. Each episode of this podcast will give you practical insight, biblical wisdom, and encouragement for the journey. We’re here to walk through both the hard stuff and the everyday stuff with you. By connecting truth with relationships, we can create a powerful, lasting influence in a child’s life. When our kids experience both—the clarity of biblical truth and the security of God’s love, and yours—it creates a space for real transformation.

If parenting feels upside-down sometimes, that’s okay—following God’s design often is upside-down compared to everything around us, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

Welcome to Upside-Down Parenting from Summit Ministries. Let’s journey together.

Copyright: © 2025

Latest Episodes:

How the Great Tech Reset Changed Our Family | Ep. 65 Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

After spending several episodes exploring the challenges of raising kids in a technology-saturated world, what have we learned? What challenged our thinking? And what are we doing differently in our own families?

Matt Jones, Janel Greig, and Aaron Klemm reflect on their biggest takeaways and how these conversations have changed the way they approach technology and parenting.

Together, they discuss the importance of modeling healthy technology habits, setting intentional boundaries, and why it's okay for Christian families to make countercultural decisions about screens and smartphones. They also explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence, how technology can replace important opportunities for character formation, and why convenience isn't always what's best for our kids.

Ultimately, a family tech reset isn't just about reducing screen time. It's about putting technology back in its proper place and making more room for relationships, discipleship, and the things that matter most.

Whether you're just beginning to rethink your family's technology habits or have already started making changes, this conversation offers practical encouragement to take the next step.

Ready to start your own family tech reset? Get your free copy of The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at techresetbook.com.

Phones, Games & Phones, Oh My! Your Tech Questions Answered | Ep. 64 Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

How can parents protect their kids online without parenting from fear? When does gaming become unhealthy? How should kids use AI without letting it do their thinking for them?

In this special Q&A episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones, Janel Greig, and Aaron Klemm tackle some of the questions Christian parents are asking about raising kids in a technology-saturated world. They discuss online safety and exposure to inappropriate content, healthy boundaries around video games, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and how parents can prepare their kids for greater digital responsibility.

But technology isn't the only challenge parents face. Matt, Janel, and Aaron also talk about discipline, responding when a teenager begins questioning or rejecting their faith, and the advice they wish they had received when they first became parents.

Whether you're navigating smartphones, gaming, AI, faith questions, or everyday parenting decisions, this conversation offers practical encouragement for discipling your kids with wisdom, truth, and grace.

Want to go deeper on technology in your home? Order your free copy of Arlene Pellicane's The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families at TechResetBook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*The Five Love Languages for Christian Parents: Loving Your Kids Well—Gary Chapman

*Are Video Games Good for Kids? A Christian Parent's Guide—Stephen Mapstone

*Every Screen Has a Gospel: How Technology Shapes What Your Child Loves, Trusts, & Worships—Danielle Smith

What Does the Bible Say About Technology? w/ Ryan Pauly | Ep. 63 Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Is technology just a neutral tool—or is it actually shaping who we and our children are becoming?

Smartphones, social media, video games, and artificial intelligence are woven into nearly every part of our kids' lives. But before Christian parents can help their children navigate technology wisely, we need to ask a bigger question: What does the Bible say about technology?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Ryan Pauly to explore a biblical worldview of technology. They discuss our identity as image-bearers and creators, whether technology is truly neutral, and how our devices can shape our habits, desires, relationships, and even the way we think.

Ryan also explores what children may be losing as childhood increasingly moves from face-to-face relationships into digital spaces and how parents can think biblically about artificial intelligence. How can kids benefit from AI without outsourcing critical thinking, creativity, perseverance, and wisdom?

Technology isn't going away. The goal isn't simply to embrace it or reject it, but to understand its shaping power and steward it wisely as we prepare our children for life in a technology-saturated world.

Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers. Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at TechResetBook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*From the Garden to the City: The Place of Technology in the Story of God—John Dyer

*Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age—Samuel James

*Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other—Sherry Turkle

*AI & Our Kids: Parenting with Purpose in a Tech World—Todd Korpi

My Parents Limited My Screen Time. I'm Glad They Did w/ Noelle Pellicane | Ep. 62 Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

What is it really like to grow up with parents who limit your screen time?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Noelle Pellicane, daughter of The Great Tech Reset author Arlene Pellicane, to hear about technology boundaries from a kid's perspective. Noelle shares whether she ever felt left out, what filled her childhood instead of screens, and why she's now grateful for the boundaries her parents put in place.

If you've ever wondered whether limiting technology will cause your kids to miss out, Noelle's story offers an encouraging look at what they might gain instead.

Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at TechResetBook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*Parent Kit: Navigating the World of Technology & Social Media

*Technology: Tool or Tyrant?—Charlie Meo

How to Reset Your Family's Relationship with Tech w/ Arlene Pellicane | Ep. 61, Pt. 2 Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

In Part 2 of our conversation with Arlene Pellicane, we move from awareness to action. What does it actually look like to reset your family's relationship with technology?

Arlene joins Matt and Janel to share practical ways parents can establish healthy tech boundaries, navigate pushback from kids, create screen-free rhythms, and help children rediscover boredom, creativity, play, and face-to-face connection. They also discuss how parents can model healthy technology habits and navigate screens that may be necessary for school.

If your family knows it's time for a tech reset but you're not sure where to begin, this conversation will help you take the first step.

Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane. Get your copy at techresetbook.com.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness—Jonathan Haidt

*Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones—James Clear

*Transformative Household Habits for Families in God's Redemptive Story—Charlie Meo

Why We Need a Tech Reset w/ Arlene Pellicane | Ep. 60, Pt. 1 Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Technology is everywhere. It entertains our kids, connects them with friends, and makes life easier. But what is it actually doing to childhood?

In this episode, Arlene Pellicane, author of The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families, explores how technology is shaping our kids' attention, anxiety, relationships, habits, and spiritual lives. Arlene unpacks the four "ABCD" harms of technology, explains why parents need to examine their own screen habits, and shares how healthy boundaries can actually bring greater freedom to the whole family.

This isn't about fear, guilt, or getting rid of every screen. It's about helping your family develop a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology so your kids can flourish in the real world.

Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane. Get your copy at techresetbook.com!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane

*How Technology Affects Us (and What to Do About It)—Timothy Fox

*Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World—Kathy Koch

The Moments That Shaped Our Kids' Faith (And What We Learned as Parents) | Ep. 59 Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

How do the everyday moments of parenting shape your child's faith?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt and Janel share real stories about raising their kids and the lessons they've learned about Christian parenting, family discipleship, and modeling a biblical worldview. From Bible reading and family traditions to car-ride conversations, apologies, hospitality, and difficult questions about worldview, they explore how ordinary moments can have a lasting impact on a child's relationship with Jesus.

You'll hear practical encouragement for modeling authentic faith, having meaningful conversations with your kids, teaching biblical truth, practicing forgiveness, and helping your children discover how God can use their gifts to serve others.

Christian parenting isn't built on getting every moment right. It's built through a lifetime of faithful, everyday discipleship. Your kids are watching, learning, and being shaped by how you follow Jesus.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker

*Christianity Tells a Better Story Than "Love Is Love"—Christopher L. Reese

*Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good—Steven Garber

You Can't Parent Alone: The Holy Spirit's Role in Raising Kids | Ep. 58 Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

As Christian parents, it's easy to feel responsible for making our kids believe the right things, make the right choices, and follow Jesus. But changing your child's heart isn't your job.

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore the role of the Holy Spirit in parenting. They discuss how the Spirit guides, convicts, teaches, and transforms us, why parents should resist the temptation to control outcomes, and how Scripture, prayer, and repentance help us depend on the Spirit in everyday parenting.

You're called to faithfully love, teach, model, discipline, encourage, and pray for your children. But only God can transform their hearts.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Who Is the Holy Spirit & What Does He Do?

*What is the Trinity?

*Spiritual Disciplines Series: Prayer – Part 1

Simple Habits for Raising Resilient, Joy-Filled Kids w/ Dr. Marcus Warner | Ep. 57, Pt. 2 Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

How can Christian parents raise resilient, joy-filled kids who know how to handle big emotions, bounce back from difficult experiences, and grow in wisdom?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Marcus Warner, author of The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore practical Christian parenting strategies for building emotional resilience in children.

Dr. Warner explains how relational joy helps kids "build bounce" and develop the emotional strength to recover from life's challenges. He also shares practical advice for disciplining children with care, helping toddlers navigate big emotions, correcting behavior without shame, and teaching children wisdom and self-control.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to build resilience in your kids
Why joy is essential for emotional development
How to help children regulate big emotions
Why correction and discipline aren't the same thing
How to correct your child with care
How relational parenting helps children develop wisdom and self-control
Why parents can't pass on what they don't possess

Raising resilient, faith-filled kids isn't about perfect parenting. It's about intentionally building joy, strengthening your relationship with your children, and helping them develop the emotional and spiritual foundations they need to flourish.

If you're looking for practical biblical parenting advice for raising Christian kids in today's world, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

Missed Part 1? Listen to our first conversation with Dr. Marcus Warner on the secret to raising joy-filled kids.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids: A Simple Model for Developing Your Child's Maturity - at Every Stage—Chris Coursey and Marcus Warner

*Building Bounce: How to Grow Emotional Resilience—Marcus Warner and Stefanie Hinman

*Raising Resilient Kids: Interview with Alisa Childers

The Secret to Raising Joy-Filled Kids w/ Dr. Marcus Warner | Ep. 56, Pt. 1 Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Are your kids truly joyful—or just temporarily happy?

Many parents wonder if they're doing enough to help their children develop a faith that lasts. According to Dr. Marcus Warner, one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids isn't another activity, achievement, or gadget—it's joy.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Marcus Warner, author of The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, to explore why joy is foundational to emotional resilience, healthy relationships, and lasting faith.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why joy is different from happiness
How unresolved trauma shapes the way we parent
Why so many kids today are struggling emotionally
The first habit of raising joy-filled kids: Attunement
How to understand your child's emotions before rushing to fix them
Why emotionally connected parenting builds resilience and lifelong faith

Be sure to join us for Part 2, where Marcus unpacks the remaining three habits: Build, Correct with Care, and Develop Discipline Relationally.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids: A Simple Model for Developing Your Child's Maturity - at Every Stage—Chris Coursey and Marcus Warner

*The Anxious Generation: How the Gospel Offers Freedom & Hope—Dr. Jason Barker

*What Is Joy?—Abby Debenedittis

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