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Parenting Thoughts with Andy and Christie Kirk

Parenting Thoughts with Andy and Christie Kirk

By: Parenting Thoughts
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Welcome to 'Parenting Thoughts,' where Andy & Christie Kirk, parents of three energetic boys, get curious about parenting through a Christian lens. Join them as they navigate topics like faith, communication, and setting boundaries, empowering parents to lead by example and positively shape their children's lives. Tune in for a blend of practical guidance and Christian wisdom, inspiring fellow parents to embrace intentional parenting grounded in faith and love.

Contact Us:
Email - info@parentingthoughts.coOne Hope Oceana Ltd
Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • Calm Your Farm - The 5 Minute Rule That Changed My Parenting Forever
    Sep 9 2025

    Your kids are literally copying your emotional reactions through mirror neurons, and most parents don't even realise it.

    In this episode, we break down the "Calm Your Farm" method that's helping thousands of families stop the chaos cycle.

    ⏰ TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 - Why "Calm Your Farm" isn't about being perfect 03:15 - Mirror neurons: The science behind why kids copy us 08:42 - The 5-minute rule that saves family fights 12:30 - "If it's hysterical, it's historical" - healing while parenting 18:45 - Connection vs Control: The game-changing question

    🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    ✅ Your emotional regulation directly impacts your child's development ✅ Big emotions are communication, not problems to fix ✅ The opposite of chaos isn't calm - it's connection to yourself ✅ Change "but" to "because" when validating emotions

    💡 PRACTICAL TOOLS:

    - The mirror test for parents - 5-minute reset strategy - Body language awareness checklist - Emotion coaching framework

    #ParentingTips #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingHacks #FamilyLife #ParentingAdvice #ChristianParenting #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingPodcast

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    27 mins
  • 9 Hidden Stress Triggers Every Parent Faces (And How to Break the Cycle) | Ep 7
    Jul 9 2025

    😰 Feeling overwhelmed by parenting stress? You're not alone. Join Andy and Christie Kirk as they unpack the reality of parenting stress and provide a roadmap for managing it effectively. This isn't about eliminating stress - it's about changing how you carry it.

    What You'll Discover:

    ✅ The 9 biggest stress triggers for parents (you'll recognise most of these!) ✅ Why "it's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it" ✅ The 6-stage stress cycle and how to interrupt it ✅ How your perception of stress changes everything ✅ The difference between helpful vs. unhelpful stress ✅ Practical stress recovery strategies that actually work ✅ Biblical wisdom for overwhelmed parents

    The 9 Parenting Stressors Covered:

    1. Time Management Chaos 2. Financial Strain 3. Sleep Deprivation 4. Relationship Strain 5. Parental Guilt 6. Health Concerns 7. Behavioural Challenges 8. Social Pressure 9. Work-Life Balance

    Key Insights: "It is only hard if you perceive it to be hard, otherwise it's just the next thing you're learning to figure out" - Andy Kirk "Anxiety overestimates the threat and underestimates your ability to deal with it"

    Understanding fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses in parenting

    🙏 Scripture References: Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" Exodus 14:14: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still"

    Perfect for: Overwhelmed parents, family ministry leaders, anyone seeking biblical approaches to stress management in family life.

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    24 mins
  • The 5 Pillars of Wellbeing Every Parent Must Know | Ep6
    Jun 16 2025

    🌟 Struggling to balance your own wellbeing while raising healthy, happy kids? In this essential episode, Christie and Andy dive deep into the 5 pillars of wellbeing that every parent needs to understand: Physical, Emotional, Social, Mental, and Spiritual health.

    What You'll Discover:

    ✅ Why wellbeing and parenting go hand-in-hand ✅ Which pillar of wellbeing impacts you most when neglected ✅ How to model healthy habits without overwhelming yourself ✅ Biblical wisdom for anxious parents (including Psalm 46:10, 1 Peter 5:7, and more) ✅ Practical advice for parents who feel like they need to "get it all right"

    Key Takeaway: "You can't do everything but you can do something" - Andy's powerful reminder for overwhelmed parents everywhere. This holistic approach doesn't just help your children thrive - it strengthens your entire family dynamic and equips your kids with lifelong skills for happiness and success.

    Perfect for: Parents, family ministry leaders, anyone interested in holistic child development and family wellbeing.

    🙏 Scripture References: Psalm 46:10 | 1 Peter 5:7 | Matthew 22:39 | 3 John 1:2

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    23 mins
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