What do we do when God’s calling for our child’s life looks nothing like we expected? This week’s episode is such a gift. I’m joined by Katie Davis Majors, a mom, missionary, and founder of Amazima Ministries who shares her journey from a planned gap year to a lifelong mission in Uganda. Her story will stretch your perspective on calling, parenting, and what it means to truly trust God with your kids.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

• God’s plans often surprise us. Katie's “one-year” mission trip became a lifelong ministry and calling.
• Katie talks about raising kids who care deeply for others and reflect the love of Jesus.
• Letting go is part of faithful parenting. We don't need to control the outcome, but we do need to walk in trust.
• Sustainable service requires surrender; serving others shouldn’t lead to burnout when it’s done from a place of abiding in Christ.

Katie is the founder of Amazima Ministries in Uganda, a mother of fifteen through adoption and birth, and the author of multiple books including Kisses from Katie and Safe All Along. She lives in Uganda with her family, where she continues to serve and write about faith, motherhood, and surrender.

This conversation will remind you that the bravest thing we can do as parents is trust God with the story he’s writing in our kids’ lives.

Resources Mentioned:

A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal

Christian Parenting resources

(00:00) Katie's Journey to Uganda and Amazima

(05:51) The Impact of Compassionate Parenting

(11:57) Letting Go of Control in Parenting and Ministry

(18:13) Amazima's Mission and Future Goals

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

We’ve reached the final week of our school choice series, and I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation. Today, I’m chatting with my friend, Brittaney Devane about what it looks like to choose online school even when it wasn’t the original plan. Her family made a big pivot, and what followed was growth, flexibility, and a deeper sense of purpose in their schooling journey.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Online school brings unexpected flexibility for schedules, learning styles, and family time.
2. Decision-making is a team effort. Brittaney shares how she and her husband stayed united in prayer and discernment.
3. Community still matters. Even with online learning, finding support and social outlets is possible and vital.
4. It’s okay to change course. God can lead you to something better than you planned.

Whether you’re curious about online school or just love hearing real stories from fellow parents, this episode is full of wisdom and grace.

(01:59) Navigating Schooling Choices

(05:55) The Benefits of Online School

(12:01) Socialization and Community Support

(17:57) Academic Structure and Flexibility

(23:49) Decision-Making and Family Dynamics

(29:49) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Brittaney

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Liberty University Online Academy

Support Christian Parenting

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

We’re continuing our school choice series, and today’s episode is such a thoughtful one. I’m joined by Ashley Grutzmacher—a public school teacher, mom, and passionate advocate for loving your neighbor and showing up well in your community. Ashley offers such a grounded and honest look into the public school experience, and I think this conversation will leave you feeling both encouraged and equipped.

Whether public school is your current path or you're simply exploring options, Ashley brings clarity and hope to the decision-making process.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation:

• Public schools offer unique opportunities to build relationships, engage with diversity, and reflect Christ in a natural way.
• Faith and public education can coexist. With intentionality, families can stay grounded in their values while fully participating in the public system.
• Challenges will come, but so will growth. Ashley shares practical ways to prepare your kids spiritually for real-world experiences.
• You don’t do this alone. Community, church, and family rhythms all help support your child’s faith, wherever they attend school.

Ashley is a seasoned public school teacher and mom who brings a front-row perspective to the joys and challenges of raising Christian kids in a public school setting. Her heart for students and her passion for faithful parenting make her a trusted voice in this important conversation.

I hope this episode reminds you that with prayer, wisdom, and support, you can thrive wherever God calls your family.

With grace,

Steph

(00:00) Introduction to Public Education and Personal Background

(15:08) Benefits of Public Schooling

(29:53) Challenges in Public Schooling for Believers

(24:06) Misconceptions About Public Schools

(31:48) Navigating School Choices as Parents

(36:42) Core Values in Education

Resources Mentioned

NIV Application Bible

Support Christian Parenting

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

We’re continuing our special series on school choices today, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with Leigh Nguyen, a mom who never planned to homeschool but followed God’s nudge and hasn’t looked back. Her story is honest, inspiring, and full of practical insight for anyone wondering if homeschooling could actually work for their family.

Whether you’re curious about it, overwhelmed by it, or already in the thick of it, Leigh brings a calm, grace-filled perspective that might just be the encouragement you need today.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation:

• Faith can lead us down unexpected paths. Leigh didn’t start out with a homeschool plan, but God met her in the unknown.
• Homeschooling isn't perfect, but it's purposeful. Every hard moment is an opportunity for connection, growth, and trust.
• Learning happens everywhere. From the kitchen table to the grocery store, faith and education beautifully intertwine.
• There’s no “right” way to do it. Homeschooling looks different for every family and that’s the beauty of it.

Leigh is a homeschooling mom of four with a background in education and a heart for helping other parents feel confident and equipped in their own homeschooling journey. She speaks and writes about faith-filled parenting and creating a home where learning and discipleship go hand in hand.

I hope this episode gives you clarity and encouragement as you navigate your family’s next steps.

(03:03) The Decision to Homeschool

(05:55) Daily Life in Homeschooling

(09:10) Integrating Faith into Education

(11:58) Choosing Curriculum

(15:05) Overcoming Doubts in Homeschooling

(18:01) Socialization in Homeschooling

(20:29) Holistic Learning Through Everyday Activities

(23:29) The Socialization Debate in Homeschooling

(26:54) Challenges of Homeschooling: Finding Balance

(29:07) The Growth of Homeschooled Children

(33:42) Lessons Learned: Reflections on Homeschooling

(36:47) Advice for New Homeschooling Parents

Connect with Leigh

Instagram

Little by Little Homeschool

Little by Little Homeschool podcast

Resources Mentioned

Christian Parenting store

Support Christian Parenting

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

We’re continuing our special series all about school options, and today we’re diving into private Christian education. This is a conversation that I think will really help if you’re trying to figure out what role faith can (and should) play in your child’s school life. I'm joined by Katelyn Freitas, the middle school principal at my kids’ school, and her insight is full of heart, wisdom, and practical encouragement.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• Faith-based learning shapes character. Discipleship is woven into every subject and classroom moment.
• Partnership with parents matters. Christian schools work best when parents are active, involved, and aligned in mission.
• Community changes everything. Relationships between students, families, and staff create a spiritual foundation that lasts.
• Every child is discipled uniquely. Christian schools aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re about helping each child grow in Christ.

Katelyn is a passionate leader in Christian education with years of experience in both teaching and administration. As a principal, she brings clarity, compassion, and a deep commitment to seeing students flourish academically and spiritually. She’s also someone I personally trust with my own kids which made this conversation extra special.

I hope this episode encourages you as you consider what’s best for your family.

(02:54) Current Role and Responsibilities in Christian Education

(05:58) Understanding Private Christian Education

(09:08) Benefits of Private Christian Schools

(11:58) Challenges of Private Christian Education

(15:05) Community and Family Dynamics in Private Schools

(18:00) Identifying the Right Fit for Families

(20:56) Curriculum and Faith Integration in Christian Schools

(21:37) Integrating Faith and Education

(27:31) Discipline vs. Discipleship in Schools

(33:02) Navigating School Choices for Families

Resources Mentioned

Chapel Hill Academy

Association of Christian Schools

NIV Application Bible

Christian Parenting resources

Marriage Simplified

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

We’re kicking off a brand-new series all about school choices because let’s be honest, it’s something many of us didn’t realize would be such a big parenting decision. Over the next five weeks we will be covering the pros and cons of multiple different school options: public school, private school, homeschool, and online school.

In this first episode, I’m joined by my husband, Trevor, as we share our personal journey through public school, homeschooling, and Christian private school and why we’re always open to changing paths if that’s what’s best for our family.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

• Your school decision doesn’t have to be forever. We’ve learned it’s okay to reevaluate and pivot when needed.
• God’s guidance matters more than a perfect plan. Seeking him first gives peace in the uncertainty.
• Every option has pros and cons. We talk candidly about what worked (and what didn’t) in each of our experiences.
• This is a judgment-free zone. This whole series is about informing, not convincing so you can make the best choice for your family.

Trevor is my husband, parenting partner, and co-navigator of all things school-related. He’s walked through this journey with me step by step, and together we’ve faced the highs, lows, and many “what now?” moments that come with raising school-aged kids in today’s world.

I hope this episode encourages you and reminds you that you’re not alone in figuring this stuff out. Let’s keep seeking God and trusting him to lead the way.

(00:00) Navigating School Choices

(02:52) The Impact of COVID on Education

(06:08) Homeschooling vs. Private School

(08:52) Values and Priorities in Education

(11:48) Making Informed Decisions

(15:00) The Role of Finances in Education

(17:53) Understanding Your Child's Needs

(20:57) Making Big Decisions Together

(23:54) Finding Peace in Uncertainty

Christian Parenting Resources

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

This week we’re diving into something every family longs for...Joy. I’m joined by Tauren Wells, and we’re talking about how to create a home filled with lasting joy, not just fleeting happiness. We unpack what it looks like to live out the beatitudes, how our identity shapes our parenting, and why emotional health matters so much in our homes.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Joy > Happiness, Tauren reminds us that true joy is rooted in Jesus—not in perfect circumstances.
• Knowing who we are in Christ helps us parent from a place of peace, not pressure.
• Creating a peaceful home means modeling grace and leading with humility—even in conflict.
• We talk about the importance of letting our kids (and ourselves) feel emotions and grow from them.

Tauren Wells is a Grammy-nominated Christian artist, pastor, and speaker known for blending powerful music with deep biblical truth. He’s passionate about helping people find purpose, identity, and joy in Christ and that passion shines through in both his music and his message to families.

This episode will leave you feeling encouraged, equipped, and ready to build a home full of the kind of joy that lasts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

(02:57) Understanding Joy and Happiness

(05:51) The Beatitudes: A Path to True Happiness

(08:45) Identity vs. Activity in Parenting

(12:03) The Role of Peacemaking in Families

(14:59) Navigating Emotions with Children

(18:06) Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

(21:02) The Importance of Emotional Awareness

(24:01) Encouragement for Parents Seeking Joy

Connect with Tauren

Tauren’s website

Tauren’s podcasts

Instagram

Resources mentioned

Joy Bomb book

Marriage Simplified

Christian Parenting resources

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

Today’s conversation is so timely and practical. I’m joined by Clare Morell, author of the upcoming book The Tech Exit, and we’re talking all about how digital technology is shaping our kids—and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by screen time, smartphone battles, or social media pressure, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Clare breaks down how today’s tech works against our efforts to raise emotionally and spiritually healthy kids.
• Relying solely on settings and filters won’t protect our kids from tech’s deeper impacts.
• From screen-time rules to alternative phones and community support, Clare shares realistic ways to shift your family’s tech culture.
• We end the episode with tons of fun, practical activities for keeping kids engaged—no devices required!

Clare Morell is a writer, speaker, and mom of four who is passionate about helping families reclaim their homes from digital overload. Her book The Tech Exit offers a hopeful, step-by-step guide to reducing screen dependence and cultivating deeper connection and purpose in your home.

Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, this conversation is packed with encouragement and doable next steps to help you raise tech-wise, Jesus-following kids.

(02:51) The Dangers of Digital Technology for Kids

(06:09) Understanding the Impact of Smartphones on Child Development

(08:59) The Limitations of Parental Controls

(12:05) Navigating the Challenges of Technology in Parenting

(14:50) Building a Tech-Free Culture at Home

(22:15) The Impact of Personalized Entertainment

(25:06) Balancing Screen Time and Real-Life Responsibilities

(28:04) Navigating Technology's Role in Parenting

(29:57) Creating Engaging Alternatives to Screens

(37:02) Encouragement for Parents of Older Kids

Connect with Clare

The Tech Exit

Clare’s Substack

Clare’s X account

Resources Mentioned

Marriage Simplified

NIV Application Bible

The Tech Exit

The Busy Toddler

Water beads

Baking soda and vinegar activities

Sensory bin ideas

Ikea drawing paper roll

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