In this episode we talk with Jocelyn Loane about the thorny topic of discipline. We explore what biblical discipline really means - it's not just punishment for a past wrong, but rather the loving, intentional, wholistic, long-term process of modelling, encouraging, training and correcting our children to help them mature towards godliness.

We talk about:
- What is discipline?
- Why do parents need to discipline?
- How can discipline go wrong?
- Is it OK for Christian parents to smack (or not to smack) their children?
- How can we best respond to our children's bad behaviour?

Links:
Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Discipline as discipleship' by Harriet Connor and a chapter by our guest, Jocelyn Loane.

Motherhood: How the gospel shapes our purpose and priorities by Jocelyn Loane, which includes two chapters on discipline.

Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.

Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we talk with Jane Gibb, an experienced life and conflict coach, about the many aspects of personal conflict, especially within marriages and families, and how it can help us grow. We had an insightful, practical and wide-ranging conversation about:

- What is conflict?
- Should Christians expect conflict?
- What are the different ways people naturally respond to conflict and why?
- Where do we experience conflict in our families?
- What steps can we take to work through personal conflict in a healthy way?
- What are some principles for managing conflict in our marriages?
- How can we teach our children to manage conflict well?

Links:
Peacewise: a Christian, cross-denominational, not for profit peacemaking ministry striving to build peacemakers for life.
Peacewise kids: Resources to help kids have better relationships and resolve conflict in a healthy way.

Quiet wisdom: Jane Gibb's coaching ministry for women seeking healing after sexual betrayal.

Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Related articles:
'Should we argue in front of the kids?' by Keturah Jones.
'Sticking together when parenting pulls us apart' by Harriet Connor.
'Help, my kids are fighting ... again!' by Roselyn Owens.

Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.

Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we speak with guests Kat Ashton Israel and Al James about the heavy topic of when children wander from the Christian faith. We explore the reasons why Christians can be uncomfortable discussing this topic; the impact it has on parents (and their faith) when a child 'wanders' and how the church can best support families in that situation. We also take an in depth look at the tension between our responsibility as parents to raise our children in the faith and the reality of God's sovereign action in salvation. We explore helpful responses to our children's questions and doubts about Christianity and the positive role that churches can play.

Links:
Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Teenage faith: doubters, drifters and deserters' by our guest, Kat Ashton Israel.

Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Related articles:
'Building resilient faith in our children' by Al James.
'Helping our teens through identity struggles' by Al James.

Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.

Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.