Getting Real About the Ideal

Getting Real About the Ideal

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] Every parent has moments they're proud of... and moments they'd rather pretend never happened. In this episode, we're sharing stories of fails, victories, and the moments that have kept us humble (and laughing). We're also unpacking the idealized self—the imaginary parent who never loses their cool, always says the right thing, and never makes any mistakes. As it turns out, God has never asked us to be perfect but invites us into dependency on Him. If you've ever wondered whether you're enough as a parent, this episode is a reminder that God's faithfulness has always been the real success story. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html] BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ [https://babysparks.com/] Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home [https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home]

Don't Let Stress Do the Thinking

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we're talking about the "dirty lens" we all carry into parenting—the thoughts and assumptions that color how we see our kids and ourselves. Stress has a funny way of smudging the glass. Suddenly your curious toddler looks "defiant," your emotional tween seems "dramatic," and you're convinced you're failing at this whole parenting thing. The good news? You don't have to believe everything your stressed brain tells you. We'll explore how our thinking shapes our stress, how stress shapes our parenting, and why renewing our minds isn't just good theology—it's good parenting. Together we'll learn to recognize the dirty lens, wipe it clean with God's truth, and see our children (and ourselves) with fresh eyes. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html] BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ [https://babysparks.com/] Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home [https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home]

The Summer Cure

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Val and Presley discuss the "summer cure"—that noticeable shift when children seem happier, more relaxed, and more like themselves once school is out and summer routines take over. From extra sunshine and outdoor play to less pressure and more freedom, we'll explore why summer can have such a positive impact on a child's mental and emotional well-being. Summer is a time to seek both fun and growth in our relationships with each other and God. Join us as we dive into questions about what is summer revealing about your child's need and how to parent in the season of sunshine.  CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html] BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ [https://babysparks.com/] Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home [https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home]

They Not Like Us... and That's the Point

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] As parents, we all want our children to see others the way God does, but how do we teach them to notice differences without fear, discomfort, or judgment? In this episode, we explore how diversity reflects God's creativity and design, and why helping our children recognize and appreciate differences is an important part of their spiritual and relational growth. From navigating conversations about people who look, think, or live differently than we do, to modeling Christlike love and curiosity. Join us as we consider how parents can raise children who see every person as someone made in the image of God. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html] BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ [https://babysparks.com/] Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home [https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home]

Are We There Yet?: Adult Children, Changing Relationships, and Trusting God

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] In our newest and final episode in our series on development, we explore one of the most unexpected transitions in parenting: navigating life as parents of adult children. Together, we discuss the spiritual, relational, and psychological shifts that happen as our role changes from managing and guiding to supporting, trusting, and remaining connected in new ways. We talk honestly about growth, boundaries, letting go while staying present, and how our own stories, fears, and expectations can shape these relationships. Through a Christian lens, we reflect on what it means to parent with wisdom, humility, grace, and hope while trusting God with both our children’s journeys and our own. Whether you are parenting young adults, fully grown children, or preparing for this season ahead, this conversation offers encouragement, insight, and space for reflection as we consider how development continues for both children and parents across the lifespan. CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html] BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/ [https://babysparks.com/] Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three Core Concepts in Early Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/ Building Social-Emotional Skills at Home: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home [https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/building-social-emotional-skills-at-home]