The Whole Person Parenting Podcast

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]

Are We There Yet?: The Teens—Staying Close, Setting Boundaries, and Letting Faith Grow

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] The teenage years can feel like a constant push and pull—one moment your child needs you deeply, the next they’re pushing for independence. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to stay close enough to truly know your teen—their struggles, pressures, and questions—without holding so tightly that you hinder their growth into autonomy. We talk about the delicate shift from hands-on parenting to intentional presence, where influence matters more than control. We also dive into the role of healthy spiritual community. We take an honest look at the ways teens cope with the weight of social pressure—what they may be turning to for escape, and how parents can respond with curiosity instead of fear. This episode invites you to remain a steady, connected anchor while giving your teen the space they need to become who God created them to be. 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?: The Teen Takeover

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] If you’ve ever felt like your once-sweet child has suddenly become a strong-willed, independent, opinionated human who’s slowly taking over your house, you’re not wrong. The teen years can feel like a shift in power, a shift in connection, and honestly, sometimes a shift in sanity. But what if this “takeover” isn’t a problem to solve, but a process to understand? In this episode, Presley and Val are diving into what’s really happening beneath the surface—physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually—as your teen steps into who God is creating them to be. We’ll talk about why they push away, why they question everything (including you), and how this stage is less about losing influence… and more about learning how to use it differently. Because the goal isn’t to hold on tighter, but to stay connected while letting them grow. So if you’re in the thick of eye rolls, big questions, and growing independence… this episode is for you. 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?: The In BeTWEEN Years

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] The tween years can feel like a quiet shift until suddenly, everything seems to be changing. In this episode, Presley and Val take a step back to look at what’s really going on beneath the surface of what is typically an awkward stage of development where your child is not the same little kid you've been raising, and not the teen you've been anticipating.  They're simply a "tween". From physical changes to growing emotions, evolving friendships, and a deepening spiritual awareness, we explore how this stage of development is shaping your child, your relationship with them, and their relationship with God. More than anything, we focus on how staying connected to our children and rooted in Christ through these changes can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered what your tween needs most in this in-between season, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and a lot to think about. 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?: Inside the Elementary Years with Our Favorite Principal

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532792/fan_mail/new] In this special episode, we step into the elementary years—a season full of growth, curiosity, and deepening relationships—with someone who knows it from every angle. Joined by our very first guest, a veteran educator, and our favorite elementary school principal!  Listen in we bring both professional wisdom and personal insight to the table. Together, we explore the elementary years—how children are developing academically, relationally, and spiritually—and what they need most from the adults guiding them. From the classroom to the home, we talk about fostering confidence, navigating challenges, and building strong connections that support kids as they grow in independence. This conversation is rich with perspective, practical encouragement, and a shared heart for helping parents navigate this stage of development with their children. 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]