This week’s episode is packed with insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of parenting during the middle school years. I’m joined by Courtney DeFeo, and together we dive into balancing love, independence, and the continuous learning process of parenting.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

• Parenting evolves as children grow, and middle school years often require creative ways to re-engage with your kids.
• Allowing children to experience failure helps them develop responsibility and confidence.
• Overparenting can hinder independence—parents should guide their children through problems, not shield them from them.
• Self-care for parents is crucial to maintaining balance and avoiding guilt in the parenting journey.

Courtney DeFeo is the host of the Pardon the Mess podcast here on the Christian Parenting Podcast Network where she encourages parents every week to be the imperfectly perfect parent God created them to be. She is also an author, speaker, and advocate for empowering parents to create lasting family connections. With her relatable approach and passion for practical parenting, Courtney inspires families to navigate challenges with grace and joy.

We had a ton of fun recording this episode and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

(01:57) Navigating Parenting Stages

(06:10) Engaging with Middle Schoolers

(10:07) The Balance of Hovering and Letting Go

(13:57) Preparing for Independence

(18:02) Overparenting: Understanding the Roots

(21:06) Navigating the Challenges of Letting Go in Parenting

(24:35) The Importance of Self-Care and Mom Guilt

(26:54) Recognizing Red Flags in Parenting Dynamics

(28:54) Practical Strategies to Avoid Over-Parenting

(31:37) Embracing Independence and Building Confidence in Kids

(34:49) The Balance of Love and Guidance in Parenting

Connect with Courtney

Pardon the Mess podcast

Pardon the Mess Instagram

Courtney’s Instagram

Courtney’s website

Resources Mentioned

What’s In Mommy’s Tummy?

Family Meeting Guide

In This House We Will Giggle

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

This week’s episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler. Together, we discuss the journey of their ministry, the complexities of parenting, and the importance of making faith-based decisions for their families.

Here are four takeaways from this episode:

• Emily and Laura share why they decided to close Risen Motherhood, highlighting the importance of prioritizing family and trusting God.
• They provide practical tips for making wise, God-honoring decisions through prayer, spiritual disciplines, and the gospel story.
• Involving children in decision-making helps teach them to seek God’s guidance and make choices that honor him.
• Faith offers hope and perspective, encouraging parents to lean on God and approach family life with humility and grace.

Emily and Laura are sister-in-laws and co-founders of Risen Motherhood, a nonprofit ministry that has reached countless parents with the message of the gospel in daily life. Their shared passion for encouraging moms through biblical truths shines through in their work and their lives. Their latest book is called Gospel Mom.

This episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for parents who want to align their decisions with their faith. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me!

(03:02) The Birth of Risen Motherhood

(06:09) Navigating the Decision to Close Risen Motherhood

(09:58) The Challenge of Saying No to Good Things

(14:01) Biblical Decision Making for Moms

(19:47) Guiding Kids Through Decision-Making

(23:25) Navigating Differences in Decision-Making

(30:27) The Importance of Humility in Parenting

(36:04) Finding Identity and Hope in Christ

Connect with Emily and Laura

Risen Motherhood

Laura’s Instagram

Emily’s Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Risen Motherhood

Risen Motherhood Podcast

Gospel Mom

Give to Christian Parenting

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

I am beyond excited about this week’s episode because I’m joined by two of my absolute favorites in the Christian parenting space—Lydia Rex and Lynne Jackson from Connected Families. Lynne, the co-founder of Connected Families, has deeply shaped my family through their ministry and parent coaching, and I’m thrilled to have her join Lydia for today’s conversation.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

• The challenges, joys, and opportunities in raising kids with big emotions and strong personalities.
• How to identify the strengths hidden within your child’s difficult behaviors.
• Strategies for managing stress cycles and implementing sensory solutions to help your child and yourself.
• The significance of weaving grace and biblical wisdom into your parenting approach.

Together, Lynne and Lydia offer a wealth of wisdom, practical tools, and encouragement to help families navigate the unique challenges of raising sensitive and intense children.

This episode is packed with insights and tools you can apply right away. I believe you’ll walk away encouraged and equipped to parent with grace and intention.

(00:00) Introduction and Background of Connected Families

(03:07) Understanding Sensitive and Intense Kids

(06:10) Gifts Gone Awry: Recognizing Strengths in Challenges

(08:55) Navigating Parenting Cycles and Stress Management

(11:47) Sensory Strategies for Regulation

(14:59) Building Confidence and Identity in Children

(17:56) Practical Tools and Resources for Parents

(20:54) The Role of Grace and Biblical Principles in Parenting

(23:58) Conclusion and Resources from Connected Families

Connect with Lydia and Lynne

https://connectedfamilies.org/

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Connected Families parent coaching

Connected Families courses

Sensitive and Intense Course

Give to Christian Parenting

Wild Interest podcast

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