Raising Christian Kids

Did you know children in high-achieving school districts had higher rates of substance misuse, depression, and anxiety? During this episode, Lee Ann opens a thought-provoking discussion by addressing the competitive culture and the pressure to succeed that often infiltrates children's lives. Drawing wisdom from the word of God, Lee Ann highlights key scriptures that shed light on this issue and provide guidance for parents and their children. She also shares shocking statistics and reveals how even high-achieving school districts can inadvertently contribute to increased substance misuse and mental health issues among children. Lee Ann acknowledges the pressures parents face in wanting their children to excel in all areas of life. From academic achievement to fitting in on social media, the demands placed on our children are overwhelming. However, it is important for parents to let go of what they cannot control and instead focus on being a living example of grace in the face of adversity. She encourages listeners to trust God's sovereignty and find peace in understanding that He is in control. By embracing this mindset, parents can release the unnecessary pressures that society places on them and their children, leading to better physical and emotional well being for the whole family. By listening to this episode, you will hopefully gain a biblical perspective on the pressures children face today and discover how to support your child's spiritual growth amidst the demands of society, learn practical strategies to reduce stress, and find encouragement and guidance in becoming a living example of God's grace! Resources mentioned: “The Pressures of the 21st Century Parenting,” by Sarah Walton & “The Difference Between Preparing and Pressuring Your Children to Follow Jesus,” by Patrick Schwenk. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

How can parents courageously stand up against the antichristian influence when they see their teens are being lead down the wrong path? Three women of Christ on a mission have joined together, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, Rhonda Stoppe, and Lee Ann Mancini, to share empowering Godly advice, information, and encouragement for everyone raising the next generation of warriors for Christ. Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield is a national speaker, author, podcaster, and a licensed professional counselor of 27 years. Rhonda Stoppe is a best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster who has helped countless women build “no regrets lives”! During this episode, all three ladies discuss how Christian parents can navigate the challenges of raising kids in a chaotic and sinful world. They dive into the fears and concerns that Christian parents often face about the negative influence of culture on children. All three ladies offer valuable insights and strategies for parents to courageously stand up against the anti-Christian influences that their teens may encounter. Rhonda Stoppe emphasizes the need to focus on the main thing – preaching Christ. She reminds parents that while the world may seem chaotic, our main responsibility is to equip our children to love God and share the gospel. She also encourages parents to have compassion for those who are blinded by Satan's influence. Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield emphasizes the importance of teaching kids what to say "yes" to rather than just focusing on what to say "no" to. She encourages parents to help their children find their purpose and make a positive impact in the world. Lee Ann adds that throughout history, there has always been an evil influence on society, but there is also good. By teaching children to understand the battles between good and evil through the lens of Scripture, parents can equip them to make wise choices. All three ladies also touch upon the topics of suicide, bullying, and the importance of having open communication with teenagers. They provide practical advice on how parents can approach these topics with children and offer resources for further guidance. Resources: Rhonda Stoppe’s books & Dr. Michelle Watson Canfields books. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate all God has done for us and to get together to give thanks to one another. The Bible is filled with stories that can serve as valuable tools to help children understand the concept of thankfulness and appreciate the blessings in their lives. Each story highlights different aspects of gratitude, reminding children to express thanks to others, recognize their own faults, appreciate God's provision, and be content with what they have. During this episode, Lee Ann discusses six bible stories to help children understand the meaning of thankfulness: The Story of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19): In this story, Jesus encounters ten lepers who beg him for mercy and healing. After Jesus heals them, only one of them comes back to express thankfulness. This story teaches children the importance of showing gratitude and appreciating the kindness of others. The Story of Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1-3): When Jonah disobeys God and tries to escape his mission, he is swallowed by a giant fish. After three days, Jonah repents and thanks God for saving him. This story emphasizes the importance of being grateful for second chances and recognizing our own faults, as well as realizing the many blessings we may take for granted. The Story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21): Jesus feeds a large multitude of people with just a few loaves of bread and fish, showcasing God's abundant provision. After everyone had eaten and was satisfied, there were still twelve baskets of leftovers. This story teaches children to appreciate and give thanks for the blessings and miracles in their lives. We can explain that there are many people in the world who have nothing to eat, and we should always show thankfulness for the food God gives us. Remind them that wherever they are, they can always say a silent prayer of thanks for their food. The Story of the Widow's Offering (Mark 12:41-44): Jesus observes a widow putting all she had, two small coins, into the temple treasury. Although she gave so little, Jesus commends her for her sacrificial giving, highlighting the importance of gratefulness and contentment with whatever we have, no matter how small. This story will help your child understand that we are to give thanks to the Lord because he always provides for our needs. When we go to God with open hands to give to others, God will bless our open hands by giving back to us. The Story of Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37-50): This story follows Joseph's journey from being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers to becoming Egypt's second most powerful man. Despite the hardships he endured, Joseph remained thankful and trusted in God's plan. The story showcases the importance of gratitude, even in difficult circumstances. The Story of Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1-3): Hannah, a barren woman, prayed passionately for a child. When God answered her prayer and blessed her with Samuel, she responded with a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. Hannah thanked God by giving back her only son to serve the Lord. This story teaches children the value of appreciating answered prayers and expressing gratitude to God in words and deeds. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, and be thankful every day that God chose you to be a parent! RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“I think the Bible is very clear that God is a warrior god. There are so many times throughout the Old Testament that we see God leading his people into battle against their enemies.… I think God has wired our boys to identify with this unique aspect of God's character, and I think our boys reflect God's character in a unique way and that they are drawn to battle and adventure and things like that.” – Laurie Christine. Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four wild, loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ. During the episode, Laurie shares insights into her new devotional book, Rise of the Enemy - Book One in the Dragon Slayer Bible Series, and how it can help raise boys who develop deep connections with Christ. Drawing inspiration from Revelation 12:7-9, Laurie shares how this pivotal passage serves as the foundation for the Dragon Slayer Bible series. She introduces Michael, the archangel, as the storyteller, and the dragon is used as a metaphor for Satan, focusing on the theme of spiritual warfare and using the imagery of a dragon to engage children in the adventure of biblical truth. Laurie explains how the book guides children to identify the lies of the enemy and equip themselves with God's word to stand strong against the devil's attacks. “Our battle is not against flesh and blood. Right? But against the spiritual forces of evil.” - Laurie Christine. Laurie also offers additional resources on her website, including a free eBook titled Bored with the Bible, which offers practical tips and ideas on making family devotional time more exciting. She has various prayer resources and an amazing podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, for anyone who wishes to raise courageous boys into godly men! Access all of her resources discussed in this episode here! RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Let's create an environment for our children where faith is nurtured, and trust in God is built through consistency, integrity, and authenticity! During this episode, Lee Ann Mancini delves into the importance of embodying godly characteristics as parents and the potential negative impact of hypocrisy on our children. Key Takeaways: Children look to their parents as role models and rely on their words and actions to guide them. When parents claim to be Christian but fail to act accordingly, trust can be shattered, leading to confusion and potential harm. Parents must strive to align their words and actions, avoiding double standards that send mixed messages to their children. Rectifying unintentional hypocrisy is crucial for building trust and fostering a positive parent-child relationship. Children often view religious leaders as trustworthy figures, but when they witness hypocrisy within the church community, their faith may be shaken. Building relationships with church leaders who practice what they preach is essential to nurturing children's trust in the church and God. Witnessing inconsistency between preached values and actual behaviors can cause emotional distress in children. Feelings of disappointment, anger, and betrayal can lead to anxiety, depression, and a negative attitude towards religion. Parents must prioritize consistency to support their child's emotional well-being and spiritual growth. Hypocritical actions contradict the moral principles parents aim to instill in their children; this inconsistency can confuse children about right and wrong, hindering their moral development and ability to empathize, make ethical decisions, and form healthy relationships. Maintaining strong character and integrity is key to fostering trust between parents and children. By aligning beliefs and actions to the best of their ability, parents can create a positive environment for their children to grow in faith and build trust in the God they represent. Make a list of the rules you have set for you kids; then each day, try as best as you can to see if you violate the rules you have set for your kids. When we tell our kids to always be kind and don’t talk about others negatively, yet they hear us on the phone breaking this very important ethical rule. Luke 6:46 states, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” And Mark 7:6, Jesus said, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’” RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“If every rule you have with a child is nonnegotiable, you're going to set up a rebellion because you're raising your child in a prison, not in a home. But if everything in your home is negotiable, every rule is negotiable, well, you're going to set up a rebellion as well.” -Jill Garner. Jill Rigby Garner is the founder and chief visionary officer of the nonprofit organization Manners of the Heart, working to reawaken respect in our society for the sake of the next generation. Jill's parenting books have sold more than 100,000 copies, including the Gold Mom’s Choice Award-winner, Raising Respectful Children in a Disrespectful World. She is currently working on a groundbreaking new book for the parents of tomorrow's leaders called StrongHeart: Cultivating humility, respect, and resiliency in your child. During this episode, Jill Garner discusses the complexities and struggles parents face while raising children in today's world. She shares the reasons why children are more disrespectful than ever before, highlighting the impact of culture, social media, and the decline in expectations for children over the past few generations. She emphasizes that the main culprit lies in the misguided notion of self-esteem, which has been wrongly instilled in parenting approaches. Jill challenges the popular belief that children need self-esteem, pointing to scripture that teaches us to esteem others and God, but not ourselves. She argues that by prioritizing our children's happiness over holiness and failing to discipline them effectively, we inadvertently contribute to a lack of respect and self-centeredness in their behavior. They talk about the difference between self-worth and self-esteem, with Jill offering a fresh perspective that defies societal norms. She introduces the concept of the "mirror of self-esteem" and highlights the dangers of children becoming either self-conceited or self-conscious when overly focused on themselves. Jill reminds us that true answers and fulfillment lie not within ourselves but in our faith and relationship with God. She also outlines the four stages of child development—tots, tykes, tweens, and teens—and reveals the soul questions that children at each stage need answered. By understanding and addressing these fundamental questions, parents can foster respect and build strong foundations for their children's character development. Jill’s Website, Manners of the Heart, Instagram, & Facebook. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

How can faith lessons and moral lessons positively shape the lives of our children? During this episode, Lee Ann Mancini explores the difference between moral and faith lessons and how they are interconnected and play a crucial role in shaping our children's beliefs, values, and actions. Moral lessons refer to the principles or guidelines that govern individuals' behavior and actions. These lessons are often based on ethical considerations, values, and principles that are universally accepted or agreed upon by a particular community or society. They can either be contrary to our faith, or they can support our faith journey. This is why teaching our children that we adhere to a biblical worldview is extremely important to their moral development. Faith lessons, on the other hand, are derived from religious beliefs based upon the living word of God. These lessons involve understanding the tenets and doctrines aimed at fostering a deeper spiritual connection to God. They include rituals, prayers, meditations, and, most importantly, the word of God. Faith lessons are aimed at helping individuals deepen their faith, attain spiritual growth, and live by the will of God. It is also important to teach children the Ten Commandments, explain their meaning, and discuss how to adhere to these moral standards in daily life. We can also explain to our children that inner convictions are beliefs and opinions we have that help us to decide between right and wrong, and these convictions are the guiding principles that allow us to make choices or help to determine how we act in the world. Ultimately, the combination of faith and morality empowers our children to treat others with kindness, compassion, and empathy. These virtues promote fairness, justice, and the well-being of others, allowing our children to have a positive impact on society while upholding the dignity of all those created in the image of God. Living in a world that often challenges these values, relying on our faith and Christian morality grants us peace. It helps us navigate through an increasingly hostile environment. By understanding the difference between a faith lesson and a moral lesson, we can raise strong Christian kids who exemplify the character and behavior of Jesus, reflecting His love and teachings. Resources: Fruit Full: 100 Family Experiences for Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit, by Christie Thomas. “How Do We Plant Godly Convictions in Our Children?” by Joel R. Beeke. “20 Victorious Virtues,” by Raising Christian Kids. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“I think the most obvious thing is just invite them into your home. We do so much healing in our homes… The more kids can invite other kids into your home where conversations are happening about life, questions can be asked and answered. I think it gives those kids such a gift.” -Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield. Three women of Christ on a mission have joined together, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, Rhonda Stoppe, and Lee Ann Mancini, to share empowering Godly advice, information, and encouragement for everyone raising the next generation of warriors for Christ. Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield is a national speaker, author, podcaster, and a licensed professional counselor of 27 years. Rhonda Stoppe is a best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster who has helped countless women build “no regrets lives”! During this episode, all three ladies engage in an insightful conversation where they discuss practical tips, biblical examples, and words of encouragement for all parents, addressing the common challenges faced by single moms, single fathers, or motherless/fatherless children being raised by others. Rhonda, Michelle, and Lee Ann provide heartfelt encouragement to single parents, reminding them they are not alone. Dr. Michelle emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the impact of growing up without a mom or dad and not dismissing its significance. She also highlights the role of the Christian community in filling those gaps. There is an organization called "God is My Dad," founded by someone who grew up fatherless. This organization encourages intact two-parent households to invite fatherless or motherless children into their homes to provide positive experiences and mentorship. Rhonda shares biblical examples showcasing the impact of godly influences and the support of the church community in raising children of faith. Rhonda also shares her experience with her son, Tony, who joined their family at the age of 15. Her husband became his father in the faith, helping him heal from past wounds and find his identity in Christ rather than resenting his absent biological father. She mentions the podcast, Plus One Parenting, where the host is a single mom who does a really good job at connecting single moms and helping them find some support. All three ladies stress the importance of honoring and affirming those who serve as spiritual moms and dads to children from single-parent homes. Their presence and love can make a significant difference in the lives of children who may have a parental void. Recognizing and appreciating these spiritual mentors can bring affirmation and support to those in need. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

How can humility contribute to a child's peace of mind and heart? During this episode, Lee Ann explores the importance of instilling humility in our children's hearts. In a world where self-centeredness and personal desires are constantly promoted, it is crucial to teach our children the value of humility and selflessness. Humility allows us to face adversity with peace in our minds and hearts. She also discusses how humility helps children handle bullies, both online and in the real world, by recognizing their worth in Christ and not allowing the opinions of others to define them. Referencing the words of Jesus in Matthew 18, Lee Ann unravels the true meaning of becoming like children. Jesus calls us to abandon our desire for status and turn towards Him with childlike hearts. We must also be cautious not to cause others, especially our little ones, to stumble in their faith. She reminds us of the weighty consequences Jesus mentions for those who lead others astray. Humility prevents us from taking on a know-it-all attitude and instead encourages us to approach others with kindness, love, and teachability. Lee Ann offers practical tips on how to teach our children humility, such as teaching them to share, encouraging them to show kindness, and role-playing different scenarios to help them navigate the challenges of humility with grace. Key Takeaways: Humility is essential for our children's spiritual growth. It allows them to rely on Christ and find their security in Him, even in the face of adversity. Jesus's call to be like children does not imply innocence but rather an abandonment of status-seeking and a selfless attitude. By encouraging our children to take a humble position, we empower them to be great in the kingdom of heaven. Cultivating humility in our children involves teaching them to be selfless, kind, and loving. Role-playing scenarios and discussing acts of kindness experienced during the day can further reinforce this important virtue. Let’s strive to be like Christ, exemplifying humility just like Jesus, who forgave those who crucified Him. Let’s teach our children the power of forgiveness and the strength that comes from living a humble life! RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“We're also hearing back from those moms who now put their daughters in American heritage Girls and are thrilled that we have stayed the course, that we have maintained our Christ-centered focus despite what the culture is doing.” -Patti Garibay. For more than two decades, Patti Garibay has been at the forefront of countering the culture by leading girls and women to create lives of integrity. She is the founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls, a national Christ-centered leadership and character development program. She helps thousands of girls discover their identity and purpose in Christ through AHG’s transformative programs. Today, AHG stands strong, with over 52,000 members globally with AHG Troops in all 50 states and 15 countries. During this episode, Patti touches upon many factors that made her want to create a Christ-centered organization for girls. She mentions the modifications made to the Girl Scouts organization, including the manifestation of moral relativism, strange treatment of sexuality, and pro-abortion lean. This prompted Patti to create her organization, American Heritage Girls, a character development program based on solid truth and values. Patti details the many awards and programs AHG offers, such as badges that focus on skills-based learning, allowing girls to explore various interests and potentially discover future vocations. They also offer service projects called Service Stars that encourage girls to put their faith into action by serving others. Additionally, AHG offers level awards, which require girls to earn badges, service stars, and faith awards, promoting goal-oriented growth as they progress through the program. She also shares heartwarming stories of girls who have gone through the program and its positive impact on their lives. Many alumni have even returned to AHG, with their own daughters now becoming members, highlighting the long-lasting and intergenerational influence of the organization. For those interested in joining American Heritage Girls, Patti explains that it's as simple as visiting their website and using the zip code finder to locate a troop nearby. Churches are also encouraged to consider starting a troop, as AHG can provide assistance. Starting a troop can be a meaningful way of growing a family ministry and creating strong bonds within the church community. American Heritage Girls Website, Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Did you know that according to statistics, only 26% of Americans trust public schools? During this episode, Lee Ann shares seven prayers to pray daily and often to keep your children safe and happy as they return to school for another year. Pray for your children’s protection. Ask God to cover them with a legion of angels to keep evil intentions away and to protect their minds from false doctrine. Ask God to give them wisdom and discernment to know the truth and to reject lies. Pray for campus safety, for the buildings to be secure, and for the area around the school to be a fortress of safety. (Reference John 17:15 & 2 Thessalonians 3:3.) Pray for the teachers and staff. Ask the Lord to remove anyone with evil intent and provide teachers who will be godly role models. Pray that all who work at the school are kind and loving to your children in all circumstances and interactions. (Reference 1 Peter 4:10 & 2 Timothy 2:15.) Pray for purity amongst the students, teachers, and staff. Ask the Lord to keep their intentions and thoughts pure and to guard them against temptation. Pray that the materials in the school don’t violate the biblical directives we want to instill in our children. Let any impure or evil curriculum be brought to the parents’ attention, and may the school deal with removal effectively and expeditiously. Reference Philippians 4:8 & Colossians 3:2.) Pray that everyone at school exemplifies patience. Ask the Lord to instill patience in your child’s heart and mind and help them to let others go first. Pray they will have the patience to wait on the Lord for guidance and direction before they choose to speak or take any action and to have patience as they sit in class and not become a distraction to others or lose self-control. (Reference 1 Corinthians 13:4 & Ephesians 4:2.) Pray for wisdom and discernment. Pray that your children can recall all they learn and apply their wisdom to serve God and others. Pray that the teachers are sharing wisdom in line with God's word. Pray for wisdom to choose friends who exhibit godly characteristics. (Reference James 1:5 & James 3:13-18.) Pray for your children to have kindness and generosity. Pray they will desire to be kind even when a bully is in their path. Ask the Lord to connect their heart and mind to Christ so they can emulate Christ-like qualities. Ask God to instill a deep desire to be a good friend to all and always to accept forgiveness. (Reference Ephesians 4:32 & 2 Corinthians 9:11-12.) Pray your children will be a witness for Christ and that they will look for opportunities to honor and glorify God in all they do and speak. Ask the Lord to bless them with gifts and talents that allow them to be a shining light for Christ. Pray your child will be disciples of Christ and will be blessed for their faith. (Reference 1 Timothy 4:12 & Matthew 5:16.) Resources Mentioned: The Power of a Praying Parent & The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“We want them to do things better than we did. We want to share things so that they don't fall into it, but they need to actually sometimes experience things themselves because that could be part of their spiritual journey.” -Lori Wildenberg. Once a month, Lori and Lee Ann will discuss complex topics regarding parenting and disciplining. Lori Wildenberg is a national speaker, a licensed parent-family educator of over 25 years, and an award-winning author of six Christian parenting books. Lori also leads the popular Moms Together Facebook Community Page and Group. During this episode of MOMents with Lori and LeeAnn, both ladies offer practical tips and advice on how to help teens stay rooted in their faith and make wise decisions when faced with secular influences and peer pressure. Lori emphasizes the importance of fostering open and honest conversations with teens about their faith and the challenges they face. She encourages parents to focus on nurturing their teens' identity in Christ, reminding them of their inherent worth and purpose. By teaching biblical truths and equipping teens with the knowledge of who they are in Christ, parents can help them become resilient against negative influences. She reminds parents not to panic if their teens make mistakes or succumb to negative influences but rather to use those moments as learning opportunities. Maintaining compassion and understanding is crucial during these times and can help guide teens back onto the right path. Lee Ann suggests developing a plan of escape for teens and role-playing potential scenarios to empower them with the tools to navigate challenging situations. She also talks about the importance of preparing children ahead of time by discussing secular influences and researching the current landscape together. Engaging teens in discussions where their opinions are valued allows for a more receptive and collaborative approach to teaching and guiding them. Both ladies stress the importance of keeping children active and involved in activities such as sports to keep them focused and busy. They also encourage parents to pray for guidance and to ask God to keep their eyes open to any hidden challenges or issues their teens may face. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“For churches to be putting most of their ministry resources into reaching an adult is bad stewardship. It's not going to have much impact. If you want to transform lives and you want to take part in that, you should put most of your resources, most of your thoughts, your energy, your teaching, your time, your people, and all the resources you've got into ministering children because they're the ones whose world is being radically shaped today.” – Dr. George Barna. George Barna is a professor and Director of Research at the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. He is also the Senior Research Fellow at the Family Research Council’s Center for Biblical Worldview. He founded The Barna Group, the Barna Institute, the American Culture and Faith Institute, and Metaformation. His new book, Raising Spiritual Champions, is the 60th book that Barna has authored or co-authored. His books have addressed social and religious trends, worldview, leadership, spiritual development, church dynamics, and cultural transformation. During this second part of the two-part episode series with Dr. George Barna, the discussion continues about the alarming statistics revolving around church ministry leaders and the impact they have on raising children with a strong biblical foundation. Some of the shocking statistics about ministry leaders: 56% believe that sexual relations between consenting adults who are not married to each other are morally acceptable. 61% of children's pastors say it doesn't matter what faith you believe in as long as you have some kind of faith. 12% of churches have Bible-oriented ministers. 37% of pastors have a biblical worldview. Many children's ministry leaders hold beliefs that contradict fundamental Christian teachings, such as denying the existence of absolute moral truth or endorsing morally questionable behaviors. These beliefs have significant consequences on the teachings and influences our children receive within the church. Dr. Barna stresses the critical role parents play as the primary spiritual leaders for their children. With the decline of Christian influence in society, parents must actively discipline their children. Dr. Barna emphasizes the importance of understanding the true meaning of discipleship, as defined by Jesus himself. The core principles of discipleship involve obeying God's teachings, loving others, producing spiritual fruit, and surrendering everything to follow Christ. He highlights the top influencers in a child's life, including parents, schools, peers, government, and arts/entertainment, collectively holding 70% of influence. It raises the question: why does the church fail to make this list? Dr. Barna suggests that churches often undervalue children, seeing them merely as bait to attract adults. He challenges parents to actively engage in their children's spiritual upbringing and invest in ministry that truly impacts their lives. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“The fact that less than 1% of adolescents and 1% of teenagers have a biblical worldview. I mean, you can't get much lower than that. So, we've abjectly failed in terms of raising our children. We can look at the fact that only 2% of the parents of kids under the age of 13 have a biblical worldview. That's appalling. You can't give what you don't have.” -Dr. George Barna. George Barna is a professor and Director of Research at the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. He is also the Senior Research Fellow at the Family Research Council’s Center for Biblical Worldview. He founded The Barna Group, the Barna Institute, the American Culture and Faith Institute, and Metaformation. His new book, Raising Spiritual Champions, is the 60th book that Barna has authored or co-authored. His books have addressed social and religious trends, worldview, leadership, spiritual development, church dynamics, and cultural transformation. During this episode, Dr. George Barna sheds light on the troubling statistics of today’s world and details four essential disciple-making practices that have proven effective in children. Some of the shocking statistics about children ages 13-14: 43% don’t know or care if there is a God. 56% believe there is no absolute truth. 61% believe Jesus sinned or may have sinned while he was on earth. 70% believe Satan does not exist. One of the key takeaways is that children start forming their worldview as early as a few months old and solidify it by the age of 13. Their worldview helps answer fundamental questions about identity, purpose, and morality. Dr. Barna reveals that media has emerged as the dominant influence on children's worldviews, surpassing parental and church guidance. Four essential disciple-making practices that have proven effective in his book, Raising Spiritual Champions: Make a commitment: Parents must view themselves as disciple-makers rather than merely caregivers. This shift in mindset enables them to guide their children on the path of faith. Know your beliefs: Parents need to deeply understand their Christian beliefs, origins, and significance first; then, they can initiate an ongoing journey of faith exploration together by sharing and modeling these beliefs with their children. Convert beliefs into action: Simply believing in Christian values is not enough; action is required. Children learn by example and need to see their parents living out their faith through consistent actions aligned with their beliefs. Measure progress: Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of their parenting efforts is crucial. Parents should assess both their personal faith journey and their children's spiritual growth, making adjustments and seeking support as needed. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

By embedding biblical principles organically into everyday life, kids can remain steadfast in their faith for a lifetime! During this episode, Lee Ann Mancini shares valuable insights on how to demonstrate love and care for your children, all while connecting their hearts and minds to Christ. From writing love notes to engaging in open-ended conversations about their day, Lee Ann provides practical ways to bring Jesus into everyday interactions with your little ones. She also emphasizes the importance of honesty, active listening, and establishing a mutually responsive relationship. Key Takeaways: Prepare your child's heart to be receptive to Christ's love and teachings. Include love notes in your child's lunchbox, reminding them of God's love and presence in their lives. Learn how to engage your children in meaningful conversations about their day, creating opportunities to share about Jesus and his impact on their lives. Make your child's birthday a special occasion by emphasizing the significance of their birth, incorporating Christian themes, and fostering an exciting atmosphere from the moment they wake up. Understand the importance of honesty in building trust with your children to create a foundation for open communication and lifelong faith. It is important to give your children your full attention, listen to their feelings, and model respect in order to build a strong parent-child relationship. Embrace small gestures such as crosses on foreheads, gentle touches, and blessings that organically reinforce the significance of Jesus in your children's lives. Give correction and compliments by following Jesus' example of praising efforts and expressing disappointment constructively. Display and cherish your children's artwork, creating lasting memories of their artistic expression and their journey with Christ. Guide your children in expressing their viewpoints respectfully, drawing inspiration from Jesus' loving disagreements with those he cared for. Instead of saying no, use the yes sandwich. Cultivate a culture of love and faith by consistently reminding your children that you love them, encouraging nightly prayers, and fostering strong connections even as they grow older. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“Our feelings may come and go, and sometimes the world says that somehow can affect you, but your DNA imprint is so strong there is no way that you cannot be what ordained you to be.” -Rhonda Stoppe. Three women of Christ on a mission have joined together, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, Rhonda Stoppe, and Lee Ann Mancini, to share empowering Godly advice, information, and encouragement for everyone raising the next generation of warriors for Christ. Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield is a national speaker, author, podcaster, and a licensed professional counselor of 27 years. Rhonda Stoppe is a best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster who has helped countless women build “no regrets lives”! During this episode, all three ladies delve into how parents can discuss sensitive issues like same-sex attraction and gender identity with children while staying true to the principles laid out in the Word of God. By fostering open, age-appropriate conversations grounded in biblical truth, parents can learn to guide their children toward a solid understanding of God's design for gender while teaching them to love and respect others. Key Takeaways: It is important for parents to be proactive in discussing these topics rather than leaving it to outside voices to shape their children's understanding. Know the research: statistics reveal many teens believe gender is based on feelings rather than biological sex. Encouragement for parents to familiarize themselves with research findings to facilitate informed discussions with their children. Ground your children in Biblical truth and the significance of parents being rooted in their own understanding of God's design for gender. If we firmly establish the biblical perspective that we are created male and female in God's image, parents can counter societal ideas of gender fluidity with unchanging truth. Have age-appropriate conversations because it is crucial to start addressing these topics with children from a young age. Children are naturally curious, and parents should aim to provide gentle, age-appropriate responses that align with their family's worldview and biblical principles. Address the media influence rather than shying away from difficult topics; watch shows or movies together and use them as opportunities to discuss confusing or misleading messages portrayed on screen. Foster love and compassion by teaching children to love and respect others while also holding steadfast to biblical truths; loving others does not mean compromising personal values, but rather pointing people towards Christ and trusting God as the ultimate judge. Truth is not subjective but rather rooted in God's unchanging Word. “Barna Group did a Gen Z study and found that 1/3 of teens say gender is how a person feels inside, not their birth sex… I don't believe there's anything biblically that backs that up. We're created male and female and in god's image, and it's not a feeling. It's a fact.” -Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

What are some practical ways parents can incorporate the name of Jesus into everyday moments with their infants and toddlers? Our most important job as parents is to help our children grow closer to Christ. We can start this Christian parenting journey by preparing the soil for our children's faith from a young age. By planting biblical wisdom deep in their hearts and minds, we can lay a strong foundation for them to build upon as they grow older. During this episode, Lee Ann Mancini dives into the importance of preparing the soil, starting from infancy, to build a strong foundation in Christ. She shares practical tips and insights on connecting your child's needs with the name of Jesus, from feeding time to playtime. Lee Ann also emphasizes the significance of including Jesus in daily routines, such as prayer, reading the Bible, and worshiping, so it becomes second nature for your child. She highlights the importance of inviting Jesus into every situation and the significance of building a solid foundation before age five when most of the brain develops. So, how can we do this? Start Early: From infancy, make a conscious effort to connect your child's needs being met with the name of Jesus. Whether it's feeding time, playtime, or bedtime, intertwine the name of Jesus with their experiences, fostering a deep love and relationship with Him. Lead by Example: Children are natural imitators. Model prayer, Bible reading, and worship in front of your child. Make it a daily routine, and soon enough, they will want to do it on their own. You are setting the foundation for a strong Christian life by encouraging them to develop self-control and discipline. Have Fun with Jesus: Incorporate Jesus into all aspects of your child's life, including playtime. Act out biblical stories or situations with their teddy bears or toys. Make it interactive, engaging, and enjoyable. By implementing these strategies, you can nurture your child's spiritual growth and raise them to become strong Christian individuals who will continue to walk closely with Jesus even as they grow older! RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“There are some parenting trends out there where it’s like, ‘We want our kids just to figure out their own faith.’ And a lot of parents are keying into this… God has put eternity in our heart, but I also believe, and I know this through scripture, that parents are called to talk about faith – we are to lead the way.” -Lori Wildenberg. Once a month, Lori and Lee Ann will discuss complex topics regarding parenting and disciplining. Lori Wildenberg is a national speaker, a licensed parent-family educator of over 25 years, and an award-winning author of six Christian parenting books. Lori also leads the popular Moms Together Facebook Community Page and Group. During this episode of MOMents with Lori and LeeAnn, both ladies share wisdom on how we can help draw our children, from the womb to young adults, closer to Christ. Key Takeaways: For unborn babies in the womb, newborns, toddlers, and young children: Play and sing Christian songs and read scripture to them – children can still receive communication even though they can’t express it yet. Repeat short comments such as “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus is love.” Pay attention to what toys they play with and what shows they watch – have Christian toys and watch Christian shows that you can biblically reference repeatedly as you start to teach them biblical concepts and stories. Envision where you want your children to be when they are young adults – then go backward and create a plan to get them there. Say, “Thank you, Jesus, for this food at every meal and snack.” Nursing infants should hear Jesus’ name, connecting their needs that are being met with his name. For preteens and teenagers: Have casual, organic conversations every day to help them want to open up to you and be able to talk about their faith with you. Talk about when God does things in your life so they feel more comfortable realizing when he is doing something in their lives. Don’t let your kids figure out their faith– the parent’s job is to lead the way and build that strong foundation. Teenagers will challenge parents, which is a good thing, especially when they are asking hard questions about faith and life because this means they’re taking faith seriously. For young adults: Teach them to be resilient to overcome struggles and issues in life so that they can keep their faith strong and prevalent. One of the biggest problems for young adults is understanding people's suffering, which can cause a big faith crisis. Make sure you stay the spiritual leader for your children even when they don’t live with you anymore – text them good night prayers or reminders to say their prayers every day. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Did you know that there are approximately 180 miracles throughout the Bible? Essentially, a miracle is known to be an event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws and is considered to be the work of God. But a miracle is not necessarily a violation of the laws of nature or science because God could easily use the laws of nature or science in an unusual way. So, if miracles are real, how can we as parents explain to our child why one person who prays for a miracle may receive the miracle while another person who prays for one may not? During this episode, Lee Ann gives real-life and biblical examples of miracles that you can use when teaching your children about miracles. Ensuring our children understand that God is a just God is important. He is always fair in whatever he decides to do or not to do. Sometimes, he doesn’t answer our prayers because what we ask for may not be the best for us or our loved ones. We can help our children understand that since God created us, he knows infinitely more than we do. He knows all things. God gives life and takes life. He answers our prayers according to his perfect will. And it is also important that we help our children pray for the right things. Explain to your child that these are real-life miracles when they look out their window and see the sun rising and setting, the birds chirping, the flowers blooming, the waves rippling, and the fish swimming. The day they were born was a miracle of life. Miracles are all around us if we choose to open our eyes. Let’s not forget about the many miracles of Jesus. For example, he healed the blind, helped the crippled walk, healed illnesses, and raised the dead, but most importantly, he died for our sins and gave us righteousness. It’s the triple imputation – Adams sin to us, we sin to Christ, and Christ’s righteousness to us. Scientific evidence does not explain this; no human mind can understand or conceive how this can happen. It is a miraculous God who created all things and saved us all for his glory! Resources mentioned: Best-Loved Miracles of Jesus, by Arch Books. Case for Miracles for Kids, by Lee Strobel & Jesse Florea. Children and the Supernatural, by Jennifer Toledo. Miracles: Do they Happen? Why We Believe in Them, by Henry Morris. “Miracle Woman Ruby Graupera-Cassimiro Survives After 45 Minutes Without Pulse,” by ABC News. “Officers who saved baby in icy river heard mysterious voice,” by CBS News. “Toddler pulled from icy creek revived after 101 minutes of CPR,” by CBC News. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“Stop being so hard on yourself; that is not helpful for any parent ever. Replace those harder thoughts with gentler, kinder thoughts, and remember God loves us and believes in us in these moments.” -Sissy Goff. Sissy Goff, LPC-MHSP, has worked as the director of child and adolescent counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries since 1993. She speaks to parents and children's ministers across the country and is a frequent guest on media outlets such as Southern Living, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Good Morning America, Focus on the Family, That Sounds Fun, Family Life Today, Fox News, and many more. Sissy Goff is the author of 13 books, including Modern Parents Vintage Values and The Worry-Free Parent. She co-hosts the chart-topping Raising Boys and Girls podcast with fellow Daystar Counselor David Thomas. Key Takeaways: Media and technology have become anxiety-provoking in kids and adults. Four characteristics of parents that could negatively influence kids to grow up with anxiety: Overly cautious of the world. Critical and set unreasonably high expectations. Emotionally insecure or dependent. Suppress expression and don’t express feelings by being self-assertive. Two of the most inefficient coping strategies parents use for anxiety are escape and avoidance. Anxiety is an overestimation of the problem and an underestimation of ourselves. If we are reinforcing our kids’ behaviors and pulling them out of situations or keeping them from challenging situations, we are feeding into that anxiety and anxiousness and not helping them learn and overcome obstacles. The benefits of teaching our children to be mindful and to be present where they are. The three-door technique is great for kids who are having trouble sleeping, and it’s basically a coping tool where kids pick three places that they love and feel safe in, and then they close their eyes and pick the first place and go through a door, and they describe everything that they see, feel, and smell, and then they move on to the next door. Five things you can teach your children to do when anxiety takes over: notice the negative thought, give that thought a name (for example, the worry monster), ask, “Is that thought true? Does this really happen every single day?” Then replace that negative thought with the truth. Sissy's Website & Instagram RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Did you know that Princess Kate Middleton, Tom Cruise, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Jesus were all bullied? Back in Jesus’ day, the Jews were fearful of the Roman soldiers. Romans were confiscating the land, food was scarce, and taxes were up to 80 to 90%. When the Jews protested the heavy tax burden, the Romans killed 6000 Jews! They were feeding the Jews to the lions for entertainment. The Jews faced many bullies, such as the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and, of course, the Romans. They wanted freedom from oppression and freedom from governmental bullies. In the Bible, the Old Testament was all about war and conquering the enemy, but then Jesus brought the Kingdom of Heaven to earth with his radical agenda contrary to anything described in the Old Testament, teaching his people to love their enemies! Matthew 5:43-45 states, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” During this episode, Lee Ann elaborates on these seven pointers to assist you in helping your child win over a bully: Be kind and don’t engage negatively or try to get even with them; instead, try to diffuse the situation by talking nicely to them. Teach your children that the bully is looking for them to engage and want to feel superior in front of their friends – it may not be personal against them, and maybe they are just an easy target. Help your child see the bully as a person who is hurting and needs grace and mercy. If your child has the gift of humor, tell them to reply with humor to try to defuse the situation or even agree with the bully’s statement to take the sting out of the words the bully uses as a weapon. Invite them to your house with your friends for a playdate or try to include them at school – maybe they are lonely and sad. Help your child understand that sometimes nothing you do will transform a bully – after all, Jesus was crucified by a mob of bullies whom he tried desperately to show love and compassion to. Prayer is vital and essential – pray for the bully with your child. Resources: “Helping Kids Deal with Bullies” by Focus on the Family & “Know A Child Being Bullied? 5 Steps To Take Right Now” by The Ministry Dad. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

"You are raising the next generation of kingdom changers - give yourself some grace; we're not perfect. Step out with forgiveness and love and leave that fear and doubt behind.” – Billie Jauss. Billie Jauss is the author of Making Room and Distraction Detox. She is a speaker and the podcast host of The Family Room. She inspires women with practical biblical guidance and challenging motivation to accomplish God’s best in their faith, family, and friends. Billie encourages women to live life to the fullest right where they are. Key Takeaways: She shares encouragement for mothers to learn how to put life’s distractions into perspective and allow God to do more in them, letting them embrace all the meaningful moments God has for them. Learning to control the “right-hand syndrome,” which is constantly offering and volunteering to do everything, even if you are already busy. Understanding that although external distractions such as spending time scrolling on Instagram or being on the computer aren’t necessarily bad, they can take the place of where God wants you to be. The importance of parents understanding and processing emotional barriers that produce feelings such as fear, doubt, discouragement, or defeat that we cover up with external distractions. The benefits of taking a 7-day journey of writing down everything you think about, feel, and process because you used Instagram or your computer to mask those internal issues. We, as parents, are our biggest critics, and we sometimes can speak negatively about ourselves when we either fail at work, yell at our kids, or argue with our significant others, and that’s how doubt creeps in. The steps to distraction detox: determine your internal distractions, evaluate your emotional barriers, terminate the toxins, outline a plan to identify, and execute the plan. Ways to understand and overcome doubt as a parent and move forward. We must learn to ask our children or husbands for forgiveness when we react with fear. The three main categories moms fall into when dealing with negative thoughts about being a good mom or wife are fear, unbelief/doubt, and shame/guilt. Billie’s website, Facebook, & Instagram. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Ephesians 4:31-32 states, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” In embracing the lessons of the Beatitudes, we can gradually transform our hearts and minds as we let go of bitterness, rage, and anger and create space for love, joy, and peace to flourish within us. We can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and learn to respond to adversity with grace and humility. During this second part of this two-episode series about the Beatitudes, Lee Ann discusses the rest of the Beatitudes and the benefits of teaching these amazing blessings to children: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy: Our world today doesn't show mercy, but it shows condemnation; in pursuing success, we see ruthless competition. The world doesn't show mercy because it doesn't understand compassion – it can't empathize with others. The great reversal tells us that we can choose to show compassion, even when it is not reciprocated. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God: God’s word tells us that the heart is wicked – we see this wickedness that dwells in those who are not saved. The great reversal is that we are to love our enemies because we are pure in heart as Christ dwells within us. Help your child understand what a pure heart is and how those who want pure hearts must fight against the desire to sin daily. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God: The great reversal we witness is Jesus not engaging in verbal or physical combat when most people would automatically fight back verbally or physically when attacked. Jesus told Judas, “Do what you came for, friend,” and told Peter to put his sword away; this is a great example when teaching our children what to do when or if a bully attacks. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: The world will teach our children that it is not a blessing to be persecuted and that there is nothing good about it. Worldly righteousness refers to moral or ethical conduct that is widely accepted or valued by society, unlike spiritual or divine righteousness, which is based on principles and values by the word of God and the actions of Christ. Lee Ann elaborates on the following benefits of teaching your children the Beatitudes: They teach children to have humility, mercy, peacemaking, and righteousness. They help guide them in making the right choices and treating others with respect and compassion. They learn to identify with those suffering or in need, promoting a sense of empathy, compassion, and a desire to help and support others. They help develop strong character traits such as meekness and kindness, which promote inner strength, resilience, and virtue. They teach children the importance of striving for peace and seeking reconciliation. They gain a deeper understanding of God's love and God’s desire for a relationship with them. They help children to develop a personal connection with God, fostering spiritual growth and providing a foundation for their faith journey. References: “Teaching the Beatitudes,” by Sunday School Zone & “20 Beatitudes Activities for Middle School,” by Brittany Ray. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

The Beatitudes are like a roadmap on how we are to live on Earth as if we are living in Heaven. The Beatitudes are eight blessings from the Gospel of Matthew declared by Jesus to his disciples. These blessings can be used to help us on Earth treat people the way we are to treat them in Heaven. The Beatitudes encourage compassion, humility, love for enemies, and a strong desire for justice. They are some of the best teachings from Jesus in the Bible. We live in the “already not yet” time period. This is a theological concept where we live in the present age, the now, and because of our salvation, we also live as if we are living in the kingdom of Heaven. The beatitudes remind us that we are to live daily as if we are currently in Heaven even though we are physically here on Earth – that’s the “already not yet” concept. During this first part of the two-part series covering the Beatitudes, Lee Ann shares how we can explain the Beatitudes to our children and discusses the first four Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven: The word poor that Jesus uses here refers to those who are living in abject poverty. Our children need to understand that the world's riches mean nothing and that we are blessed even if we are poor – the great reversal because we will have everything in Heaven. Tell your children the story of Mother Theresa; she had nothing but was so happy and blessed because she knew she would gain everything in Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted: Everyone will suffer loss at one point in life, and Jesus tells us we are blessed because he will wrap his loving arms around us one day. Help your children understand that when they lose a loved one who believes in Jesus, they can rejoice after their initial sadness (the loss), for they are in the arms of Jesus. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth: In Jesus’ day, many were oppressed, and justice belonged to wealthy and influential people. Teach your children to be generous and not greedy in actions, words, and deeds and be content with what they have. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: Righteousness means right relationships with God, others, yourself, and all of God’s creation. Those who hunger and thirst don’t have the right relationships with God and others. God ate and drank with those who were great sinners who didn’t have it together. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“What I try to encourage parents and grandparents to do, is to teach their kids and their grandkids how to connect with Jesus when they’re scared and how to invite him into the room in a real first-person way.” – Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield. Three women of Christ on a mission have joined together, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, Rhonda Stoppe, and Lee Ann Mancini, to share empowering Godly advice, information, and encouragement for everyone raising the next generation of warriors for Christ. Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield is a national speaker, author, podcaster, and a licensed professional counselor of 27 years. Rhonda Stoppe is a best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster who has helped countless women build no-regrets lives! During this episode, all three ladies touch upon how we can help our children feel safe when going to school, considering all of these school shootings happening today. Parents may fear sending their children to school, and kids may fear going to school after hearing about these tragedies; but there are things we can do for and with our children to ease that anxiety, fear, and stress of going to school. Key Takeaways: Nurture your child’s trust in you, tell them the truth age-appropriately, fact-check with them based on all the information in the media, adjust what you say based on their personality, look at their emotions, and show them the bigger story. As you process the events together, remind your kids that the bigger story is not just violence in this world, it’s that God loves everyone, and he sent his son to rescue us from all this sin and violence. The benefits of teaching your kids to connect with Jesus when they don't feel safe and are scared. Use the UFO hold to help children feel safer – the unwinding frontal occipital hold is when you put one hand on your child’s forehead and one on the back side of their head, and you press together and hold, slowing down their heart rate when they feel scared. When doing the UFO hold, you can ask your child who, what, when, and where questions about Jesus to help them connect to him at that moment. Have a plan for them so that if they get to school and are fearful, they know who to call and where to run; that way, they feel safer knowing they have an escape plan. Be present at campus if you can – go to your child’s school on lunch hour, work in the lunchroom, or visit them during recess or gym. Our children feed off our emotions, so we first have to trust in the Lord and pray safety prayers over our children so that they don’t see us being fearful. Write scripture on cards and let your child bring those cards with them to school. “When they see us take our anxieties and concerns to our father in Heaven, that shows them how mommy and daddy feel safe in this chaotic world, and that’s where they need to go to feel safe as well.” – Rhonda Stoppe. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here. Episode 251

Once a month, Lori and Lee Ann will discuss complex topics regarding parenting and disciplining to help families have peace in the home and build lifetime connections! Lori Wildenberg is a national speaker, a licensed parent-family educator of over 25 years, and an award-winning author of six Christian parenting books. Lori also leads the popular Moms Together Facebook Community Page and Group. During this episode of MOMents with Lori and Lee Ann, both ladies share advice for parents on helping kids adjust to a new home, neighborhood, or school. Key Takeaways: Pray before you move for a good house and good neighbors. If you are building a new house, to bless and bond with it, you can plant a Bible or cross in the dirt before they lay concrete or write Bible verses in each room before the flooring goes in. Once you are in the new house, get outside and go out to the neighbors because nowadays, people don’t go out of their way to meet new neighbors as often as they used to. Reach out first and be the host - introduce yourself and your kids to your neighbors or invite people over to see your new home and meet them that way. Take your kids to the new home and the new neighborhood and drive around and point out where there is a church or a park, or a movie theater and get them excited to relocate and more familiar with that area. Make an appointment at your child’s new school and go there with them and let them meet their teachers and see where their classes will be to ease the anxiety of their first day. Find out where their locker will be because lockers for the first time for kids can be overwhelming, and buy them the same type of lock at the store so they can practice their combination. Try and figure out which friends have lunch at the same time as your kid and tell your kid which friends of theirs are in their lunch period so that they don’t feel nervous if it’s their first time in a large cafeteria. Make a game out of their first day of school – give them a certain amount of things that they have to remember that day, such as meeting a new friend, their favorite subject, or their teacher's name, and for each thing that they remember they will get a reward when they get home. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

There is so much nutritional value in many foods mentioned throughout the Bible... During this episode, Lee Ann discusses the many foods on earth that are referenced through out the Bible that we should be feeding our children. In John 6:35, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life that came down out of heaven: if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” The bread genome is three completely different genomes in one – a good example of the trinity. Isaiah 55:2, Matthew 6:11, and Acts 2:42 are some of the many other verses in the Bible that reference bread. Bread’s nutrients prevent and control diabetes, prevents digestive disorder, prevents breast cancer, prevents muscle cramps, improves heart function, enhances better memory, and prevents or reduces anxiety and depression. Barley is discussed in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and John and is mentioned more than 35 times in the word of God. God provided to feed thousands with just five barley loaves. Barley prevents heart disease, reduces cancer, prevents blood clots, and improves immunity. Grapes are mentioned more than 50 times in scripture. Psalm 104:15 states, “And wine which makes a human heart cheerful, so that he makes his face gleam with oil, and food, which sustain a human heart.” In Isaiah 65:8, we are told that grapes are a blessing, and Jesus said He is the true vine, and his Father is the vinedresser in John 15:1-5. Grapes protect our DNA from damage and strengthen and protect the heart and circulatory system. It minimizes inflammation and is a cancer-prevention food. Figs, pomegranates, dates, and olives are mentioned in the Bible too. Even the branch the bird brought back to Noah was an olive branch! There are even foods that mirror our body parts: Brain-boosting walnuts look like the brain. Carrots, which are good for our eyes, when sliced, resemble an eye. Celery is good for our bones; both celery and our bones are made of 23 percent sodium. Tomatoes are good for our hearts and, when sliced, resemble the structure of a heart. Wine resembles blood and is good for us in controlled quantities. Resources mentioned & referenced: “10 Foods That Look Like the Body Parts They’re Good For,” by Amanda Greene. Eat God’s Food: A Kid’s Guide to Healthy Eating, by Susan Neal. Unleash Your God-Given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancer, by Ginny Dent Brant. “Six Inexpensive Disease Prevention Tips for Families,” by Ginny Dent Brant. Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, by Claude Davis & Nicole Apelian. The Seven Foods of the Promised Land, by Annette Reeder. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“I love it because, unlike today’s superhero entertainment for kids, it is so clean, safe, and fun.” -Amanda Trumpower. Amanda Trumpower is a writer for Jesus lovers who dig dragons, detectives, and droids. As a follower of Christ, her worldview is based on the Bible. All her books conform to a Christian worldview, though certainly not all the characters. While the journey may be difficult, the main characters come to a place of hope brought by the peace of knowing God. During this episode, Amanda discusses her engaging Collar Case mystery book series and her Power Pup superhero book series in-depth and what she hopes kids will take away from reading them. Both series are for readers ages 7-12 and for those who love mysteries, animals, and superheroes. The Collar Case mystery series shares the same body of characters and humor style as Power Pup, but they aren’t superheroes. It’s mysteries and nonviolent crimes such as theft, sabotage, or conspiracy. In each book, there is some sort of major or minor character lesson from the Bible that the kids can learn along the way. The Power Pup superhero series was born out of Superman’s background, and he, alongside investigative reporters, gets to be heroes in a fun and safe way. Each book in the series explores courage, heroism, teamwork, and adventure while including the Bible. As the series unfolds, you discover that there is a large collection of biblical artifacts. These artifacts grant various superpowers and are tied to stories from the Bible. On the back of each book is a devotional for the kids to look at and read, giving them a little extra activity. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

The Bible says that in Him all things were created in Heaven and on Earth. All things... including music! Music is a tool that allows us and our children to worship the Lord and grow in our faith. It heightens the emotional experience of something and can alter how we feel in the same manner as sugar or medicine. At times, we even take it for granted. Musical notation began in the monasteries of Western Europe. The Benedictines sang psalms, and they played songs for eight hours of worship at Mass daily, called the Gregorian chant. Music and faith have always been deeply connected. And the Bible says how in Him all things were created in heaven and on earth; all things, including music! Psalm 95:1 states, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” We can help our children understand how important music is to God and how we can worship him through music. God created music; therefore, he is the author of it. He gifted us with it, and as with all his gifts, we should understand the history and the purpose of why God has given them to us. When singing Christian songs of praise and worship, explain the meanings of these words to your children: Gloria – is a word of praise that the angles used as they sang “Glory to God in the highest.” (Ref. Luke 2:14) Hallelujah – is another way to say, “Praise the Lord” or “Praise God.” (Ref. Revelation 19:1) Hosanna – This word means “Lord, save us!” (Ref. Mark 11:9) Resources mentioned: Kids Works Music offers musicals, songs, and scripts for children. And they have a camp they can bring to you. Kids learn a 45-minute musical in one week; they offer arts, crafts, drama games, daily Bible lessons, and more for kids ages 7-14. 40 mins of kids music and videos is a video of cute characters singing Bible verses and explaining the meaning behind each one. “8 Inspiring Christian Songs for Teenage Girls,” by The Wonderful Grace of God. Trueway Kids offers free Christian children’s songs with videos as well. “12 Best Free Online Music Lessons for Kids,” by Dynamic Music Teaching. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“Very few people realize that there is a legal way already at our fingertips that we can utilize to teach the Bible to public school students during the school day.” – Joel Penton. A former defensive tackle and national champion for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Joel Penton is the author of three books and the founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy—a groundbreaking program providing Bible education to students in over 100 public schools, during school hours, across the country. A widely sought-after speaker, over 1,000 live audiences and a million people have taken in his message. During this episode, Joel shares his passion for bringing biblical education to youths nationwide, specifically public school students, during school hours. Key Takeaways: LifeWise Academy provides Bible education to public school students during school hours. Laws don’t need to be changed - the supreme court ruled in 1952 that public school students can be released during school hours to receive Bible education if the program meets three criteria: it has to be off school property, privately funded, and with parental permission. Logistics are simple - they walk or bus the kids to a nearby facility, teach them the Bible, and then bring them back. Local communities can go to their website and look at their ten-step launch process to get this program at their public school. Today, Lifewise serves over a hundred schools and will serve over three hundred by the end of 2024. “It’s a strategy that any community coast to coast can implement, and that’s why we started LifeWise – to provide the tools so that communities can do it in a plug and play, hit the ground running type of way.” – Joel Penton. To learn more or to start the ten-step launch process of bringing the Bible to your public school, go to LifeWise.Org. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Do your children honor God? The dictionary meaning of honor is high respect and great esteem. And to adhere to what is right or a conventional standard of conduct. And adhere means attachment or commitment to a person, cause, or belief. So, honor is to hold someone or something, or even some idea, in high regard by being attached or committed to a person, cause, or belief. 2 Samuel 2:30 NIV states, “Those who honor me I will honor.” Wow, God will honor us? The creator of all things will honor what he has made from the dirt of what he has created! Revelation 5:12 says He is “Worthy…to receive…honor, glory, and praise.” Children can honor God by first believing he is worthy to be honored. Once our children realize who God is and what he has done and intends to do, they will want to honor him. According to an article titled “The Scientific Benefits of Worship” by Lauren Hansen, when we worship and praise God, our hearts and minds are transformed. Praise is a restorative tool that lifts your spirit, helps us connect to God’s presence, and enlarges your perception and connection to God. Research has shown that you increase in wisdom as you worship, and your relationship with God deepens as you worship him. Just seven minutes of worship every day will change your brain. Gamma waves are created in our brains when we worship to help us feel God's presence. Gamma waves do more than just make us feel better; they increase our intelligence, too. One way to teach our children how to exhibit respect and honor is to have good manners. We want to cultivate gratitude and appreciation in our children by teaching them the basics of saying please and thank you. We also can teach them by building a culture of honor in the classroom. If your child attends a public or private school or is homeschooled, instilling honorable actions and intentions is essential. Statistics state that a child spends 32.5 hours a week in school. This is where they learn to interact with their peers and adults in authority. As we see from the statistics, it’s not just about respect and honor but also about our children’s mental health. According to Erwin Lutzer’s new book No Reason to Hide, he references Dr. Luis Rojos Marcos, who discusses these alarming statistics: 1 in 5 children have mental health issues. A 43% increase was seen in ADHD. 37% increase in adolescent depression has been observed. A 200% increase in the suicide rate among children aged 10 to 14. Practice honor daily. Honor your child, parents, and spouse, and reward honor by acknowledging the good thing your child has done or said. And who knows, maybe your child will become the next adult to bring lasting change to a hurting world. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“If I can help parents in the earlier years learn to build a connection with their kids, to speak the gospel, and to live redemptively in their homes, what difference would it make as their children grow older; my hope is maybe less kids would struggle with some of these mental health issues.” -Kristen Hatton. Kristen Hatton, MA, is a counselor and author passionate about helping families. She is the author of Get Your Story Straight, Face Time, The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students, and Parenting Ahead. Key Takeaways: Ways to help teen girls deal with societal issues like body image, sex, dating, substance abuse, materialism, perfectionism, and many more. The crux of the book, Face Time, tells the reader who Jesus is for her and who she is in Him, helping them find their worth and identity in Jesus. Face Time helps girls look deeper at false idols they may be turning to, such as body image or social media, and helps them turn to Jesus instead of those idols. The case studies included in Face Time help girls practice applying the gospel to different scenarios, making gospel theology in an everyday practical way. Parenting Ahead is a great tool for parents to help them prepare early on to connect with their children and bring them closer to Jesus before these societal issues get to them. What you do in the early years matter, and there are gospel foundations that we can put in place so we don’t have to be paralyzed by fear. Under-parenting is helicopter parenting and micromanaging everything; over-parenting is the permissive parent. Evaluating the “why” of our parenting styles and the tools we can use to change our behaviors – our own idols as parents drive our parenting styles. For example - for an over-parenting style, the idols driving this could be control and fear of the child’s future, and for an under-parenting style, the idols causing this could be the peace and happiness of the child. Both parenting styles are rooted in good intentions, and sometimes parents can teeter back and forth between the two. The importance of having Gospel centrality and spiritual conversations with your children. “I really want to be an encouragement to families, and to help them feel equipped towards proactive intentional Jesus-reliant long-haul parenting.” -Kristen Hatton. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

As important as it is for us as parents and caretakers to teach our children empathy, it is equally as important to teach them love and acceptance for one another. Love is the most powerful emotion on earth, and the definition of love is God, which means God is love. We all have a deep desire to feel liked, accepted, and loved by our family, friends, and associates. Acceptance involves understanding, respecting, and valuing others for commonalities and differences. It is an important part of developing positive relationships. Acceptance is good, but love is better. Luke 6:31 states, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” During this episode, Lee Ann dives into the many ways we can help our children learn to accept and love one another: The first step in loving someone may be that we first accept them for who they are – both the good and the bad. It's never too early to start talking about love. Explain that love takes work but should make them feel good, not bad. Tell your kids that loving someone is about caring for them, wanting what's best for them, being kind/patient/forgiving, being supportive, being there for them, respecting their feelings, and working together. Model what it means to love others – your kids watch and learn from you daily. Children express love differently: boys tend to express love through physical actions, and girls tend to express love through words and emotions. Read stories that feature characters showing different emotions – this can help children understand how people might feel in different situations. Help them understand that everyone is different because that’s how God made them. Encourage them to be respectful and kind to others. Model what it looks like to disagree without being disagreeable. Avoid name-calling or any other type of personal attack when disagreeing with someone. Try to understand the other person’s point of view. Once your children learn the importance of accepting others, teach them to model what it looks like. This can especially help in situations when another child is being bullied. We should encourage our children to invite others to join in a game or share toys, teach them to be good listeners, and – most importantly – show them how to treat others with acceptance, compassion, and love. 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“Our failures where we do not image God perfectly are opportunities to talk to our children and ask for forgiveness for messing up.” -Catherine Larson. After graduating with a master’s in biblical studies from Reformed Theological Seminary, Catherine Larson spent seven years writing with Chuck Colson for BreakPoint radio, Christianity Today, and Newsweek online. Today, she writes amidst the clatter and curiosity of six young children. Catherine is the author of two beautiful devotional journals, Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You’re Expecting and Watching in Wonder: Growing in Faith During Your Baby’s First Year. These devotionals seek to lead moms closer to God while journaling prompts offer a unique way to treasure milestones and jot down prayers and love notes for one’s growing baby. During this episode, Catherine elaborates on the following key points: Encouragement for moms who may find themselves stressed out about the delivery of their baby. How a new mom can engage with their children and enjoy the first year of parenting without feeling the pressure to be perfect. Good habits moms can develop in the early days of parenting. Advice for moms with energetic children or boy moms that want to change the narrative from raising “obnoxious loud boys” to raising Christlike men. Catherine’s Instagram & Facebook. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

How would you feel if your child only spoke to you twice in the day - in the morning when they woke up and at night before they went to bed? How do you think our heavenly father feels when we only talk to him in the morning and at night? There are many ways to help you and your child’s prayers be a more meaningful conversation and be a special time with the Lord. Conversations allow you to express your emotions and needs, and they are how most of us communicate with each other. Prayer is a form of communication between us, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and it is the most important type of communication! Our children need to understand how crucial it is to have a robust prayer life and learn to pray without ceasing. If we pray continuously without ceasing, it will become second nature to us and our children. During this episode, Lee Ann shares a few pointers on teaching children to have a robust prayer life and to pray without ceasing. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Lee Ann elaborates on the following tips to help your child have a robust prayer life: Help your child list all their blessings and the beautiful things God created, such as the flowers, the sun, the ocean, the stars, the green grass, etc. Have them take one or two items a day and mention them in their prayers, giving thanks to God for those blessings. Set an alarm for them to pray often during the day. Practice connecting to the Holy Spirit during prayer time and listening to God. Help your child understand that it’s okay if God doesn’t reply and that we should always wait on the Lord’s perfect timing. At the end of prayer time, have your child thank the Lord again and tell him they love and trust him to answer them and guide them according to his perfect will. Look for opportunities to pray. Help them to become aware of the presence of God. He is everywhere. He is omnipresent. Look back on your day with them in gratitude, and thank him for the big things, the little things, and everything in between. Ask the Holy Spirit to help your child focus and to have the ability to recall and remember things that happened during the day or week; have them thank him for the many emotions they experienced during the day and thank him that they are alive and breathing and had one more day to enjoy all he has created. Pray for tomorrow with them by asking God to prepare their heart for whatever he has planned for them. Pray for peace to approach the day confidently in the Lord to provide and protect. Ask for wisdom, discernment, and a grateful heart. Have a real conversation as if God is sitting beside you when praying. Resources: “Companion Guides” by Practicing the Way & “100 Things to Pray for Right Now” by Micah Klug. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Once a month, Lori and Lee Ann will discuss complex topics regarding parenting and disciplining to help families have peace in the home and work together to build lifetime connections! Lori Wildenberg is a national speaker, a licensed parent-family educator of over 25 years, and an award-winning author of six Christian parenting books. Lori also leads the popular Moms Together Facebook Community Page and Group. During this episode of Moments with Lori and Lee Ann, both ladies dive into the difficult ideologies and viewpoints that kids face today in this crazy confusing culture. They share advice on how parents can help their children understand the difference between what is true and false regarding gender dysphoria. Key Takeaways: Parents need to define what truth is – it is an objective fact; it is not a feeling – feelings are subjective. We need to teach our children to embrace the differences in each gender - male and female, rather than becoming intolerant of those differences. What to do if your child comes home and says they want to change their gender or they don’t feel comfortable in their own skin anymore – the more questions you ask them about it, the more you can minimize the myth of what goes along with gender confusion. It is important for the parent not to freak out when a child is questioning their gender or interests – spark the conversation about their interests and preferences instead of the conversation of them wanting to change their gender. Celebrate their identity and gender – take the opportunity to affirm them often and early on. It is essential to teach children about the two worldviews before they go off to school so that they are prepared to protect their biblical worldview against the secular worldview. Everybody has a sin propensity, and we can teach our children to have grace and humility early on so that they understand everyone has something to work on and nobody is perfect. Our job is to point our children to the Lord and teach them to point others to the Lord as well; we are not to teach our children to condemn people or celebrate them when they are sinful – help them to have a balance of grace and truth. Lori’s Website & Moms Together Facebook Community Page & Group. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“God took Abram outside. That is fundamental. We can do the same thing. We can take our children outside and prepare them to receive God’s truth.” -Eryn Lynum. Eryn Lynum is a mother and wife, a certified Master Naturalist, a Bible teacher, and the author of the books 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of the Intentional Parenting and Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation. She also hosts the podcast Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible, a podcast for kids. During this last part of her three-part episode series, Erin elaborates on the following key takeaways: How to explain to children the chasm between God’s designs and society’s brokenness. Showing children the way the world works, such as the sun or a river, can help teach them how God’s ecosystems thrive the best when they operate on his plan. Biblical stories of how God spoke of nature and used nature to connect people to him – stories in the Bible that God anchored in a nature narrative. It is important that we give our children resilient faith in today’s society because they are getting fed lies and funneled into false agendas. We should stop filling our children with milk because even though it is necessary when they are babies, it is time-stamped – we need to give them solid food (the knowledge to have a strong faith) before we release them into the world. We can show our children the reliability of the Bible and the evidence that supports the Bible. “Giving our kids this resilient and robust faith that is rooted in scripture and supported by the evidences we see in nature, science, and history; giving them more to work with in today’s world when these arguments come against them that first, they won’t succumb to doubt, and that second, they will be able to give an answer for the hope that is within them and defend their faith with gentleness and respect… it is so important.” -Eryn Lynum. Erin’s website, Instagram, & Facebook. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“God is not wishy-washy, and in his creation and everything he’s made, we see order and method, and natural laws that we need to live in harmony with and respect.” -Eryn Lynum. Eryn Lynum is a mother and wife, a certified Master Naturalist, a Bible teacher, and the author of the books 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of the Intentional Parenting and Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation. She also hosts the podcast Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible, a podcast for kids. During this second part of her three-part episode series, Erin elaborates on the following key takeaways: How nature analogies can help children understand the relationship and parallels between nature and God - for example, monarch butterflies with milkweed plants and when deer shed their antlers. Absolute truth can be proved by God’s creation of nature. It is so important to teach children objective truth – take them into nature and have them see and state things clearly as they are – this teaches them to understand God’s truth and that his creation is real instead of assuming things that are not definitive. Invasive pastimes choke the ecosystem of our souls – invasive species taking over native plant landscapes can be directly related to technology and the media taking over our children’s minds and childhood completely. Three similarities between invasive species and technology: both are recent introductions, both came with good intentions and when both are left unchecked, they completely take over and control the arena. There is an extreme imbalance between children spending their childhood indoors on media devices and outdoors in nature – the average child spends 22% of their childhood with a media device and 0.48% of their childhood outside. Erin’s website, Instagram, & Facebook. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“Kids are so sensory. They remember things when it’s anchored in a hands-on experience. So, if we can take them outside and explore nature while also anchoring theological and biblical truth, that’s a win-win.” Eryn Lynum. Eryn Lynum is a mother and wife, a certified Master Naturalist, a Bible teacher, and the author of the books 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of the Intentional Parenting and Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation. She also hosts the podcast Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible, a podcast for kids. During this first part of her three-part episode series, Eryn elaborates on the following key takeaways: At some point in life, parents realize how fast their kids are growing up – 936 Pennies can help parents slow down and discover how not to make every moment matter but make sure that every day has meaningful moments that honor God (Psalm 90:12). There is such a powerful connection between God’s created world - what he has made, and his written word - the scriptures. There are two ways God reveals himself to us - special revelation and natural revelation. The importance of connecting nature and scripture and using both to nurture your family's faith. Explore what God says about nature with your children in the Bible, and then explore God in nature by going outside and exploring with your children. Becoming “wonder conservationists” – protecting what God has made and conserving the sense of wonder that God has given us and our children. When we lose curiosity and wonder, we forfeit a critical element of faith because we stop asking questions about the world around us; we stop using all the evidence of God that can build this robust and resilient faith. Erin’s website, Instagram, & Facebook. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Without a solid foundation, it can be hard to instill biblical wisdom and grow godly faith! Often, we speak about raising children to have a strong, unfailing foundation in Christ, to stand up against this ever-increasing evil world. As parents and caretakers, we try our best to raise our children with a biblical worldview that can overcome the secular worldview influence that dominates today’s society. In Lee Ann’s book coming out in 2024, she writes about a home called the sand palace. Here is an excerpt from her book that she elaborates on during this episode: “Have you heard about the sand palace? It’s the name of a beautiful home built right on the shore in Mexico Beach, Florida. On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 160 mph, tore through and destroyed the Florida Panhandle. Mexico Beach was one of the hardest-hit areas where homes and businesses were decimated, leaving nothing but bare foundations. However, the "sand palace” home remained standing tall, largely untouched on its stilts above the carnage and destruction all around. Everyone wanted to know why this home survived in such pristine condition. The homeowners of the sand palace were wise enough to build their home to withstand 240-250 mph winds, despite Florida’s state code that requires houses to be built to withstand 120 mph winds. Instead of 30-foot pilings, the sand palace was built with 40-foot pilings made out of poured concrete walls with rebar and steel cables. The owners stated, 'At every point, from pilings to the roof and everything in between, when it came time to make a decision about what level of material or what to use, we didn’t pay attention to code… We went above and beyond code…We asked the question: What would survive the big one? And we consistently tried to build it for that.'" The sand palace is a perfect analogy of Matthew 7:24-27. During this episode, Lee Ann shares three ideas from her book to guide you in helping your children begin to build that strong foundation in Christ: When babies look into the mirror, say, “Jesus loves you!” You are connecting those happy emotions with the name of Jesus. When feeding infants, toddlers, or children, say, “Thank you, Jesus, for our food.” Nursing infants should hear his name and connect their needs with the name of Jesus. Make up your own family game. Play “Bible Verses” or "Bible Words.” On one side of an index card, write the first few words of the verse; on the other, write the whole verse. Show them the first few words of the verse, and then have your child finish the rest. Sign up for our Newsletter here to be the first to know when Lee Ann’s new book is released. She will be giving away 20 free copies to our faithful followers when it releases! RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“All of the metabolic issues, the weight gain, the posture issues, we're seeing a lot of visual issues, and of course, the mental health crisis that’s going on, all of these things are related to screen time.” – Dr. Victoria Dunckley. Dr. Victoria Dunckley is an award-winning integrative child psychiatrist at the Centre for Life in Los Angeles. She is an internationally recognized expert on the impact of screen time on the developing brain. Recently named one of “America’s Top Psychiatrists,” Dr. Dunckley has been featured on Psychology Today, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Good Morning America, and more. She is the author of the groundbreaking book Reset Your Child’s Brain, now published in eleven languages. During this episode, Victoria touches on important topics to hopefully help parents and children understand the effects of screen time on the brain, as well as ways to stop gaming and focus more on having healthy balanced brains. Dr. Dunckley elaborates on the following key takeaways: The tendencies of children who are gaming vs. children who are staying away from screens. Screen time and gaming have negative effects on the development of a child, mentally and physically. The "orienting response" is a response that happens naturally to the brain when we see a screen in front of us – it’s stimulating and visually appealing by nature. Screens hijack our rewards system – the dopamine sensors in the brain become deregulated and desensitized so it takes more stimulation for the child to pay attention because their brain is telling them that screen-free activities are boring. Screens cause increased cortisol stress levels which affect blood pressure and insulin regulation, which directly controls weight gain and blood sugar. We’re seeing an explosion in childhood obesity due to the introduction of smartphones at an age when the brain and body are still being developed. The best solution is to get rid of screen time completely instead of trying over and over again to regulate it. It is important for parents to understand kids do want to spend time with their parents, but a lot of the time, they feel like they are being ignored due to the parents being on their media devices as well. Make sure you are present when you are with your children by putting your devices away and designating certain nights for family game night. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

In a world full of deadlines, appointments, and obligations, do you sometimes set unrealistic expectations for your children with the hope of success? In today's fast-paced and hectic world, hurrying has become an integral part of our lives. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Being a mom is a full-time job.” But being a mom is equivalent to two and a half full-time jobs, according to statistics. No wonder we are always in a hurry! God gave us 24 hours a day - so it must be enough time. He would never give us less than what we need. In fact, according to Philippians 4:19, we are told that God will meet all our needs, even in hard times and in suffering. The Lord’s prayer states, “Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Do you think anyone in heaven is hurrying around and stressed out to the max? Or are they peacefully relying on the Father for all their needs? James 5:7-12 states, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” During this episode, Lee Ann elaborates on the following tips to help, guide, and support families that feel like they are always in a hurry: Prioritize: Identify the most important things to you and prioritize them accordingly. Set realistic expectations: Avoid setting unrealistic expectations for yourself. Plan ahead: Planning and being organized can help you avoid unnecessary stress. Have the kids do more – sometimes, we think we must do everything. Make time to dance with your kids, sings songs, play games, tell jokes, cook meals, read books, take a nature walk, watch the sun rise and set, and count the stars. Hurrying is a habit we need to break. It’s okay to have some days when you need to hurry – but too much hurrying brings worry and stress. We can eliminate hurrying from our families' lives and enjoy more peaceful and fulfilling days! Resources mentioned: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by Pastor John Mark Comer. “Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry,” by Bill Gaultiere. “What Slowing Down Teaches You That Rushing Never Will,” by Amy Julia Becker. “Study Says Motherhood is Equivalent to Working 2.5 Full-time Jobs,” by WLWT5 News. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Looking for a tool to help make praying more fun and fit naturally into your children’s daily routines? Sarah Holmstrom and Stephanie Thurling are two friends who met during their undergrad years and launched a ministry together called Raising Prayerful Kids. Though they live in different parts of the country, they both are passionate about helping parents teach their kids how to pray. Authors of Raising Prayerful Kids, they love to share easy, life-giving, and fun ways to help children experience God through prayer. During this episode, Sarah Holmstrom joins Lee Ann to discuss fun and engaging games and activities from her book that can guide you in helping your children build lifelong habits of praying. Key Takeaways: The paper prayer chain is a weekly or daily activity where children can either draw or write on pieces of paper something to pray for. Creating blessing bags with your children – putting together bags for the homeless and praying over each bag; this can help your family change their perspective in understanding that everyone is made in the image of God. The repent prayer game is a teaching tool that helps children understand that repenting is not only apologizing for doing something wrong but also, it’s the action of turning away from that sin completely. There are many ways you can make confession normal and fun instead of scary and uncomfortable – 180 jump turns or confession stations. Divine reading is a way to pray through the Bible and help your children understand what God is trying to teach them about him and about them. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Did you know that experts say around age 5 or 6 is when feelings of romantic love begin to form? It can be challenging to navigate the topic of romance and relationships with our children, especially at a young age. Scientists say falling in love is a complex process and that our brains are hard-wired to give our emotions the upper hand over common sense. Falling in love is a beautiful and strong emotion, but it can be dangerous for children if we ignore, belittle, or dismiss their feelings. Here are a few warning signs to watch for, not only in young children but in pre-teens and teens as well: Are these strong emotions affecting their sleep? Do they stay up thinking about what they should have said or done? Are they heartbroken or too sad and embarrassed to tell you? Is it impacting their academic performance? Are their grades falling? Are they disinterested in homework or no longer want to participate in extracurricular activities or sports they love? Are they making poor decisions? During this episode, Lee Ann elaborates on the following tips to help children of all ages understand romance and how to be wise in handling relationships: Explain to your children that God created us to have different kinds of love and explain those different kinds of love: romantic love between adults, love between friends, love between family members, or agape love for God (Reference John 15:12). Model healthy relationships and let them witness the different types of love. Discuss God's plan regarding relationships and help them understand the importance of seeking God's guidance. Discuss the importance of purity. Talk about the value of respecting oneself and others by remaining pure in mind and body. Help them to set clear boundaries and understand the importance of establishing healthy boundaries and avoiding physical contact that can lead to temptation. Beware of the effects of social media, television, and fairytales. Children can get a twisted view of what is real and pure love. We need to fully grasp that many children are not mature enough to handle romantic relationships. The prefrontal cortex, which regulates our thoughts, actions, and emotions, does not mature until our late 20s; but we must be gentle and not shut down their feelings. Overall, teaching children about romance and relationships is an ongoing process that requires patience, guidance, and prayer. Addressing these topics early on can help your child develop a healthy, Christ-centered view of love and intimacy. Children who learn to fall in love with Jesus will want to model his character and morals! Resources mentioned: “Teaching Kids About Sexuality and Purity: Seven Godly Moms Who Got it Right,” by Taylor Johnson, and “Teaching Kids About Love,” by Meaningful Mama. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“When we are partnering with God and trusting in him for our child’s future, we can parent out of that sense of peace… and it helps us build a relationship with them while were helping them build a relationship with God.” Christie Thomas. Christie Thomas is a Canadian homeschooling mom of 3 who spends her evenings helping Christian parents disciple their kids without knowing it all or doing it all. She is the author of several books for Christian families, including Quinn’s Promise Rock, Mother and Son Prayer Journal, and the award-winning devotional, Fruit Full: 100 Family Experiences For Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit. During this episode, Christie elaborates on the following different ways Christian parents can confidently disciple their children and nurture deep faith roots: The best way to nurture deep faith roots is by partnering with God and getting rid of the mentality that we have to do it right. The benefits of sticking to small basic routines and faith habits. We should parent out of a sense of peace instead of out of fear for our child’s future. Her Mother and Son Prayer Journal follows King David’s life and is a great tool to help connect moms and sons with each other and with God. Jesus lived out the fruit of the spirit when he was on the earth, and we can teach kids the fruit of the spirit from Jesus in a concrete yet playful and fun way; for example, “memorize it, draw it, pray it, research it, imagine it, and play it.” Teaching children to overcome fear in this crazy world by helping them know that God is always with them. Helping kids have the right words for their frustration when there’s a loss. Christie's website, Instagram, and Pinterest. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Once a month, Lori and Lee Ann will discuss complex topics regarding parenting and disciplining to help families have peace in the home and work together to build lifetime connections! Lori Wildenberg is a national speaker, a licensed parent-family educator of over 25 years, and an award-winning author of six Christian parenting books. Lori also leads the popular Moms Together Facebook Community Page and Group. During this episode of Moments with Lori and Lee Ann, both ladies discuss the many ways of approaching and helping children who may be experiencing issues such as low self-esteem or low self-worth. Key Takeaways: The signs and red flags to be aware of for a child with low self-esteem or self-worth: when they consistently talk negatively about themselves, when they are afraid to try something because of the fear of failure if they feel incompetent to do things, perfectionism or never being satisfied, people pleasing, comparing themselves to others, or the inability to receive a compliment. Enroll them in sports or different activities to see what they enjoy and are good at to boost self-esteem. Three important things for kids to learn early: they are loved, they are lovable, and they are capable because God created them in his image for a specific purpose. Low self-esteem can come in more serious forms, such as eating disorders, harm to oneself, anxiety, or depression. The more we speak it and the more we hear it, the more it gets into our hearts – post scripture on walls or mirrors for children to read for affirmation and have them start to journal their frustrations and thoughts daily. There is a process in helping a child who is disabled to help them use their disability to do great things that God has planned for them; we can help them feel as if their disability is a gift from God and their disability does not define them. Lori’s Website & Moms Together Facebook Community Page & Group. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“How can we bring about life transformation in the hearts of our children so that they won’t only just live for Christ, but they’ll go out into the world equipped to share the gospel of Jesus and his transforming power with others?” -Joleen Steel. Joleen Steel is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Camping Stick Kids. In addition to writing the curriculum for CSK, her heart is to help Christian parents and leaders ground the emerging generation in a robust, resilient faith that equips them to share their faith with others. During this episode, Joleen shares her inspiration behind creating Camping Stick Kids and the many resources and curriculums they offer. CSK is not a camp that you send your child to; it’s a camp that can be created right at home! Parents, grandparents, churches, or homeschoolers can use their resources and 5-day camp-like curriculums to teach children about God and Jesus. Camping With Jesus is their cornerstone evangelistic curriculum, and parents and caregivers can use this curriculum to disciple children and help them understand specific gospel stories. There are five crucial and foundational questions that kids will answer during the five days of this curriculum: What is Heaven, and why do I want to go there? What is sin, and why does it matter? Who is Jesus, and what has he done for me? What is forgiveness, and how do I get it? What is growth, and how do I get there? The Real Hero’s Project is their discipleship curriculum for 4th and 5th graders, and it helps teach children spiritual disciplines, kind of like a Bible study. It’s based on 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 which incorporates five points for the five days which teach children to be on guard, stand firm in their faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love. The Breakout Curriculum will be released in August of 2023 and is their explorer curriculum for kindergarten through first-grade children. This curriculum helps children explore God’s world and understand their value to God. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“When we make it about us, what we do is that we fail to enter into those small moments…Those small moments are what gives us relational capital later for our kids to come to us in big moments.” -Dr. Joshua Straub. Dr. Josh Straub is a speaker, author, marriage and leadership coach, and podcast and TV cohost. He is the author or coauthor of eight books, including the book Famous at Home: 7 Decisions to Put Your Family Center Stage in a World Competing for Your Time, Attention, and Identity. He and his wife, Christi, lead Famous at Home, a company equipping leaders and corporations in emotional intelligence and healthy family systems, and they host the Famous at Home podcast. Dr. Straub is most renowned for his role as a husband and dad. During this episode, Joshua shares his passion for helping parents cultivate God’s love in their children from an early age. He elaborates on the following key points: The benefits of building emotional safety and emotional intelligence in children from a biblical standpoint. Rubber band moments: children have these moments that don’t seem important, so we tend to plow over them. But if it is meaningful to our children, we should take the time and energy to understand them instead of ignoring those moments because we are too busy. When we understand that our identity lies in Christ and that we can choose to live from love, not for love, and we can show up for our family and not just be physically present, we can experience a huge shift in our hearts. In the individualized Western world that we live in, where it’s all about social media and success, it adds pressure to parents who are experiencing feelings of inadequacy. One of the best ways to practice not being so busy and making time for children is to rediscover Sabbath. It takes work to “rest;” you have to plan it, or else you’ll resort back to the way of life that you were living, which was being too busy and not having time to show up mentally for your family. IG: @joshua.straub @famousathome FB: Famous at Home with Dr. Josh + Christi RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“Everything you need for your marriage, for raising your children, and for yourself, it’s all there in the Word of God.” -Mary Garcia. Mary Garcia is a family pastor and has a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and has been a certified biblical and family counselor for thirty years. Her passion is to share deep and rich wisdom from her life experiences and biblical insights on how to raise godly children. Sarah Garcia, Mary’s daughter is a certified youth and family counselor and has a master’s degree in counseling ministry. She is passionate about counseling and discipling junior high and high school girls. Together with their other family members, they wrote the amazing book, Raising Families the Jesus Way. During this episode, Mary and Sarah share their passion for helping Christian parents and families grow. They discuss their reason behind writing their book as a family: to reach as many families as possible to help them raise children today so that those children can transform tomorrow. Mary touches on the importance of parents doing the work in themselves first to become the best godly role models to raise strong Christian children, and how everything is in God’s word. She also elaborates on something called “private life impactfulness” and how regardless of what you do privately, God will always reveal those things, and your children will eventually mirror the negative actions and words that you do and say, even if you do it privately. Sarah discusses how our brains change and that our mind controls the brain, not the other way around. She shares tips for parents on becoming more aware of any strongholds or negative thought patterns and how they can rewire their brains to ensure they don’t unintentionally pass those negative patterns down to children. “Being constantly in the word of God and meditating on his truth can help bring those negative thought patterns to light and can help to rewire your brain.” Sarah Garcia. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

There are ways to make the dreaded doctor’s visit less painful (emotionally and physically) for our children. You can help your child work through their fear of the doctor with some understanding and patience. If your little one seems to fear the doctor, talk with your physician beforehand and share your child’s concerns. Every child fears something at some point in their life. But what may be frightening to one child may only be a bump in the road for another. During this episode, Lee Ann elaborates on how you can help your child overcome the fear of going to the doctor and shares suggestions to help your child navigate the waters of fear. Here are some ways to help your children overcome their fear of the doctor: Purchase a toy doctor’s kit and let them practice being the doctor on you or a stuffed toy. Talk to your child about the doctor's visit in a positive way. Explain what the doctor will do and why it is important. Invite your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket to the appointment. Help your child relax with deep breathing. Encourage them to think of Jesus holding them in his arms. Finally, praise your child for being brave during the visit. Lee Ann elaborates on the following suggestions to help your child navigate the waters of fear: Pray and ask God to help you and your child. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and patience. Reassure them that you love them, and God loves them, and no matter what happens, it will be okay. Share with them the story of Joseph and how his brothers treated him (Genesis 50:20). Routine is important for children – maintain a scheduled routine. Always be honest and tell the truth. Look for triggers. Identify what upsets your child and try to avoid those situations if possible. Diet, rest, and exercise help the body and the mind. Make sure to limit stimulants like sugar and caffeine. Help your child to learn to relax with deep breathing by listening to soft worship music. Look for opportunities to have fun as a family. You may be able to replace fear-filled memories with fun memories (2 Corinthians 10:5). Watch uplifting movies and read books that are fun and have a happy ending. Some experts say to address the fear head-on and not avoid those situations that trigger fear but to work through them instead. Ensure your child is around positive, kind, loving friends and family members as best as possible. Make note cards or post Bible verses around the house for older children to read; for example, some about fear are 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 41:10, or Deuteronomy 31:6. Resources for children: Fear & Anxiety: Learning to Overcome God’s Truth, For Kids, by Love God Greatly & Braver, Stronger, Smarter: A Girl’s Guide to Overcoming Worry & Anxiety, by Sissy Goff. Resources for parents: Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life, by David Thomas & “Quick Guide to Panic Disorder,” by Child Mind Institute. RCK social media: Facebook Facebook community group Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.