There's a lot of modern parenting advice out there that says we should let kids "feel what they feel." By allowing them to display any and all emotions, even by way of tantrum, we are allegedly giving them a safe place for those feelings. But how does this modern advice stack up with the ancient wisdom of Scripture? Should parents tolerate tantrums or is there a better way? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss this challenging topic for parents.
Mar 31, 2022•55 min
In our culture, family dysfunction and brokenness is pervasive. For many, broken families are simply the new normal. As such, Christians cannot overlook the powerful impact a healthy and harmonious home will have on those around us. So how can we cultivate a family life that brings stability, strength, peace and harmony? This session will provide practical guidance on raising a family in the midst of a culture where families are falling apart and show how a healthy home can be a bright light in ...
Mar 24, 2022•1 hr 1 min
We know we should pray as parents, but WHY do we pray? What does the very act of praying mean? Brett & Erin recently joined the Colson Center for a brief discussion on why prayer is a significant and powerful part of parenting.
Mar 17, 2022•31 min
Ideas have consequences...and bad ideas have victims. When it comes to Transgender ideology, the victims are usually children and students. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss some of the consequences of affirming the culture’s view of gender identity and what practical steps parents can take to help their kids navigate this new reality.
Mar 09, 2022•58 min
Transgender ideology says that one’s gender is determined solely by an individual’s thoughts or feelings about oneself. The result? Gender can be anything you make it. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss how, ironically, this view ends up doing away with any meaningful sense of gender altogether. The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: https://smile.amazon.com/Rise-Triumph-Modern-Self-Individualism/dp/1433556332/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1646213776&sr=8-1 When Harry Be...
Mar 02, 2022•38 min
Women’s collegiate swimming has erupted in controversy, as Lia Thomas, a trans woman who competes on the Penn St. women’s swim team breaks records and dominates competition. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss these recent events and how Christian parents should think about the issues surrounding gender identity and how we can help our kids navigate transgender ideology. https://bariweiss.substack.com/p/watching-lia-thomas-win?utm_source=url...
Feb 24, 2022•51 min
The Bible is filled with miracle accounts so why don’t Christians talk much about the miraculous? Do we really believe that miracles are possible, even probable? How do miracle stories strengthen our faith in God? Brett and Erin interview Dr. J.P. Moreland about his new book, A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles: Instruction and Inspiration for Living Supernaturally in Christ. Get JP's book on Miracles: https://smile.amazon.com/Simple-Guide-Experience-Miracles-Supernaturally/dp/0310124190/ref=t...
Feb 16, 2022•47 min
The last two years have been difficult and anxiety and depression have hit epidemic levels in both parents and our kids. How do can we navigate anxiety successfully? In this episode, Brett and Erin interview Dr. J.P. Moreland about his book, Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices That Brought Peace. Get JP's book: https://smile.amazon.com/Finding-Quiet-Overcoming-Anxiety-Practices/dp/031059720X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1644487311&sr=1-2...
Feb 10, 2022•47 min
In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss their journey into homeschooling. After having kids in both public and private schools, what reasons led them to pursue the homeschool option? And how did they think about objections to homeschooling, like socialization or having our kids be “salt and light” in the public system? Brett and Erin discuss all of this and more in this podcast episode.
Feb 02, 2022•58 min
We’re changing things up for this episode of the MAVEN Parent podcast! Brett and Erin ask each other some unrehearsed and unanticipated parenting questions. Their answers are very personal and reveal some parental wisdom borne out of struggle.
Jan 26, 2022•56 min
There have been recent attacks on the idea that parents have certain rights and authority over their own kids. For example, when it comes to education, who has the right to decide what our kids will learn? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss this modern challenge to parental authority.
Jan 19, 2022•45 min
There have been recent attacks on the idea that parents have certain rights and authority over their own kids. For example, when it comes to education, who has the right to decide what our kids will learn? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss this modern challenge to parental authority.
Jan 12, 2022•40 min
In a world of plenty, where consumerism and materialism dominate so much of our lives, how do we raise kids who are thankful and generous? How do help them cultivate gratitude in their lives? Brett and Erin discuss practical ideas to help raise grateful kids in an entitled world.
Jan 05, 2022•49 min
Are we as intentional as we should be on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, in drawing our kids attention to Christ? In this episode Brett and Erin offer more practical ideas on how to keep Jesus front and center during the holidays.
Dec 22, 2021•36 min
Could we possibly ruin Christmas for our kids by the way we give gifts? Given the true meaning of the Christmas holiday--a celebration of the Incarnation--then the answer is yes. In this episode, Brett and Erin help guide us to be intentional in the giving of presents and provide some very practical ideas. SHOW NOTES: Three Wise Kings https://smile.amazon.com/Story-Three-Wise-Kings/dp/1534466525/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FPS5ELQURSCA&keywords=three+wise+kings+depaola&qid=1639562031&sprefix=th...
Dec 15, 2021•37 min
If justification and evidence strengthen our beliefs and help us move from mere belief to knowledge, then how and what should we teach our kids about the evidence for God’s existence? Brett & Erin walk though some practical ways we can teach our children about the powerful evidence for God’s existence.
Dec 09, 2021•47 min
What does it mean to “believe” something? Are you satisfied with the mere fact that your kids believe in God? Brett & Erin show why merely believing something isn’t enough, explain three important aspects of belief and how we ultimately want to help our kids move from simply BELIEVING in God to KNOWING that God is real.
Nov 17, 2021•38 min
Our lives are filled with busyness and activity. Work, school, church, sports, music lessons, meetings, dinners, etc. In this episode, Brett & Erin offer a simple and practical tool that they’ve been using for more than 20 years, to manage the family schedule.
Nov 11, 2021•46 min
Talking back. Whining. Dirty looks. Rolling the eyes. Rudeness. Are bad attitudes something parents just need to tolerate from their kids? Brett and Erin help us think carefully about this issue and offer practical advice on how to handle it.
Nov 04, 2021•43 min
Theology, the study of God, is the most significant area of knowledge that we can pass on to the next generation. But how can we effectively teach our kids theology? Brett & Erin outline six practical ways to pass on the knowledge of God to our children and youth.
Oct 28, 2021•1 hr 3 min
How should Christians THINK about Halloween? Is it a pagan holiday that we should avoid? Or is it something that Christians can participate in and even redeem? Brett & Erin discuss HOW to think about this holiday. Inspiring Philosophy’s video on the history of halloween: Inspiring Philosophy’s link to the video on the history of halloween: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu-5BmAzbrU Walt Russell’s study of “the appearance of evil” in 1 Thessalonians 5:22: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-boo...
Oct 21, 2021•1 hr 4 min
What does the latest research show about the beliefs and behavior of Gen Z? Gen Z expert Jonathan Morrow joins Brett & Erin for a discussion on how to reach and disciple today’s children and youth.
Oct 13, 2021•53 min
What does the Bible teach about God and man? What are the implications of the biblical teaching for a Christian view of education? And is modern education compatible with the biblical view? In this episode, Brett and Erin walk us through Scripture and then challenge us to re-evaluate our kid’s education.
Sep 30, 2021•52 min
Are your views on education something you’ve come to through careful and biblical reflection? Or are they simply absorbed from the surrounding culture? Before you decide on public, private or home education, there’s a prior question that must be answered. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss the question every Christian parent needs to answer about their kid’s schooling.
Sep 23, 2021•45 min
If parents aren’t fully awake yet, it’s time to wake up! Brett and Erin look at what’s happening in some of our public schools around the country, where kids’ gender transitions are being hidden from parents. What are the implications of such actions for the education of our kids? How must parents and churches rethink the education of the next generation? Abigail Shrier Article:https://abigailshrier.substack.com/p/should-public-schools-be-allowed https://abigailshrier.substack.com/p/should-publi...
Sep 16, 2021•50 min
Our children are being socialized into using people’s “preferred” pronouns. Is this really a big deal? Are pronouns really that important? Is it something we should resist? Brett & Erin offer some clear thinking on this issue. When Harry Became Sally: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-harry-became-sally-ryan-anderson/1125792437 Irreversible Damage: https://smile.amazon.com/Irreversible-Damage-Transgender-Seducing-Daughters/dp/168451228X/...
Sep 09, 2021•47 min
Let’s face it, life is EASY in our culture. So how can we allow our kids to struggle and deal with difficulties in a culture that is so pleasure-oriented? Brett and Erin lay out a host of very practical steps that will help parents cultivate resilient kids who aren’t strangers to adversity AND who understand God’s redemptive ways amidst pain and struggle.
Sep 01, 2021•50 min
Helicopter parents have morphed into Lawnmower parents, attempting to remove every obstacle and barrier in their kids’ lives. But even well-intentioned parents will prevent their kids from maturing in important ways if they don’t let them struggle. Brett & Erin discuss a biblical view of difficulty and struggle.
Aug 26, 2021•57 min
Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us to “Impress [God’s laws] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” But how can we do this practically in our 21st century world? Brett and Erin discuss the concept of narration and how it can be an effective tool in passing on God’s truth to the next generation.
Aug 19, 2021•37 min
Blended families are reality for most modern families. How do we should we think about blended families biblically and how do we navigate the unique challenges they bring? Brett & Erin discuss insights from the Christian worldview that help us to think properly and realistically about blended families AND offer practical help. Focus on the family resource: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/resources-fostering-or-adopting-children-from-difficult-backgrounds/...
Aug 12, 2021•54 min