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“I really want, when my children are failing, to know that it’s not about me and my anger, but it is about them and their need for growth. And I do believe in consequences, but I believe in consequences delivered from a calm mind and a calm heart.” – Michelle Nietert. Licensed Professional Counselor of 25 years, Michelle Nietert is the best-selling coauthor of the books Managing Your Emojis, God, I Feel Sad, God, I Feel Scared, Loved and Cherished, and the award-winning book for adults Make Up Your Mind. She leads a team of counselors as the clinical director of Community Counseling Associates in the Dallas, TX, area. In this second part of the two-part episode series, Michelle addresses children's emotional struggles and the importance of parents understanding and empathizing with these challenges. She offers valuable insights on how parents can listen to their children without resorting to lecturing and the significance of allowing kids to express themselves while guiding them toward making their own decisions. Michelle emphasizes the significance of staying calm during emotional moments and techniques to help parents and children regulate their emotions and discipline in a calmer way that won’t leave the parents with regret or the children with anger. Michelle elaborates on these key takeaways: Children's emotional struggles don't mean they don't love God. Sometimes, kids are more afraid to tell parents their emotions because they fear they will disappoint them. Parental understanding of the impact of hormones and brain development on emotions. Teaching children about self-control as a fruit of the spirit. Recognizing that children's brains are not fully developed, especially in response to trauma. How to differentiate between a child's need for a break and wanting to escape a consequence. Addressing the impact of nonverbal communication on a child's perception. Encouraging repeat of instructions and follow-up to ensure children understand and are accountable. The importance of breathing exercises and breath regulation. Becoming a coregulator with children for emotional peace and cooperation. Physical calming techniques such as changing body temperature and physical touch. The importance of parents being the emotional compass for their children. Michelle’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Blog. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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.

“It only takes about 90 seconds to acknowledge a feeling, where you feel it in your body, and then do a technique to release it.” – Michelle Nietert. Licensed Professional Counselor of 25 years, Michelle Nietert is the best-selling coauthor of the books Managing Your Emojis, God, I Feel Sad, God, I Feel Scared, Loved and Cherished, and the award-winning book for adults Make Up Your Mind. She leads a team of counselors as the clinical director of Community Counseling Associates in Dallas, TX. During this first part of this two-part episode series, Michelle talks about her practice and how it can help children and parents emotionally, physically, and mentally manage emotions and hopefully live healthier, happier lives. She also discusses two of her new books, Managing Your Emojis and God, I Feel Sad. Managing Your Emojis is aimed at teaching children practical ways to manage their emotions using scripture, stories, and prayers. The God I Feel Sad book series is designed to help children cope with big emotions and acknowledge their feelings. Michelle elaborates on these key takeaways: Practical ways for children to learn to manage their emotions. The impact of emotions on the body and the importance of addressing this in counseling. The importance of involving parents in the counseling process, including training parents in play therapy approaches. The risks associated with self-diagnosis and the need for professional guidance. The interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of mental health. Recommendations for parents to research and vet counselors, including asking for references and utilizing resources such as Psychology Today. The importance of finding a counselor who aligns with the family's beliefs and preferred counseling approach. Discussion of various coping techniques such as deep breathing and visualization. The importance of acknowledging and managing emotions rather than ignoring them and the potential consequences of ignoring or dismissing a child's emotions. Michelle’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Blog. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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 a lot about angels, and I wanted to communicate that to kids in such a way that they would be drawn to God's protecting power and not be afraid.” – Marty Machowski. Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over thirty years. He is the author of several family devotionals, curricula including the Gospel Story for Kids, children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include Darkest Night Brightest Day, The Light Before Christmas, The Treasure, and Angels on Your Side.  During this episode, Marty discusses two of his new books, Angels on Your Side and The Treasure, in hopes of serving as effective Christian resources for children of all ages. Marty’s ability to tell a story in an adventurous and fun way keeps children engaged while learning about Jesus. Key Takeaways: Angels on Your Side: When You Are Feeling Scared: A biblical exploration of God’s army of angels. Teaches children that angels are real, God uses angels to protect us on earth, and God is in control. It addresses children's fear and worry and presents God as the ultimate superhero; when a powerful angel is on your side, there’s no reason to be scared or worried. Helping children ages four to seven understand that God is always with them. The Treasure: The Ancient Story Ever Knew of Jesus and His Church: Solving a riddle of the ultimate treasure by studying two ancient scrolls, the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Description of the treasure hunt aspect of the book tied to understanding the hidden treasure ultimately revealed as Christ. It is written for elementary age and includes a study guide that can also be used with older children. Encourages families to study the Bible together and develop regular family devotions. Marty’s Website, Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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.

 "Even in our imperfection, God uses us to teach and guide our children." -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, Lee Ann and Lori dive into the timeless wisdom and lessons that can be gleaned from the parents of the Bible. They discuss the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. They explore the themes of trust, surrender, praise, and perseverance, drawing meaningful parallels to parenting in today's world. “I think dedicating our kids to the lord and being a person of our word is really important for our kids. And that integrity, I believe, spilled down into Samuel because he became Israel's greatest judge. So, he probably learned that from his mama.” -Lori Wildenberg. Key Takeaways: Abraham and Sarah: The importance of trust in the Lord's promises. Learning to trust and respond to God's will. Lessons in patience, perseverance, and trust through struggles. Mary, the mother of Jesus: Praising God and surrendering to His will amidst trials. Finding comfort and peace in God during adversity. Knowing God's word and standing firm in one's faith. Being present and supportive of your children during difficult times. Singing praise to the Lord during troubling times. Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel: Seeking God honestly and humbly in prayer. Letting go and trusting God to provide. Praising God in all circumstances. The significance of integrity and being a person of one's word. Lori’s Website, Facebook, Moms Together Facebook, Moms Together Facebook Group, and Instagram. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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.

Are you looking for an organization that can help teach your child about God? Or, perhaps, learn more about God yourself? Andrew York grew up in a Bible-believing home and, at a young age, felt God's calling on my life to serve Him in evangelizing children. Andrew has served with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) for 15 years in various technical positions. He currently serves as the Director of Communications & Marketing and the Director of Digital Ministries. Andrew met his lovely wife through CEF and was privileged to serve along with her in the organization. God has blessed them with three lovely young children. Andrew believes it is a joy to serve God in CEF as it strives to reach Every Child, Every Nation, Every Day. During this episode, Andrew discusses the organization Child Evangelism Fellowship and the programs it offers to bring children, teens, and adults closer to Christ. Andrew shares how the organization is evangelizing children and fostering their spiritual growth. He offers a glimpse into CEF's initiatives, including the Good News Club and 5-day Club programs designed to bring the gospel to young hearts and integrate them into local church communities. Key Takeaways: Evangelizing boys and girls with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ambitious vision to reach every child, every nation, every day. Good News Club: A weekly program in public schools, reaching over 3,500 clubs in the US and 80,000 worldwide. 5 Day Club: Week-long summer program in parks and community centers, providing evangelistic outreach to children who may not attend a church. CMI Institute: Training individuals on effectively evangelizing children is essential for anyone wishing to share their faith with children. Resources for Parents: Devotional books and digital resources for family devotions. Unite TV: A free video streaming platform with Bible-based content. Kid's podcast and devotional book app for children to engage with God's word daily. Child Evangelism Fellowship Website, Facebook, & Twitter. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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 you get caught sitting around tormenting yourself about how I could've done it better. I could be better. I'm doing it wrong. I feel guilty. Then you are not in the moment. So what you do is you gather up all of that guilt that you have, and you go, 'I give this to you too, God, because you bore my guilt. You bore my shame. You don't want me to wear it every day because it's a barrier to what I need to do with my children and how I need to love them.' So just brush it aside, just be in the moment and be present, knowing that God is your strength. He will help you. He will show you, and he can even take the mistakes that you made and turn them into blessings." -Linda Evans Shepherd. Linda Evans Shepherd, the mother of a gifted child as well as a special needs child who was in a year-long coma, is a prayer author who mentors 1000 Christian authors. During this episode, Linda shares her story, which can resonate with parents who may be navigating the complexities of raising children, particularly those with special needs or facing multiple demands. Linda opens up about her personal journey as a mother to a gifted child and a special needs child who experienced a year-long coma, shedding light on the power of prayer and finding joy in the midst of adversity. Linda discusses how faith and prayer can play a crucial role in overcoming and dealing with challenging experiences. She offers valuable insights and encouragement for those who may be struggling in their own parenting journey. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the Lord through prayer, especially during tough times. Key Takeaways: Lean on the power of prayer: Embrace the practice of prayer as a source of strength and comfort during challenging times. Remind ourselves that prayer can help us find joy and peace amidst the pain, suffering, and daily challenges of caring for our children. Release feelings of guilt: When we dwell on guilt, it can be a distraction from our vital role as caregivers. We can release guilt through prayer and focus on being present and attentive to our children's needs and well-being. Turn challenges into blessings: Seek opportunities for growth in difficult situations, knowing that God can bring positive outcomes from adversity. Seek support and community: Connect with supportive communities such as the Association of Christian Women Authors and Right to the Heart Ministries. Being part of a supportive network can provide us with encouragement, mentorship, and a sense of belonging during our parenting journey. Foster a relationship with God: Practice being aware of God's presence in our lives and have open, heartfelt conversations with God. The practice of talking to God about our concerns, needs, and joys can provide a strong foundation. Check out Linda’s prayer books here! RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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 believe anxiety is, obviously, a physical response that all of our bodies are capable of whether we have an anxiety disorder or not; it is a God-given gift in the sense because it's supposed to help take over when there's a threat in front of us; and so, I wanted the reader to feel seen in her anxiety and not feel ashamed of it.” – Courtney Devich. Courtney Devich is a mama relying on Jesus and reheated coffee every day. Using humor, honesty, and relatability, she writes with a heart for the mom struggling with anxiety or depression. Her writing has appeared in Her View from Home, TODAY Parents, and For Every Mom, among others. Courtney is a former human resource professional, using her leadership skills to manage kids as a stay-at-home mom. During this episode, Courtney talks about her personal journey as a mother navigating anxiety and depression while raising three children. She shares her struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and the overwhelming weight of motherhood, offering a raw and relatable perspective. Courtney delves into the pervasive effects of anxiety on parenting, emphasizing the potential for it to erode one's joy and fulfillment in the parenting journey. However, Courtney's story is one of resilience and hope as she articulates her journey back to joy through the steadfast foundation of her Christian faith. Courtney discusses her book, Mama’s Got Anxiety: But It’s Not Going to Steal Her Joy, and how she weaved humor and faith to hopefully help mothers deal with their forms of anxiety in parenthood. She emphasizes how anxiety and fear are not signs of weakness or sin, and it’s not something to be ashamed of. Mama’s Got Anxiety will hopefully help you learn: Strategies for overcoming anxiety and panic attacks. How to find joy in motherhood despite the challenges. Practical "baby steps" to take control of your thoughts and fears. Faith-based perspectives on dealing with these struggles. “And so, the readers, hopefully, when they finish it, will not let their anxiety cripple them in fear anymore and be able to take their joy back in motherhood.” – Courtney Devich. Courtney’s website, Facebook, and Instagram. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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 is it appropriate to teach children about reproduction and prenatal development? Tara Sander Lee, PhD, is Vice President and Director of Life Sciences at the Charlotte Lozier Institute. She is a Harvard-trained scientist with a PhD in Biochemistry and fellowship training in Cell and Molecular Biology. Before joining the Lozier Institute, she was an appointed faculty member at the Medical College of Wisconsin, a Scientific Director of Molecular Diagnostics at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and a scientific consultant. During this episode, Dr. Lee covers significant topics such as the appropriate age for discussing reproduction with children, the accuracy of prenatal genetic screening, and the importance of age-appropriate curriculum on prenatal development. Key Takeaways: Dr. Lee's work at the Charlotte Lozier Institute: Promotion of public understanding of the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Scientific advice, education of legislators and the public, and policy advocacy to protect the unborn at an early stage. Collaboration with organizations emphasizing life-affirming biblical worldview. Prenatal genetic screening and its initial purpose to screen high-risk pregnancies for genetic disorders. Current widespread offering to all pregnant women regardless of risk, especially for rare disorders. High false positive rates even in low-risk pregnant women. Importance of using accurate scientific terminology from a biblical worldview to help children grasp reproduction. Introducing age-appropriate curriculum on reproduction and human prenatal development. Emphasizing the celebration and marveling at God's creation process is crucial in helping children understand human life and reproduction. Teaching children abstinence and helping them understand their identity in Christ. A proactive approach to discussing sensitive topics before children hear inaccurate information. Using graphic material to educate children about the associated risks of premarital sex. Two resources for teaching children about pregnancy, prenatal development, and the humanity of unborn children: The Voyage of Life & Contend Projects. Two resources Dr. Lee developed for teaching women about the limitations of genetic screening and prenatal diagnosis with life-affirming options if they do receive a prenatal diagnosis: False Positives in Prenatal Testing & PrenatalDiagnosis.org. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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 states in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord…” Whether in our personal or professional lives, having a well-thought-out plan allows us to focus on what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. And we can teach our children early why it’s important to plan and how to become good planners. During this episode, Lee Ann elaborates on these six reasons why planning is important: It clarifies where one is going and how to get there and helps identify the purpose and goal instead of feeling like we are wasting time. Planning helps optimize the use of our time, talent, and money and ensures that efforts are focused on activities that matter most, thus improving productivity. It helps us identify potential risks and challenges and minimizes uncertainties, thereby improving the chances of successful outcomes. Effective planning helps us prioritize tasks, set deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and track progress. It helps us to be ready to adapt to changing circumstances and allows flexibility in adjusting strategies, goals, and objectives. Lastly, it encourages teamwork and collaboration by promoting effective communication and coordination to achieve collective goals. Lee Ann also elaborates on these key takeaways on why children need to be good planners now so that they can become successful adults later: Good planning helps children establish productive daily routines and makes it easier for them to obey because they know what is expected. Learning to plan helps them prioritize tasks crucial for meeting deadlines, completing assignments, and managing their busy schedules as they grow older. Planning helps children take responsibility for their actions or inactions. It helps children learn problem-solving skills as they anticipate challenges and come up with solutions ahead of time. It helps children set goals and work towards achieving them; breaking down tasks into manageable steps and accomplishing goals fosters a sense of achievement. This helps to develop analytical thinking and problem-solving. Resources: “Goal Setting for Kids Resources” by Vibrant Christian Living, “The Scientific Method for Preschool Kids: It’s Easier Than You Think” by Early Learning Ideas, & “What Does the Bible Say About Planning?” by Church Fuel. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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.

“Having a godly marriage, which is loving with Christ's agape love, that selfless love, is the light of the gospel in your home.” -Rhonda Stoppe. Three women of Christ on a mission, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, Rhonda Stoppe, and Lee Ann Mancini, have joined together to share empowering Godly advice, information, and encouragement for everyone who is 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 women discuss the crucial roles of mothers and fathers in shaping their children's faith and character. They stress the importance of authenticity and selfless love in the marital relationship, viewing it as a reflection of the gospel that profoundly impacts children's understanding of faith and love. They discuss the importance of exemplifying a loving, Christ-centered marriage when shaping a child's perception of faith. Rhonda passionately shares insights on raising sons to become godly men, emphasizing the need for understanding, nurturing talents, and guarding their hearts. She draws from personal experiences, offering practical advice for mothers navigating the journey of raising sons. Dr. Michelle shifts the focus to the father-daughter relationship, highlighting the vital role of fathers in positively influencing their daughters. She encourages fathers to actively listen, maintain eye contact, show kindness through their actions, and speak life into their daughters. She also explains how spouses can show humility to each other even when it is not warranted. Involvement, consistency, awareness, and nurturance are very important to a healthy, happy marriage and family life. “That's a great rule of thumb with women because we figure things out by talking on our planet. And the more you can draw her out, not only is she going to figure things out, but she'll bond with you in the process because you're taking the time to listen.” – Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield. Both ladies discuss the impact of authentic, selfless love in the home and how it can serve as a light for the gospel and positively influence the faith of the children. Additionally, the ladies stress the importance of prayer and Bible reading to connect with God as a family and always have joy in the household. Resources: Rhonda Stoppe’s books & Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield’s books. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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.

1 Peter 1:15-16 states, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” For us to be holy and to be able to teach our kids to be holy, we need to explain to them and help them understand what it means to be holy. We, as Christians, are set apart from sin because sin separates us from God and moral purity. However, we do sin, so how can we be set apart or holy like God? Only through faith in Christ. When we believe that Christ took the penalty for our sins, and His Holy Spirit dwells within us and guides us, we are now set apart and united with God. However, we will continue to sin while we are in the flesh. It’s the dual nature that dwells in us. Holiness is not just about following rules and regulations; it’s about being used by God for His purpose. During this episode, Lee Ann elaborates on how we can exemplify holiness for our children by showing humility, love, tolerance, discipline, peace, faithfulness, and mercy. To understand God’s holiness is always different from ours, God is: Infinite – he is self-existing. Immutable – he never changes. Self-sufficient- he has no needs. Omnipotent – he is all-powerful. Omniscient – he is all-knowing. Omnipresent – He is always everywhere. Deuteronomy 14:2 states, “You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” Lee Ann also elaborates on these five suggestions to help children understand what it means to be holy: Be a role model. Help children understand the importance of upholding virtuous morality in everyday life. Practice regular prayer time and reading the Bible to be connected to the source of holiness. Encourage a desire to serve others. Help your child recognize their actions, motivations, and emotions, and guide them towards self-improvement. Resource mentioned: “Be Holy,” by Calvary Chapel. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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.

“Forget the lecturing. Let's move to listening. Forget the accusations and the assumptions. Let's move to asking questions. Rather than taking things personally, let's talk about what is the process underneath there.” – 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, Lee Ann and Lori explore the critical issue of teens feeling heard and loved. They discuss how anxiety, depression, and bullying are affecting teens and the importance of parents being attuned to their children's struggles rather than taking their behavior personally. They share practical tips for fostering open and respectful communication with teenagers, emphasizing the significance of genuine connection over daily tasks. They also highlight the impact of social media and peer pressure on teens, suggesting family strategies and the power of prayer and faith to navigate these challenges. Key Takeaways: How to recognize the underlying causes of disrespectful or rude behavior in teens. The importance of fostering open communication and understanding the emotions underlying their behavior. The impact of parental behavior on a teen's conduct. The significance of initiating genuine conversations and being respectful towards teens so that they will mimic that same respect. The benefits on teens' behavior when parents create a loving and respectful atmosphere at home. How small gestures like physical touch and active listening can make teens feel heard. The importance of spending quality time and being present for teens. Nurturing a deeper understanding of a teen's interests and preferences. Implementing limits on social media usage and organizing family-based activities to reduce social media impact. Assisting teens in coping with peer pressure and promoting self-assurance and familial support. Encouraging teenagers to seek solace in prayer to address stress, worry, and anxiety. Instilling the concept of God's sovereignty to help teens handle external influences. Encouraging long-term perspective and empowering teens to release themselves from negative influences. Resources: Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love, by Lori Wildenberg & Becky Danielson, and Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation, by Lori Wildenberg. Lori’s Website, Facebook, Moms Together Facebook, Moms Together Facebook Group, and Instagram. RCK social media: Facebook Join our 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.