Advertise on podcast: Upside-Down Parenting

Your kids are learning about sex and sexuality. But who is shaping their understanding—parents, friends, social media, or the internet? For many Christian parents, talking about sex can feel awkward, intimidating, or overwhelming. When should these conversations begin? How much should kids know at different ages? And how can parents teach God's good design for sexuality in a way that builds trust rather than shame? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Kristen Miele, founder of Sex Ed Reclaimed, to discuss how Christian parents can confidently navigate conversations about sex and sexuality from a biblical worldview. Together, they explore why parents should be their children's primary source of guidance, how to approach age-appropriate conversations, and why talking about sex should be an ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time event. Discover practical ways to build trust, respond to difficult questions with grace and truth, and equip your kids with a biblical understanding of sexuality before culture shapes it for them. Learn more about Kristen Miele and Sex Ed Reclaimed: https://www.sexedreclaimed.com/ Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *Sex Ed Reclaimed *The True Story of Sexuality—Timothy Fox *What is the Biblical View of Sex?—John Stonestreet *Sexuality, Gender & God's Design—Hillary Morgan Ferrer

What do daughters really need from their dads? And how can fathers build relationships where their daughters feel loved, understood, and safe sharing what's on their hearts? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig are joined by Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, licensed professional counselor, author, and founder of The Abba Project, to discuss how dads can build stronger, more intentional relationships with their daughters. Michelle shares practical ways fathers can move beyond surface-level conversations, listen well, build trust, and navigate difficult topics like relationships, anxiety, and body image. She also explores why daughters need meaningful connections with their dads, how fathers can respond when their daughters pull away, and why managing anger is essential to creating a safe and loving relationship. Whether you're raising a young daughter or navigating the teenage years, this conversation offers encouragement and practical steps to help you pursue your daughter's heart and strengthen your relationship with her. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *Let's Talk: Conversation Starters for Dads and Daughters—Michelle Watson Canfield, PhD *Dad, Here's What I Really Need from You: A Guide for Connecting with Your Daughter's Heart—Michelle Watson *Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World—Zachary Wagner *Called to Be Dad: Becoming the Father God Designed You to Be—Mark Pitts

After spending several episodes exploring the challenges of raising kids in a technology-saturated world, what have we learned? What challenged our thinking? And what are we doing differently in our own families? Matt Jones, Janel Greig, and Aaron Klemm reflect on their biggest takeaways and how these conversations have changed the way they approach technology and parenting. Together, they discuss the importance of modeling healthy technology habits, setting intentional boundaries, and why it's okay for Christian families to make countercultural decisions about screens and smartphones. They also explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence, how technology can replace important opportunities for character formation, and why convenience isn't always what's best for our kids. Ultimately, a family tech reset isn't just about reducing screen time. It's about putting technology back in its proper place and making more room for relationships, discipleship, and the things that matter most. Whether you're just beginning to rethink your family's technology habits or have already started making changes, this conversation offers practical encouragement to take the next step. Ready to start your own family tech reset? Get your free copy of The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at techresetbook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *Can Parents Use Technology for Good?—Johnathan McKee *How Can We Minimize the Negative Effects of Technology in Our Homes?—Dr. Kathy Koch

How can parents protect their kids online without parenting from fear? When does gaming become unhealthy? How should kids use AI without letting it do their thinking for them? In this special Q&A episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones, Janel Greig, and Aaron Klemm tackle some of the questions Christian parents are asking about raising kids in a technology-saturated world. They discuss online safety and exposure to inappropriate content, healthy boundaries around video games, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and how parents can prepare their kids for greater digital responsibility. But technology isn't the only challenge parents face. Matt, Janel, and Aaron also talk about discipline, responding when a teenager begins questioning or rejecting their faith, and the advice they wish they had received when they first became parents. Whether you're navigating smartphones, gaming, AI, faith questions, or everyday parenting decisions, this conversation offers practical encouragement for discipling your kids with wisdom, truth, and grace. Want to go deeper on technology in your home? Order your free copy of Arlene Pellicane's The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families at TechResetBook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *The Five Love Languages for Christian Parents: Loving Your Kids Well—Gary Chapman *Are Video Games Good for Kids? A Christian Parent's Guide—Stephen Mapstone *Every Screen Has a Gospel: How Technology Shapes What Your Child Loves, Trusts, & Worships—Danielle Smith

Is technology just a neutral tool—or is it actually shaping who we and our children are becoming? Smartphones, social media, video games, and artificial intelligence are woven into nearly every part of our kids' lives. But before Christian parents can help their children navigate technology wisely, we need to ask a bigger question: What does the Bible say about technology? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Ryan Pauly to explore a biblical worldview of technology. They discuss our identity as image-bearers and creators, whether technology is truly neutral, and how our devices can shape our habits, desires, relationships, and even the way we think. Ryan also explores what children may be losing as childhood increasingly moves from face-to-face relationships into digital spaces and how parents can think biblically about artificial intelligence. How can kids benefit from AI without outsourcing critical thinking, creativity, perseverance, and wisdom? Technology isn't going away. The goal isn't simply to embrace it or reject it, but to understand its shaping power and steward it wisely as we prepare our children for life in a technology-saturated world. Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers. Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at TechResetBook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *From the Garden to the City: The Place of Technology in the Story of God—John Dyer *Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age—Samuel James *Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other—Sherry Turkle *AI & Our Kids: Parenting with Purpose in a Tech World—Todd Korpi

What is it really like to grow up with parents who limit your screen time? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Noelle Pellicane, daughter of The Great Tech Reset author Arlene Pellicane, to hear about technology boundaries from a kid's perspective. Noelle shares whether she ever felt left out, what filled her childhood instead of screens, and why she's now grateful for the boundaries her parents put in place. If you've ever wondered whether limiting technology will cause your kids to miss out, Noelle's story offers an encouraging look at what they might gain instead. Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at TechResetBook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *Parent Kit: Navigating the World of Technology & Social Media *Technology: Tool or Tyrant?—Charlie Meo

In Part 2 of our conversation with Arlene Pellicane, we move from awareness to action. What does it actually look like to reset your family's relationship with technology? Arlene joins Matt and Janel to share practical ways parents can establish healthy tech boundaries, navigate pushback from kids, create screen-free rhythms, and help children rediscover boredom, creativity, play, and face-to-face connection. They also discuss how parents can model healthy technology habits and navigate screens that may be necessary for school. If your family knows it's time for a tech reset but you're not sure where to begin, this conversation will help you take the first step. Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane. Get your copy at techresetbook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness—Jonathan Haidt *Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones—James Clear *Transformative Household Habits for Families in God's Redemptive Story—Charlie Meo

Technology is everywhere. It entertains our kids, connects them with friends, and makes life easier. But what is it actually doing to childhood? In this episode, Arlene Pellicane, author of The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families, explores how technology is shaping our kids' attention, anxiety, relationships, habits, and spiritual lives. Arlene unpacks the four "ABCD" harms of technology, explains why parents need to examine their own screen habits, and shares how healthy boundaries can actually bring greater freedom to the whole family. This isn't about fear, guilt, or getting rid of every screen. It's about helping your family develop a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology so your kids can flourish in the real world. Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane. Get your copy at techresetbook.com! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *How Technology Affects Us (and What to Do About It)—Timothy Fox *Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World—Kathy Koch

How do the everyday moments of parenting shape your child's faith? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt and Janel share real stories about raising their kids and the lessons they've learned about Christian parenting, family discipleship, and modeling a biblical worldview. From Bible reading and family traditions to car-ride conversations, apologies, hospitality, and difficult questions about worldview, they explore how ordinary moments can have a lasting impact on a child's relationship with Jesus. You'll hear practical encouragement for modeling authentic faith, having meaningful conversations with your kids, teaching biblical truth, practicing forgiveness, and helping your children discover how God can use their gifts to serve others. Christian parenting isn't built on getting every moment right. It's built through a lifetime of faithful, everyday discipleship. Your kids are watching, learning, and being shaped by how you follow Jesus. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker *Christianity Tells a Better Story Than "Love Is Love"—Christopher L. Reese *Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good—Steven Garber

As Christian parents, it's easy to feel responsible for making our kids believe the right things, make the right choices, and follow Jesus. But changing your child's heart isn't your job. In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore the role of the Holy Spirit in parenting. They discuss how the Spirit guides, convicts, teaches, and transforms us, why parents should resist the temptation to control outcomes, and how Scripture, prayer, and repentance help us depend on the Spirit in everyday parenting. You're called to faithfully love, teach, model, discipline, encourage, and pray for your children. But only God can transform their hearts. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Who Is the Holy Spirit & What Does He Do? *What is the Trinity? *Spiritual Disciplines Series: Prayer – Part 1

How can Christian parents raise resilient, joy-filled kids who know how to handle big emotions, bounce back from difficult experiences, and grow in wisdom? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Marcus Warner, author of The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore practical Christian parenting strategies for building emotional resilience in children. Dr. Warner explains how relational joy helps kids "build bounce" and develop the emotional strength to recover from life's challenges. He also shares practical advice for disciplining children with care, helping toddlers navigate big emotions, correcting behavior without shame, and teaching children wisdom and self-control. In this episode, you'll learn: How to build resilience in your kids Why joy is essential for emotional development How to help children regulate big emotions Why correction and discipline aren't the same thing How to correct your child with care How relational parenting helps children develop wisdom and self-control Why parents can't pass on what they don't possess Raising resilient, faith-filled kids isn't about perfect parenting. It's about intentionally building joy, strengthening your relationship with your children, and helping them develop the emotional and spiritual foundations they need to flourish. If you're looking for practical biblical parenting advice for raising Christian kids in today's world, this conversation will encourage and equip you. Missed Part 1? Listen to our first conversation with Dr. Marcus Warner on the secret to raising joy-filled kids. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids: A Simple Model for Developing Your Child's Maturity - at Every Stage—Chris Coursey and Marcus Warner *Building Bounce: How to Grow Emotional Resilience—Marcus Warner and Stefanie Hinman *Raising Resilient Kids: Interview with Alisa Childers

Are your kids truly joyful—or just temporarily happy? Many parents wonder if they're doing enough to help their children develop a faith that lasts. According to Dr. Marcus Warner, one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids isn't another activity, achievement, or gadget—it's joy. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Marcus Warner, author of The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, to explore why joy is foundational to emotional resilience, healthy relationships, and lasting faith. In this episode, you'll discover: Why joy is different from happiness How unresolved trauma shapes the way we parent Why so many kids today are struggling emotionally The first habit of raising joy-filled kids: Attunement How to understand your child's emotions before rushing to fix them Why emotionally connected parenting builds resilience and lifelong faith Be sure to join us for Part 2, where Marcus unpacks the remaining three habits: Build, Correct with Care, and Develop Discipline Relationally. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids: A Simple Model for Developing Your Child's Maturity - at Every Stage—Chris Coursey and Marcus Warner *The Anxious Generation: How the Gospel Offers Freedom & Hope—Dr. Jason Barker *What Is Joy?—Abby Debenedittis

Every parent has difficult questions—and today's episode tackles some of the biggest ones. In this Christian parenting Q&A, Matt Jones and Janel Greig answer real questions from parents about raising children in today's culture. They discuss how to faithfully disciple your children when your spouse doesn't share your faith, whether Christian families should allow horror movies, how to think biblically about social media and smartphones, and practical ways to help kids develop wisdom in a technology-driven world. Whether you're navigating digital parenting, entertainment choices, or spiritual leadership in your home, this conversation offers practical, biblical encouragement to help you parent with confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: How to raise children when you're the only Christian parent in the home Whether Christian kids should watch horror movies A biblical approach to social media and smartphones How to help your children develop discernment instead of simply following rules Practical encouragement for raising kids who thrive in today's culture If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent. Join us each week on Upside-Down Parenting as we help families raise children who thrive in God's upside-down Kingdom. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place—Andy Crouch *[Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires, and How You Can Break Free—Doug Smith *Parent Kit: Navigating the World of Technology & Social Media *Wisely Engaging the Culture in the Way of Jesus—Adam Holz

What happens when parenting doesn't unfold the way you expected? For parents raising a child with special needs, the journey often includes unexpected challenges, deep grief, incredible joy, and a daily dependence on God's grace. In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini, authors of The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected. After more than four decades of caring for a daughter with special needs, Joe and Cindi offer biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for families seeking to thrive—not merely survive—through the unique calling of special needs parenting. Together, they discuss how to embrace God's purpose in unexpected circumstances, strengthen your marriage, faithfully disciple your children while caring for a child with disabilities, build life-giving community, and trust that God is writing a meaningful story through every season. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, ministry leader, or someone who wants to better support families with special needs, this conversation will encourage you with hope, wisdom, and practical next steps. In this episode: Embracing the life you never expected Parenting through grief, exhaustion, and uncertainty Modeling authentic faith in difficult seasons Celebrating the dignity and worth of every child Building a thriving marriage while caregiving The importance of church and community support Spiritual habits that sustain families for the long haul Finding purpose and hope in God's greater story Special needs parenting may not be the journey you planned—but you don't have to walk it alone.  Be sure to send us your feedback and questions at: [email protected].  Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected—Joe and Cindi Ferrini *Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course—Joe and Cindi Ferrini *Eyes to See, Ears to Hear: Disability & The Kingdom of God—Charlie Meo

How do you raise kids who can discern truth in a world full of competing voices? In Part 2 of our conversation with Kathy Gibbens, founder of Filter It Through a Brain Cell, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore one of the most important skills Christian parents can cultivate: critical thinking rooted in a biblical worldview. Our children are constantly being shaped by social media, school, entertainment, and culture. Rather than simply giving them the "right answers," how can we equip them to ask wise questions, evaluate ideas, recognize truth from error, and develop a faith that remains strong under pressure? In this episode, you'll discover practical ways to make critical thinking part of everyday family life, create a home where questions are welcomed, and help your children become thoughtful, discerning followers of Jesus. In this episode: Why critical thinking is essential for a lasting faith Practical ways to teach your kids how to evaluate ideas How to respond when your children ask difficult questions about Christianity Common mistakes parents make when teaching discernment Helping kids navigate social media, school, and cultural messages wisely Building everyday habits that strengthen biblical thinking Whether your children are young or teenagers, this conversation will encourage and equip you to raise kids who don't just know what to believe—they know why they believe it. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent! Email us your questions at [email protected]!  Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *Filter It Through a Brain Cell—Kathy Gibbens *The Cognitive Tales: Volume 1: The biases that make us think too fast—S. L. Cressey *Mere Christianity—C. S. Lewis *Establishing a Biblical Worldview of AI—Dr. Maggie Pope