Training Them Wisely - discipling kids

Our children are hearing messages every day from culture, media, friends, entertainment, social media, music, books, and the world around them. Some lies are easy to recognize. Others sound kind, freeing, popular, wise, or even compassionate. So how do we help our kids learn to tell the difference between what sounds good and what is actually true? In this episode of the Training Them Wisely Podca...

Our children are being discipled every day by the messages around them. In this episode, we talk about how to teach kids to think biblically so they learn to see life through the truth of God’s Word. We discuss worldview, wisdom, truth, feelings, the heart, cultural messages, and practical questions parents can use to help children compare everything with Scripture. Training Them Wisely resources...

When family Bible time falls apart, you do not have to quit or drown in guilt. In this episode, we talk about how to begin again when Bible rhythms break while still valuing the importance of God’s Word in the home. Be encouraged to receive God’s grace, adjust your plan, and restart with simple, faithful steps. Looking for Bible studies that help your family get back into God’s Word with structure...

Discipling different ages at the same time is possible without watering down Scripture. In this episode, we talk about how to use the same Bible passage with preschoolers, elementary kids, tweens, and teens by asking layered questions, giving each child a way to participate, and helping older kids go deeper while younger children meaningfully engage with God’s Word. Training Them Wisely Bible stud...

Family discipleship is not meant to stay in one part of the day. In this episode, we look at Deuteronomy 6 and talk about how parents can bring Scripture, prayer, correction, conversation, worship, and biblical thinking into the ordinary rhythms of family life. Be encouraged that discipleship happens when we sit, walk, lie down, and rise as we faithfully point our children to Christ. Looking for B...

Family discipleship is more than a perfect family devotion around the table. In this episode, we talk about how parents can point their children to Christ through Scripture, prayer, correction, conversation, worship, service, and ordinary everyday moments. Be encouraged: you do not need a complicated plan to be faithful.   Check out family discipleship resources at TrainingThemWisely.com   Scriptu...

Helping kids read and study the Bible does not mean watering Scripture down. In this episode, we talk about how children can learn to open God’s Word with depth, joy, and consistency through simple questions, the SOAP method, Scripture marking, prayer, and everyday application. Be encouraged that kids can understand more than we often think, and parents can help them grow in love for God’s Word. T...

What counts as family discipleship? It is more than a perfect family devotion around the table. In this episode, we talk about how parents can point their children to Christ through Scripture, prayer, correction, conversation, worship, service, and ordinary everyday moments. Be encouraged that family discipleship does not have to be complicated to be faithful. Looking for resources to help your fa...

Learn a simple way to study the Bible using observation, interpretation, and application, and discover how to help your children slow down, understand Scripture in context, and respond with obedience and prayer.   Check out our family discipleship resources at TrainingThemWisely.com   Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Cros...

Reading the Bible is such a delight! And when we read, we want to read with a purpose. The Bible is written so that we can know God.  It is about knowing God, hearing His truth, and allowing His Word to shape the way we think, live, pray, and parent. We also encourage parents to begin with prayer, ask thoughtful questions as they read, and use simple tools or Bible reading plans when helpful. The...

Sorry about the lateness of this podcast. Our son has had a life-threatening illness in the hospital, and it has been a long week.  But, I am excited to share this episode with you today . . . not our usual day, but if there is one thing I have seen over and over, His timing is perfect.  In this episode, we’re talking about how to help our kids grow in godly wisdom. Wisdom is more than making “goo...

Cultivating Gratitude in Everyday Life Gratitude doesn’t just make our homes more peaceful. It also shapes the hearts of our children. In this episode of the Training Them Wisely Podcast, we talk about how thankfulness is more than good manners. It’s a biblical response to who God is and what He has done. Because the truth is… kids don’t become thankful automatically. Gratitude is something we int...

  Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Upp...

How do we raise kids that have self-control? Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in pa...

  Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Upp...

Episode Summary In this episode, we focus on raising children who reflect the heart of Jesus through humility and service. Serving others is not something reserved for special events or church projects—it is a daily posture shaped through Scripture, modeling, conversations, and intentional discipleship at home. We explore how children can learn to serve willingly, joyfully, and humbly, beginning i...

Episode Summary As we begin a new year, we’re focusing on something every parent longs to see in their children: genuine, Christ-centered kindness. In this episode, we move beyond surface-level “being nice” and talk about the kind of heart-level kindness that flows from biblical love. Kindness doesn’t happen by accident. It is cultivated daily through Scripture, discipleship, modeling, prayer, and...

In the middle of Christmas week—when life feels loud, busy, and overwhelming—we pause to talk about the gift our children need most. More than presents, traditions, or picture-perfect moments, our kids need a mom whose life is deeply rooted in Jesus. In this episode, we address the pressure moms often feel at Christmas and gently redirect our hearts back to what truly matters: walking daily, inten...

Christmas is filled with lights, traditions, and excitement — but the greatest gift we can give our children is a clear understanding of why Jesus came. In this episode, we talk through practical, grace-filled ways to teach kids the true story of Christmas — not just the manger scene, but God’s rescue plan from the very beginning. We’ll explore Scripture, simple discipleship rhythms, and encouragi...

I'm excited to host Karri J. Iverson on our podcast today. I met her in Ohio at a conference that we were both at when I was looking for a science curriculum for my kids. My twelve year old calls this the "fun science curriculum" which I love hearing him say!   themysteryofscience.com https://www.facebook.com/mysteryofsciencebooks   So far we have these subjects for 4-8 grades:   The Mystery of Sc...

💬 Episode Summary Faith isn’t just something we talk about in church—it’s something we live out in car rides, bedtime routines, and unexpected questions from curious little hearts. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah share how to have faith conversations that feel natural—not forced, awkward, or overly scripted, but Spirit-led and deeply meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about Jesus i...

💡 Episode Summary Maybe your kids are older. Maybe you came to faith later. Maybe life just got in the way. If you've ever wondered, "Is it too late to start family discipleship?" — this episode is for you. Rene and Rebekah bring encouragement and real-world wisdom for parents starting fresh. Whether your children are toddlers, tweens, or teens, God’s grace meets you right where you are—and He ca...

💡 Episode Summary The Bible isn’t just for Sunday mornings—it’s for breakfast tables, car rides, bedtime snuggles, and messy moments. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah encourage parents to open God’s Word consistently and meaningfully with their kids—no matter their age or stage. You’ll hear real-life stories, practical tips, and biblical wisdom to help make Scripture a no...

💡 Episode Summary Is your faith visible to your kids outside of Sunday mornings? In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore what it means to live a faith that’s consistent, contagious, and grounded in real life. From quiet prayers to big conversations, everyday moments matter. Faith is formed not just through what we say—but how we live when no one else is watching. You’ll...

💡 Episode Summary Life gets messy—and fast. From tantrums and laundry piles to heartache and broken plans, it’s easy to feel like discipleship is on pause when real life takes over. But in this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah remind us that our everyday mess isn’t a distraction from discipleship—it’s the classroom God uses to grow our families in faith. Through Scripture, person...