Playfully Faithful Parenting: Encouraging Christian Mamas to Disciple & Discipline with Play & Joy

Do you struggle parenting your sensitive or intense kid, maybe because you are sensitive and intense? Listen in to my conversation with Lydia Rex of Connected Families to see how their Sensitive and Intense Kids course can help you love, teach, play to discipline and disciple your kids. You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mama! Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I re...

Do you want your kids to love to spend time with God in His Word? Check out my new AAH COOL method. This episode started as a video, if you want to see the printables I share about check out my youtube channel: yoututbe.com/@playfullyfaithfulparenting Freebies for you: Free Bible Study on 3 Traits of God to Guide Your Discipline: https://createdtoplay.com/freebiblestudy Join my free 5-day Bible Pl...

Do you have a consistent habit of spending time with God? It can be so hard to do with kids at home. Yet, Deuteronomy 6:5-7 shows us that discipling our children starts with us loving God. It is from that love of God that our teaching, discipling, and nurturing the faith of our children flows. Otherwise, you will be trying to work for God instead of with him. This leads to burnout and your kids se...

In this episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, we dive into the important distinction between teaching kids Biblical facts and nurturing their faith. Through my experience as a mother, children's minister, and seminary graduate, I explore how simple questions, like the number of loaves and fishes, might build knowledge but not necessarily foster a deep, personal relationship with God. I shar...

Are your kids going back to school? Here are a few prayers and verses to help with the transition. You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mama! Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links . For more information, please see my disclosure policy .) Wanna to read instead of listen? https...

If you are a Christian parent who wants to bring joy to your family's faith and model the abundant life, I think one book series is a must-read: The Chronicles of Narnia. There is so much richness and imagination that will help your family talk about and grow in faith. Let’s look at how we can use each book to wonder and connect with our children. You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mam...

Hey mamas, are you wondering how to use the Olympics as a meaningful learning moment for your family’s faith journey? I’ve got you covered! In this episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, we dive into five practical ways we can take cues from Olympic athletes to grow our spiritual lives and those of our kids. From the importance of training and rest to the power of community and celebration, this...

Hey mamas, ever find yourself lost and seeking guidance as you navigate raising your kids for Jesus? I have too! In this episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, we dive into Psalm 16 and uncover how turning to God and His Word can provide the wisdom, security, and joy we need in our challenging moments. Together, we'll explore where to go with our fears and questions, allowing God's prese...

Many Christian mothers struggle with their reactions to their children's misbehavior, often responding with anger, frustration, or harsh discipline. This inconsistency between their faith values and parenting practices can lead to guilt, damaged relationships, ineffective discipline, and impact their child's faith. The podcast addresses how moms can align their responses to misbehavior wit...

I recently read a statistic that said 92% of Christian parents believe they are responsible for nurturing their children’s faith, but only 33% feel prepared to do so. Christie Thomas’s new book, Little Habits, Big Faith is a great resource for growing in confidence in your ability to disciple your child. Learn more about this book and check out the links below to grab it from Amazon. Christie’s Bi...

Welcome back to another episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting with your host, Joy Wendling. Today, we're diving into the often misunderstood role of play in discipline. Many parents perceive play as inappropriate during moments of misbehavior or power struggles. But what if there's a better way? Drawing insights from Lawrence Cohen's "Playful Parenting" and Jim and Lynn Jac...

In this heartwarming episode of "Playfully Faithful Parenting," host Joy Wendling opens up about a personal parenting fail that turned into a remarkable moment of growth and connection. Listen as Joy recounts a challenging day at the park that led to frustration and embarrassment but ultimately demonstrated the transformative power of playful and faith-filled parenting. Guided by the Con...

Are you tired of constantly managing your kids' behavior? In this episode, we look at how you can stop managing behavior and instead mentor beliefs. You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mama! Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links . For more information, please see my discl...

Let’s tell Bible stories for kids that will help them to own their faith! This is episode 4 in a series on developmentally appropriate practices that will help your kids take ownership of their faith. In this episode, we look at three simple strategies to use when reading Bible stories for kids. You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mama! Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which m...

Do your kids own their faith or are they simply following you in your faith? You can help them today to take ownership of their faith for a lifetime by using play. Here are 3 tips for using play to help your child grow spiritually. You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mama! Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if yo...

Christian mama, you want your child to choose Jesus for a lifetime. Start letting them make choices in their discipleship today to practice in the safety of your home. In this episode, I will share the benefits of choice for children and some of the important choices for kids to make to help them take ownership of their faith for a lifetime. You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mama! Links:...

Hey, in this episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, I delve into the importance of helping kids own their faith in Jesus. Drawing from my experiences as a mom and a former children's minister, I share insights on guiding kids to know Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the abundant life-giver, and the embodiment of amazing grace. I highlight the role of parents in nurturing their children's spir...

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” What is a peacemaker? Is peacekeeping the same thing? In this episode we talk about how we can make peace in our homes and use the Connected Families’ peace process to raise our kids to make peace and value restoration in relationships. You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mama! Links: (This may contain some affiliate lin...

Control, agency, and discipleship. Let’s chat about how to cultivate curious and committed kids for Christ! In this episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, we dive into the intriguing concept of agency in parenting and discipleship. Join me, Joy Wendling, as I explore the significance of giving children control and ownership over their faith, and how it can foster curiosity and commitment to Chri...

In this episode, I delve into the question of whether it is a sin to exasperate our children, exploring the Biblical verse Ephesians 6:4. Through various translations and reflections, I provide insight into the complexities of parenting, addressing the role of the Holy Spirit, fear, and the balance between grace and accountability. Join me as we navigate the challenges of parenting with faith and...

In this episode, I chat with Glenys Nellist, children’s author, about observing Lent with children and her newest book Twas the Season of Lent . This is a 40-day devotional for families to use during the Lenten season in preparation for Easter. I love how we discuss the capability of children to handle hard things and trusting parents to know their children best. Bio: Glenys Nellist was born and r...

Until just a few days before the end of the year, I was unsettled in my reading plan for 2024. I loved my reading rhythm I had developed over the past couple of years, but it didn’t feel right. God then called my to read the entire Bible in 30 days. Not to try to learn everything, understand everything, but to simply be flooded with his Word for hours each day. In this episode, hear more about soa...

In this episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, I share 4 tips to help parents teach their kids about spiritual warfare without instilling fear. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, I offer practical advice on incorporating prayer, keeping the conversations simple, timing it right, and equipping children with spiritual weapons. I also extend a special offer for parents to join our memb...

In this episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, I reflect on enjoying 2023 despite the current grief of losing my mom, based on Ecclesiastes 11:8. Join me as I share insights from a recent online challenge on disciplining during meltdowns and exciting plans for a new membership program focused on discipline and discipleship. Let's explore how we can find joy and growth in the year ahead despi...

This is the last week of the season of Advent! In this episode, share a Scripture reading and prayer for you about love.  You’ve got the Holy Spirit! You can do it, mama! Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links . For more information, please see my disclosure policy .) Free Consult Ca...