The MAVEN Parent Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/r...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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://abigailshri...

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-...

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.

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.

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.

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/resource...

In an increasingly polarized and hostile public square, can Christians disagree with others WITH civility and grace? How do we keep our kids from being socialized by the outrage-machine that is social media? Brett and Erin lay out a biblical view and practical steps to help us lead our families in God-honoring disagreement.

We live in an increasingly secular culture and our kids are immersed in it, as well. So, it’s inevitable that they will be challenged by the false world views of the culture. How do we prepare them to engage with false ideas AND strengthen their faith in Christ at the same time? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss a strategy to inoculate our kids rather than isolate them from false views of th...

Is it detrimental to force our kids to attend church even when they don’t want to? What should parents look for when their kids start complaining about church? Does our kid’s reluctance reveal our own unhealthy views or habits when it comes to the local church? In this episode, Brett and Erin unpack this difficult topic.

How do we deal with kids that don’t want to eat the food we prepare? Should we make them a separate meals? How has American culture shaped our views about eating in unhealthy ways? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss practical steps to help our kids establish good eating habits.

How can parents overcome their differences and become unified partners in the discipline of their children? Brett and Erin offer very practical steps to help your spouse and you come together as a team.