Episodes

  • Embracing Inconvenience- 12 God-given Traits for Lifelong Success

    Embracing Inconvenience- 12 God-given Traits for Lifelong Success
    May 14 2024
    “Inconvenient parenting is a willingness to lay down our comforts and our conveniences for the sake of our children to help them become who God created them to be.” – Melissa Hannigan. Melissa Hannigan holds a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Midwestern Theological Seminary. She is married to John Hannigan, and they have three daughters and a son who recently went to be with the Lord. Before becoming a full-time homeschool mom, Melissa worked with teen girls to overcome abuse, addictions, and trauma. She is passionate about helping people discover God’s best for their lives and families. Together, John and Melissa co-founded Ignite the Family, and she released her first book, Inconvenient Parenting, in August of 2023. During this episode, Melissa discusses the profound impact of parenting and how to approach it with faith and grace. She shares her personal journey of grief and resilience, diving into the concept of "inconvenient parenting" and the 12 God-given traits that can shape a positive parenting journey. She explores the challenges of modern parenting, the significance of nurturing children's unique gifts, and the delicate balance between meeting a child's needs and instilling a sense of wonder and humility. Melissa discusses her book, Inconvenient Parenting, and elaborates on the following 12 God-given parenting traits: wisdom, wonder, vitality, sensitivity, flexibility, curiosity, creativity, imagination, inventiveness, playfulness, humor, and joy. She mentions that these aren’t used as a checklist to see if your family has all these qualities; instead, they serve as traits to incorporate organically into everyday life and relationships. She is passionate about helping families unlock the potential that lies within every child and offers practical strategies to nurture and activate God-given traits. 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.
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    14 mins
  • Dr. Kathy Koch Shares Insight on Raising Kids with Biblical Character

    Dr. Kathy Koch Shares Insight on Raising Kids with Biblical Character
    May 8 2024
    “We teach our children biblical character, not so that they're better than others, not so that they perform better than others, but because it glorifies God when we put him on display in that way.” – Dr. Kathy Koch. Kathy Koch, PhD, is the founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc., and a child development specialist. She is also the author of seven bestselling parent-child enrichment books. In her latest book, Parent Differently, Raise Kids with Biblical Character That Changes Culture (Moody Publishers), Dr. Kathy reminds parents that if they want to see their children adopt positive attitudes, act righteously, and develop healthy habits, then they must lead by example in understanding and demonstrating biblical character. Dr. Kathy offers practical, relatable, and spiritual-centered insights and strategies for parents and educators, instructing them on how to guide children to develop biblical character so they flourish in life. She further encourages readers that there is “no shame or blame for yesterday and great hope for tomorrow.” During this episode, Dr. Kathy shares insights on her latest book, emphasizes the importance of instilling biblical character in children, and how parents can guide their kids to develop these values early on. She discusses the importance of gratitude and the connection between a child's beliefs and their character choices. “I wrote this book because if children don't have character, they will not develop into the people that God intended for them to be.” – Dr. Kathy Koch. Key Takeaways: Emphasis on leading by example, understanding biblical character, and the significance of character in children's development. The impact of negative character traits on children's ability to influence and contribute positively to society. It's never too early or too late to teach biblical character traits. Utilization of biblical stories and figures to teach children about character and the importance of redemption and second chances in character development. The three indicators of maturity in character: completeness, consistency, and automaticity. The importance of teaching gratitude as a foundational character virtue. The disconnection between chronological age and maturity in character. Jesus' belief in the importance of children and their influence, highlighting how Jesus valued and prioritized spending time with children. Emphasizing the critical role of children as the future and the importance of investing in them. Encouraging parents to prioritize character development over rule-following and obedience. Celebrate Kids 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.
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    15 mins
  • Building Faith in Kids w/ Award-winning Children’s Book Author Jill Roman Lord

    Building Faith in Kids w/ Award-winning Children’s Book Author Jill Roman Lord
    May 7 2024
    “We love because he first loved us. And it's the same with kids. Kids need to feel love in order to be able to love others. Love can change the world; that starts with us and our kids.” – Jill Roman Lord. Jill Roman Lord is an award-winning author of over 30 Christian children's books. She and her husband have raised three Jesus-loving kids who have flown the coop, leaving them to navigate the empty nest on their own. During this episode, Jill discusses the impact of children's literature on developing a personal relationship with God. She delves into her latest books that focus on teaching children how to love well and incorporate God's teachings into their lives. She also explores the significance of board books in shaping young minds and shares parental advice on navigating the challenges of raising children in today's world. Jill talks about a few of her children’s books and what children can learn from them: Love Well My Precious One – addressing the theme of love and sharing with others; this book teaches children that little acts of love can make a big impact in the world. Noah’s Joyful Ark – a board book for kids exploring the joyful aspect of being on Noah’s ark; this book encourages readers to roar, bark, and hee-haw along with all of God’s creatures, reminding children that even on gloomy days, they can look for God’s love in a rainbow. If Jesus Lived Inside my Heart – a board book for babies that explores the presence of Jesus in our lives; this story helps toddlers learn how to be kind and generous in different situations, while being introduced to Jesus. The Noisy Night – a new twist to the Christmas story of Jesus’s birth, exploring what the night might have been like if all the creatures and people celebrated the birth of Jesus in their own God-given ways. “There have actually been multiple studies done to show that generosity improves the emotion of the person receiving and the emotion of the person giving. It's actually a 3-fold that helps the receiver, the giver, and then the receiver also wants to pay it forward and love also and be generous.” – Jill Roman Lord. Jill’s Website, Facebook, Instagram, & 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.
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    14 mins
  • The Safe Phone for Kids – Hear from CEO Bill Brady About Troomi Wireless

    The Safe Phone for Kids – Hear from CEO Bill Brady About Troomi Wireless
    May 2 2024
    “Long story short, if someone's name and phone number are not in that contact list, they literally cannot talk to your child. A text can't come through; a phone call can't come through.” – Bill Brady. Bill Brady is the co-founder and CEO of Troomi Wireless, a mobile phone solution that provides kids with all the good they need from technology without pornography, predators, bullies, and social media. During this episode, Bill shares his personal journey as a parent of five and how it led him to develop a mobile phone solution that provides children with safe access to technology without exposure to harmful influences like social media, bullies, or inappropriate content. They discuss the importance of introducing technology to kids in stages and the positive impact of Troomi Wireless on children's mental and emotional well-being. He delves into the unique features of Troomi phones and how they can empower parents to protect their kids in the digital age. Bill also offers an exclusive discount code for Raising Christian Kids listeners! “It's got to be safe, but it's got to be flexible. So that's what we've done with Troomi. Parents can custom-fit it to the age and maturity of each of their children individually and give them all the stuff they need without the garbage.” – Bill Brady. Key Takeaways: Troomi Wireless: A mobile phone solution that provides kids with safe technology. Troomi’s goal is to create a super safe and flexible phone for kids, allowing access to vetted apps for school and promoting spirituality. Ability to customize the phone experience to match the child's needs. Safe listing feature for setting up contacts based on the child's age and maturity. Preventing access to harmful content and protecting kids from negative influences. Acknowledgment of the negative impact of social media on children's mental health and the alarming statistics of kids encountering mental health issues and isolation due to excessive social media use. A promotional code RCK listeners for $50 off the purchase of a Troomi device – use RCK at checkout! Troomi’s website, Instagram, and Facebook. 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.
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    14 mins
  • Jake Freels- Encouraging Godly Men to Step Up and Lead their Families

    Jake Freels- Encouraging Godly Men to Step Up and Lead their Families
    Apr 30 2024
    “In chaos, God sees perfection. In these moments of utter despair and brokenness, the most historic tragedy of my life, losing my dad and my family being crushed and broken, yet there was perfection, yet there was he saw us whole.” – Jake Freels. Jake Freels is a real estate developer, businessman, state champion football coach, avid outdoorsman, missionary, rodeo competitor, movie producer, overseer of men’s ministry, mentor to men & young men, and most importantly, an amazing dad and husband to his wife and four children. The most incredible thing about Jake, though, is not everything he does but the story of how he overcame the tragic loss of his dad when he was a child. This loss sent him spiraling out of control from ages 9 to 19. He then found hope, life, purpose, and healing when he met Jesus in college. During this episode, Jake shares his passion for mentoring men through outdoor adventures to connect them with God and bring about transformation in their lives. He emphasizes the importance of authentic encounters with Jesus, initiations into manhood, and the impact of the family table. He also introduces his new movie, "Multiplied," which aims to inspire a movement of worldwide revival. Key Takeaways: Jake's tragic loss of his father at a young age and transformation and hope through meeting Jesus in college. Platforms for reaching men – Irons in the Fire Producing men's events and gatherings, including a stadium event focused on uniting men as a force for positive change. Emphasizing the importance of men taking ownership for families and in society. Detailed account of the car accident that claimed his father’s life as well as his miraculous survival and intervention by divine presence. Understanding God’s vision during moments of despair and brokenness. The significance of seeking leadership and mentorship from other strong men, understanding God’s role in shaping men, and empowering them to lead and mentor others. Significance of the family table in building deep and authentic relationships. The release of the movie "Multiplied" about the legacies of influential Christian leaders and the call to support and attend the movie to spread the message of revival. Encouragement for men to step up and participate in the revival movement. Jake’s Resources: Multiplied Movie, Heart of Many Colors, Irons in the Fire Ministry, and Freels Designs. 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.
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    26 mins
  • Advice for Parents to Help Children Overcome Trauma & Abuse

    Advice for Parents to Help Children Overcome Trauma & Abuse
    Apr 25 2024
    “They need routine, they need protection, they need biblical truth, they need things labeled as what's God-honoring and not God-honoring behavior.” -Darby Strickland. Darby A. Strickland, MDiv, is a faculty member and counselor at the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation (CCEF). She is a contributor to Becoming a Church That Cares Well for the Abused and author of Is It Abuse? A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims, the children’s book Something Scary Happened, and the mini book When Children Experience Trauma. She writes regularly for the Journal of Biblical Counseling. Darby and her husband, John, have three children. During this episode, Darby discusses the effects of trauma and abuse on children and offers valuable insight into how parents can support their children through difficult times. She shares tips on addressing trauma with children, the importance of open communication, and the role of faith in comforting and guiding children through tough situations. Additionally, she provides information about online counseling resources for families in need. Key Takeaways: Encouragement for parents to face hard truths with their children and the importance of addressing behavior as a clue to the child's struggles. Advice on how parents can communicate with their children about traumatic events. The influence of parental reactions on a child's experience of trauma. The importance of routine, protection, and biblical truth for traumatized children. Something Scary Happened can help children overcome fear by learning how to express and understand their fears. The free resources, blogs, and journal articles are available on ccef.org. When Children Experience Trauma is a mini book that can help parents help their children navigate their fears, guide them through their distress, and assist their recovery after a traumatic event. Darby’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.
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    13 mins
  • Champ Thornton Shares Resources to Help Kids Learn About Thankfulness & How to Manage Emotions

    Champ Thornton Shares Resources to Help Kids Learn About Thankfulness & How to Manage Emotions
    Apr 23 2024
    “Being thankful means seeing that God is the source of all the things that we experience in life.” – Champ Thornton. Champ Thornton is an acquisitions editor at Crossway and the author of several books for kids and families, including The Really Radical Book for Kids, The Radical Book for Kids, Wonders of His Love, The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles, A Five-Senses Countdown to Calm: You Count!, Why Do We Say Good Night, and Why Do We Say Thank You? During this episode, Champ discusses the importance of teaching children gratitude and thankfulness. He delves into the essential role of parents in connecting children to God in their everyday experiences. From fostering politeness to guiding emotional calmness, Champ has a treasure trove of resources for parents looking to cultivate strong Christian values in their children. Key Takeaways: Importance of teaching children gratitude and politeness. The storyline of the book Why Do We Say Thank You? - features a grumpy young boy who learns to be thankful and the transformation of the boy's perspective on gratitude through a dream sequence. The connection between boredom and gratitude. The role of parents in helping children recognize that everything comes from God. Ideas and suggestions for parents to help children recognize the role of God in their lives and the importance of integrating faith into everyday experiences. Organic ways to connect children to God in their daily lives. A Five-Senses Countdown to Calm: You Count! can help guide children to manage their emotions through sensory experiences. Addressing the importance of addressing spiritual topics, such as salvation and the existence of Satan, in children's literature. Champ’s Website, Instagram, and 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.
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    14 mins
  • MOMents with Lori & Lee Ann – 5 Types of Prodigal Children

    MOMents with Lori & Lee Ann – 5 Types of Prodigal Children
    Apr 18 2024
    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, Lori and Lee Ann delve into the aspects of parenting prodigal children, offering guidance to parents navigating these challenges with faith and grace. Lori shares her insights on the different types of prodigals, drawing parallels from biblical examples to provide a multi-dimensional understanding of wayward children and give hope to parents grappling with despair and hopelessness while raising prodigal children. Key Takeaways: Reference to Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the lost son in the Bible. The importance of not overreacting to their behavior and choosing when to step in to pursue them or wait for them to return on their own. Encouragement to rediscover the "jewel" in your child's heart. The five different types of prodigals: The heart, soul, mind, body, and the reluctant. Biblical examples of each type of prodigal discussed: David, Aaron, Paul, the woman condemned, and Samson. Prodigal of the heart – David (Psalm 51:10) Prodigal of the soul – Aaron (John 8:12) Prodigal of the mind – Paul (Philippians 4:8) Prodigal of the body – the woman who was an adulteress (Romans 12:1) The reluctant prodigal – Samson (Proverbs 8:13) The importance of praying for them and trusting in God's transformative power. Emphasizing hope for parents with prodigal children, regardless of the duration of their absence. Resources: Help! I Have a Prodigal, by Judy Slay. Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe, by Sharon James. Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home, 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.
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    15 mins