In This Together With Dr. Josh + Christi

Have you felt stuck in the trenches, especially in the early years of parenthood? Trying to be the best mom you can be, yet also feeling the urge to lead outside the home too?Or maybe you decided that in certain seasons you would focus on leading your kids, and wait to find God's calling for you outside of motherhood after that particular season was over.In this episode, we talk with Kelly King, Women's Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources, about how women can lead in the varying seasons of motherhood.We talk specifically about: * How to navigate raising kids and discovering the call to lead * Not dismissing the little doors because they feel small to us * Why it's important to stay in your lane * How to overcome mom shaming * The importance of who you surround yourself with * How husbands can champion their wives to leadKelly's insights come directly from her own personal lessons. This is a message she has lived in every season of raising her kids.Show Notes: Click here to register for the Lif

Have you been faced with getting difficult questions from your kids, and perhaps at a younger age than you had wished? Or feeling the need to have conversations with your kids but not sure how to have them?Welcome to parenting in the 21st century.We live in a very different political and cultural climate than in decades past. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Phillip Bethancourt, executive vice president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, on how he equips parents and church leaders to have these conversations. A very practical episode, you will be encouraged and equipped, especially if you lack confidence with some of the topics.Phillip, who has four boys, also provides super helpful illustrations to matter the age of our kids.In addition, this episode kicks off an online Bible study that Phillip co-wrote and that we're hosting on our blog called Christ-Centered Parenting: Gospel Conversations on Complex Cultural Issues. It's a free online study and we'd love to have you join us! Click here for d

Your questions are fuel for us for two reasons. First, you are real and desire to live a great story for your kids. Secondly, your courage to ask questions helps everyone listening to the podcast. If you struggle with something, other families struggle with it too.It's an honor being in this together with you. These Q & A episodes give all of us encouragement. So thank you!In this episode, we had a number of questions related to being emotionally safe for our kids and why it's important. In this week's episode we discuss: * Resources for understanding our own story as a parent * How to connect and talk to our child with grace, especially if he / she is prone to feeling ashamed * If a parent is away for work, ways he / she can connect with the kids from the road * How to plan for a difficult conversation with our teenager (and even our kids), especially when there is a rift in the relationship * Championing our kids in their interests and passions, even if they have no outlets for it in our local area * Th

Welcome to Season 4 of the "In This Together" podcast!School is back in session. In this episode, we talk about three ways we can spiritually prepare our kids for the new school year.Whether you homeschool, or your kids go to a public or private school, this episode will help guide your family to spiritually prepare your kids (and yourself) for the school year ahead.Here are the questions we consider to help us: * What is the biggest lesson you learned from last school year? Revisit that lesson. Write it down. What decisions will you make differently this year as a result? * What parental agendas do you have for your kids that you need to surrender this year? What are questions your kids have about the year ahead? * What two values do you want to instill in your kids this school year? * Do you have a family mission's statement? Put a plan in place to start one this week. * What is one thing you can remove from your family calendar that is adding undo pressure?Podcast Sponsors:

The final week of our "Best Of" Series is one that will challenge your faith. We listened to it again and it was like watching a movie the second time around. There was much we missed the first time that we needed right now in this season of our lives.Faith is the currency of heaven. We all need more of it. You may be in a season where you think that a "faith adventure" is just too much... * “But we are in survival mode.” * “Maybe when the kids are out of the house.” * “I’m too afraid.”We ourselves have said everyone of these. Christine Caine shares her family’s story of living a faith adventure and graciously shows us why we can’t afford not to.Here are a few highlights from one our favorite episodes! * How to overcome our, “But, God.” * Why marriage and family is a crucial part of Christian witness in the days ahead. * How our paralyzing fear serves nobody, and how to overcome it. * How to bring our kids on the adventure, no matter their age, and why our kids deserve it!Don’t miss this one. The topic is too

Welcome to week 3 of our "Best Of" series!As Dr. Townsend states about entitlement, "This isn't a generational problem; it's a human problem."Apparently, a lot of parents in our generation don't want their kids to be entitled. It was the most listened to episode of season 3!Entitlement, according to Dr. John Townsend, is "a belief that I am exempt from responsibility and that I am owed special treatment." Unfortunately, you don't have to look too far today to find entitled kids--and adults!In this episode, Dr. Townsend helps parents learn how to not raise entitled kids. An incredibly practical discussion, you'll learn the three antidotes to entitlement and hear Dr. Townsend explain the following three ways to apply the antidote: * Change your language * Do hard things first * Keep inconvenient commitmentsDr. Townsend encourages us, "Kids need to grow up at a dinner table where mom and dad are doing interesting things." Here's to being parents who take responsibility, live well, and show our kids how to be gra

Welcome to week 2 of our "Best Of" series!Emotional safety was one of the most requested topics in season 3. Not only that, this episode became one of the most listened to of any we did.When we first became parents we were exhausted and overwhelmed by the opinions of what we "should" do. That's why we decided to start with the end in mind. With the outcomes we most desire in our kids when they become adults. What we found is that emotional safety—more than any other factor—is scientifically linked to raising kids who live, love, and lead well.In other words, the posture from which we parent matters infinitely more than the techniques of parenting. What is emotional safety?In this episode, we answer this question and discuss: * The Golden Rule of relationships * Four walls of a Safe House (exploration, protection, grace, truth) * Four parenting styles (BFF, helicopter, boss, religious) * How to lead in grace and follow up in truth as we discipline * Why being a parent isn't rocket science; it's just brain surg

We're kicking off our "Best Of" Series for season 3. During the summer we take a little hiatus to regroup, rejuvenate, and plan for our upcoming season--season 4!In part 1 of of our "Best of" series, we revisit our interview with Frank Tate. As one of the most highly listened to and commented about episodes, we chose it first because of how it will change your view of being a parent.If you're a regular listener and were unable to listen to this episode, put it at the top of your list. Likewise, if you're new to the podcast, put it at the top of your list. This is time well spent!In his upcoming book, Foster Kid, Frank tells his riveting story and leaves behind nuggets of wisdom he’s picked up from the screaming data of raising his own two kids. Here’s a few nuggets he discusses with us in this episode: * How to listen to your kids’ screaming data * Why parents should be editors, not authors * How to avoid GPS (Generational Peer Stress) Parenting * What “goodwill shaming” is and why we do it * Why you should g

Championing kids with special needs or medical disabilities can be quite difficult on many levels.First, there's the academic needs of the child. For instance, in some school systems, grades become emphasized over emotional development or character. Other schools lack the resources to champion the heart or strengths of the child.In addition, there's the therapeutic needs of the child. From a financial perspective, this can put quite a strain on the family.We close out this three-part series on families with children who have disabilities or special needs by talking with Kelly Bagwell. She and her husband Jeff are on the latter end of the journey, as their twin boys (who are on the autism spectrum) are about to graduate high school. She is also a high school teacher with special education students and a certified Christian counselor. So her perspective comes from all sides.However, as you listen, especially if you're a parent, what you'll hear is raw emotion and honesty about how to champion your family and ki

So often, conversation on kids with intellectual disabilities centers on ministry "to" children with disabilities. What if we instead focused on the ministry "of" children with disabilities?In this episode, Amy Julia Becker presents us with a massive paradigm shift on many levels. After reading her cover article in Christianity Today titled The Ministry of the Disabled, we knew we needed to learn from her.A graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Amy Julia's essays about faith, family, and disability have appeared in the Washington Post, USA Today, Christianity Today, the Christian Century, and online for The New York Times, ABCNews, the Atlantic, Vox, and The Huffington Post.Here are some highlights of our conversation: * Changing how we see the word "need." Would you describe yourself as "being needy?" What if it were a necessary and good thing? * Why it's important to receive people (especially our kids) as they are given to us, not through the lens of who we want them to be. *

Parenting children with special needs or medical disabilities brings with it so many added variables. As if having a strong marriage and being a great parent weren't hard enough, what happens when you have to travel for 20 hours of therapy each week in addition to your other tasks and roles?This is the journey Nick and Jackie Tait are walking. With three beautiful children ages five and under, their five year old was born at 23 weeks. Today, he is a walking miracle. However, he has medical disabilities and developing special needs that require added attention and care.In this episode, we talk with Nick and Jackie (a 22:6 family!) about their story. Their countenance and approach alone speaks volumes. They share with us not only what they have done to maintain a strong marriage, but also what they need from others who aren't walking the same road.Here are a few highlights from our discussion with Nick and Jackie: * Grieving the loss of dreams you had for your child * The pressure of social media in comparing y

Money is one of the single biggest reasons for divorce today. If we don't have vision for our money, it will own us.Chris Brown, host of Life, Money, and Hope and a Ramsey Personality, joins us this week to talk about two primary topics:A.) How and why to budget from a Biblical perspective.B.) How to teach our kids about money.Here's a specific overview of what we talked about: * How to tell your money where it's going * How the Western world and Biblical teaching contradicts one another when it comes to money * Why normal in today's world is broken * How to shift your mindset about money * Surprising statistics about families and money today * 3 ways to teach your kids about how to give, save, and spend * A surprising perspective on college debtShow Notes:Check out Life, Money, Hope with Chris Brown. Click here.       Click here for Financial Peace University, Jr. Podcast Sponsors: 

With Father's Day approaching, we want to honor dads. In particular, we share stories from our own dads.In this episode, I (Josh) share about what I've learned about being a dad, from my dad. He went to be with Jesus in November, 2016, but his legacy lives on in our family.Christi also shares memories from her childhood and the influence of her dad to this day.In this episode, you'll hear about: * Dad jokes. Yes, dad jokes. * How to make the most of the moments with our kids and those we love. * The importance of being others-centered. * The power in telling stories of how your dad influenced you.Show Notes:For Celebration of Life Video of David E. Straub, click here. The Boat!       Podcast Sponsors:

Your questions have been so good! We love hearing from each of you. This episode covers more questions related to parenting.In this week's episode we discuss: * How kids handle emotions * New ways to think about your child's overwhelming emotions * The difference between a temper tantrum and an act of disobedience * Sibling rivalry * How to handle grief and loss with kids * And how should we handle family members who don't hold their kids to the same values we hold ours to, especially when we spend a lot of time together with them?Again, if you want to submit a question for a future episode, simply click here to submit your question.It's an honor journeying with you!Show Notes: Click here for Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen Thomas and David ThomasClick here for Safe House: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead WellClick here for FREE Feelings Chart for Kids!This week's questions:Emma: I am a part time single parent. My children are 5, 4 and 8 months. Last n

When should I get my child her first phone? Once I get that first phone, how should I set it up? What limits should I set on it? Is my child's phone different than the one I buy?We get so many questions from parents about what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to their child's first phone. Navigating the world of screens can feel scary, but it doesn't have to be!In this episode, we interview Michael Kong, CEO and founder of Forcefield, a parental control product he developed when his girls were in middle school (5 years ago). He shares with us what he's learned first as a dad, and now as a developer.With your kids home for the summer, this is a fascinating episode on screens you won't want to miss.Show Notes: Try Forcefield FREE for 30 days! Just click here. Podcast Sponsor:

In 2015, Corie Weathers was named Military Spouse of the Year. That was in large part because of how her husband, Chaplain Matthew Weathers, nominated and championed her. But as we all know, championing your spouse is much easier when you feel championed.In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we wanted to honor and learn from the marriage of a military family who is also in the trenches serving other military families and first responders.In this episode, Chaplain Matthew and Corie Weathers take us behind their own picture frame and teach us how they connect personally as a military family. Even more, they share with us incredibly powerful insights and tools they use to help military and first responder families thrive.The nuggets harvested from this episode are gold. Here are a few of them: * How to praise your spouse * The power in seeing your spouse as a bonsai tree * How to find purpose together in your marriage, especially for families with traveling spouses * How much is too much to share with your sp

When you hear the phrase, "faith adventure," what comes to mind? Excitement. Risk. Trust. Memories. Miracles. Or does the rational, natural side of your brain kick in? * "But we are in survival mode." * "Maybe when the kids are out of the house." * "I'm too afraid."We ourselves have said everyone of these. In this episode, Christine Caine shares her family's story of living a faith adventure and graciously shows us why we can't afford not to.Here are a few highlights from one our favorite episodes! * How to overcome our, "But, God." * Why marriage and family is a crucial part of Christian witness in the days ahead. * How our paralyzing fear serves nobody, and how to overcome it. * How to bring our kids on the adventure, no matter their age, and why our kids deserve it!Christine Caine is an Australian born, Greek blooded, lover of Jesus, activist, author and international speaker. She and her husband, Nick, founded the global anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes that sweet, lovely, and wonderful baby carriage.Then comes our in-laws telling us how to parent.Then comes our parents spoiling our kids.Okay, so that may sound a bit dramatic. At least we hope so for your sake. Truthfully, we loved seeing our parents become grandparents. That doesn't mean we haven't had to figure things out along the way, sometimes with difficult conversations. But it does mean that our parents have our hearts. And because they have our hearts, they have incredible influence in how their grandkids are being raised.In this episode, we go behind the scenes to talk about our own relationship with our parents and how they grandparent our kids.We also discuss practical ways for unity and honor to be the soil for the intergenerational relationships in your family to flourish.Podcast Sponsors:

If parenting is difficult, single parenting is all the more unyielding and lonely. In this episode, we learn from someone walking the road of single parenting. Even more, she gives us insights into her own ministry to single moms in her church community.Nicole C. Mullen, a two time Grammy nominated recording artist and Female Vocalist of the Year Award winner, who is now a single mom of three, shares her story. Since her difficult divorce, she has emerged from a "night season" stronger than she's ever been before. Compiling her story into a new album fittingly titled, Like Never Before, Nicole shares how she had to learn to forgive and relates to those who have walked through betrayal and hurt.Church leaders, single parents, and families with single parent friends will find this episode incredibly insightful, practical, and inspiring!Show Notes: Be sure to check out more of Nicole's story at www.nicolecmullen.com.For Nicole C. Mullen's latest album Like Never Before, featuring her kids, click here. Podcast Sp

Welcome to our third Q & A episode! As always, we're grateful for the opportunity to journey with you. Thank you for submitting your questions.In this episode, we address questions specifically related to parenting teenagers, dealing with respect, the reasons for increasing anxiety and depression in teens, and managing technology in the home.Here’s a review of the questions we discuss in this episode: * What to do with a teen who is rude and disrespectful when spending too much time on technology. * How to manage our own anxiety and depression and not pass it onto our children. * Why anxiety and depression are increasing in kids and teens. * When to say yes to our teens (so they can prove their trust to us) and when to say no (without overprotecting them). * How to encourage our teenagers to be self-motivated.The questions:I am a Christian, and I struggle with anxiety and depression. I am going to counseling to work through these struggles, and my goal is to hopefully not pass them on to my children. Do y