Responding to Doubt and Spiritual Struggle

In this episode, we answer listener-submitted parenting questions covering everything from discipline and consequences to neurodivergence, school choices, overprotection, family devotions, and having ongoing conversations with our kids about sex and growing up. The questions are thoughtful, tender, and honest — which honestly reflects how parenting feels most days.

More than anything, we wanted this Q&A to feel freeing. Parenting can carry so much pressure, especially in a culture where everyone seems to be processing childhood wounds and trying not to repeat mistakes. We’ve definitely gotten things wrong, and we’re still parenting in real time with kids who are all wildly different from one another. But over and over again, we’ve found that the kindness of Jesus meets us there.

We talk about learning to love the kid you actually have instead of the one you imagined, how discipline and grace aren’t enemies, why curiosity matters more than control, and how apologizing to our kids has probably preached the gospel louder than any formal family devotional.

Our hope is simple: that this episode would take some pressure off, remind you there are no perfect parents, and encourage you to keep walking closely with Jesus as you parent the children He’s entrusted to you.

In This Episode

[02:00] There Are No Perfect Parents

[05:00] Loving the Kid You Have, Not the One You Want

[08:00] Discipline, Grace & Consequences

[13:00] Public School, Homeschool & Protecting Kids Without Overprotecting Them

[22:00] Parenting Neurodivergence, Anxiety & ADHD

[29:00] Talking to Kids About Sex, Dating & Growing Up

[33:00] Getting to the Heart Instead of Surface Behavior

[38:00] Keeping the Gospel Central in Your Home

[47:00] Family Devotions, Discipleship Rhythms & Letting Go of Guilt

Mentioned Resources

• ID Retreat (The Village Church parenting resource) - email: [email protected]
• Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler & Adam Griffin
• The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler
• Heart Engaged EQ Cards

ORDER MY LATEST BOOK

Becoming Like Jesus is a book about “progressive sanctification” that takes it beyond church words into the honest conversation so many Christians have navigated. Rooted in the Beatitudes, this book unpacks the lifelong series of highs and lows that the Holy Spirit uses to shape us into a person who looks like Jesus.

FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:

Follow Lauren | Follow Matt | Youtube | Website | Newsletter

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Global Christian Relief

GCR comes alongside persecuted Christians with prayer, Bibles, and real help so the church can endure and shine as a light for the Gospel. Stand with the persecuted Church and be a lifeline of prayer and support. — visit  https://bit.ly/GCRMatt to learn more.

Cozy Earth

Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too — discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use code BETWEEN for an exclusive 20% off.

Authentic Masculinity

If you want clarity around the topic of masculinity, or you want to help the men in your life find it, pick up Authentic Masculinity.

You can find it at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever you get good books.

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]