The Parenting for Faith podcast

Rachel kicks off with how we can help our kids engage with persecution, even though it is something they may never have experienced. She answers a question about a child who doesn't like sitting still and how he might be able to read and access the Bible. Our wildcard section, comes from guest Ali Campbell who shares about the tweens age group and how to help them engage.

This week, we find out how to prepare our kids for being Christians in a non-Christian world. Rachel answers a question about how to parent for faith in the midst of aggressive behaviour from your child. In the wildcard section, we hear from Rachel Ridler about her journey of learning new ways to connect with God after becoming a parent; why she founded 'Mummy meditations'; and how you can get involved. You can find out more at mummymeditations.co.uk .

Rachel shares about Bedtime Drinks, our new monthly Facebook Live event for parents and carers. This month we're meeting on Monday 13 May to discuss 'Beauty and Manliness'. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/events/445516592851069 . She explores how we use Christian resources and what to do when it feels like they don't work. She answers a question about how to unwind a view of God where an under-five thinks 'Jesus is my buddy - only interested in following me around and making me happy'. Becky Sedgwick, Local Coordinator of Parenting for Faith, explores the idea that no one size fits all.

Based on something she saw on a trip to Israel, Rachel explores how we as adults can invite children in to what we are already doing, rather than always changing what we're doing to make it about them. She looks at formulas in prayer and how to help children that really like those. Anna Hawken, interviews her mum, who has nine grandchildren and has recently done the Parenting for Faith course. They discuss the role that grandparents have to play in helping their grandchildren meet and know God.

We hear from Iain Nash, children's pastor at Southcourt Baptist Church and Messy Church regional coordinator for Buckinghamshire, about his research into children's spirituality. He has looked in detail at the relationship between knowledge and experience and how you help a child to connect their heart and head when it comes to faith. Mark Arnold, the additional needs ministry director for Urban Saints, answers a child's question 'Did God make me with autism?'. We also have a written version of this on our website here https://parentingforfaith.org/post/did-god-make-me-autism In 'Books you don't have time to read' Rachel unpacks 'God is Stranger' by Krish Kandiah, founder and director of Home for Good and asks how this fits with the key tool of unwinding.

Rachel explores a big parental question about salvation - How do you lead a child to Christ? Do they need to pray a prayer? Does there have to be a specific moment where they become a Christian? She shares her view and invites you to find yours. We look at what to do when you're so tired physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally that you have nothing left. We've all been there! In the wildcard section, Elle Bird, chats about Willy Wonka and what he has to do with Easter. Hint: it's not the chocolate!

We're still in Lent and Rachel explores how this season can impact how children view God and how to help them to have a fuller picture of him. Annie Willmot answers a question about how to help a toddler adapt to the change that comes with a new baby arriving in the family. Rachel explores what happened on Good Friday and equips us with how to approach it with our children.

Rachel explores the idea that we want guarantees about our child, their faith and their future. Is that possible and even if it is, it is something we would want? She answers a question about what to do when your children don't want to go to their group during church on Sunday. She also uses some examples from different families to explore how we might discipline for character rather than for obedience.

How do we help a child who is struggling to connect with God? Rachel shares some ideas for helping children to whom this doesn't come easily or who are going through a season of finding it difficult. James Yeates, an associate vicar and dad of four, answers a questions about how to parent for faith in a busy household with lots of children. Becky Sedgwick, the Local Coordinator for Parenting for Faith, shares how to tell stories with God as a key character and equips you with skills to draw your child's attention to where He is in a story.

Rachel shares some tools to help explain violence, such as the recent stabbings, to your child. She answers a question about running the Parenting for Faith course and how to handle the dynamic where people feel nervous about their own faith. Anna Hawken, another member of the team, unpacks some ideas for getting under 5s chatting to God and how to make it a way that they connect to Him and not just another thing to do.