The Whole Person Parenting Podcast

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How much do we actually influence our kids? Spoiler alert: probably more than we realize!

In this episode of Becoming a Parent, Val and Jaime talk about the big (and sometimes overwhelming) responsibility of shaping the people God has entrusted to us. Our kids are ambassadors for our family!

But at the end of the day, our goal isn’t just to raise kids who represent our family well. We want to raise kids who know and love Jesus and who learn to be ambassadors for the Lord wherever th...

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What does it actually look like to parent with authority? In this episode, Val and her husband, Jaime, talk about the Authority Stage of Parenting, one of the stages Ellen Galinsky describes in her work on the stages of parenthood.

Val and Jaime look back on their own parenting experience and share what it was like to set boundaries, make the tough calls, and guide their kids while figuring out the difference between authority control.

They talk honestly about what worked, what didn’t, and some of the practical th...

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What allows us to develop a relationship with our child—and what can get in the way?

In infancy, becoming a parent is also the beginning of getting to know a very real, very individual child. It’s a time of discovery: learning who this little person is, while also discovering who we are as their parent. But that process doesn’t always unfold the way we imagined.

Before our baby arrives, we may carry hopes, expectations, and dreams about what parenthood will be like—and even about who our chil...

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We all begin the journey of parenthood with dreams. We imagine who our child will be, what they’ll love, how they’ll grow, and perhaps even the kind of relationship we’ll share. But eventually, every parent encounters the beautiful and sometimes difficult reality that the child we imagined is not quite the child we’ve been given.

In this episode of Becoming A Parent, we explore the ongoing process of reconciling our imagined child with our real child—and how that process can become part of our own maturation as parents...

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Becoming a parent is more than bringing a baby home—it's the beginning of becoming someone new.

In this kickoff episode, we're introducing a brand-new series exploring the six stages of parenting and how our role as parents grows and changes right alongside our children. Valerie shares her own story of becoming a parent—the expectations, the surprises, the ways God has shaped her through motherhood, and why parenting is as much about our own transformation as it is our children's.

Whether you're expecting your first baby, in the thic...

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Every parent has moments they're proud of... and moments they'd rather pretend never happened. In this episode, we're sharing stories of fails, victories, and the moments that have kept us humble (and laughing).

We're also unpacking the idealized self—the imaginary parent who never loses their cool, always says the right thing, and never makes any mistakes. As it turns out, God has never asked us to be perfect but invites us into dependency on Him.

If you've ever wondered whether you're enough as a parent, this episode is a...

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In this episode, we're talking about the "dirty lens" we all carry into parenting—the thoughts and assumptions that color how we see our kids and ourselves. Stress has a funny way of smudging the glass. Suddenly your curious toddler looks "defiant," your emotional tween seems "dramatic," and you're convinced you're failing at this whole parenting thing.

The good news? You don't have to believe everything your stressed brain tells you.

We'll explore how our thinking shapes our stress, how stress shapes our parenting, and why renewing our minds is...

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In this episode, Val and Presley discuss the "summer cure"—that noticeable shift when children seem happier, more relaxed, and more like themselves once school is out and summer routines take over. From extra sunshine and outdoor play to less pressure and more freedom, we'll explore why summer can have such a positive impact on a child's mental and emotional well-being.

Summer is a time to seek both fun and growth in our relationships with each other and God. Join us as we dive into questions about what is summer revealing ab...

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As parents, we all want our children to see others the way God does, but how do we teach them to notice differences without fear, discomfort, or judgment? In this episode, we explore how diversity reflects God's creativity and design, and why helping our children recognize and appreciate differences is an important part of their spiritual and relational growth.

From navigating conversations about people who look, think, or live differently than we do, to modeling Christlike love and curiosity. Join us as we consider how parents can raise children who see...

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In our newest and final episode in our series on development, we explore one of the most unexpected transitions in parenting: navigating life as parents of adult children. Together, we discuss the spiritual, relational, and psychological shifts that happen as our role changes from managing and guiding to supporting, trusting, and remaining connected in new ways.

We talk honestly about growth, boundaries, letting go while staying present, and how our own stories, fears, and expectations can shape these relationships. Through a Christian lens, we reflect on what it means to...

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The teenage years can feel like a constant push and pull—one moment your child needs you deeply, the next they’re pushing for independence. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to stay close enough to truly know your teen—their struggles, pressures, and questions—without holding so tightly that you hinder their growth into autonomy.

We talk about the delicate shift from hands-on parenting to intentional presence, where influence matters more than control. We also dive into the role of healthy spiritual community. We take an honest look at...

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If you’ve ever felt like your once-sweet child has suddenly become a strong-willed, independent, opinionated human who’s slowly taking over your house, you’re not wrong.

The teen years can feel like a shift in power, a shift in connection, and honestly, sometimes a shift in sanity. But what if this “takeover” isn’t a problem to solve, but a process to understand?

In this episode, Presley and Val are diving into what’s really happening beneath the surface—physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually—as your teen steps into who God...

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The tween years can feel like a quiet shift until suddenly, everything seems to be changing. In this episode, Presley and Val take a step back to look at what’s really going on beneath the surface of what is typically an awkward stage of development where your child is not the same little kid you've been raising, and not the teen you've been anticipating.  They're simply a "tween".

From physical changes to growing emotions, evolving friendships, and a deepening spiritual awareness, we explore how this stage of development is shaping you...

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In this special episode, we step into the elementary years—a season full of growth, curiosity, and deepening relationships—with someone who knows it from every angle. Joined by our very first guest, a veteran educator, and our favorite elementary school principal!  Listen in we bring both professional wisdom and personal insight to the table.

Together, we explore the elementary years—how children are developing academically, relationally, and spiritually—and what they need most from the adults guiding them. From the classroom to the home, we talk about fostering confidence, navigating challenge...

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Between toddlerhood and becoming a "big kid", something remarkable starts happening. Kids ages 4 to 6 are stretching in every direction. This stage of early childhood is full of imagination, big questions, and even bigger feelings. Children are learning how to navigate friendships, manage frustration, test their abilities, and understand the world God placed them in.

In this episode, we’re looking at what’s actually happening beneath the surface during these years including how development shapes behavior, why some struggles are completely normal, and how parents can guide their children in ways that...

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Have you ever noticed that toddlers seem wired to explore everything… and also completely unaware of danger at the exact same time?

In this episode of Are We There Yet?, Presley and Val continue their look at the toddler years by stepping into the tension many parents feel: how do we honor our child’s God-given drive for exploration while also setting boundaries that keep them safe and help them grow?

Because as much as we might wish we could just say “yes” to everything… we can’t. And we shouldn’t...

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The toddler years are marked by curiosity, movement, and a relentless drive to explore—and Scripture gives us a surprisingly rich place to understand why. In this episode, Presley and Val discuss what it means to support exploration the way God supports us. By returning to the Garden of Eden, they consider how God created humans for curiosity, freedom, and discovery within relationship—and what that reveals about this season of parenting.

This episode invites parents to see exploration as sacred developmental work.  Exploring how, "In the beginning..." the Bible offers insig...

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The earliest years of a child’s life are not just about milestones—they’re about relationship. In this episode, Presley and Val explore how God designed infancy and early childhood as a season for deep relational formation between parents and children. From crying and comfort to play, presence, and protection, these early interactions shape a child’s sense of safety, trust, and belonging.

Through a developmental lens, we’ll talk about how babies and young children are learning who they are—and who God is—through the way they are responded to...

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Parenting often feels like a race toward the next milestone—or a desperate attempt to “fix” what isn’t working right now. In this introductory episode, we invite you to slow down and consider a different question: What if your child’s development is not a problem to solve, but a process God designed?

In this episode, we lay the foundation for the entire "Are We There Yet?" series by introducing a developmental lens for parenting. In this episode, Presley and Val explore how children grow in predictable (but not always easy) ways...

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The holidays don’t just bring twinkly lights and cocoa—they also bring opinions. In Part 2 of our Christmas series, Presley and Val are talking about navigating the beautiful, complicated reality of extended family gatherings while staying rooted in the differentiated life God has uniquely called your family to live.

From well-meaning comments about your parenting choices to subtle pressure to fall back into old roles, we explore how to show up with grace without abandoning conviction. This episode unpacks what it looks like to honor parents and relatives, set healthy bound...

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If “joy to the world” feels more like “stress to the parents” at your house, this episode is your Christmas lifeline. This is the first of our 2 holiday episodes looking at how to choose joy for yourself and your family.  In this episode, Presley and Val remember holiday traditions and consider how holidays are not always the joyous occasions we'd hoped for - oftentimes they're stressful! So join in learning how to return to joy through practical steps and spiritual practices that will be good for your whole family! 

Access the Seasonal S...

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Welcome back to The Whole Person Parenting Podcast! In today's we’re jumping into everyone's favorite toxic duo, perfectionism and the fear of failure—otherwise known as “Tuesday” for many parents.

So grab your coffee, take a pause from the grind of life, and maybe hold off on tossing that glitter-covered craft your toddler made that you’ve been pretending you like. Today we’re talking about why perfectionism sneaks into our parenting, how fear of failure keeps us up at night, and what it actually looks like to trust God with process...

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Presley has been reflecting on her own journey with the smart phone and social media as she's been reading a new book for one of her classes, and she's anxious to discuss it.  Listen in as Presley and Val discuss both the mental, relational, and spiritual aspects of our cultural departure from a play-based childhood and the challenges that parents face in this shift.  Be encouraged as we think about this together. It's episode 5! 

Book reference: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Purchase link: https://a.co/d/80QFEwL

C...

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Presley and Val continue the conversation on the intergenerational transmission of trauma by discussing two well-known psychoanalytic concepts known as "Ghosts" and "Angels" in parenting, and how they can be considered in Christian parenting. Things are getting spooky as around here!  Episode 4 of The Whole Person Parenting Podcast awaits you!

https://frcnca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Ghosts-in-the-nursery-paper-copy.pdf

https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Lieberman-2005-angels-in-the-nursery-article.pdf

CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html

BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online L...

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In this episode, Presley and Val explore the generational aspects of parenting from what you bring to parenting, to how God works in generational ways. Join us as we journey into spaces where the past meets the present and begin to discover where your own experiences and those of your parents' converge. Episode 3 - here we go!

CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html

BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/

Harvard's Center for the Developing Child: Three...

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Presley and Val follow up on a social media comment on emotional regulation and relationships that made an unexpected impression.  As it turns out emotional regulation is not a solo sport, especially in childhood.  But since we all seem to need some help in this area (ourselves included), we're getting practical on how to support the development of emotional regulation in our kids while we continue to grow in this area, as parents. Join us for our second episode! 

CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html

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The Whole Person Parenting Podcast is finally a reality!  In today's episode, Presley and Val discuss why they're getting into the wonderful world of podcasting, why we chose the name, and what we're hoping for.  Presley also shares one of their favorite funny memories and they go deep into scripture. How do they do it all in 18 minutes?! Listen in, and find out! 

CDC Milestone Tracker App: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app/index.html

BabySparks - Developmental Tracker & Online Learning for Parents: https://babysparks.com/

Harvard's Cen...