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As parents, we know raising kids is the opposite of neat and tidy. Each day brings wins, losses and valuable lessons. Pardon the Mess is a place where we discuss parenting and faith in a biblical, approachable and relatable way. We may cry and laugh while we learn and grow together in our beautiful mess. Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God’s love for them every day! But some days, it’s really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be. Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips an ...
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Do you have daughters? Do you have some mom wounds? Are you facing some “mean girl” moments as you raise your daughters? Then, you cannot miss this one. I’m always amazed at the way Melanie Shankle cuts through the clutter of life and gets to the core of the issue. She’s one of my very favorite moms out there - I have always read her books, learned…
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This week’s conversation is a deeply meaningful one. I’m sitting down with Annie Downs to talk about grief, faith, and supporting others during hard times. Annie and her sister wrote a children’s book, Where Did TJ Go?, after her sister lost her son, TJ. This book is an incredible resource for families navigating loss with young kids, and our conve…
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“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11–12) Because we love our kids and want what’s best for them, we want them to grow up to be well-rounded, healthy, successful, godly people, so we establish boundaries in their li…
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Raise your hands if you are excited about talking with your teen about sexual integrity? Not me. These are hard, but necessary conversations we must have with our kids. I have the very best voices in this area, Jim Burns and Erin Mashaw, on the podcast today. In this episode, we discuss the complexities of parenting, particularly in relation to sex…
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This week’s episode is extra special because we are celebrating two years of the Christian Parenting Podcast! I can’t believe it! And to make it even more special, my very first guest, Jinger Vuolo, is back with us today. She’s here to talk about the struggles so many of us face in trying to meet others’ expectations. Here are four key takeaways fr…
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“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT) One of our strong desires as parents is for our kids to find a place of belonging in the world. We want our kids to know that who they are and what they have to offer is important and valuable, and spiritual gifts are …
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This week’s episode is packed with insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of parenting during the middle school years. I’m joined by Steph Thurling, and together we dive into balancing love, independence, and the continuous learning process of parenting. Here are four key takeaways from this episode: Parenting evolves as chil…
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This week’s episode is one that every parent can relate to. I’m joined by Monica Swanson to talk about a struggle many of us face—raising kids who aren’t entitled in a world that often is. Here are a few takeaways from today’s conversation: As parents, we need to be intentional about combating entitlement in our homes. Teaching kids responsibility …
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“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) Confession is not something that we are typically very comfortable with. No one likes to admit when they do something wrong, especially when it’s something hurtful or will cause someone to feel disappointed in them. Con…
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Have I mentioned lately how much I love my church and pastor? Ron and I feel really grateful that we found a home at Compass Church. Drew Sherman (lead pastor at Compass) and his amazing wife Michelle are on the podcast today. It all started with a sermon that he preached at the beginning of the year that was SO GOOD! Even Larson remarked that it w…
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This week, I’m joined by Melanie Shankle to talk about her book, Here Be Dragons. Our conversation dives deep into important topics like generational trauma, relationships, and the impact of mean girls on young girls. Melanie’s focus on healing and boundaries is so powerful, reminding us that the path to raising emotionally healthy kids starts with…
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“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21 NLT) Most of us make it a priority to teach our little kids the difference between wants and needs. “No, you don’t need a new Lego set, you want a new Lego set.” “I know you don’t want to help clean the house, but you need to.” Owning things and wanting things i…
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Are you raising athletes? Are you struggling with how to best support them? Are you thinking about how their faith impacts their sport - or informs their sport? We have two experts today on the podcast, Elisabeth and Sarah Hasselbeck - both are wives of former NFL players and moms of D1 athletes. Listen to this episode with the entire family. Maybe…
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This week’s episode is extra special as I’m joined by two of my favorite people, Alicia and Kirsta Graf. They are a mother-daughter duo who inspire me deeply. Alicia shares her parenting journey with Kirsta, who has down syndrome, and the lessons she’s learned through adoption, loss, and raising three daughters. Kirsta is truly incredible—funny, jo…
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“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it’” (Matthew 16:24–25) Denying ourselves might involve taking an inventory of those things we hold more important than God. …
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I took a break from social media in December, and I could not believe the difference in my mood and clarity. This episode is not here to guilt us as parents - but to equip us! My guest, Niro Feliciano, is a psychotherapist, mom of four kids and regular contributor on The Today Show. She speaks in a language we can understand. She shares about brain…
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This week’s episode is extra special as I’m joined by my husband, Trevor, to share how family meetings have transformed our parenting and family life. From improving communication to empowering our kids, family meetings have become a key tool in creating a supportive and faith-centered home. Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode: Regular famil…
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“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14–15) Throughout scripture, Jesus is referred to not just as a good shepherd, but as the good shepherd. On top of all the things mentioned above, Jesus would and will lay down his life for h…
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This summer, I ran into a Pardon the Mess listener and asked her how I could support her parenting journey on this podcast. She said, “All of my friends talk about health and hormones every day. It’s a real struggle.” I did not disagree. Maybe it’s middle age or the fact that we have TONS of information overwhelming us on social media - but the top…
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This week’s episode is packed with insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of parenting during the middle school years. I’m joined by Courtney DeFeo, and together we dive into balancing love, independence, and the continuous learning process of parenting. Here are four key takeaways from this episode: Parenting evolves as chil…
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“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3–4) We have probably all been hurt by trusting someone or something too much. As believing parents, we know that there is something better for our kids when they put their trust in Jesus. Trus…
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Happy New Year!!! I cannot believe it’s 2025. I've been thinking about this year for a long time because it’s the year my first child graduates from high school. Well, that went fast! Today’s episode is a special one for me, but also insanely practical for all of us. We have my brother, Drew McClure, on the show today to talk about “parent burnout.…
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This week’s episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler. Together, we discuss the journey of their ministry, the complexities of parenting, and the importance of making faith-based decisions for their families. Here are four takeaways from this episode: Emily and Laura share why they decided to close Risen M…
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“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33) As we inch towards a new year, many of us are considering our goals and priorities. Some of us are coming up with our word of the year. That seemed to be the trend that started a few years back—pick one word to focus on for the entir…
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Merry Christmas friends!!!! I wanted to end the year with some heartfelt encouragement to each of you. Try to get away from all the noise and distractions when you listen to this one. Sit with your eyes closed or go on a walk - and pray God would encourage your anxious and weary heart. It’s so easy to get to the end of a year and only think about t…
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I am beyond excited about this week’s episode because I’m joined by two of my absolute favorites in the Christian parenting space—Lydia Rex and Lynne Jackson from Connected Families. Lynne, the co-founder of Connected Families, has deeply shaped my family through their ministry and parent coaching, and I’m thrilled to have her join Lydia for today’…
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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV) It’s easy to get caught up in the to-dos and materialism of Christmas. There are so many activities and so many gifts to purchase. And wh…
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Happy December!!! I am so very delighted to introduce you to one of my favorite moms on the planet - Dana Sheheane! This episode is a simple, rambling and lighthearted chat with one of my real life mom friends. You will LOVE her! She’s one of us folks. I feel like we can raise amazing Christian kids - if we are wearing the right bra and our coffee …
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As parents, we know raising kids is the opposite of neat and tidy. Each day brings wins, losses and valuable lessons. Pardon the Mess is a place where we discuss parenting and faith in a biblical, approachable and relatable way. We may cry and laugh while we learn and grow together in our beautiful mess. Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian P…
  continue reading
 
I’m so excited about today’s episode because I’m joined by Lydia Rex, a certified parent coach from the ministry Connected Families. This ministry is near and dear to my heart, and I can’t wait for you to hear all about their mission and the importance of grace in parenting. In this episode, we discuss: The heart and mission behind this impactful m…
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