Babysitting Advice from 2 Professionals

In this episode, Connie and Christy discuss the importance of teaching children to respect authority figures like teachers, coaches, and leaders, starting with practical habits in the early years such as making eye contact, using appropriate titles, and listening with both eyes and ears. They emphasize that respect must be modeled by parents first and rooted in the understanding that all people are valued and precious, while also teaching kids how to respectfully disagree or say no when necessary. The hosts highlight how these early foundations of respect translate into how teenagers interact with authority and each other, ultimately shaping their character and setting them apart as they enter adulthood and the workforce.

In this episode, Connie and Christy share practical wisdom for navigating family transitions, whether it's sending a child to kindergarten, moving to a new city, or launching a senior to college, as they both prepare to send their oldest children off in the coming months. They discuss the importance of knowing yourself as a pre-griever or post-griever, staying emotionally steady for your kids during change, and maintaining consistency through established routines and touchpoints that provide security. The hosts remind parents to be present in the current season, anticipate what each child uniquely needs during transitions, and trust God to keep them steady even when it feels like the earth is tottering.

In this episode, Connie and Christy discuss the importance of consistency in parenting, from discipline and bedtime routines to family devotionals and fun nights, and how being predictable and steady reflects God's unchanging nature to our children. They emphasize that consistency doesn't mean perfection, encouraging parents to simply reset when life gets off track rather than giving up entirely. The hosts remind listeners that establishing consistent patterns when kids are young creates a firm foundation and "muscle memory" that children can fall back on as they grow older and eventually launch into adulthood.

In this candid episode, Connie and Christy interview their teenagers—Jayden and Emily—who are both high school seniors about to graduate, giving honest perspectives on what it was like growing up in their homes. The teens share what they appreciated (family encouragement, supportive presence at events, open homes for friends) and what was challenging (unspoken comparison between siblings, different standards for oldest vs. youngest, pressure as pastor's kids), while offering advice to parents of younger children about limiting media, committing to team activities, and creating a safe space for honest conversation. Their reflections remind parents to give grace to their kids, be consistent yet flexible, and help teenagers develop a strong identity in Christ as they prepare for the next chapter of life.

In this special episode, Connie and Christy interview their teenage daughters—Emily (18) and Campbell (15)—who share insights from both sides of the babysitting experience. The girls discuss what made great babysitters when they were younger (someone who engaged with them, enforced rules, and kept promises) and offer practical advice now that they're the ones doing the babysitting, including tips on communication with parents, managing mealtimes, and handling screen time expectations. Parents will gain valuable perspective on how to prep both their kids and their babysitters for success, with an emphasis on clear communication and consistent expectations.

In this special episode, Laura interviews Sara Martin, a young widow and mother of three who lost her husband suddenly three and a half years ago. Sara shares her journey of raising teenagers alone, the importance of staying engaged in community even when it's uncomfortable, and how she's learned to ask for help while navigating grief alongside her children. She also discusses her new ministry launching a local chapter of Never Alone Widows in Waco, creating a safe space for young widows with children at home to find support and point each other toward hope in Christ.

In this episode, Connie and Christy tackle the challenge of judging other parents when we don't know their full story, inspired by a conviction Connie experienced while driving. They discuss how easy it is to make assumptions based on limited information and encourage listeners to replace judgment with curiosity and compassion, recognizing that what we model in our own hearts gets transferred to our children. The hosts remind parents to avoid making "my kids will never" vows and instead approach both ourselves and others with the same kindness and charitable assumptions that God extends to us.

In this episode of Parenting with Purpose, Connie and Christy share practical ways to teach children financial stewardship from an early age, emphasizing the importance of giving, saving, and spending wisely. They discuss strategies like teaching tithing with young children, requiring teenagers to work and manage their own bank accounts, and setting travel budgets that help kids learn decision-making skills. The hosts encourage parents to be intentional and mindful about equipping their children with money management skills while modeling generosity and viewing finances as a partnership with God.

In this episode of Parenting with Purpose, Connie and Christy explore how parents can help their children develop grit and confidence by allowing them to struggle through age-appropriate challenges rather than constantly rescuing them. They discuss practical ways to build capability in kids—from letting toddlers work at opening their own drink lids to teaching teenagers to manage their own academic schedules—while relying on the Holy Spirit for wisdom about when to step in and when to step back. The hosts emphasize that developing grit requires long-term vision, patience, and trusting that God has given our children everything they need to do hard things.

In this episode we discuss enjoying what our kids enjoy!