What Is Milestones?

Discipling your child doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or aimless. In this episode, Derek Altom introduces Milestones—a clear, intentional strategy designed to help parents lead their kids through key spiritual moments from birth to adulthood.

Junior year is when the question, “What’s next?” starts to feel very real—for both students and parents. In this episode, Jamie and Kathy Murphy open up about how they’ve helped their kids explore the different paths after high school, including college, trade school, and entering the workforce. They share how to guide your teen through big decisions without pressure, while keeping faith, calling, and character at the center. If you're a parent beginning to think seriously about life after graduation, this episode will give you a practical framework and a hopeful perspective.

Toddlers may be small, but their capacity to experience God is real and profound. In this episode, Carol Reid shares how parents can begin practicing simple spiritual rhythms—like prayer, worship, and Bible reading—with their toddlers in everyday moments. With warmth and practical insight, she encourages parents to set the tone for a faith-filled home, even in the middle of diapers, tantrums, and chaos. If you’re wondering how to nurture your toddler’s faith from the very beginning, this conversation will show you how small steps can make a big impact.

How early is too early to talk about Jesus, sin, and salvation? In this episode, Matt and Amanda Dunlap share how they’ve approached gospel conversations with their preschooler—keeping it simple, honest, and rooted in love. They discuss practical ways to introduce spiritual truths, answer big questions from little minds, and create a home where faith conversations feel natural. If you’re wondering how to lay a gospel foundation in your young child’s heart, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start.

The elementary years lay the foundation for so much—faith, character, habits, and confidence. In this episode, Jet and Kayla Colson help parents get a clear picture of what to expect as their child enters this next phase of growth. From practical routines to spiritual development, they share how to prepare your family for this season with intentionality and grace. Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or already in the early grades, this conversation offers helpful insight to navigate the journey ahead.

Fourth grade is a year of big emotions, shifting confidence, and growing complexity in your child’s world. In this episode, Derek and Jennifer Altom talk candidly about the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with this stage—and how parents can respond with patience, wisdom, and intentional support. This conversation will equip you to walk alongside your fourth grader with empathy and strength.

As kids grow, their understanding of prayer and worship deepens—especially in the third grade. In this episode, April and Triston Thompkins share how they’ve helped their 3rd grader engage with God through prayer and worship in meaningful ways. They discuss how to make these practices come alive for young hearts, the challenges they’ve faced, and the joy of watching their child develop a personal connection with God. If you’re navigating this season with your own third grader, this conversation is packed with practical tips and encouraging insights.

Talking to your kids about romantic relationships can feel awkward—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Jennifer and Stuart Wilson share how they’ve approached conversations about dating, boundaries, and God’s design for love and relationships. With practical advice and honest reflection, they help parents navigate this tricky but vital topic in a way that builds trust and points their kids toward healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Whether your child is curious, dating, or just starting to ask questions, this episode will equip you for the journey.

In a culture that often skips over meaningful milestones, creating a rite of passage can be a powerful way to mark a child’s transition into adulthood. In this episode, Tommy and Jessica Swindol unpack what a rite of passage is, why it matters, and how families can intentionally craft these moments to speak identity, purpose, and faith into their kids' lives. Whether your child is entering adolescence or preparing to launch, this conversation will inspire you to make the most of the moments that matter.

Launching your child into adulthood is one of parenting’s most emotional milestones—full of pride, questions, and unexpected tension. In this episode, Steve and Katie Greenwood share the highs, lows, and sacred moments of helping their kids transition out of the house. From letting go of control to staying engaged in a new way, they offer real talk and encouragement for parents navigating this season. Whether your child is heading to college, the workforce, or something in between, this episode will help you launch with grace and intention.