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 conversation is full of wisdom and encouragement.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

• Where Did TJ Go? is a beautiful resource to help families talk about grief with young children.
• Grief isn’t meant to be carried alone—having people who show up and walk with you makes all the difference.
• We talk about the tough questions surrounding loss and how faith sustains us through them.
• Knowing how to be present and offer comfort to those grieving is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Annie F. Downs is a bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host known for her humor, authenticity, and deep faith. She has written numerous books that inspire and encourage readers in their walk with Christ. Where Did TJ Go?, co-written with her sister, is a heartfelt resource for families navigating grief with children.

I hope this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged in your faith and equipped to support those around you. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

(02:59) The Journey of Loss: Annie's Story

(05:54) Creating Hope Through Literature

(09:07) Navigating Grief: Personal Experiences and Insights

(12:01) The Importance of Talking to Kids About Death

(15:11) Finding Hope in Heaven

(18:12) The Role of Community in Grief

(20:46) Encouragement for Parents and Grieving Individuals

Connect with Annie

Website

That Sounds Fun Podcast

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Where Did TJ Go?

The Unbreakable Boy movie

Christian Parenting store

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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 from this episode:

• Trying to please everyone can actually be more about ourselves than truly serving others.
• Showing up as your true self, rather than what others expect, is a way to glorify God.
• Jinger shares how she is beginning to guide her own children away from people-pleasing tendencies.
• We discuss real ways to break free from people-pleasing and the importance of finding a strong mentor.

Jinger Vuolo is an author, speaker, and former reality TV personality known for her book Becoming Free Indeed and her latest release, People Pleaser. She is passionate about helping others find freedom in Christ and live with confidence in who God made them to be.

Thank you all for two incredible years of this podcast! I’m so grateful for you, and I hope this conversation encourages you to seek confidence in Christ rather than in the approval of others.

(00:00) Life Updates and New Beginnings

(01:58) Understanding People Pleasing

(06:06) The Impact of People Pleasing on Relationships

(10:10) Parenting and Teaching Kids about People Pleasing

(17:01) Practical Steps to Overcome People Pleasing

(22:09) Final Thoughts on Parenting and Community

Connect with Jinger

Instagram

https://www.jingerandjeremy.com/

Resources Mentioned

Becoming Free Indeed

People Pleaser

Christian Parenting store

The Unbreakable Boy movie

A Simply Healthy Life

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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 and real-life opportunities to work hard builds character.
• Helping our kids develop a heart of gratitude is one of the best ways to fight entitlement.
• Parenting is a learning process, and it's okay to wrestle with these challenges while seeking wisdom and growth.

Monica Swanson is an author, speaker, and host of The Monica Swanson Podcast (formerly The Boy Mom Podcast). As a mom of four boys, she shares practical wisdom on raising kids with strong character, work ethic, and faith in today’s world.

This conversation is just two friends trying to figure it out together, and we’re so glad you’re stepping into it with us. I hope you leave feeling encouraged and equipped to guide your kids toward gratitude, responsibility, and strong character. Enjoy!

(00:00) Understanding Entitlement in Today's Culture

(02:49) The Role of Technology and Parenting

(06:12) Celebrating Achievements: A Double-Edged Sword

(08:56) Instilling Gratitude as an Antidote

(12:00) Teaching Work Ethic and Responsibility

(16:56) Building Character and Responsibility in Kids

(18:01) Fighting Entitlement and Cultivating Gratitude

(19:45) Modeling Gratitude as Parents

(22:05) Intentional Parenting in a Selfie Culture

(24:58) The Importance of Service and Perspective

(29:35) It's Never Too Late to Start

(32:58) Surrounding Kids with Positive Influences

Connect with Monica

MonicaSwanson.com

The Monica Swanson Podcast

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Character training course

Raising Prayerful Kids book

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org