Faith in Parents

Parenting Goals: Your 3 Words for the New Term

The Back-to-school season is here! Between buying six-sizes-too-big blazers, surviving school shoe fittings, and hunting down missing school bags, it is easy to lose perspective in the slog and the sadness of the end of summer. Before you snap your doorstep uniform photo, lift your eyes past the struggle and the big emotions into the gospel opportunities for your family. Join Ed and Amy as they reflect on resetting family priorities for the new school year. Ed shares what yo-yos up stairs have to do with Christian parenting and Amy gives her top tips for overscheduled weekends, peer pressure and chaotic family Bible times. Explore with them having a distinctive Christian home, keeping Jesus at the centre. Whether your school t-shirts are still bright white or already covered in stains, tune in for a much-needed dose of grace for guilty moms, angry dads, and every tired parent in between.

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Light Nights and Summer Holidays

Summer is coming... are you ready? Six weeks can feel like a very long time when you're looking "down the barrel" of the summer holidays. Whether you are a "free form" family who thrives on adventure or a "routine" family who needs a plan to feel secure, this episode is for you. Join Ed and Amy as they discuss: The "Field of Cows" Principle: Finding wonder and faith conversations in the mundane moments. Managing Expectations: Why it's okay that we take our "sin in the bag" with us on holiday. The Screen Struggle: Taking charge of technology so it doesn't run your holiday. Remember: your children aren't getting in the way of your summer holiday—they are your summer holiday. The Faith in Parents podcast is taking a break for the summer! We’ll be back with a brand-new episode on 26 August. Need something to fill the gap? Why not dive into our back catalogue? Catch up on our mini-series: Summer in... #1 | Chile! Summer in... #2| Yorkshire! Or, if you're experiencing some post-World Cup blues, check out these two fantastic episodes about parenting as a champion and parenting a champion. A Summer of Sport #1 | Olympics & Parenting with Debbie Flood A Summer of Sport #2 | Parenting a Champion with Richard and Rosslyn Perkins Happy listening, and see you in August!

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Sports Day, Reports and End of Term

End of term season is here! Between the certificates, sports days finishes, exhaustion and reports, it's easy for both parents and kids to feel the pressure of achievement. In this episode Ed and Amy dive into how the gospel changes the way we view both success and failure. Appreciating our God given gifts and practical ways to "smart coach" your kids through challenges. Join us for a surprising theory about snooker balls and the rest we can find in the truth that our value isn't found in an "A" grade, but in being a deeply loved child of the King.

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Looking to God #4 | Practising Godly Mindfulness with Nick Radcliffe

What if one of the most powerful ways to help our children navigate big emotions is also one of the simplest? In this episode, Nick from The Christian Poster Company join Ed and Amy to explore how filling our minds with God's truth can shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions—and how parents can model that in everyday family life. Find out how closing tabs is relevant to mindfulness and why a walk past a tree can be a profound "mindful of God" moment for the whole family. Join us as we try to help each other and our children make room to think about God. The Christian Poster Company aims to bring glory to God and joy to your lives with bold, colourful biblical designs. Brought to you by Nick in Liverpool, he started the business in 2020 and in April 2024 took the leap to run it full time. Looking to God: Mental Wellbeing in the Psalms Looking to God: Family Moments Video Psalm 34:1-11

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Looking to God #3 | Building our Children's Resilience with Jean Hedley

Why do some children save their biggest meltdowns for home? And what’s the best way to respond when your child is struggling? Trauma counsellor Jean Hedley joins us to share practical help, gospel hope, and simple tools for navigating big emotions. Plus, discover the question that’s often better than asking, “What’s wrong with you?” A warm, honest conversation about listening well, spotting when children are struggling, and pointing them to the God who never leaves them. Jean Hedley has 20 years experience working as a counsellor, 15 of which were as a children and young people’s trauma counsellor for a national children’s charity. She lives in Newcastle with her husband and is Mam to 3 grown up boys. Looking to God: Mental Wellbeing in the Psalms Faith in Families podcast Family Moments video

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Looking to God #2 | Growing Gratitude in our Children with Anika Lillicrap

This one is all about that attitude of gratitude. We're going way beyond forcing our cherubs to say 'thank you', this is a deep dive into raising our children to have thankful hearts. Scientifically proven and Biblically approved... Thankful kids are happier kids. Fact! Dr Anika is back and this one is her favourite topic. She takes us on the three step gratitude journey: See it! Savour it! Say it! Ed is doing it in an Aussie accent, Amy can do it with just a glass of water and Anika is riffing off the sound of music, while her dog wees under the stars. And our favourite line, "Every good thing comes from God with a label that says 'I love you'". Anika lives in Cambridge with her husband Matt, their six children and lively chocolate labrador. She works as a pastoral counsellor and tutors for Biblical Counselling UK. Having previously worked as a doctor she is now training in child and adolescent psychotherapeutic counselling. In her spare time she likes to crochet or write poetry. Find out more about Looking to God: Mental Wellbeing in the Psalms. Faith in Families podcast Family Moments video

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Looking to God #1 | Deepening our children's confident dependence in God with David McKie

Join us for the wisdom of a world expert on mental health in children and young people! Decades and decades of experience, study and learning brought to you for your encouragement. Join Ed and Amy in hearing the simplest of steps from Dr David McKie to make the great strides in improving your child's mental wellbeing... Sleep, food and exercise are where it starts. And then listen out for the big news, 'Both of their ears are working for 10 minutes each day'. Don't leave early because you need to find out how your child can 'open the most amazing doorway they will ever have in their life.' 'The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life' Psalm 121 David McKie is married to Gill and they have two adult children. They have worshipped at St Paul’s Cheam for over 25 years where David is a lay preacher. David is an NHS consultant child psychologist and has worked with children, young people and families for over 40 years. David’s passion is the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of all children. You can watch the 6th May webinar mentioned by Ed in this episode here. Links: Looking to God: Mental Wellbeing in the Psalms Helping every child's mental wellbeing webinar with David McKie Faith in Families podcast Family Moments video

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Looking to God | Introduction | Supporting our Children’s Mental Wellbeing

This is us with the fireworks, the big scissors cutting the ribbon and even a dramatic spray of champagne. This is us kicking off a big new series on mental wellbeing. We have listened, we've been busy and here we are with the topic that we know you want from us. Let's look to God together as we learn how he does mental wellbeing from the Psalms. This generation of children are waiting for us to bring God's care to their distress and fears. We went to get you ready for that journey. Ed walks us through the tears at bed time while Amy goes off-road, showing us how to do godly mental wellbeing on her mountain bike. Let's release the 🐬🐬🐬! Let's learn how to help our children's wellbeing - ahead lies gratitude, resilience and comfort in the difficulty. Looking to God: Mental Wellbeing in the Psalms

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Welcome to Faith in Parents!

New name, new logo, same heart! Come and hear the news about t his podcast stream. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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Fatherhood as a Stepdad with Joe Tossell

What does fatherhood look like as a stepdad? In this honest and encouraging conversation, Joe shares his family’s story — from building trust and “credit in the bank” with your child, to choosing your battles wisely, being courageous, and finding security in knowing the battle is already won because of Jesus. He also reflects on how church community has helped strengthen family life. A thoughtful listen for every parent and step-parent.

Talking Easter: Building Confidence with Chris Morphew

This week on the Faith in Parents podcast, Ed and Amy are joined by Chris Morphew—teacher, chaplain, author, and new dad—to help you make Easter one of the big three family celebrations (alongside Christmas and birthdays). From sock donkeys and paper mâché tombs to great books, easy podcasts, and our brand new Let’s Go Easter story resource—there’s something for every family, however much prep time you’ve got. Be inspired to share the brilliant news of Jesus’ death and resurrection this Easter. Chris Morphew is an author, teacher, and school chaplain living in Sydney, Australia. His books include Best News Ever, a 100-day guide to the Gospel of Mark, and The Big Questions, a series of short books answering tough questions about life and faith. Chris enjoys Mario Kart, obscure board games, and superhero movies, and has been told he looks like Chris Hemsworth from the back. The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath Books to help you talk about Easter: For 0-3s: The Easter Fix by Steph Williams For 3-6s: God's big promises: Easter Sticker and Activity Book by Carl Laferton For 7-10s: Jesus storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones For 11+: How Do We Know That Christianity Is Really True? by Chris Morphew

Talking to Children About... #5 | War & Conflict

How do we talk to our kids about war and conflict? When the news is full of suffering and injustice, it can be hard to know what to say — or how much our children should hear. In this episode of the Faith in Kids Parents Podcast, we explore how Christian families can engage with these tough topics with wisdom and hope. Listen in for encouragement and ideas to help your family face difficult world events with truth, compassion, and prayer.

Talking to Children About... #4 | Poverty & Injustice with Guest Stewart McCulloch

Let Stewart talk you into the light of God's love for all, whether they have lots of money or very little. He has stories to help us to get to grips with how different God's Kingdom is from our world. Join the adventure as Stewart tells us the joy he found in a Rwandan home, the contentment of his childhood (with very little money) and the heroes who are breaking free of their debt. Stewart McCulloch leads Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and he is passionate to help us talk about poverty, injustice and the stories of the many who are living it. A third of the UK are severely stressed about their finances and 4 million of our children are living in poverty. As a special bonus, hear about the origin of the grand old Duke of York's march up a hill! We are here to make your difficult conversations a little easier and this one is another belter! At CAP, Stewart champions a collective, church-based movement, a clear response to the UK's deepening poverty crisis. This combines with his personal passion to free people from debt and see transformed lives as a result. Previously, he headed an international insurance business before moving to Christian charities like World Vision and Stewardship, as part of his wish to integrate his faith and work.

Talking to Children About... #3 | Illness Part 2 with Guest Anika Lillicrap

Amy and Ed return to talking about illness. This time they have found an expert to bring the help. Anika helps us to walk a child through the fear and the confusion, when they can't explain it and they can't understand it. Anika tells us how to do it with playdoh. Amy tells us she's done it with pictures of bridges and lying in wet grass. Ed admits that he always knew the answer didn't lie in a book. And you'll never guess- it's all about the parents, the church and Jesus as he walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. Anika lives in Cambridge with her husband Matt, their six children and lively chocolate labrador. She works as a pastoral counsellor and tutors for Biblical Counselling UK. Having previously worked as a doctor she is now training in child and adolescent psychotherapeutic counselling. In her spare time she likes to crochet or write poetry. Anika has written a book about Easter for children How can they call it good? and a video version of it can be found here. Some songs to listen to Yet not I but through Christ in me Tumbling skies - An album of Psalms for weary souls Some books for children Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen? by Chris Morphew The Moon is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson

Talking to Children About... #2 | Abortion with Guest Dawn McAvoy

This is the second episode in our Faith in Parents series on talking through the hardest topics – the conversations we’re often told to avoid. In this episode, Ed and Amy are joined by Dawn McAvoy (Both Lives) to talk about the value of life, pregnancy and abortion. Their conversation covers questions such as: •How can we talk about the value of life with our youngest children? •How do we talk to our children about abortion appropriately and carefully? •How do we do it in a way that reflects the goodness, compassion, and hope of the Christian story? This episode helps parents see that talking about abortion doesn’t begin with arguments or politics, but with wonder relationship and community. It will encourage parents that we have a story that is better and more hopeful than the stories our children will hear elsewhere. Dawn McAvoy leads Both Lives, a UK wide initiative of the Evangelical Alliance. Both Lives advocates for both lives; every woman and every unborn in pregnancy. Both Lives champions laws that protect, services that enable and a culture that affirms women and children pre and post birth. bothlives.co.uk

Talking to Children About... #1 | Illness Part 1 with Guest Jason Heron

We’re kicking off a new Faith in Parents series on the hardest topics parents face - the conversations we’re often told to avoid. In this first episode, we talk about illness. Jason shares his family’s story of unexpected premature birth, long months in NICU, and years of medical uncertainty... and what it’s like to keep trusting Jesus when there’s no quick fix or clear end in sight. Together, we reflect on crisis, perseverance, prayer that changes over time, and how to talk honestly with our children when life is scary and unfair. This is a gentle, hopeful conversation for parents in the thick of it (and for those walking alongside them), reminding us that God is near, even when the questions are loud and the answers feel far away. Jason is the Digital Lead at Faith in Kids and Co-Hosts The Parenting Tools Podcast

The Joys of Generation Alpha with Charlie & Dan Blythe

Let's hang out with Charlie and Dan. We're talking Gen Alpha- that's all our kids who are born after 2010. Dan says they're inspiring and hope-filled leaders. They're also voice activated, swiping, coding, messaging, coordinating, tech savvy and all in a wizz. As parents, we struggle to keep up. They can be our guide! We also tackle the downsides when there is less play, less conversation and their lower concentration span. They say they're bored but don't know how to be bored. Dan gets us talking about engaging them in Church and encourages parents to lean in with a new spiritual openness. Charlie covers routine, time limits and the dangers of online contacts. Great guests! Ed leaves thinking he may not be too old while Amy asks for a quick recap Charlie and Dan Blythe are leaders, communicators, and parents of two boys, passionate about helping families. Charlie works with A21, a global anti–human trafficking organisation, and Dan leads Alpha Youth, equipping the next generation to explore faith and life’s biggest questions. Together, they host the Yung Cubs Parenting Podcast, creating honest, hope-filled conversations about raising kids in today’s world. You can join the journey @yung_cubs_parenting

Helping Whole Families Share Jesus

Let's start 2026 knowing Jesus is going to do good in our families. We start by talking donuts and how our families can reach our friends this year. Listen to Amy's top tip: Be ordinary! Hear Ed's desire to love his friend well on the side of the football pitch in the rain. And enjoy Amy explaining what she says to another mum outside the school gate.. We talk donuts because they're the secret to mobilising a church for mission! Which is your favourite- iced, ring or jammy? Amy and Ed also make time to celebrate how the next generation are doing better than us at outreach- hear how the 5% can change the eternity of the 95%. Links: Donut Resource Faith in KIDS 4 KIDS Donut Episode Scripture Union - To find out more about reaching the 95

The Chaos of Christmas: A Wise Men's Tale

🌟 Take a break from the chaos and join Ed and Amy for some Christmas encouragement. 👑 We’re off on an adventure with the wise men, with all the action of shifting stars, dodging bad guys, the struggle with “boys eyes” and practical encouragement to find ways to worship Jesus in the middle of every day family life. Adventure of Christmas resources here: https://www.faithinkids.org/resources/sunday-school/the-adventure-of-christmas/

Expectations vs Reality...

It’s nearly Christmas! Ed and Amy chat honestly about the gap between the Christmas we imagine and the one we actually get – the nits, the nit lotion, the 2am present-opening, the sleepless children and the WhatsApp family polls about who’s bringing the cheese. They share childhood Christmas memories, talk about the pressure to create a picture-perfect, movie-style Christmas, and gently remind us that “big Christmas joy” doesn’t come from the middle of Lidl or the perfect dinner set – it comes from Jesus, who stepped into our very real, slightly messy lives. Christmas Resources: https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/the-adventure-of-christmas-book https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/the-adventure-of-christmas-tract https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/come-along-christmas-advent-calendar Adventure of Christmas Wise Men all age service: https://www.faithinkids.org/resources/church/the-adventure-of-christmas/ The Christmas Build Up digital advent resource: https://christmasbuildup.faithinkids.org/