In this episode, I’m talking with Janel Breitenstein, author of Emotionally Strongish Parenting: Seven Shifts for a More Resilient and Jesus-Centered Home, about why raising emotionally healthy kids often starts with paying attention to our own hearts.

Janel explains what happens in our brains when fear, anxiety, or anger takes over and why sometimes the best parenting decision we can make is to pause before responding. We talk about creating space for our kids’ doubts and questions, moving from behavior management toward heart change, and the important difference between guilt and shame.

We also talk about something every parent needs to hear: perfect parenting isn’t the goal. Our mistakes can actually become opportunities to model repentance, forgiveness, grace, and repair.

Janel ends with a simple three-step process to help us handle emotions with our kids: identify, manage, and shepherd.

If you’ve ever lost your temper, parented out of fear, or wondered how your own emotional health is affecting your kids, this conversation will give you practical tools and a lot of encouragement.

Resources Mentioned

Janel’s website

Substack

Instagram

Emotionally Strong(ish) Parenting book

Christmas Gift guide

Beyond Fit

NiRV Question & Answer Bible for Kids

Operation Christmas Child

Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation

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