Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids

ATTENTION: I have a pretty big announcement in the introduction of this episode. Don’t miss what’s coming next on Pardon the Mess!
Raising confident, resilient kids starts with helping them believe they are capable.
In this episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas—therapists and authors of Capable—share insight on how to help children build the confidence and resilience they need to face challenges. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, the conversation explores what it means for kids to develop a deep belief in their ability to do hard things and navigate adversity.
We talk about the importance of allowing kids to experience discomfort, why stepping back can actually help them grow, and how everyday moments can build confidence and emotional strength.
This episode is a helpful reminder that our kids are often more capable than we realize—and that giving them space to struggle can be one of the greatest gifts we offer.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories of Capability
03:02 Understanding Anxiety in Children
05:56 The Role of Parents in Building Capability
08:53 Balancing Support and Challenge in Parenting
11:46 Real-Life Examples of Capability in Children
15:00 Encouraging Capability in Teenagers
17:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:
Raising Boys and Girls
Connect on Instagram with Raising Boys and Girls
Connect on Instagram with Sissy Goff
New book - Capable
Open a LearningRX center
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

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

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Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
There once was a jailer who was ordered to guard Paul and Silas securely. Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God when an earthquake shook the prison, flinging open the doors and loosening everyone’s chains. The jailer woke up and saw the doors open. Thinking the prisoners had escaped, he was about to kill himself, but Paul shouted and saved him. He fell to the ground and asked Paul and Silas what he had to do to be saved. In that moment, the word of the Lord spoke to the jailer and his entire household.
The jailer was transformed: He took Paul and Silas and cleaned all their wounds, he and his entire house were baptized immediately, and then he brought Paul and Silas back to his house and served them a meal and was filled with joy. He went from imprisoning Jesus’s messengers to joyfully sharing a meal after a baptism!
Faith is meant to transform us, and baptism is meant to tell the whole world of that transformation! Baptism does not save us; it is an outward display of an inward decision. When we are baptized, we are publicly telling people that we are no longer who we were before we followed Jesus. We should desire that type of faith for our kids—a faith that means being not ashamed but proud of how Jesus changed their lives.
This week, let’s pray that our kids tell people when Jesus changes their lives. When baptism is right for them, let’s pray they make that choice confidently and joyfully and let’s celebrate them big!
Jesus, I pray that you change __________’s life. May they have the type of faith that immediately takes action because they know life with you is too good. May they publicly declare their faith, so everyone knows they follow you. Amen.

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It’s easy to focus so much on caring for our families that we neglect our own personal faith.
In this episode, Shelley Giglio, co-founder of Passion Conferences and Passion City Church, shares wisdom on what it looks like for women to cultivate a strong, personal relationship with God. The conversation explores how our faith shapes our homes, why it matters for our kids to see it lived out, and how to keep Jesus at the center in everyday life.
We talk about practical ways to grow spiritually, the influence of a parent’s faith on the next generation, and the lasting impact of consistently showing up with intention.
This episode is a meaningful reminder that investing in your own faith is one of the most powerful ways to impact your family.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Early Impressions
02:59 Seasons of Life and Ministry
05:56 The Importance of Letting Go
09:00 Faith and Parenting Dynamics
11:58 Encouragement for Moms
14:55 Everyday Discipleship and Spiritual Growth
16:00 Building Consistency in Scripture Reading
20:09 Navigating Faith Amidst Illness and Disappointment
24:01 The Impact of Family on Faith Development
30:00 Embracing Unique Paths in Motherhood

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Shelley
Passion City Church
Passion Conferences
Six Steps Records
The Grove
Open a LearningRX center
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Sign up for Morning Minute

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

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I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11–13)
In his efforts to spread the gospel all over the world, the apostle Paul endured trials that would break most people. He was beaten, imprisoned, hungry, and persecuted. He experienced dangerous travels, a shipwreck, and even a snake bite! But through all of that, Paul continued to praise Jesus. He even sang hymns while in prison!
Of all people, Paul understood that our situations and our lives are temporary. He knew what it was like to have more than enough and also knew what it was like to struggle and fear. Through faith, Paul learned to be content in Christ, not his circumstances.
Our lives can change in a second, and our emotions are fleeting. True contentment is learned, and it doesn’t come naturally, especially for kids. It’s so normal for our kids to want the next best thing. Of course they want the latest toys, electronics, shoes, or clothes, or a place on the best sports team. But when they base their happiness on these things, they are chasing a status and a high that will always leave them wanting more. Even though we know this as parents, we fall into that trap too!
We will only feel truly content by trusting in God’s provision for us no matter what. Our contentment in Christ grows as we trust God more and more. This life is not about the latest and greatest, it’s about being in a relationship with God.
This week, let’s pray that our kids shift their minds to Jesus and learn to be content in him no matter what.
Lord, teach _______ to be content in you. Help them trust in your provision, rejoice in every season (good and bad), and find their peace not in circumstances or what they have but in you. May they, like Paul, decide that through Christ, they have all they need. Amen.

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

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Parenting was never meant to be done alone, but building meaningful community can feel challenging in the middle of full and busy lives.
In this episode, Tammie Floyd shares wisdom from years of parenting and ministry, with a focus on friendship and the importance of community for moms. The conversation explores what it looks like to cultivate life-giving relationships, why support matters in every season, and how God often provides the right people at the right time.
We also talk about the role of the local church in a child’s faith journey and why consistent involvement can have a lasting impact.
This episode is a gentle reminder that we need each other—and that intentional community can make all the difference.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Family Background
04:59 Challenges of Parenting in a New City
10:03 Navigating Adult Friendships
14:59 Building Community Through Church
19:58 Raising Kids in Faith
20:51 Engaging Kids with Faith-Based Content
23:09 Navigating the Transition to Young Adulthood
27:02 The Importance of Community in Parenting
29:06 Prioritizing Church in Family Life
31:18 Three Key Themes in Parenting
35:59 Finding Joy and Humor in Parenting
39:39 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Tammie
Gateway Church
Parenting on Purpose curriculum
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide
Sign up for Morning Minute
Open a LearningRX center

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy