The MAVEN Parent Podcast

What do you actually do when your kids don’t listen? We talk a lot on this podcast about setting boundaries, holding kids accountable, and discipline but what do those strategies actually look like in the nitty gritty of real life with real kids? What do you do when your child ignores you, hits a sibling, speaks disrespectfully, or refuses to do their chores? In this episode, Brett and Erin get incredibly practical by walking you through real-life discipline scenarios and explaining how Christian parents can move from biblical principles to concrete action. Learn more about why Gentle Parenting isn't an effective way to parent: https://equip.maventruth.com/gentle-parenting-ebook Register for the C.S. Lewis Symposium: https://www.mavenconferences.com/cslewissymposium MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

What does it mean to be male or female? And why does it matter? Our culture is notoriously confused about sex, gender, and identity. How can Christians cut through the confusion to communicate the truth with both Biblical clarity and compassion? In this episode, Erin exposes three lies shaping culture's conversation about gender and explores how the beauty and goodness of God's design for men and women goes beyond stereotypes. Register for the C.S. Lewis Symposium: https://www.mavenconferences.com/cslewissymposium MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Is youth sports slowly becoming the center of your family's life? In this episode, Brett and Erin take a hard look at the growing “sports cult” in American culture and how parents can get sucked in without even realizing. From year-round teams and rising costs to Sunday games, early specialization, and the pressure to chase college scholarships, youth sports can easily move from being a good thing in a child's life to becoming the thing that dictates the family's priorities. But this isn't an argument against sports. Sports teaches kids teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. The question is: Have we allowed a good thing to become an idol? Brett and Erin share their own experiences navigating youth sports with their kids and offer practical ways parents can set healthy boundaries, resist the pressure to specialize, protect family and church priorities, and keep sports in their proper place. Read the report on youth sports: https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/family-savings/what-families-are-really-spending-to-keep-kids-in-sports Register for the C.S. Lewis Symposium: https://www.mavenconferences.com/cslewissymposium MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Is making life easier for your kids actually making their life harder? In this episode, Brett and Erin explain why they intentionally made their own kids struggle...and why they don't regret it. From chores and earning money to facing consequences and doing hard things, they share practical ways they helped their kids build resilience, confidence, and character, in a culture that encourages parents to remove every obstacle from their kids' lives. Watch the opening video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1754917668871800/?fs=e&mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e Register for the C.S. Lewis Symposium: https://www.mavenconferences.com/cslewissymposium MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Today's kids have more information than any generation in history but they struggle to pay attention, think deeply, and engage with truth. Why? In this episode, Brett and Erin sit down with Dr. Matt Burford, founder of Tactical Faith, to explore the hidden cost of the attention economy and what it's doing to our kids' minds. Together, they build a practical framework for how parents can address the attention crisis in our young people, helping them to wrestle with big ideas and cultivate wisdom instead of mere information. Check out Tactical Faith: https://tacticalfaith.com/ Looking for a reading list for kids of all ages? https://jasonmbaxter.substack.com/p/how-to-get-your-kids-to-fall-in-love Register for the C.S. Lewis Symposium: https://www.mavenconferences.com/cslewissymposium MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

"There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it." It's one of the best opening lines in children's literature—and it introduces one of C.S. Lewis's brattiest characters. In this episode, Brett and Erin explore the parenting lessons hidden in C.S. Lewis's unforgettable character, Eustace Scrubb, from "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." What does Lewis's initial description of Eustace teach children about having good vs bad character? What clues does he give about the family that shaped him? And what can Christian parents—and their kids—learn from Eustace's remarkable redemption? Listen to our recent episode on reading and literature: https://linktw.in/qHGugW Register for the C.S. Lewis Symposium: https://www.mavenconferences.com/cslewissymposium MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Brett and Erin took their grandkids to see Toy Story 5 recently and wow! Pixar's latest film may have unintentionally created one of the most realistic portrayals of modern parenting yet. An eight-year-old gets her first tablet even though her parents aren't sure they're making the right decision, and within hours, technology has replaced play. Sound familiar? In this episode, they unpack where the parents went wrong in Toy Story 5 and discuss how Christian parents can navigate technology with wisdom and courage. Download the smartphone contract: https://equip.maventruth.com/sign-up Get your free copy of the Navigating a World of Screens course: https://equip.maventruth.com/navigating-a-world-of-screens MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Kids today are reading less and scrolling more. They're being shaped by a digital world that trains them to expect constant stimulation. And at it's core, the decline of reading is a spiritual and cultural problem. In this episode, Brett and Erin sit down with Dr. Jason Baxter, the Director of the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College and author of Why Literature Matters, to explore how the Great Books shape the imagination, train the affections, and help form the kind of wisdom, attention, and character our kids need to flourish. Read the study on education: https://cepr.harvard.edu/news/2026/05/why-us-test-scores-are-generation-long-decline Read Dr. Baxter's books: https://www.jasonmbaxter.com/my-bookstore Get the reading list: https://jasonmbaxter.substack.com/p/how-to-get-your-kids-to-fall-in-love Read "Help! Where Do I Go From Here?" - https://substack.com/home/post/p-177828655 Learn more about Dr. Baxter: https://www.jasonmbaxter.com/

Are you proud to be an American? This week, we're celebrating 250 years of our nation! But nowadays, pride in America is hitting never-before-seen lows. In a culture where it's trendy to despise the United States, how can parents offer a counteracting narrative to our kids amid all the noise? Because if you don't intentionally shape your child's view of America, the culture will do it for you. In this episode, Brett and Erin talk with Jeannette Tulis, a homeschool mom and library and book enthusiast, about how you can use stories to teach kids about U.S. history and direct them towards a reasoned patriotism. The poll: https://youtu.be/Cofbkllf0Jc?si=MpcFnOdbcuu8t_l5&t=156 Watch our episode on a Reasoned Patriotism: https://linktw.in/vpsipF Jeannette's recommended book list: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gIICAbubHtCQvNkKtveI26OuZFC5iPmi/view Download our new parenting ebook: https://equip.maventruth.com/gentle-parenting-ebook Join us for LIVE Q&A on YouTube every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12 pm Pacific! https://www.youtube.com/@we_are_MAVEN MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Your kids are being discipled every day, but by who? Through social media feeds, classrooms, textbooks, influencers, and friends, they are constantly being confronted by competing worldview ideas. And many of the cultural conversations surrounding identity, truth, justice, and what it means to be human are shaped by the ideas behind "wokeness." In this episode, Brett and Erin sit down with Dr. Neil Shenvi and Dr. Pat Sawyer, authors of Post-Woke, to unpack the worldview behind many of today's cultural debates. Together, they explore how critical theory has influenced our culture, why these ideas continue to resonate with young people, and how parents can help their kids navigate them. Read about the trans athlete mentioned at the beginning - https://abc7.com/post/jurupa-valley-transgender-athlete-ab-hernandez-wins-2-titles-cif-state-track-field-championships/19206586/ Pick up the book "Post-Woke" - https://a.co/d/04pxzEsC Learn more about Neil Shenvi - https://shenviapologetics.com/ Learn more about Pat Sawyer - https://www.patsawyer.org/ Download our new parenting ebook: https://equip.maventruth.com/gentle-parenting-ebook Join us for LIVE Q&A on YouTube every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12 pm Pacific! https://www.youtube.com/@we_are_MAVEN MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Progressive Christianity is evolving. As deconstruction content spreads across social media, many students and young adults are encountering challenges to historic Christianity from voices that seem compassionate, relatable, and trustworthy—all delivered in 30-second, bite-sized clips. In this episode, Brett and Erin sit down with Alisa Childers to discuss how Progressive Christianity has adapted for a new generation, common red flags parents should watch for, and how Christians can help students navigate these ideas with confidence and discernment. Get the student edition of “Another Gospel” - https://a.co/d/0aKvg2DH Learn more about Alisa and her books: https://alisachilders.com/ Check out Alisa's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@alisachilders Download our new parenting ebook: https://equip.maventruth.com/gentle-parenting-ebook Join us for LIVE Q&A on YouTube every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12 pm Pacific! https://www.youtube.com/@we_are_MAVEN MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

In the rush of modern life, family dinner has become increasingly rare. Between work, sports, and endless activities, gathering around the table often falls to the bottom of the priority list. But are families losing something far more important than a shared meal? In this episode, Brett and Erin explore the biblical significance of food, feasting, and fellowship, and why family meals have always played a central role in God's design for families. They also share practical ways to prioritize family dinners and create meaningful connection around the table—even during life's busiest seasons. Read the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19476994/ American College of Pediatricians on Family Dinners: https://acpeds.org/the-benefits-of-the-family-table/ Download our new parenting ebook: https://equip.maventruth.com/gentle-parenting-ebook Join us for LIVE Q&A on YouTube every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12 pm Pacific! https://www.youtube.com/@we_are_MAVEN MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Moms, have you ever experienced "mom guilt"? Your child is struggling with potty training, and somehow you're convinced it's your fault—that if they’re having a hard time, you must have done something wrong. Mom guilt is a nearly universal mom experience—but where does it come from? In this episode, Brett and Erin explore the roots of mom guilt, why mothers often feel uniquely responsible for their children's struggles, and how God's design for motherhood can help explain—and redeem—those feelings. Most importantly, they offer practical encouragement for moms who feel weighed down by guilt and challenge husbands with ideas for how they can actively support their wives and share in the responsibility of raising their children. Watch the video Brett and Erin are reacting to: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTDbantAJzK/ The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancy Pearcey: https://a.co/d/0aA6wP3G Every Moment Holy liturgy books: https://www.everymomentholy.com/ Join us for LIVE Q&A on YouTube every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12 pm Pacific! https://www.youtube.com/@we_are_MAVEN MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

One day, our kids grow up. They move away, start their own lives, and make choices of their own—including some we may not agree with. That transition can be difficult to navigate, often bringing grief, uncertainty, and the temptation to overparent in ways that strain the relationship—especially in a culture where many adult children are cutting off contact with their parents. In this episode, Brett and Erin talk with author Dr. Kathy Koch about the dos and don’ts of navigating life after your children are grown. Get Dr. Kathy's book: https://ckonlinestore.com/ Learn more about Celebrate Kids and Dr. Kathy Koch: https://celebratekids.com/ Watch our other episode on parenting adult children: https://linktw.in/ZRYAma Join us for LIVE Q&A on YouTube every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12 pm Pacific! https://www.youtube.com/@we_are_MAVEN MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

How you maintain your marriage is more important than the work you put into your relationship with your kids! Marriage is the foundation of the family, and kids suffer without a healthy example to lean on. So, how can we work on making marriages stronger? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss marriage advice from Harvard professor Arthur Brooks and share how these four easy steps have helped them build a strong relationship while raising five kids together. Watch the video from Arthur Brooks: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OXHaeRpJO1I Join us for LIVE Q&A on YouTube every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12 pm Pacific! https://www.youtube.com/@we_are_MAVEN MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Are we raising resilient men or fragile boys? American culture chronically deemphasizes God's good design for men. Parents are encouraged to coddle and protect boys from discomfort, struggle, and risk—robbing boys of the experiences and risks that teach how to be the resilient builders God has designed them to be. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss practical ways parents can encourage and train boys to become godly men who create, build, and work hard for their families. Read the first article: https://substack.com/@anthonybbradley/note/c-243280794?r=1cjmt&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action Read the second article: https://substack.com/@anthonybbradley/note/c-244401324?r=1cjmt&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action Join us for LIVE Q&A on YouTube every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12 pm Pacific! https://www.youtube.com/@we_are_MAVEN MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Gender identity. Critical Theory. Social justice. Same-sex marriage. The Culture is asking Christians to repudiate Biblical truth at every turn. Refuse and the culture will try to punish you. Author Rod Dreher's book "Live Not By Lies" highlighted this fact in 2020, as it became more evident than ever that Western society was rife with what Dreher calls "soft totalitarianism." And the conditions that created that an environment have not gone away. In this episode, Brett and Erin speak with Rod Dreher about "Live Not By Lies" and discuss the essential role Christian parents play in raising kids who will boldly speak truth amidst a culture that encourages silence and fear. Read Rod's article "Sex After Christianity" - https://www.theamericanconservative.com/sex-after-christianity/ Read more of Rod's articles: https://substack.com/@roddreher Find Rod on X @roddreher Check out Rod's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rod-Dreher/author/B00JV2IX3O Watch the "Live Not By Lies" documentary series: https://www.angel.com/watch/live-not-by-lies

The Great Commission is central to Christianity—we are supposed to share the Gospel with those we encounter. But what's the best way to train your kids in this skill? In this episode, Brett and Erin react to a perfect example of how not to share the Gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses and discuss a strategy practiced in their own home that gets all the kids involved. Learn more about MAVEN's Immersive Experiences: https://maventruth.com/immersive-experience/ Get Greg Koukl’s book “Tactics” - https://a.co/d/01J8jNgA Get Rosaria Butterfield’s book “The Gospel Comes Either a House Key” - https://a.co/d/0hcAHeoa Register for the 2026 MAVEN Gala: https://maventruth.ticketspice.com/2026-maven-gala MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Millennials have been raising the next generation for a while now and it's time to check in on them. Champions of modern parenting methods such as Gentle Parenting, millennials are fairly confident that their parenting styles will be successful. They focus on empathy, mental health, and leaving behind the parenting practices of previous generations. Overall, they think they're better parents than their own. But what does success really look like? Is it healthy to have this level of confidence in your parenting? In this episode, Brett and Erin look at the data from millennials about how they're assessing their parenting performance, discuss a Biblical perspective of what success really looks like, and some practical action steps you can take to practice a more wise parenting approach. Read the study: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/millennial-parenting-statistics/ Read how Gen Z is Parenting: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-from-kiddie-academy-reveals-54-of-gen-z-parents-prioritize-preparing-children-for-real-world-302559687.html Register for the 2026 MAVEN Gala: https://maventruth.ticketspice.com/2026-maven-gala MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/

Is the issue of biological males in women's sports "over" now? Last week, we interviewed teen athlete Olivia Viola about her experience running track and field against a biological man. She is far from the only teen athlete who is still having to navigate this issue. There are hundreds of stories of girls forced to play sports or share locker rooms with boys. Maybe there's even a teen in your life facing this issue too? In this episode, Brett and Erin chat with Sophia Lorey from California Family Council about her experiences helping girls and families in California navigate the real life consequences of the transgender sports issues and how Christian parents can best step up to help their students fight for truth. Watch last week's interview with teen athlete Olivia Viola: https://linktw.in/ZFGcTv Learn more about California Family Council: https://www.californiafamily.org See if your state has an organization like CFC: https://familypolicyalliance.com Get "Live Not By Lies" by Rod Dreher: https://a.co/d/0dalr2Q1 Register for the 2026 MAVEN Gala: https://maventruth.ticketspice.com/2026-maven-gala MAVEN...is donor-supported...DONATE HERE: https://maventruth.com/donation/