Explore every episode of the podcast Faith in Parents

How do we handle the heart-cry: "Why can’t we just be like everyone else?" as Christian parents?

Perhaps it’s the challenge of navigating Sunday commitments, feeling like the “weird family”, or figuring out how to handle Halloween.  When our children reach the stage of wanting to fit in, the pressure hits home hard!

In this episode, Ed and Amy dig into Romans 12 and Jesus' call to be salt and light.  From Laura Ashley dresses in the sea to doorstep sweet-giving, they unpack what it looks like to live a transformed life that points our children to something better. We’re not trying to give you a rigid playbook—just a few starting points to help you show your kids the beauty of belonging to Jesus.

Ed and Amy are joined by Nay Dawson, founder of Passion for Evangelism, to inspire us to turn LIGHTS ON and transform Halloween into a gospel opportunity for the families on your street. 

Instead of hiding behind the sofa, we explore how to engage our local communities with generosity, joy, and the light of Jesus.

From giant glow-in-the-dark spider webs and pumpkin displays to handing out custom stories alongside sweets.  

With practical inspiration for engaging neighbours, starting spiritual conversations and handling different family dynamics; join us and help make Halloween one of the best nights of the year to show gospel hospitality to those knocking on your front door.

Houses of Light

Light the Night

After years of trying, we have finally got author, Bible teacher, and theological heavyweight Jen Wilkin as our guest!

Riffing off her new children's book, Made Like Me, Jen takes us back to the beginning in Genesis 2 to uncover that while the Bible tells us men and women are different, it loudly celebrates our shared humanity and the beautiful gift of friendship.

Tune in as we chat about...
Cherishing Friendship: Practical ways to push past sibling rivalry and help our boys and girls value each other as teammates, classmates, and lifelong best friends.
Fighting Parenting Cynicism: How to reject the selfish "if I expect little, I won't be disappointed" mindset and confidently expect to see the goodness of the Lord in our homes.
Communion Over Individualism: Teaching our children that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Whether you are surviving on snacks with toddlers, managing a complex blended family, or parenting teenagers, this episode covers it all! Your home can be a safe place for your kids to fail, exhale and be fully known.

Resources

Jen Wilkin's book Made Like Me

Find more resources for churches and podcasts for the whole family to listen to, head over to the Faith in Kids website. 

For more on identity, gender and friendship, have a look at Who Am I? and to push further into marriage, sexuality and helping children with friendship, go to Growing Up: God's Good Story. 

The Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel 

Ever wondered if someone else would do a better job of parenting your child? Maybe a teacher, a kids’ worker, a grandparent… anyone who seems to have more patience, wisdom or energy than you do!

In this episode, Ed and Amy explore God’s good design for families and the incredible truth that you are God’s Plan A for your children. That doesn’t mean you’ll get everything right. In fact, parenting can uncover more anger, guilt and inadequacy than we ever expected. But our children need a parent: They don’t need us to be their Messiah; that job is covered! And we're not meant to do it alone; surrounded by a church family — a team of caring adults to help them see Jesus at work in their everyday lives.

If September has left you feeling exhausted, guilty or like you’re getting it all wrong, this episode is a reminder that God has not made a mistake in giving you your children. You are God’s Plan A — and he is with you in it.

Also listen to the episode Mum Guilt with Laura Wifler. 

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.

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! 

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.

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 

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

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 

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 

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 

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.

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.

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 

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.

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.

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 

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

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

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

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 

🌟 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/

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/

Kate and Matt believe they are normal people. Matt knows how to slot motorway bridges into place and Kate is a medical engineer who can juggle twins. Their super power is that they are trying to reach neighbours, colleagues and not-yet-friends with the good news of Jesus. 

We hear the stories of frightening five year olds doing forceful evangelism and little one's praying over friends in the classroom. There is a ton of top tips including Amy saying it's alright just to sob at the school gate, Kate finding a better use for the class WhatsApp group and Matt being bold every Monday morning. 

In short, none of them are confident, but all of them are trusting Jesus to bring the miracles. We can all be normal families who bumble along taking every opportunity for the King.

Links:

https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/refresh

Hosts: 

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith – Writer for Faith in Kids

Join Ed, Amy and Nay Dawson as they talk through a Christian approach to Halloween for parents. We can use Halloween as an opportunity to talk to our children about fearless faith, living distinctively and loving generously. It is also the one time when our community knocks on our door. How can we love them, offer them something of Christ without compromising our deep conviction that Christ is the light of the world?

People: 

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith – Writer for Faith in Kids
Nay Dawson - Nay is the founder of Passion for Evangelism. PfE exists to empower, encourage, and equip women to share the good news of Jesus with God-given confidence and creativity. 

Quote from Nay:

“It may well be that we don’t trick or treat ourselves. My two daughters get really scared of that kind of stuff. But we were so busy last year. All we were doing was constantly filling up this box to give away ‘gift bags of light’. If you’re unconvinced, go back to Scripture to see what is says about being light of the world, and if Jesus is the light of the world, we have this incredible opportunity to bring light into darkness and point to the light on this dark night.”

 
If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with us at podcast@faithinkids.org. We won't read out your emails on the podcast if you don't want us to, but we'd love to hear your stories and feedback.  We would love to speak to some families or share your stories on social media, be brave and get in touch!

Genuinely, we love hearing from folks, and helps us feel less like we are speaking into the void - do send us a friendly hello on email or socials, it might just make our day!

Support the show (http://www.faithinkids.org) 

In this warm and witty crossover episode of the Faith in Parents and Faith in Kids for Kids podcasts, Ed, Amy, and Jam dive into one of the most common questions parenting seem to be facing every day... "can I watch this?".

They discuss what it means to “choose the wallpaper” of your home — shaping the tone and values behind what your family watches. Expect stories about Buddhist cartoons, tearful cinema trips, and the joy of discovering shows you can genuinely enjoy together.

Together, they discuss:

• How to balance shared viewing and solo screen time
• Why it’s okay to let kids be a little scared sometimes
• How to spot opportunities for spiritual conversations after films
• Setting healthy boundaries around screens and smartphones
• The freedom of remembering: you’re the parent — you set the wallpaper.

James Cary is a scriptwriter, author and podcaster (co-host of the Faith in Kids podcast!) His new podcast is called The Stand-Up Theologian. His show touring the UK in 2025-26 is called God, the Bible and Everything (in 60 Minutes). Dates are here: https://www.jamescary.co.uk/

That episode of Popcorn Parenting on Encanto is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6pvyhy3k6U

Pixels and Parables: Can Gaming Be Good?
With Guests Tom Clarke and Andy Gears

In this episode, Ed and Amy dive into a conversation many Christian parents are asking: “What do we do about gaming?” Is it a waste of time? Is it dangerous? Or could there be something good buried under the pixels?

They’re joined by two guests who actually love games—Andy, a game developer who’s created a Bible-based adventure game (The Serpent and the Seed), and Tom, a dad of three who’s spent years figuring out how to enjoy gaming with his kids, not just against it.

Together, they explore:

•⁠  ⁠How gaming can be more than a screen-time battle
•⁠  ⁠⁠Why playing with your kids might change the game
•⁠  ⁠⁠How to set boundaries with grace, not guilt
•⁠  ⁠⁠And whether a co-op Minecraft session can teach us about Jesus (spoiler: maybe it can)

This episode isn’t about being for or against games. It’s about discipling our children in a digital world, learning to enter their world like Jesus enters ours, and finding gospel moments—even between rounds of Fortnite.

Episode Links:

Listen to "Gaming for God":
https://www.buzzsprout.com/237067/episodes/9869948

Gaming for God Article: 
https://www.faithinkids.org/article/gaming-for-god-an-introduction-to-video-gaming-for-parents/

The Serpent & The Seed Game:
https://discipleship.tech/serpentseedgame/

People:

Andy Geers - Andy is the CEO of Discipleship Tech, the creator of PrayerMate and Co-founder of Kingdom Code. For as long as he can remember, he has two passions: Coding and Christ. Since then his passions have grown to include his wife and three children! They live in North London

Tom Clarke - Tom lives in Kent with his wife, Lizzie, and their three pre-teen children. He loves church, Lego and gaming with his children.

The joy and angst of our children's friendships are a constant feature of so many homes.

Hear Amy and Ed share their stories of friendship success, of God hearing prayers and the miracle of care between children. But we also have the stories of tears, of the years of heart break and the longing for better. What can we say? What can we do for our children?

Hear the rules of saying 'hello' on a bus.
Discover if Amy thinks it's alright to swear in righteous anger
Learn about the wonderful bonding power of Cricket stats
Join us. Because friendships are a mess worth making.

Links:

• Who Am I? - Faith in Kids Resource 
• Reclaiming Masculinity - Matt Fuller

Amy and Ed were pootling down the road to the train station after a fun-filled few days at the Keswick convention, when they got the call from Sinclair Ferguson, 'So I am keen to do this podcast. I am in Keswick. Where are you?' 

Brakes screech. U turn. Back to Keswick for this podcast.

Hear Amy as she quickly decides that Sinclair is the Grandad she never had. Full of wisdom, gentleness and comfort, he gives Amy the pep talk she has always wanted.

Ed just wants to hear about the time Sinclair faced his sternest test- a room full of 8 and 9 year olds, ready with their God questions.

Sinclair Ferguson gives us his care, advice and laughs looking back on his 60 years of ministering to parents and their children. Get yourself a mug of something hot, settle in and enjoy this big hug of an episode.

People:

Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, vice-chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. He is featured teacher for several Ligonier teaching series, including Sojourners and Exiles. He is author of many books, including The Whole Christ, Maturity, and Devoted to God's Church. Dr. Ferguson is host of the podcast Things Unseen.

In this second part of a two episode mini series… Ed and Amy are again invited as guests onto their own podcast to be on the other side of the conversation!

They’re joined by Jason, who is asking the questions from his own parenting journey. Is 5 yrs old too early to have a boyfriend? What is the right response when his daughter adopts the prayer position? And what do we do with our shame and failures?

These questions give Amy the chance to award Jason a certificate for excellent parenting and explains how NOT to be that parent who gets out the toys to role play every crisis situation in miniature. Ed shares how Colin Buchanan has less guilt and more adventures than him.

With a glorious mix of laughter, confusion and tenderness this is an episode for you if you are broken, baffled or just bored on the beach.

Jason is the Digital Lead at Faith in Kids, an ordained minister with the Elim Pentecostal Church, and co-host of The Parenting Tools Podcast.

In this two-part episode of the Faith in Parents podcast, something a little different happens… Ed and Amy find themselves on the other side of the conversation!

They’re joined by Jason, who brings the real-time wonderings of a parent trying to figure it all out. How do we help our kids with friendships? What does it look like to talk about Jesus at home? And what do we do with the guilt when it feels like we’re not getting it right?

Across these two episodes, Ed and Amy reflect on their own parenting journeys — what’s been hard, what’s surprised them, and how they’ve kept going with Jesus through it all. It’s a conversation full of honesty, wisdom, and grace.

Expect encouragement, a few laughs, and a reminder that however it’s going, you are still God’s Plan A for your kids.

People: 

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids

Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids

Jason Heron - Digital Lead at Faith in Kids, an ordained minister with the Elim Pentecostal Church, and co-host of The Parenting Tools Podcast.

Join Ed and Amy for another honest, funny, and faith-filled chat about the highs and lows of parenting. This episode dives into the big question: how do we hold the line and hold their hearts?

It’s not easy, but it is possible—with Jesus in the middle of it all.

You’ll hear real stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement for those moments when it all feels too much. Because parenting is hard… but you’re not on your own.

We’d love to hear from you!
Send us your stories, struggles, and questions to: podcast@faithinkids.org
And if you want more help or encouragement, visit faithinkids.org for loads of brilliant resources.

In this episode, Ed sits around the kitchen table with Tim and Hannah to ask: What’s it like to be a busy Christian parent?

Spoiler alert: It’s a bit overwhelming. And a bit joyful. And often both at once.

Tim and Hannah’s home is full - three kids, a Labrador, a Ukrainian house guest, an Airbnb, and 20 teenagers round every Sunday night. Life is busy, but this episode isn’t about burnout - it’s about how Jesus meets us in the middle of the chaos.

They share what it means to say no to good things, to fiercely guard Saturdays, and to prioritise what lasts: a relationship with Jesus. Tim reflects on the challenge of self-reliance, and how faith often feels distant - until God shows up in the unexpected moments, like a car ride or a chat at church.

From Bible times that fall apart to sticker-covered Bibles that suddenly work, it’s a reminder that we’re not failing parents just because we feel like we are - because God hasn’t let go of us, or our children.

🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Parenting siblings?

🛑 Wondering if the arguing will ever stop?

🫣 Whether you are feeling fed up of the same conversation, yelling or heart broken that they can’t be kind to one another - this is the episode for you.

👍 With relatable parenting moments as Ed yells in a service station and miraculous encouragement from the top of the stairs as God answers prayer.

💪 Parents - you’ve got this, because God is with you to help you and just this issue is the thing he can use to bring about our growth in godliness.

Support Faith in Kids: 
https://www.faithinkids.org/give

😱 98% of Mum’s surveyed said they struggle with “mum guilt” stats that totally shocked Ed!

👍 Laura Wifler joins Ed and Amy and tells a better story for motherhood - even in the mundane moments of sock sorting and potty training the Lord is at work in and through us.

♥️ With practical help to work out where our pressures come from and a brilliant reminder of the better place we have to take our guilt, don’t miss this uplifting episode - even if you’re a Dad!

faithinkids.org

@faithinkids

Join in an epic chat with Graham Daniels (Dano to his mates) of Christians in Sport about the discipleship opportunity that sport presents.

🏏 With help to understand the big picture about being creative, relational, winning, losing, where we find our identity.

✋ And practical ways to live out our faith both on the pictch and on the sidelines in the conversations we have and the news we share.

🏅 Cracking episode for the sporty family, but with principles that apply whatever your kids passions may be.

faithinkids.org

@faithinkids

Keywords

Faith, Parenting, Sports, Christianity, Family, Discipleship, Graham Daniels, Ed Drew, Amy Smith, Spiritual Growth, youth sports, parenting, discipleship, faith, sportsmanship, Christian values, role models, competitive sports, family support, community engagement

Welcome to parenting! 

First time parents Pete and Danielle bring the laughs, honesty and wisdom as we hear about vomiting in Asda, pacing round parks and the surprising amount of time spent getting a baby to sleep.

Join in the fun and share this encouraging episode with any new parents you know!

People:

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids
Pete and Danielle are first time parents to Isaac. They live in south west London where Danielle works part time for UCCF as a London team leader supporting and resourcing university students to share the good news of Jesus across the capital. Pete is a youth worker at Dundonald Church partnering with families to help disciple and evangelise secondary school aged young people.

Keywords

parenting, Christian parenting, family, challenges, joys, spiritual insights, new parents, parenting advice, family dynamics, everyday parenting, parenting, faith, community, support, social media, early childhood, encouragement, prayer, Christian parenting, family

How can we talk to our children about science?
Can Christians disagree well over the age of the earth, big bang and baptism?
Is Ed dull for getting so excited about a tortoise?
Is it odd that Amy knows so much about the green anaconda?
With inspirational chat about climate change, migrating swallows, elephants, leaves and Amy's two pieces of string that somehow explain everything.
Join Professor Grandad John Wyatt and his son Tim for an amateur's guide to talking science with your children.

People: 

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids
Professor John Wyatt - is a retired doctor (working as a paediatrician specialising in the care of newborn babies at a leading neonatal intensive care unit for more than 25 years), author, speaker and research scientist. John is a doting grandfather to Tim’s daughter, looking after her one day a week (along with his wife).
Tim Wyatt - is a religion and social affairs journalist, writing for in The Guardian, The Times, The Economist, and The Daily Telegraph. He is married with a 4 year old daughter.

Resources:

Together Tim and John host the Matters of Life and Death podcast, part of Premier Unbelievable. Recent episodes include discussions on gender medicine, technology and assisted suicide.

As many parents find out their primary school places and start to “get school ready” Ed and Amy take a humorous look at playground parent stereotypes and consider how to help each one learn how to depend on Christ. 

With education idol Ian… and child obsessed Cheryl among the cast - you won’t want to miss it! 

Can you spot your struggle?? Can you guess which is Amy and which is Ed?

People: 

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids

Many of the challenges of parenting are linked to our lack of control. We can't always control what our kids do, their struggles, the influences around them or the future, it can feel like we are parenting on the precipice! Good news, this episode is a balm to every parent's fears as Rachel Wilson returns with calm wisdom, a brilliant reminder to spot the gifts the Lord gives and a tear jerking sports day story. Listen in and be walked away from the cliff edge of panic to greater dependance on the Lord. 

People: 

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids
Rachel Wilson - Co-Author of ‘The Life You Never Expected’ with her husband Andrew. Her first episode with us can be found here.

Resources:

• The Life You Never Expected - Rachel & Andrew Wilson
• Unexpected Blessings - Sandra People

Amy and her Mum go free wheeling without Ed! They talk sobbing with a toddler. Parenting a monster and Amy being the easy child. We didn't see that coming. 

Talking about the aches of motherhood, and how we can approach mothering Sunday with grace. As well as strong opinions about a single daffodil, campaigning to allow women on motorways and Amy's two kitchen messages that keep her trooping on.

Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids
Mary Shorter - Fondly known to her family as Mother Mary is Amy’s Mum. She has 4 grown up children who are all married and 12 Grandchildren and no Grand-dogs.  She is a retired accountant and has been involved in church life in various capacities – toddler group leader, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, she is currently coffee rota commandant, fellowships walk co-ordinator and heads up BBC – brews, bakes and chat a friendship group for seniors at her church.

Joy Carter was adopted during the Nigerian Civil war by a Christian couple. She came to the UK, only to experience bullying and racism. Joy has discovered that her name is a gift from the Lord. As a comedian and as an advocate she knows how to find joy in the hardest of circumstances. 

Join the joyful journey as Ed talks escalators and Amy goes mountain biking for the Lord. There is joy to be found!

People: 

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids
Joy Carter - Joy is a comedian and advocate, helping people engage with adoptees' stories. She has worked with the government, Social Work England and many charities. 

Resources:

JoyTalk is a stand-up comedy show about humour!

As parents, can we model and help our children see prayer as more than pennies we put in the heavenly sweet machine to get what we want? Come and hear an honest and practical conversation about praying with and for our kids with Ed, Amy & Pastor Ste Casey - author of I Prayed and Nothing Changed.

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids
Ste Casey - is the pastor of Speke Baptist Church in Liverpool. He is also on the executive committee of Biblical Counselling UK (BCUK) - he leads the Liverpool certificate course with his wife Jane. Together they have 6 daughters and he is also a passionate and aerodynamic road cyclist!  

Resources:

I Prayed and Nothing Changed by Ste Casey is out now.

We've got a treat for you today from our archive - an absolute gem of an interview with Rachel Wilson.

Finding out your child has autism can turn the world on its head. That was Rachel Wilson’s experience. Hear about the ups and the downs in this conversation with Ed and Amy on one of our most requested topics. 

People: 

Ed Drew - Director of Faith in Kids
Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in Kids
Rachel Wilson - Co-Author of ‘The Life You Never Expected’ with her husband Andrew.

Resources:

• The Life You Never Expected - Rachel & Andrew Wilson
• Unexpected Blessings - Sandra People

The journey continues as Ed & Amy go off-road into the harder parenting moments. Whatever the stage of parenting, there will be situations that take us and our children to our limits. Listen in to a few scenarios....

- The screaming toddler on the floor of the supermarket aisle.
- The lonely child who has no friends to play with in the playground.
- The crisis with a teen that involves the emergency services.

For all of these, Christ has a better story to offer our hearts and for us to hold out to our child.

Ed Drew is the director of Faith in Kids.
Amy Smith is a writer for Faith in Kids.

Resources:

Everyday Talk by John Younts - Talking freely and naturally about God with your children
Count Yourself Calm by Eliza Huie - Taking BIG feelings to a BIG God
Raising Confident Kids by Ed Drew - A Parent's Guide to Grounding Identity in Christ

What better way to start the year than with a hope filled chat with top friends Ed & Amy?

Here is encouragement, honesty and inspiration for the Christian parent to lean in and go again as we:

- explain where we are going
- explore emotions 
- share the hope filled truth we have in everyday walk to school and argue over a screen moments

A great place to begin your parenting adventures of 2025!

Ed Drew is the director of Faith in Kids.
Amy Smith is a writer for Faith in Kids.

Resources:

Everyday Talk by John Younts - Talking freely and naturally about God with your children
Count Yourself Calm by Eliza Huie - Taking BIG feelings to a BIG God
Raising Confident Kids by Ed Drew - A Parent's Guide to Grounding Identity in Christ

Join Iain, Ed & Amy for a festive journey through flammable tinsel trees, Christmas pants, calpol and tears as we share a parent’s journey from heartache to hope.

Listen in for honesty, encouragement and a moment to re-focus in the middle of the chaos to remember that Jesus really is good news!

Ed Drew is the director of Faith in Kids.
Amy Smith is a writer for Faith in Kids.
Iain Ridley is the Welcome and Integration Worker at City Gates Church in Norwich and a very funny man! Iain is married to Faith and they have three children.

Resources:

Faith in Kids resources for family Bible times in Advent:

The Adventure of Christmas.

The Adventure of Christmas Advent Calendar.

Come Along, Christmas! Advent Calendar for pre-schoolers.

Cut through the chaos and fight for a space to enjoy the brilliant truth of the Bible with your family, your way. Join us on this parents episode with Lucy Rycroft from the Hope-Filled Family. She is all about getting her kids asking questions.

Amy's gang gets into the Bible by floating jelly babies in cream and stabbing Goliath's balloon head.

️Ed's family hangs off the sofa, refuses to sing but the Bible still gets opened.

Different families, different dynamics, different struggles, same Bible getting opened, from squidgy tots to moody teens, we talk through it all.

Let’s do this!

Ed Drew is the director of Faith in Kids.
Amy Smith is a writer for Faith in Kids.
Lucy Rycroft is the founder of The Hope-Filled Family, a ministry encouraging Christian parents through books and digital resources. She is also a part-time secondary music teacher. Lucy lives in York with her vicar husband Al, their four kids, aged 10-15, and a crazy cockerpoo called Monty. She enjoys cooking and hospitality, reading, good comedy, music and plenty of chocolate.

Resources

Busy family Devotional by Lucy Rycroft.

Meals with Jesus by Ed Drew.

Faith in Kids resources for family Bible times in Advent:

The Adventure of Christmas.

The Adventure of Christmas Advent Calendar.

Come Along, Christmas! Advent Calendar for pre-schoolers.

Join Pastor Andy, Ed & Amy for uplifting parenting chat.

Discover how God can use the ordinary challenges of family life, including the Poonami to teach us dependance on him.

With help to know what to pray and advice about striking when the iron is cold, Christian parent you’re gonna love this episode!

Ed Drew is the director of Faith in Kids.
Amy Smith is a writer for Faith in Kids.
Andy Mason has been the Vicar of St Johns Chelsea since its relaunch in 2006. Andy is the Director of Co-Mission, a Church planting network in London and is the author of Leaders Who Follow and God’s Leader. Andy is married to Kathrine, they have two children, Ori & Pella and they live on the World’s End Estate.