Parenting City Kids Podcast

The ultimate theological answer to suicide isn't about debating where the soul goes, it's about giving them a reason to stay.In this episode, Milene and Paul discuss one of the most challenging topics facing parents today: suicide prevention within the Christian home. Our guest, Dr. Karen Mason, is a Professor of Counseling and Psychology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a former manager of the Office of Suicide Prevention for the state of Colorado.Dr. Mason helps us move past the "spiritual failure" stigma of mental health, reframing suicidal ideation not as a sin, but as a "dark night of the soul" occurring in a broken world. We dive into the practical "red flags" parents should look for, why asking the hard questions doesn't "plant the seed," and how the story of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16 is actually one of the Bible's most powerful examples of suicide prevention. Whether you are currently navigating a crisis or simply want to build a home of "authentic transparency," this episode offers a roadmap of hope and grace.In This Episode, We Discuss:The "Red Flags": How to distinguish between normal teenage angst and a genuine cry for help, focusing on changes in behavior and big life stressors.The "Stop, Drop, and Roll" of Mental Health: Why we need to give our children a plan for suicidal thoughts before they happen.Reframing the Stigma: Shifting our theology from "where does the soul go?" to "why is life a moral good?" and treating mental health with the same "common grace" we apply to physical ailments like diabetes.The Catholic & Reformed Perspective: How church history and modern theology have shifted toward compassion and "diminished moral responsibility" during depression.Acts 16 & Suicide Prevention: A beautiful deep dive into the story of Paul and the Philippian jailer, proving that every life—no matter how "scuzzy"—matters to God.The "Hope Box": A practical tool parents and kids can use to internalize their worth and reasons for living.Science vs. Faith: Why seeking clinical resources isn't "replacing God," but rather utilizing the tools He has provided through common grace.The Proverbs 22:6 Struggle: Counseling parents who feel they've done everything "right" yet are still facing this "dark night" with their child.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Karen Mason’s Training Resources: Patreon.com/KarenMasonPhDFaculty Bio & Publications: Gordon-Conwell Faculty PageRecommended Reading: Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors and Preaching Hope in Darkness by Dr. Karen Mason.Emergency Support (Australia):If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs someone to talk to, please reach out to these 24/7 services:Lifeline: 13 11 14Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800Emergency Services: 000Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Men are lonelier, more anxious, and more disconnected, and it’s shaping how our children grow up.Kevin Van Lant, Clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Biola University, unpacks the quiet crisis facing modern men, isolation, mental health, and the father wound. This conversation helps parents recognise when struggle is more than “just a phase,” why dads matter more than ever, and how healing men can reshape families for the better.⁠www.kevinvanlantphd.com

Your children aren’t shaped by what you teach, but by what you model.Parents shape faith long before sermons and programs do.In this deeply pastoral episode, Danny Gamadhi unpacks why children imitate what they see, not what they’re told. From repentance and surrender to everyday modelling, this conversation reframes parenting as discipleship and invites parents to lead with authenticity, grace, and a lived gospel at home.

Intercultural marriage doesn’t just blend cultures, it exposes everything.What happens when love crosses cultures, and parenting brings everything to the surface?In this honest conversation, Zac (Australian) and Mei Mei (Chinese) share what marriage, family expectations, and raising kids revealed about culture, communication, and faith. From in-laws and language barriers to trust, boundaries, and grace, this episode helps couples navigate difference without losing unity.

Adoption isn’t about rescuing a child, it’s about radically redefining family.What does adoption look like when love comes before control?In this moving and honest conversation, adoptee Jacci Grace shares her story of open adoption, cultural identity, disability, and grief. From rejecting “saviour” narratives to embracing complexity, this episode invites parents to reimagine adoption as an act of humility, faith, and unconditional love, not rescue.

Most couples don’t drift apart, they slowly stop talking about what matters.Raising children doesn’t just stretch parents, it exposes marriages.Couples pastor and educator Dr Irene Yang unpacks the unspoken vows couples carry into marriage: expectations around communication, culture, parenting styles, emotional needs, and control. This episode helps couples move from reaction to reflection, and rebuild connection before resentment takes root.Resource:Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin.

Your kids don’t need a safe life, they need a formed heart.Ever feel like the pressure to create a comfortable, stable, and predictable life for your children is at odds with a life's transition? What happens when courage, not comfort, becomes a family value?Pastor and father of three Joel Deacon shares how big moves, church planting, COVID disruption, and intentional family rhythms shaped his kids’ hearts. From values and vision to prayer, boundaries, and daily habits, this episode helps parents think less about control, and more about formation.Resources:Intentional Fatherhood by Jon Tyson.Raising Passionate Jesus Followers by Phil and Diane Comer.Primal Path by Jon Tyson.Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp.

If your child has seen porn, your response matters more than the exposure.What should a parent do when their child sees pornography, accidentally or repeatedly Sexologist and Christian educator Patricia Weerakoon explains why panic and shame make things worse, how porn rewires young brains, and how parents can respond with calm, clarity, and gospel-shaped wisdom. A must-listen for parents who want to protect their children without losing their trust.Books by Patricia Weerakoon:Teen Sex by the Book: For teenagers navigating puberty and sexual ethics.Growing Up by the Book: For pre-teens.Talking Sex by the Book: A guide for parents on how to have these conversations.Birds and Bees by the Book: A set of books for primary school-aged children.You and Me by the Book: A picture book for preschoolers about bodies.The Best Sex for Life: A book for married couples.An upcoming book titled Parenting in the Gender Revolution.Website: ⁠patriciaweerakoon.com

They’ve welcomed 30 foster kids, and Matt says the biggest threat to Christian families isn’t ‘bad parenting’… it’s busyness.We sit down with Matt Keller, Executive Pastor of City on A Hill, Geelong, father to five, and a foster parent to over 30 children in the last 14 years. In this episode we talk fostering realities, why busyness quietly disciples your family, how to build a “church village” around parents, and the tension of being a friend to your kids while still providing steady leadership.Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David TrippIt Takes a Church to Raise a Parent: Creating a Culture where Parenting for Faith can Flourish by Rachel Turner

Depression isn’t proof of weak faith, it’s where grace has to get real.Sam and Janet Reeve were missionaries with years of experience raising children and mentoring Christian families. A key highlight of their conversation is their openness in sharing their personal journey supporting their daughter through severe, treatment-resistant depression.Discover why Sam and Janet believe prioritising your marriage is foundational to a secure family, and gain practical insights into modelling repentance and forgiveness for your children. This is a must-listen for every parent seeking to cultivate a Christ-centred home and navigate mental health challenges with faith and love.

Why Teenagers Are 'Relieved' About the Social Media Ban.Social media isn’t neutral; it’s forming your teen’s identity, attention, and faith faster than you think.Teenagers aren’t just “on their phones,” they’re being shaped by them. Youth minister Dave Chiswell unpacks how social media accelerates identity formation, drives comparison and anxiety, and makes faith feel harder in a world of constant noise. Plus: practical ways parents can build trust, start better conversations, and reclaim real-life community.

If identity is something kids have to invent, no wonder they’re exhausted.Our kids are growing up in a world that says: look inside, be true to yourself, express who you are. But what happens when that message collides with the gospel?ISCAST: Science and Christianity - ⁠www.iscast.org/⁠Fuller Youth Institute book: Three Big Questions that Change Every Teenager -www.fulleryouthinstitute.org/3-big-questions#3BQ⁠,www.amazon.com.au/dp/0801093384?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au⁠ ⁠www.understandingteenagers.com.au/⁠ ⁠www.ridleycollege.transistor.fm/episodes/can-i-buy-myself-flowers-with-dr-fiona-isaacs⁠Youth Ministry Futures: ⁠www.ymfutures.com.au/

You’re not crazy, parenting today really is harder.What if godly parenting isn’t about getting everything right, but faithfully stewarding children who belong to God?In this episode, pastor and family ministry leader Rob Keller who has been married to Ruth for 54 years, shares decades of wisdom on biblical family discipleship, the role of parents as primary disciple-makers, and why Scripture, not strategies, must shape our homes.Uncle Arthur Stories: Rob mentions that his mother-in-law gifted him these books, which he used to teach his children about biblical truths and virtues.

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant battle over screen time? You're not alone.In this episode, pastor and researcher Jeff Lloyd helps parents understand Generation Alpha, the hidden ways technology shapes our children’s hearts, and how faith, boundaries, and presence can form resilient kids in a digital age.Internet Filters: https://www.bark.us/ https://www.linewize.io/Reviews: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/Books: The Anxious Generation, Jonathan HaidtSuperbloom, Nicholas CarrThe Tech-wise Family, Andy CrouchScrolling Ourselves to Death, Brett McCrackenBlogs: https://screenstrong.substack.com/ https://www.generationtechblog.com/ https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/resources https://www.afterbabel.com/

Your marriage isn’t the bonus, it’s the backbone.Parenting today can feel overwhelming; screens everywhere, pressure from all sides, and the quiet fear of getting it wrong.In this episode, Brett and Kate Ryan from Focus on the Family Australia share grounded, hope-filled wisdom on raising resilient kids, strengthening marriage, navigating technology, and parenting with faith in real life.families.org.au: The website for Focus on the Family Australia, where listeners can find a variety of free resources, including videos, courses, downloadable PDFs, and e-books.familycast.com.au: The free video platform mentioned, which offers parenting classes on topics like navigating sexuality, social media, anxiety, and raising pre-teens.Adventures in Odyssey and Radio Theatre: These are specific programs or series available on the Family Cast platform for children.https://families.org.au/article/how-birth-order-affects-your-marriage/https://families.org.au/article/how-birth-order-affects-sibling-conflicts/https://families.org.au/broadcast/how-your-birth-order-shapes-your-marriage/https://families.org.au/broadcast/understanding-how-birth-order-impacts-your-marriage/https://families.org.au/broadcast/understanding-how-birth-order-impacts-your-marriage-0/