Timeless Parenting

In this episode Ann talks with Nicole Martin, Head of Foster Care, Adoption & Family Support at Anglicare, as well and two current foster mums: Robyn and Kate. Together they share a compelling vision of how churches and Christian families can show the love of God to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Ann asked our guests a number of questions including:- Why do some children need to enter foster care? - What is the relationship like between foster parents and birth parents?- How has fostering impacted your own biological children?- What are the different types of foster care?- How can churches work together to support foster kids and their families?- Are you allowed to share your faith with your foster children?- Do you need special qualities to be a good foster carer?- What training and support is available for foster carers?This conversation will help you to see that supporting foster care is something that all Christians can do - in some surprisingly simple ways. Together, we can help vulnerable children to experience the love of God through the practical care of his people.Links:Anglicare Foster Care Resource Hub Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this conversation we speak with Dr Sarah Allen, a GP with a special interest in anxiety disorders, about the feelings we call anxiety, worry or fear, especially as experienced by our children. Sarah helps us to understand the difference between 'everyday' kinds of worry and clinical anxiety disorders - and what we should do if we think we or our children are suffering from the latter. We talk about how the Bible sheds light on this topic in helping us to understand God's purposes in our and our children's suffering. Sarah encourages us to see how anxiety can actually present an opportunity for us and our children to grow in our knowledge of God and of ourselves. This conversation will equip you not to 'fix' your children's problems, but to walk alongside them with empathy and gently point them back to their loving heavenly Father.Links:Scary Stuff by Dr Sarah Allen. A book for children aged 8-12 and parents to work through together to help them discover what fear is all about, how our bodies and minds work, and—best of all!—God himself.The Parent Hope Project: parenting courses, articles and podcasts designed to empower and support parents in today’s complex world using a 'family systems' approach.Emerging Minds: Resources on parenting children with mental illness and parenting with a mental illness. This site covers topics such as dealing with trauma, natural disasters and bullying. There are resources for both parents and childrenBeyond Blue: Support to achieve and maintain good mental health. This includes resources for family and friends.---Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we talk with Kate Morris and Dave Whittingham, who both have first hand experience of living with neurodivergence and/or supporting neurodivergent children. Kate Morris also brings a wealth of knowledge from her studies and research in this field. Our guests' insights are enlightening, educational and very encouraging. We cover questions like:- What do the terms 'neurodiversity' and 'neurodivergence' mean? - What language is most helpful when referring to neurodivergent people?- Why might parents seek a diagnosis for their child? Is it detrimental to 'label' them in this way? - How does our Christian world view shape our attitude to neurodiversity?- What would our families and churches look like if we truly loved people in all their neurodiversity?- How might an understanding of neurodivergence shape parents' approach to discipline?- How can we foster positive relationships between neurodiverse siblings?Links:An Extraordinary Normal: Faith, Family, and Neurodivergence Substack articles by our guest Kate Morris.Stories of a Faithful God for Kids podcast by our guest Dave Whittingham.Faith in Kids 4 Kids podcast from UK organisation Faith in Kids.Growing Faith articles by our guest Kate Morris:'Supporting families with neurodivergent members''Neurodivergent Christians can find true belonging at church'Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we talk with Jocelyn Loane about the thorny topic of discipline. We explore what biblical discipline really means - it's not just punishment for a past wrong, but rather the loving, intentional, wholistic, long-term process of modelling, encouraging, training and correcting our children to help them mature towards godliness.We talk about:- What is discipline?- Why do parents need to discipline?- How can discipline go wrong?- Is it OK for Christian parents to smack (or not to smack) their children?- How can we best respond to our children's bad behaviour?Links:Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Discipline as discipleship' by Harriet Connor and a chapter by our guest, Jocelyn Loane.Motherhood: How the gospel shapes our purpose and priorities by Jocelyn Loane, which includes two chapters on discipline.Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we talk with Jane Gibb, an experienced life and conflict coach, about the many aspects of personal conflict, especially within marriages and families, and how it can help us grow. We had an insightful, practical and wide-ranging conversation about:- What is conflict?- Should Christians expect conflict?- What are the different ways people naturally respond to conflict and why?- Where do we experience conflict in our families?- What steps can we take to work through personal conflict in a healthy way?- What are some principles for managing conflict in our marriages?- How can we teach our children to manage conflict well? Links:Peacewise: a Christian, cross-denominational, not for profit peacemaking ministry striving to build peacemakers for life.Peacewise kids: Resources to help kids have better relationships and resolve conflict in a healthy way. Quiet wisdom: Jane Gibb's coaching ministry for women seeking healing after sexual betrayal.Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Related articles:'Should we argue in front of the kids?' by Keturah Jones.'Sticking together when parenting pulls us apart' by Harriet Connor.'Help, my kids are fighting ... again!' by Roselyn Owens.Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we speak with guests Kat Ashton Israel and Al James about the heavy topic of when children wander from the Christian faith. We explore the reasons why Christians can be uncomfortable discussing this topic; the impact it has on parents (and their faith) when a child 'wanders' and how the church can best support families in that situation. We also take an in depth look at the tension between our responsibility as parents to raise our children in the faith and the reality of God's sovereign action in salvation. We explore helpful responses to our children's questions and doubts about Christianity and the positive role that churches can play.Links:Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Teenage faith: doubters, drifters and deserters' by our guest, Kat Ashton Israel.Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Related articles:'Building resilient faith in our children' by Al James.'Helping our teens through identity struggles' by Al James.Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

This episode was recorded live at the Mothers Union Sydney Seminar on February 28, 2025 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney. In the final session of the day, Al James and Beth Braga had a conversation about why teens and young adults are dropping out of church and the Christian faith, and what parents can do about it. They spoke about the key factors that, under the sovereignty of God, have been shown to help kids develop a robust, coherent and liveable faith that stays with them into adulthood. This conversation is packed with helpful research, real life examples and biblical encouragement.Links:Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Related articles:'Building resilient faith in our children' by Al James.'Helping our teens through identity struggles' by Al James.Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to the other talks from the 2025 Seminar (and previous seminars).Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this 'summer edition' we spoke with Sam Hudson from Youthworks' Getaways program about holidaying well as a family. We talked about why we can find it hard to prioritise family holidays, what God's word has to say on the topic and how holidays can strengthen Christian families in their faith and relationships. Finally, we explored some practical tips for holidaying well, even if our budget is tight or things don't go to plan. Links:Youthworks Getaways: offering immersive outdoor adventures and experiences that strengthen family bonds and celebrate God's creation.Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

We spoke with author and podcaster Daniel Sih about why Christian discipleship should include being intentional in our family's use of technology. We talked about the effects of tech overuse on children and their learning, the importance of creating 'tech-healthy' rhythms and 'going slow' with introducing new tech to kids. We finished with an encouraging reminder that no matter what, we can always keep coming back to God's unending grace.Links:Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'The art of tech-healthy parenting' by our guest, Daniel Sih.Raising Tech-Healthy Humans book and free online course by Daniel Sih.Growing Faith articles:Advice for raising tech-healthy humans (a review of Daniel Sih's book by Wendy Lin).In a screen-based world, our children need limits.In a screen-based world, our children need to play.What happened when ... we started screen-free Sundays.Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we chat with our guests Mary O'Brien and Jocelyn Loane about what the Bible says about family traditions, how repeated rhythms can benefit our families, and how we can keep our focus on relationships rather than 'rules' amidst it all. We then share some practical ideas and examples of the kind of daily, weekly and yearly rhythms that can draw Christian families closer to God and closer to each other. Links:An Arrival to Celebrate: Fun Advent devotions for busy families unwrapping God’s big Bible plan by David and Janice Whittingham.Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Setting rhythms that point our family to Jesus' by Wendy Lin and a chapter by our guest, Jocelyn Loane.Motherhood: How the gospel shapes our purpose and priorities by Jocelyn Loane Growing Faith articles:Considering Christ with your children at Christmas by Jocelyn LoaneGetting in the Christmas Spirit by Wendy LinMothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode, we chat with Kat Ashton Israel, preschool educator and mother-of-five, about: how to decide whether our child is ready to start school, how to prepare them for their first day, how to build a positive partnership with our child's educators, and how to navigate conflicts and concerns that may arise.Links:Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Weighing up different types of schooling' by Emily Cobb and two chapters by our guest, Kat Ashton Israel.Growing Faith articles:'Should I let my children attend an Aboriginal smoking ceremony?''Responding to "rainbow days" at school' Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode, Christian sexologist Patricia Weerakoon and her son, theologian Kamal Weerakoon, spoke with Harriet Connor and Al James from the Effective Ministry Podcast. We spoke about the changes in our society that have given rise to transgender ideology, about the many factors that can contribute to children experiencing gender-related distress, about the most effective ways of managing gender dysphoria and about how parents can promote a healthy, biblical understanding of gender that is grounded in biology, yet free from restrictive gender stereotypes. Parents will come away from this conversation informed, encouraged and equipped.Links:The Gender Revolution by Patricia Weerakoon, Kamal Weerakoon & Robert Smith.Patricia Weerakoon's books for families:You and Me by the BookBirds and Bees by the BookGrowing Up by the BookTeen Sex by the BookTalking Sex by the BookParenting in God's FamilyGrowing FaithMothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode, Christian sexologist Patricia Weerakoon and her son, theologian Kamal Weerakoon, spoke with Ann Cunningham and Al James from the Effective Ministry Podcast. We spoke about the secular, hyper-sexualised world our children are growing up in, how the Bible offers a much more positive message about sex, and how parents can start talking to their children about sex in a healthy and natural way. Parents will come away from this conversation feeling encouraged and equipped.Links:Youthworks Media stocks all of Patricia's books for families: You and Me by the BookBirds and Bees by the BookGrowing Up by the BookTeen Sex by the BookTalking Sex by the BookGrowing FaithMothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode, we talk with Al James from Youthworks about what the research tells us about how to help our children stick with Jesus and his church. While there are no guarantees or 'silver bullets', these three things could be called the 'silver shavings' that Christian parents ought to prioritise.Links:Growing FaithMothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Youthworks MediaBig Picture ParentsTheme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

Episode 2 - Doing church well, even when it's hard. With Al JamesIn this episode of the Timeless Parenting podcast, hosts Harriet Connor (Growing Faith) and Anne Cunningham (Mothers Union Sydney) discuss the importance of prioritising church as a family and share practical tips for making it a positive experience, even when it's challenging. Joined by Al James (Youthworks Ministry Support), they explore the benefits of intergenerational relationships in faith retention, strategies to involve children in church activities, and how to navigate common obstacles such as Sunday sports and getting everyone ready on time. The conversation emphasises the joy and community aspects of attending church and encourages parents to cultivate a love for the church in their children.Links:Growing FaithMothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Youthworks MediaBig Picture ParentsTheme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In our very first episode, you will meet co-hosts Harriet Connor from Growing Faith and Ann Cunningham from Mothers Union Sydney and find out why they have started the Timeless Parenting podcast. Together with their guest Christine Jensen, Ann and Harriet explore whether parenting has become harder over time. They talk about the challenges of modern parenting, such as technology, information overload, social media, busyness and loneliness. But they also reflect on how knowing God, drawing on the Bible's wisdom and belonging to a church community can help.Links:Growing FaithMothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Youthworks MediaBig Picture ParentsTheme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.