Carpool Conversations

What does it take to raise Generation Alpha in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in?In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia, co-authors of Reaching Generation Alpha, to unpack the unique challenges and opportunities facing today’s kids. From technology and identity to mental health, discipleship, and building real-life relationships, they explore the things that are shaping this generation and how parents can respond with wisdom and intentionality.You’ll hear practical encouragement on setting healthy technology boundaries, helping kids develop resilience through play and failure, creating space for meaningful conversations, and pointing your children toward a lasting identity in Christ. If you're parenting a Gen Alpha kid, this conversation will help you better understand the world they're growing up in and equip you to disciple them with confidence and hope.Resources:Reaching Generation Alpha by Shane Pruitt & Shelly MeliaThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt--Question of the Week: What do you think it was like being a kid when I was growing up? How do you think being a kid today is different? -- Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara JonesGuest: Shane Pruitt & Shelly MeliaProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.orgInstagram: @winshapecampsFacebook: @winshapecampsTikTok: @winshapecamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parenting teenage boys can feel like a never-changing adventure filled with growth spurts, big emotions, tough questions, and endless pantry raids. In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with father-son authors Tim and Mark Shoemaker to discuss how parents can help their sons grow into men who love and follow the Lord.Drawing from their book, 72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be, Tim and Mark share practical wisdom for navigating the teen years with intentionality and biblical truth. From building self-control and character to having meaningful conversations about identity, friendships, technology, dating, and faith, they offer encouragement for parents who want to disciple their sons well.You’ll also hear why living out your faith at home matters more than perfection, how side-by-side activities can open the door to deeper conversations, and learn the five foundational truths every young man needs to understand as he grows.Whether you're raising a young boy or walking through the teenage years right now, this conversation will equip and encourage you to point your son toward a lifelong relationship with Christ.Resources:72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be by Tim and Mark ShoemakerThe Very Best Hands-On Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions by Tim Shoemaker--Question of the Week: What is the best and worst part about being the exact age you are right now?-- Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara JonesGuest: Tim Shoemaker and Mark ShoemakerProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.orgInstagram: @winshapecampsFacebook: @winshapecampsTikTok: @winshapecamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Friendships can be one of the greatest joys in a child's life, but they can also be one of the biggest challenges. From playground disagreements to teenage drama, parents often wonder how to help their kids build healthy, meaningful relationships.In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sarah sit down with Amanda Mejias, Lifeway Specialist for Girls Ministry and Women in Ministry, to talk about helping kids navigate friendships with confidence. Amanda shares practical ways parents can encourage healthy friendships, help kids work through conflict, and teach them how to communicate with honesty and kindness.Most importantly, she explains why a strong sense of identity in Christ can change the way kids approach friendships, rejection, and belonging. You'll also hear encouragement for parents who are walking alongside a child experiencing friendship struggles and learn why modeling healthy relationships matters.Whether your child is making new friends, dealing with conflict, or learning how to be a good friend, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for every stage.Resources:This is Friendship by Amanda Mejias & Corinne Allen--Question of the Week: Who would you say is your best friend in this season or in your class at school?-- Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara JonesGuest: Amanda MejiasProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.orgInstagram: @winshapecampsFacebook: @winshapecampsTikTok: @winshapecamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anxiety and mental health challenges are affecting more teens than ever before, leaving many parents wondering how to help. In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with Amber Lia and her son, Ollie Lia, co-authors of You Are Seen, for an honest conversation about anxiety, depression, and finding hope in the midst of struggle. Drawing from Ollie's personal journey and the lessons they share in their book, Amber and Ollie discuss practical strategies for overcoming anxiety, the value of counseling and support, and how faith and mental health resources can work together. They also offer encouragement for parents walking alongside struggling teens, insight into signs that additional help may be needed, and share a powerful reminder that every child is seen, known, and deeply loved by God. Whether you're currently parenting a teenager or preparing for the years ahead, this conversation offers biblical encouragement, practical tools, and hope for families navigating mental health challenges together. Resources: Book: You Are Seen by Amber Lia & Ollie Lia Meet our Guest: Amber Lia Meet our Guest: Ollie Lia -- Question of the Week: What in your life right now makes you feel the most anxious? --  Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray Guests: Amber Lia & Ollie Lia   Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org Instagram: @winshapecamps Facebook: @winshapecamps TikTok: @winshapecamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can you raise kids who follow Christ in a world that constantly pulls them in other directions, and what does it look like to parent with grace, wisdom, and a long-term perspective? In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with Bible teacher and author Jen Wilkin to talk about the challenges and joys of raising kids who are formed by the gospel rather than the culture around them. Drawing from decades of parenting experience, Jen shares practical wisdom for navigating everything from discipline and boundaries to peer pressure and meaningful family conversations. Together, they discuss the importance of viewing children as image bearers, balancing rules and relationship, and keeping the long view in mind when making everyday parenting decisions. Jen offers encouraging reminders for parents in every stage, helping them trade performance-driven pressure for a deeper trust in God's faithful work in both their children and themselves. Whether you're in the toddler years, navigating the teen years, or somewhere in between, this conversation will encourage you to take a deep breath, hold on to what matters most, and trust that God's grace is at work in your parenting journey. Resources: Raising an Alien Child | Podcast 6 Part Parenting Class | The Village Church Abide - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin Sermon on the Mount - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin James - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin -- Question of the Week: What do you think it looks like to be kind and generous at school—even when it’s hard or when others aren’t? --  Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones Guests: Jen Wilkin Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org Instagram: @winshapecamps Facebook: @winshapecamps TikTok: @winshapecamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.