How do we know when it’s time to make a change in our parenting? Why are we so drawn to promises of first-time obedience and simplified step-by-step formulas? Is there value in sharing our personal faith journey with our children?

In the third episode of our parenting series, Gretchen and Jennifer open up about mistakes, regrets, and the areas where things might be been different, wrapped up with a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot toward building trust and depth in our relationships with our kids.

After hearing from so many of you following our conversation on spanking in episode two, we circle back with a few additional thoughts and reflections.

More than anything, this episode is a reminder: our mistakes don’t get the final word. We’re not defined by the places we fell short. Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teens, adults, or somewhere in between, our hope is that this conversation feels like a tender nudge toward seeking what the Lord desires for you and your family.

May we be courageous and honest with one another as we learn to honor the image of God in the personhood of our children. We hope you’ll find a moment here to pause, reflect, and consider whether it's time to pivot.

Be sure to check out our show notes page for links to all of the resources mentioned. www.medicinemotherhood.com/blog/honestparenting

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In the second episode of our parenting series, Gretchen brings her perspective as a pediatrician, and Jennifer gets personal as we dig into some of the most debated parenting topics like spanking, time-outs, cry-it-out, Babywise, and what discipline looks like in real life.

This is not an idealistic parenting conversation; this is about navigating everyday life with little ones while trying to do the best we can… and realizing how hard it actually is. We talk about marital disagreements in parenting, what the research says, what faith adds to the conversation, and where things get messy when the parenting books give bad guidance. If you have ever questioned the advice you were given, felt caught between different parenting voices, or lived with intense regrets, you are not alone.

We hope you’ll find encouragement and inspiration in this rare take on raising the next generation. Thanks for finding a moment with us.

Be sure to check out our show notes page for links to all of the resources mentioned. www.medicinemotherhood.com/blog/honestparenting

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We might end up saying the quiet part out loud in this new series. We can all agree that there is an abundance of parenting controversies, and we believe it’s time to start using our “outside voices.”

Born out of a friendship and a shared passion for motherhood, Gretchen and Jennifer dive headfirst into a deeply personal and humbling exploration of parenting. It’s hard to imagine a more universal human experience than raising children. From sleep training an infant to teen curfews to learning how to love our kids well into their adult lives (and more)… So much to discuss!

As we launch this series (with an open-ended number of episodes), we vulnerably confess our imperfections and aim to share our real-life experiences with honesty and humility. Expect candid conversations, thoughtful reflection, and a continued focus on the harmonization of ideals and everyday life.

We’ll also offer practical resources, unpack common myths and misconceptions, and bring a refreshing perspective: we’re all co-strugglers in parenting, often learning not only how to raise our children, but also how to redeem and reframe our own experiences of being parented.

We hope you’ll find a moment to listen and also share your thoughts and feedback as we aim for long-lasting generational impact. Your voice and your experience matter; we’d love to hear from you.

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