Three and a half years ago, we stepped into a whole new world with the birth of our first grandchild. Everyone told us that this new chapter would be full of joy, laughter, and love for this tiny person. And they weren’t wrong!

Still, we had no idea just how amazing grandparenting would be, and soon we were dropping everything for the chance to see him and make memories together. Today, we are the grandparents of three little ones (and another one on the way) and we love to spoil them like crazy.

But we also know that being a grandparent is about so much more than the fun, silly moments—we are called to a special role that is very significant in their lives. Our latest guest, Larry McCall, knows this responsibility well. He is a pastor, author of the book Grandparenting With Grace, and the grandfather of six kids. Larry has a passion to equip followers of Christ to have an impact on their grandchildren’s lives both now and for eternity.

In this episode, Larry shares:

• Our biblical call as grandparents
• Ways to cultivate a close relationship with grandchildren
• The importance of respecting boundaries
• And much more!

Christian grandparenting resources are such a blessing—but sometimes, it can feel like they are few and far between. That’s why we are so grateful for this conversation, and we hope it serves as an inspiration and encouragement on your grandparenting journey. Enjoy!

Show Notes: growinghometogether.com/larry-mccall-112

One of the hardest moments I (Joanna) can remember as a mom is when our six-year-old daughter refused, to the point of tears, to wear her blue pants with a butterfly on the pocket. Thinking she was just being stubborn, I refused to back down—and it wasn’t until two hours later that I finally gave up on trying to convince her.

Well, a few months later, I learned that our daughter has a significant sensory processing disorder. Those pants that I was so determined for her to wear were actually causing her very real physical pain. In my determination to prove my authority, I was not just hurting my daughter’s spirit, but her body as well.

This is just one of countless examples I could give of how we can parent with the best intentions but still make mistakes. When this happens, shame can wash over us, polarizing our relationships and overwhelming us with despair. If you are struggling with guilt and shame today, I am so happy to be able to introduce you to this episode’s guest, Jodi Jackson Tucker.

Jodi is a biological, foster, and adoptive mother to eight children with her husband, Jerry. She is a sought-after speaker, ministry leader, and the author of Healing for Every Heart in Adoption. Jodi knows what it’s like to battle and overcome feelings of guilt or thoughts that she is simply not enough.

In this episode, Jodi shares:

• How false beliefs can shake our confidence
• The role of prayer in our parenting
• A mom’s truest job description
• And much more!

Mom guilt is something every woman will experience at some point in her parenting journey. I hope Jodi’s insights will encourage and help you navigate those feelings. Enjoy!

Show Notes: growinghometogether.com/jodi-jackson-tucker-111

Do you have a dog who panics on a trip to the vet or groomer? It can be quite an ordeal! It’s something we experienced recently with our Bernedoodle, Jovy, on grooming day. While the perceived threat wasn’t real, her reaction to it could have put her (and Joanna!) in real danger.

We can sometimes react just like Jovy as we interact with our spouse. Something that seems simple on the surface can trigger instant feelings of stress and anxiety. Our bodies go into overdrive. And in our fight to feel secure with our spouse, we only push them further away.

These painful patterns can occur in any relationship—not just marriages—and when they do, we can end up on a trajectory that causes even more pain and frustration. That’s why we are so grateful to have Ron and Nan Deal joining us for a conversation about how emotional reactions can hurt instead of help our relationships.

Ron is a bestselling author, licensed marriage & family therapist, podcaster, and popular conference speaker who conducts marriage and family seminars and professional trainings. Nan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught in schools for over 25 years. She is a leader with a local Re-Generation ministry and, together with Ron, leads a support group for parents who have lost a child.

Together, Ron and Nan are co-authors of The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.

In this episode, Ron and Nan share:

• The four reactive coping styles
• Practical steps to uncover your painful patterns
• The role regulation plays in the equation
• And much more!

This is such a rich conversation about how we can resolve the patterns of the past and find healing in our relationships. Enjoy!

Show Notes: growinghometogether.com/ron-nan-deal-110