In this episode of Made For More, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope is joined by Arlene Pellicane—speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books, including Screen Kids (co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman). Arlene brings valuable insight into managing screen time for children in today’s technology-saturated world, shedding light on the common challenges parents face as they help their kids develop a healthy relationship with technology.

You'll walk away with practical strategies for creating a balanced family tech plan—and maybe even feel inspired to take a closer look at your own habits. We believe this episode will be powerful, helpful, and maybe even a little convicting—but the benefits will be well worth the effort.

Arlene’s Recommended Resources

Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World

By: Dr. Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane

The Happy Home Podcast - Hosted by Arlene

Arlene’s Website: arlenepelicane.com

Screen Kids Course: https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/course

In this episode of the Made for More Podcast, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope are joined by Ryan Wood, Superintendent of Immanuel Schools, to discuss the different stages of parenting and the importance of adapting parenting styles as children grow. They explore the value of allowing children to experience failure as a learning opportunity, the ethos of Christian parenting, and the impact of being engaged in a church community. Ryan shares incredible wisdom from his own experiences as a parent that is sure to bless and encourage you—no matter what stage of parenting you are in.

Ryan’s Points:

1. Talk at the dinner table.

2. Do not overcommit your time outside of the home.

3. Make church involvement a priority.

4. Focus on modeling healthy relationships to your kids.

5. Wherever you are, have conversations.

6. You have to slow down- live a slower pace of life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Stages

03:17 Navigating the Stages of Parenting

11:10 The Importance of Allowing Failure

15:46 The Purpose of Christian Parenting

19:26 Involvement in Church and Community

22:11 Supporting Each Other as Parents

28:25 Final Thoughts on Parenting

In this episode, Roger Erdvig and Keith McCurdy dive into what it means to raise sturdy kids—children who are emotionally strong and equipped to handle life’s challenges. They explore the value of struggle in parenting, the ultimate goal of maturity, and practical ways to cultivate a strong family identity. The conversation also examines the influence of technology and extracurricular activities on child development, emphasizing the critical role parents play as gatekeepers in their children's lives. We hope this conversation encourages and equips you on your parenting journey, reminding you that your children are Made For More.

Chapters:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Raising Sturdy Kids

01:01 The Concept of Sturdy Kids

05:33 The Role of Parents in Preparing Kids

06:57 Historical Perspectives on Parenting

10:18 The Impact of Humanism on Parenting

15:04 The Importance of Struggle in Growth

22:45 Practical Steps for Parents

23:13 Establishing Family Identity

26:02 Encouraging Responsibility in Children

31:23 Navigating Technology and Extracurriculars

Recommended Resource:

Keith’s 4 Points

#1 - Establish A Strong Family Identity

#2 - Do Less For Your Kids And Require More From Your Kids - "Ownership of Responsibility before Freedom and Privilege"

#3 - Use The Principle Of Cause And Effect As A Basic Learning Tool

#4 - Work Hard To Limit The Key Interrupters To Healthy Growth In Children- Technology and Extracurriculars

How do the relationships in your child’s life shape their worldview? This month on the Made for More Parenting podcast, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope dive into the parent-child bond, peer friendships, and dating relationships—sharing biblical wisdom and practical tips to help you guide your child with confidence.

* Balance parenting with authority

* Navigate friendships wisely and intentionally

* Approach dating with a biblical perspective

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Relationships in Worldview Formation

02:23 Biblical Foundations for Parent-Child Relationships

05:19 The Role of Authority in Parenting

08:18 Research Insights on Parenting and Relationships

11:00 Cultivating Healthy Parenting Dynamics

18:26 Building Biblical Friendships

26:54 Navigating Relationships with the Opposite Sex

34:17 Guidelines for Dating and Relationships

42:11 Building Community and Support for Parents

Maggie's ABC's

A - Attraction
What qualities in this person draw you to them? What makes them stand out to you?

B - Benchmark (Brian)
How do the qualities of this person compare to the qualities in mom or dad or older Christian role models you deeply respect?

C - Christian Testimony
How clearly does their life reflect a relationship with the Lord? Are they committed to attending and engaging with a church community?

D - Disposition
What character traits stand out in how they interact with friends, family, and adults? How do they handle challenges or conflicts?

E - Enthusiasm
What excites this person the most? Do their passions align with God’s kingdom and the values of a strong partnership?

F - Family
How do their family values and dynamics compare to yours? Are there similarities, strengths, or concerns worth noting?

G - Growth
What areas of personal, spiritual, or emotional growth is this person actively pursuing?

Recommended Resources

Simple Tips for Growing Closer to Your Kids (Article - Focus on the Family)

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/simple-tips-for-growing-closer-to-your-kids/

Build a Great Relationship with Your Child (Article - Focus on the Family)

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/build-relationship-with-your-child/

Understanding Teen Dating: Should My Teen Date? (Article - Focus on the Family)

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/understanding-teen-dating-should-my-teen-date/

Made for Friendship: The Relationship that Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles our Joy, by Drew Hunter (book)

https://www.crossway.org/books/made-for-friendship-tpb/

Shepherding a Child's Heart, By Paul Tripp (book)

https://www.amazon.com/Shepherding-Childs-Heart-Tedd-Tripp/dp/0966378601/ref=asc_df_0966378601?mcid=53d0497cff7031cc9d84309c53d59fe9&hvocijid=4432665907372102503-0966378601-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4432665907372102503&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007356&hvtargid=pla-2281435177138&psc=1

This month, special guest Rodney Knox joined Roger and Maggie to discuss the significance of establishing core values within families. They explore practical steps for creating a family mission statement, the role of daily practices in reinforcing values, and the necessity of open dialogue among family members. The discussion also highlights the impact of grandparents and the importance of allowing children to learn from their failures while providing love and support.

Recommended Resource:

Download your free Core Family Values Guide:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11McPDGURPZhQvipKsBRHp85zpQzIXr4E/view?usp=sharing

Chapters:

00:00 Setting Intentions for Family Goals

07:47 Establishing Core Values in Family Life

15:52 Intentional Parenting and Communication

23:25 Building Open Communication Channels

24:21 Opening Lines of Communication

25:15 Establishing Family Pillars

27:07 Creating a Family Mission Statement

28:06 Seven Steps to Family Meetings

39:04 Embracing Failure and Learning

42:21 The Process of Establishing Core Values

In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, your host's Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope discuss how to reclaim parenting during the Christmas season. They discuss the importance of worldview formation in children and how us as parents can use the busy Christmas season to grow our children's worldviews. The conversation revolves around Psalm 139 as a guiding scripture, exploring the dimensions of heart, head, and habits in shaping a child's worldview. Lastly, they provide practical steps for evaluating your family's traditions and habits during the holiday season to encouraging intentionality in parenting.

Chapters

00:00 Reclaiming Parenting During Christmas

01:29 Understanding Worldview Formation

04:14 The Dimensions of Worldview: Heart, Head, and Habits

14:49 Evaluating Christmas Habits for Worldview Formation

29:36 Practical Steps for Intentional Parenting

31:50 Looking Ahead: Establishing Family Values

Recommended Resource

https://www.summit.org/promotions/advent/what-time-is-it-introduction-to-advent-part-1-4/

In this episode of the Made For More podcast, hosts Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope discuss the challenges of parenting during election season, focusing on how to engage children in political conversations while fostering a biblical worldview. They emphasize the importance of addressing our emotions, understanding hot-button topics, and using a structured approach to process political discussions with children. Roger and Maggie also introduce the 'Five Rs of Processing' as a framework for guiding conversations, highlighting the significance of teaching children how to respond to disagreements effectively.

00:00 Navigating Politics in Parenting

02:52 Understanding Worldview Formation

06:14 Engaging with Difficult Topics

09:00 Emotional Management in Political Discussions

11:47 The Five Rs of Processing Political Conversations

24:03 Responding to Disagreement with Grace

29:46 Encouraging Open Conversations with Kids

The Five R’s of Processing:

1. Recount - What do our kids know, believe, or have heard about a topic? Our goal is to listen well, gather information, and communicate to our kids that what they think matters and that their thinking is valuable.

2. React - Our kids and teens are emotional beings. They need to express how they feel and have a space to have their reactions affirmed.

3. Revise - Seeking the truth about a topic, situation, or an experience in order to revise our perspective of the issue we are discussing. We do this with authenticity to model a posture of humility and teachability with our kids.

4. Recognize - Attaching value to the topic we have been discussing. Why does this topic, situation, or experience matter?

5. Respond - We ask our kids “what now?”. We consider how this new understanding can impact our thoughts, our desires, and our actions.

Recommended Resource:

Should Christians Avoid Politics by Dr. Jeff Meyers

https://www.summit.org/summit-talks/should-christians-avoid-politics/

In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope explore the concept of worldview in parenting, the importance of understanding how a child's worldview is shaped, and the role parents play in this process.

The conversation dives into the biblical framework for parenting, emphasizing creation, fall, redemption, and restoration as foundational concepts. They also provide practical, hands-on parenting tips on engaging in meaningful conversations with children to help them process their experiences and develop a biblical worldview.

The Made for More Podcast is a production of Summit Ministry's Center for Biblical Worldview Formation and Immanuel Schools. Immanuel exists to equip students to serve God and neighbor through mind, body, and soul based on a Christ-centered foundation.

00:00 Introduction

04:28 The Foundation of a Biblical Worldview

09:16 Situation Parenting in the Biblical Framework

09:48 Intentional Conversations for Developing a Biblical Worldview

18:17 Meaningful Processing and Asking Better Questions

27:00 Conclusion

29:10 About Made For More

Reflection Questions

What were conversations like in your childhood home? What can you learn from your experience with your own parents?

Think about your everyday conversations with your children. Are those conversations yielding significant responses and insights from your kids?

What are some of the barriers you face as you seek to have meaningful conversations with your children?

What can you do to improve the quality of your conversations with your children?

Who is your “reluctant” talker? How can you help him or her talk more?

How does having good conversations with your children assist them in their worldview formation?