In a culture that’s always telling us we don’t have enough, how can we develop contentment in ourselves and our kids? In this episode, author, speaker and financial expert Rachel Cruze joins the podcast to share her best strategies for learning and teaching contentment. Whether you’re starting the conversation early with a young child, parenting teenagers, or examining your own relationship with money, this conversation will give you practical tools to use today. Download this week's free Discussion Guide here.

Download The Encounter app at https://www.faithtree.org/the-encounter

Find the “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know” ebook at https://www.faithtree.org/parenting

Episode Recap:

● Today we’re talking about contentment with Rachel Cruze.

● What does contentment mean to you?

● Can you tell us your story of learning to connect the financial and the spiritual?

● How did your parents’ lessons impact you as you grew up?

● What practical strategies can parents use to teach contentment?

● When is the right time to start having these conversations?

● How can we protect ourselves and our kids from the comparison trap?

● What can we do if our kids are showing signs of discontentment?

● What’s one thing you’d recommend parents do today?

● How can we decide what “enough” looks like?

● How do we cultivate contentment when finances are tight?

● How do we teach our kids contentment when we don’t feel it ourselves?

Resources:

● Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube

● Download this episode’s free Discussion Guide

● Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources

● Download The Encounter app

● “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know”

● Shop Rachel’s books and journal

● Listen to Rachel on “The Ramsey Show”

● Follow Rachel on Instagram

For parents, Holy Week brings packed schedules, big emotions and the challenge of keeping children engaged through it all. But this sacred time is also an incredible opportunity to help our children encounter Christ in new and meaningful ways. In this episode, Father Jim and Presvytera Donna Pappas join the podcast to explain why Holy Week is so important and to share their best advice for making the experience tangible for children of all ages. Download this week's free Discussion Guide here.

Download The Encounter app at https://www.faithtree.org/the-encounter

Find the “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know” ebook at https://www.faithtree.org/parenting

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking about parenting during Holy Week with Fr. Jim and Pres. Donna Pappas.
• What makes Holy Week so special and sacred?
• How can we help our kids experience Holy Week tangibly, not just abstractly?
• Lent is a joy, not a burden!
• How might parents develop their own family traditions around Holy Week?
• Should we bring our kids to every service?
• What three priorities would you encourage parents to focus on?
• How can parents balance church attendance with not overextending themselves?
• What tips would you give to a parent who is new to the faith?
• Don’t forget to experience Holy Week for yourself, too.

Resources:

• Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube
• Download this episode’s free Discussion Guide
• Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources
• Download The Encounter app
• “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know”

Your parenting is not just about what you say and do; it’s a reflection of your inner life. In this episode, Father Stephen Muse joins the podcast to explain why repentance is one of the most important things we can cultivate as parents as we pursue eternity and seek to raise children who know and love God. He also encourages us to slow down, create room for exhale and accept that we won’t always have all the answers. Download this week's free Discussion Guide here.

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking with Father Stephen Muse about parenting in repentance.
• How can pursuing eternity transform our parenting?
• Parenting is not about knowing the answers.
• What does it mean to parent from an attitude of repentance?
• How do we slow down when we feel like we don’t have the margin?
• What does moderation look like in a world that values busyness?
• How can we keep fear from taking control in our parenting?
• What gives you hope right now?
• How can repentance lead to actual lasting change?
• What advice do you have for someone struggling with patterns from their childhood?
• How should we respond if our adult children are straying from the Church?

Resources:

• Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube
• Download this episode’s free Discussion Guide
• Explore the full library of Faithtree Resources
• Download The Encounter app and join our Lenten book club
• “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know”
• “Parenting in Repentance” by Fr. Stephen Muse