Family doesn’t have to be perfect to be strong.

Every parent dreams of raising children who not only love each other but actually like each other. We long for a home that feels safe, welcoming, and filled with grace—a place our kids want to come back to, where mistakes are part of growth, and love is unconditional. But the reality of family life can feel messy, chaotic, and far from the picture-perfect image we imagine.

So how do you build a strong family culture when real life is anything but perfect? And is it ever too late to start?

Beloved author and speaker Jessica Smartt (Memory-Making Mom) joins us to share powerful insights from her new book Come on Home. With humor, honesty, and faith, Jessica reminds us that a thriving family doesn’t require flawless behavior, a Pinterest-ready house, or endless peace. Instead, it’s about intentional patterns, grace-filled discipline, and cultivating relationships that last.

In this episode, Jessica unpacks:

• 13 key characteristics—from prayer and friendship to loyalty—that build a strong, close-knit family
• Real-life examples and interviews with families of all backgrounds who are thriving in different ways
• Practical discipline strategies that hold boundaries while keeping connection intact
• Simple ideas to strengthen sibling relationships, teaching kids to support one another and form lifelong bonds
• Biblical wisdom for breaking unhealthy family cycles and creating a new legacy for your children

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The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!

The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week on the podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer welcome author Caitlin Carlson to discuss her new Christian children’s book, How Do I Get to God’s House? A Kid’s Guide to the Bridge to Life.

Beautifully illustrated and written for young readers, this gospel-centered picture book follows a curious child on a heartfelt journey to discover God’s house. Through engaging storytelling and child-friendly explanations, kids learn foundational biblical truths about God’s love, the problem of sin, and the life-changing gift of grace through Jesus.

With relatable questions and simple illustrations, How Do I Get to God’s House? helps children understand:

• What “Mess-Ups” (sin) are and how they separate us from God
• The Big Lie that broke our connection with God
• The incredible story of Jesus—the One who built the Bridge back to God

This unique resource offers parents and caregivers:

• A clear, age-appropriate explanation of the gospel and salvation
• A fresh retelling of the classic Navigators “Bridge to Life” tool
• A gentle, hope-filled way to introduce kids to God’s redemption story

If you’re looking for a Christian picture book that points children toward faith, hope, and God’s love, How Do I Get to God’s House? is a powerful tool to spark meaningful conversations and nurture your child’s spiritual growth.

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The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!

The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Hey friends! Today we’ve got something special for you—a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast.

Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short, powerful prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s prayer series follows Christian Parenting’s brand-new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses.

Each week features a biblical hero of the faith along with Scripture-based prayers for your children. Here’s a sneak peek into Week One:

This week focuses on Noah, a man of incredible faith and obedience. While the world turned away from God, Noah trusted Him fully—building the ark even when it didn’t make sense. That’s the kind of faith we want for our kids: to listen to God’s voice, walk confidently with Him, and stand firm even when the world disagrees.

If you loved this episode and don’t yet have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses, it’s not too late! Visit ChristianParenting.org to order your copy and follow along each week.

👉 Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today

👉 Subscribe to Pardon the Mess on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Don’t forget—tune in every Monday for more short, Scripture-based prayer episodes to help you parent with faith and confidence.

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The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!

The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org