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

------------------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------------------------

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 Bible for Kids Podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer welcome Laura Bartlett, Associate Publisher at Zondervan Bibles, to talk about the brand-new NIrV Clear Focus Bible for Kids.

Is your child struggling to stay focused when reading the Bible or having a hard time remembering what they’ve read? The Clear Focus Bible for Kids is designed specifically to help young readers engage with Scripture in a whole new way.

Using Bionic Reading® technology, developed by Swiss scientists, this Bible highlights key parts of words in bold to guide the eyes, making it easier for kids to stay attentive, recognize words quickly, and improve comprehension.

Parents and educators will love how the NIrV Clear Focus Bible for Kids helps children who get easily distracted or frustrated when reading. With its unique design, kids can enjoy longer reading sessions, build confidence in their reading ability, and connect more deeply with God’s Word.

In a world full of distractions, the Clear Focus Bible for Kids stands out as the first Bible to use Bionic Reading technology—making Bible reading more enjoyable, memorable, and life-changing for children.

Give your child the gift of focus, confidence, and a stronger relationship with Scripture through the NIrV Clear Focus Bible for Kids.

-----------

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

Podcast Episode: Mike Nawrocki with Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski – Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports

This week on the podcast, host Mike Nawrocki sits down with authors Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski to discuss their new book, Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports.

Youth sports can be one of the most powerful arenas for shaping character and values. But for Christian parents, the question becomes: how do we transform the competitive sports field into a discipleship opportunity? This conversation explores how parents can help their children not only become stronger athletes but also grow as devoted followers of Christ.

If we as parents don’t take ownership of discipling our kids in the context of athletics, today’s sports culture will do it for us. Too often, the focus is only on physical training, wins, and stats—while opportunities for spiritual growth slip by. Away Game equips families to see sports through a biblical lens and to raise athletes who play with both excellence and eternal perspective.

• Use sports to instill biblical values in children and teens.
• Keep joy, gratitude, and play at the center of every practice and game.
• Deepen parent-child connections through car-ride conversations and post-game reflections.
• Spark faith-based discussions about pressure, failure, competition, and teamwork.
• Counter toxic sports culture by modeling kingdom virtues like humility, self-control, and peace.

Away Game empowers moms and dads to embrace their role as spiritual mentors throughout their child’s athletic journey. From little league to high school sports, every practice, every game, and every post-game conversation can become a winning opportunity for spiritual formation and family discipleship.

-----------

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 Bible for Kids Podcast, host Mike Nawrocki sits down with award-winning animator Tom Bancroft and director John Shafer to talk about their inspiring new animated film, Light of the World.

Set in 30 AD, Light of the World brings the life of Jesus Christ to the big screen in a fresh and family-friendly way. The story unfolds through the eyes of the Apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest friends, as he witnesses the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, His miracles, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection.

This powerful, beautifully animated film follows John, James, Andrew, Peter, and others on an unforgettable journey with the Messiah. Perfect for families and faith audiences, Light of the World vividly shows how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever—and continues to transform lives today.

🎬 Light of the World hits theaters nationwide on September 5, 2025. Don’t miss this uplifting new portrayal of the life of Jesus!

------------

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 Bible for Kids Podcast

Hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer welcome back beloved author and former podcast host Amy Parker, along with producer Dan Lynch, to introduce a groundbreaking new release:

The Bible for Me: Bible Stories & Prayers – Personalized Edition — the first-ever personalized Bible storybook for children.

About the Book:

This 352-page faith-building keepsake places your child directly in the heart of God’s unfolding story. Written by bestselling children's author Amy Parker (over 70 books, 4 million+ copies sold) and Mike Nawrocki (VeggieTales co-creator and the voice of Larry the Cucumber), this Bible storybook is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

What makes it special?

• Your child’s name is featured over 90 times throughout the book
• Each of the 50 timeless Bible stories includes a personalized prayer just for your child
• Their name appears on the cover, making it a treasured gift for any occasion

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful Christian gift or a new way to engage your child with the Bible, The Bible for Me Personalized Edition is a one-of-a-kind spiritual treasure they’ll cherish for years to come.

------------

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 Bible for Kids Podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer welcome award-winning author Bob Hartman to talk about his powerful new release—The Big Picture Storybook Bible: Worshiping the King of the Everlasting Kingdom.

Perfect for kids and families, this stunning storybook Bible features 70 faithfully retold stories from Genesis to Revelation—all highlighting the central theme of God’s kingdom and the reign of King Jesus.

With captivating artwork by The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross illustrator Catalina Echeverri, children will discover the glory, goodness, and greatness of God as the one true King. They’ll meet the Creator King, the rejected King, the promise-keeping King, and ultimately Jesus—the King who reigns forever.

Whether read aloud at bedtime or explored independently by young readers, this storybook Bible invites families to go deeper with Scripture through included Bible references for every story.

If you’re looking for a gospel-centered, beautifully illustrated Bible to help your kids understand God’s big story, don’t miss this conversation with Bob Hartman!

------------

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