Blended families can feel messy and overwhelming, but with patience and grace, those challenges can transform into a thriving, love-filled home. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns talks with speaker, author, and stepfamily expert Laura Petherbridge about the unique challenges and opportunities of stepfamily life. Drawing from her own experience growing up with stepparents and later becoming a stepmom, Laura shares practical, faith-based wisdom on navigating differences in discipline, faith, and values between two homes. She offers guidance for building respect between stepparents and biological parents, supporting children who feel torn, and living out the gospel—because, as she says, “more is caught than taught.” You’ll be encouraged by her passion for helping the Church embrace blended families as an untapped mission field and her reminder that, with grace and intentional love, stepfamilies can thrive.

Resources:

• Stepfamilies of the Bible: Timeless Wisdom for Blended Families by Laura Petherbridge: https://a.co/d/6ZwitCt
• The Smart Stepmom: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive by Laura Petherbridge and Ron L. Deal: https://a.co/d/2MGMKiQ
• The Smart Stepmom—Laura’s website: https://www.thesmartstepmom.com/
• HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/
• HomeWord YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword
• Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/
• HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/
• Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905
• Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com
• Embracing Your Season Podcast with Paige Clingenpeel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271776

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities

https://homeword.com/product/understanding-your-teen/

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #DrJimBurns #LauraPetherbridge #BlendedFamily #Parenting #ChristianParenting #Marriage #Faith #Christian #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo

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Many parents feel anxious or unequipped to talk about gender and identity with their kids—but Dr. Kathy Koch shows how biblical wisdom and simple, honest conversations can build confidence and discernment. Christian author and speaker Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., joins Dr. Jim Burns for a powerful conversation to equip parents with biblical wisdom and practical tools for guiding their children through today’s gender confusion. She shares hope-filled encouragement for parents who may feel fearful or uncertain about addressing this sensitive topic, offering insight on how to build their children’s confidence in God’s intentional design for their gender. Dr. Koch explains how to lovingly help kids separate facts from feelings, spot warning signs of identity struggles, and avoid common mistakes parents make. Throughout, she points to the transforming power of Scripture and the goodness of God’s plan, urging families to approach these conversations with both truth and empathy.

Raising Gender-Confident Kids by Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch: https://a.co/d/4TzdONj
Celebrate Kids: https://celebratekids.com/

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com
Embracing Your Season Podcast with Paige Clingenpeel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271776

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities

https://homeword.com/product/understanding-your-teen/

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #DrJimBurns #DrKathyKoch #Parenting #Gender #MaleAndFemale #ChristianParenting #Faith #Christian #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo

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When the kids leave home, it’s easy to feel a mix of sadness, uncertainty, and even excitement. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns unpacks the reality of empty nest syndrome and offers practical steps to help you thrive—not just survive—this new season. With wisdom, humor, and compassion, he shares survey questions to gauge where you’re at emotionally, plus guidance for rekindling passion in your marriage, rediscovering your purpose, and investing in what matters most. Whether you’re grieving the quiet house or ready to embrace fresh opportunities, this conversation will help you find joy, connection, and meaning in the empty nest years.

The Empty Nest Syndrome Quiz: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/the-empty-nest-change-and-loss-are-deeply-connected-2/
Finding Joy in the Empty Nest by Dr. Jim Burns: https://homeword.com/product/finding-joy-in-the-empty-nest-discover-purpose-and-passion-in-the-next-phase-of-life/
Closer: 52 Devotions to Draw Couples Together: https://homeword.com/product/closer/

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com
Embracing Your Season Podcast with Paige Clingenpeel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271776

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Finding Joy in the Empty Nest

https://homeword.com/product/finding-joy-in-the-empty-nest-discover-purpose-and-passion-in-the-next-phase-of-life/

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #JimBurns #EmptyNest #AdultChildren #Parenting #Marriage #Husband #Wife #Faith #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo

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Healthy conflict isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to grow through. On this episode, Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Haven Weits, host of the podcast Haven! and co-leader of the couples’ e-course Pillow Talk. She vulnerably shares how her parents’ divorce shook her the same year she got married, and how it fueled her passion to help couples build marriages that last. Together with her husband and a marriage counselor, she created Pillow Talk to guide couples into meaningful conversations that reconnect them. Haven unpacks what she’s learned about healthy conflict, from slowing down in moments of defensiveness to communicating in a way that brings couples closer instead of driving them apart. As she puts it, “The cure to defensiveness is finding the truth of what they’re saying.”

Haven’s website: https://www.havenpod.com/
Haven! Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/haven/id1687181933

PillowTalk: https://www.joinpillowtalk.com/
Haven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haventhepodcast/
Haven Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haventhepodcast
Haven Podcast on TicTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haventhepodcast
And Baby Makes Three by Drs. John and Julie Gottman: https://a.co/d/0ldMSzS
HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com
Embracing Your Season Podcast with Paige Clingenpeel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271776

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities

https://homeword.com/product/understanding-your-teen/

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #JimBurns #HavenWeits #HavenPodcast #PillowTalk #Marriage #Husband #Wife #Faith #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo

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Few things are more painful than seeing an adult child walk away from the faith and values you raised them with. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Dr. Rob Rienow—pastor, speaker, author, and founder of Visionary Family Ministries—to talk about how parents can respond with faith and love. Dr. Rienow shares practical ways to encourage your adult child’s spiritual journey, while also emphasizing the importance of staying rooted in your own walk with God: “We’re not going to lead our kids, or impact our kids spiritually in a direction we’re not going ourselves.” He also unpacks what it means to turn hearts toward one another and the steps parents can take to build stronger, grace-filled relationships. If your heart is heavy for a prodigal, this conversation will bring hope and encouragement.

Never Too Late: Encouraging Faith In Your Adult Child: https://visionaryfam.com/shop/never-too-late/
Visionary Parenting book: https://visionaryfam.com/shop/visionary-parenting/
Visionary Marriage book: https://visionaryfam.com/shop/visionary-marriage/
Visionary Family website: https://visionaryfam.com/

Visionary Family Ministries on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VisionaryFamilyMinistries
Visionary Events and Conferences: https://visionaryfam.com/events/
HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com
Embracing Your Season Podcast with Paige Clingenpeel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271776

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities

https://homeword.com/product/understanding-your-teen/

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #JimBurns #RobRienow #VisionaryFamily #NeverTooLate #AdultChildren #Faith #Prodigal #Children #YoungAdults #Parenting #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo

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Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Discover how faith and science can help you find peace and resilience. In this episode, Dr. Charles Stone—author, pastor, and leadership coach with 40+ years of experience—shares his journey through health struggles and his research on stress and neuroscience. Together with Dr. Jim Burns, they unpack how stress is at the core of most doctor visits, the importance of Sabbath rest, and practical ways to build resilience and improve sleep. Charles also reveals the powerful impact of gratitude on the brain and offers his simple STOPP method to manage anxiety. Learn how biblical truth and brain science combine to help you reduce stress, boost resilience, and thrive in life and ministry.

Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety • Biblically Sound • Research Informed by Dr. Charles Stone: https://a.co/d/aoPXthY
Dr. Charles Stone’s website: https://charlesstone.com/
HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities

https://homeword.com/product/understanding-your-teen/

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #JimBurns #DrCharlesStone #Stressed #Anxiety #Depression #StressLess #Children #YoungAdults #Parenting #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo

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School is back in session—and at HomeWord, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Teaching is one of the most demanding and impactful professions, shaping the lives of children and young adults every day. Today, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Kevin Leman—renowned psychologist, best-selling author of over 50 books, and trusted voice on parenting and family—and Kristin Leman O’Reilly, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the award-winning Leman Academy of Excellence, with nearly 30 years of experience in education and leadership.

Together, they explore the life-changing impact of great teachers, how parents can encourage and partner with educators, and how small, consistent acts of care can make all the difference. From understanding birth order in the classroom to creating a safe space for students, Dr. Leman and Kristin offer practical, encouraging advice to help teachers lead with joy—not just obligation—and leave a lasting legacy.

Dr. Kevin Leman’s website: https://birthorderguy.com/welcome/

Be A Great Teacher by Friday by Dr. Leman and Kristin O’Reilly: https://a.co/d/1DmtIIw

The Birth Order Book by Dr. Leman: https://a.co/d/0I9Snfc
Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Leman: https://a.co/d/2n2jMkd
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Leman: https://a.co/d/9DkooVn
Leman Academy of Excellence: https://lemanacademy.com/
HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities

https://homeword.com/product/understanding-your-teen/

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #JimBurns #DrKevinLeman #KristinLemanOReilly #BeAGreatTeacherByFriday #Teacher #TeacherAppreciation #Education #School #Children #YoungAdults #Parenting #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo

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Parenting teens and young adults in today’s world can feel like navigating a maze—with social media, mental health, faith questions, and major life transitions all in the mix. In this episode, Jim Burns is joined by licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author Michelle Nietert to talk about helping our kids grow strong and secure in a confusing world. They unpack how to disciple your children, respond to doubts about faith, guide them through the challenges of high school and adulthood, and talk honestly about social media, mental health, and substance use. With wisdom, practical tools, and compassion, Michelle reminds parents to stay curious—not cynical—and equips them to walk alongside their kids with grace and truth.

Michelle Nietert’s website: https://michellenietert.com/

Strong and Secure: 100 Devotions for Young Women: https://lynncowell.com/books/strong-and-secure/
Books by Michelle Nietert: https://michellenietert.com/books/

Raising Mentally Healthy Kids Podcast: https://michellenietert.com/podcast/

More Than a Carpenter by Josh and Sean McDowell: https://a.co/d/9IDsoBw

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities

https://homeword.com/product/understanding-your-teen/

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #JimBurns #MichelleNietert #SocialMedia #MentalHealth #YoungAdults #Marriage #Family #Faith #Parenting #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo

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