It Takes A Village

The work of parenting can often feel overwhelming and like it's impossible to get ahead.  What if we were to prioritize a few things in our families - maybe it wouldn't feel so daunting?  Join Kurt, Chelsea, and Tanner as we talk about 6 things that our students need and we'll share a few things that our students told us they want their parents to know.6 Things Your Kid Needs Over Time:https://thinkorange.com/blog/six-things-every-kid-needs/Your kid needs you to show up with love. Your kid needs words over time. Your kid needs stories. Your kid needs fun. Your kid needs a sense of work over time. Your kid needs peopleAdditional resources:TheParentCue.org Nanette Johnson, Biblical Parenting Coach and Workshop Leader   Instagram: @nanette.nan.johnson

6/17/24 • 59:16

In this week's episode of It Takes a Village, Chelsea, Kurt, and Tanner share stories and reflections on how youth ministry has impacted their lives and the lives of the young people they've worked with. There are various aspects of youth ministry, including the importance of maintaining connection, providing a safe space for students, fostering spiritual growth, and partnering with parents. The episode emphasizes the significance of parental involvement, creating a supportive community, and addressing the needs and challenges faced by both students and families.We highlight the role of youth ministry in guiding students spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The need for parents to actively engage with youth ministry, provide feedback, and collaborate with leaders to support their children's spiritual development.A great resource available to parents is on the youth ministry's website (www.fbca.org/ministries/youth/family-resources), showcasing a commitment to equipping families with tools and support for their journey. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of collaboration, communication, and community in nurturing the faith of young people within the context of youth ministry.

5/13/24 • 51:09

In this weeks episode of It Takes a Village we discuss Your Influence as a Parent.From the moment a child is born, they begin to absorb information and learn from their surroundings. It's crucial for parents to be aware of the power of their influence. Parenting is more than just providing for basic needs; it's about shaping a child's values, beliefs, and behaviors. We explore ways in which parents can positively impact their children's lives. Begin with the end in mind!External influences can shape a child's perspectives and values, often in ways parents may not be fully aware of. Recognizing these influences and guiding your child through them is essential for fostering a strong sense of self and ensuring they grow up with the biblical values you hold dear and want to pass on to your child.Resources:Habitudes by Tim ElmoreHome Life Center at FBCA (Next to Welcome Home Center)Phase Guides phaseguides.com 

9/19/23 • 44:36

It Takes a Village is back! In this episode, Kurt, Tanner, and Chelsea talk about getting back into the rhythm of the school year. Through important connections like family dinner, prayer, and encouragement, we can shepherd our children through a time that can be exhausting.Resources:Home Word Center - Topics for Helping Families SucceedThe Family Dinner Project - Recipes for families to try, conservation of week guides, tips on eating as a family and MORE!Khan Academy - FREE video lessons for multiple subjects. Teachers sometimes use in classroom to help demonstrate how visually on a topic especially useful for learning math. 

8/28/23 • 32:35

Join Kurt, Chelsea, and Tanner in this week's episode of It Takes a Village to discuss what body image is  and how it affects the way we think about and treat ourselves, including some memorable comments  we've received about our bodies over the years. The team discusses ways to instill positive body image  in children, signs to look out for, and biblical encouragement regarding these bodies we've been given. Resources:Detecting Body Image Issues In Teens By Walt MuellerI Hate My Body... | Body Image & Insecurities | A Christian Guy's Perspective [Part 1] by Daily DiscipleMiddle School topics Parent CueThe Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology @FBCA

4/3/23 • 40:52

Kurt and Chelsea are joined by Children's Minister, David Butts, to discuss what it looks like to have open conversations about sex at each stage with children, from preschool to high school. Though it can be awkward, it is important for parents to be a safe, reliable source of information for their children regarding development, their bodies, and sex. It's never too early and it's not too late! Resources:Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality: A Biblical Approach to Prepare Them for Life Jim Burns @ birds_bees on Instagram

3/20/23 • 50:17

The youth ministry team discusses pornography and how to address it with you teen. A conversation about what pornography is, why it is wrong, and how we can prepare our teens for when they encounter it.Resources:Fight The New Drug - researched based on ways to get help with addictionsLiving Hope Ministries - porn-addiction help including podcastsTriple X Church -website and they also host the Live Free appCovenant Eyes - resources and tools The Gospel & Pornography by Moore & WalkerSmartphone Sanity by Eaton & Callihan

2/27/23 • 47:42

In this episode of It Takes a Village, Chelsea and Tanner are joined by Kelli McDaniel to discuss the importance of adult parents having relationships with other parents, to encourage with wisdom and experience. This week's guest, Kelli, discusses with the team how cultivating relationships with other parents can be beneficial practically and spiritually through your parenting journey. Resources:Women's, Wive's and Momma's on FacebookReddit.com (r/Parenting, r/parentingteenagers)Kelli Filling in- the church!

1/9/23 • 28:15

The youth team discusses navigating difficult relationships between teens and their friends, family, etc.Resources:Boundaries by Cloud and TownsendThe Teenage Brain by Frances E. JensenFamilies Where Grace is in Place by Jeff VanVonderen

12/26/22 • 34:56

Kurt, Chelsea and Tanner share funny stories, traditions, spiritual practices around Christmas to focus our hearts on the true meaning.

12/12/22 • 34:46

In this episode Chelsea, Tanner and Kurt give insight to preparing your child for social media as well as how social media and phones can impact your teen. There are positives and negatives of social media for you and your teen. The goal is to find a balance with social media and not let it take over your life. The three discuss their own personal journey through social media and how they have adapted to this changing technology as well as some mishaps along the way. References:Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosalind WisemanThe Social Delimma on NetflixA Parent's Guide to Understanding Social Media: Helping Your Teenager Navigate Life Online

11/28/22 • 56:22

In this episode of It Takes a Village, Kurt, Tanner, and Chelsea discuss different ways that parents can help teens have a healthy relationship with technology.  Specifically, their cell phones. LINKS/Resources:Parent CueCellphone agreementFive boundaries to put in place for your kids new technologyliturgiesforparents on Instagram focuses on Prayers & Liturgies for ParentsCell phone carriers parental controls: Should you buy them? by Tech DetoxThe Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy CrouchRight Click: Parenting Your Teenager In A Digital Media World by Kara Powell or updated copy is titledEvery Parent's Guide to Navigating our Digital World by Kara Powell

11/14/22 • 36:25

We know that sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get your teenager to open up and talk to you. In this episode of It Takes a Village, Kurt, Tanner, and Chelsea talk through practical ideas to help parents connect better with their teenagers. Whether it's just to hear how their day went or to understand a major struggle they're having, these tools can help create space for conversation. LINKS/Resources:Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World30 Days by Dr. Richard RossAxis.org some free resources but subscription is required for full use of website

10/31/22 • 36:17

Parenting is not for the faint of heart - it's a tough job, but God has uniquely prepared you for it!  In this episode of It Takes a Village, Kurt, Chelsea, and Tanner discuss engaging the village to help for care and encourage your teenager because they will need other adults to speak into their lives.Don't worry if your child doesn't tell you everything. Find a network within you church, family or other positive role models. Having your child open up to a trusted adult will be beneficial for you and your child.Sometimes when there is something going on with your child it may be beneficial to let their teacher/coach know without being specific on the details. Seek mentors for your children. Gather all the events you child is doing during the semester, year, etc. and give to their mentor and encourage them to come to some of the events. PS. This will also help you be focused on the events that your child is participating in also!Resources:Sticky Faith by Dr. Kara Powell & Dr. Chap Clarkyouth.govParenting Beyond Your Capacity: Connect Your Family to a Wider Community by Reggie Joiner & Carey Nieuwhof

10/17/22 • 34:41

In this introductory episode of It Takes a Village, Kurt, Tanner, and Chelsea introduce themselves. They also talk about what you can expect in future episodes!Kurt went to East Texas Baptist College and then Southwestern SeminaryChelsea went to THE University of Texas @ Austin and then Southwestern SeminaryTanner went to University of Mary-Harden Baylor and then George W. Truett Theological Seminary @ Baylor University

9/29/22 • 28:12