Orthodox Christian Parenting

Anxiety is more common than ever today, but as Christians, we don’t have to navigate it alone. In this episode, our friend George Papageorge returns to the podcast to talk about all things anxiety — from the worries we feel as parents to the anxieties our children might face to the ways we can adjust our schedules, tech usage and perspectives in response. He also reminds us that anxiety is normal (and sometimes even healthy), but we don’t have to let it control us or our children. Episode Recap:Today we’re talking about anxiety with George Papageorge. What is anxiety, and how should parents approach it? How can anxiety shape a young person’s beliefs? Is anxiety always a bad thing? Why is anxiety more prevalent today? How can we make sure our anxieties don’t spread to our children?Where’s the line between normal worries and anxiety that needs to be addressed? How can we help mitigate anxiety without trying to control everything?How does drawing closer to Christ help ease anxiety?Why do you say that “kids are like cupcakes”?How can we connect with our kids’ vulnerability in a positive way? Why is margin so important when we’re feeling anxious? What recommendations do you have around tech usage? What encouragement can you give to parents feeling anxious? Resources:Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTubeDownload this episode’s free discussion guideExplore the full library of Faithtree ResourcesDownload the Relationship ProjectFill out our listener survey and enter to win a $50 gift card

Ever wonder if your kids are really noticing your faith or if anything you’re doing is sinking in? In this episode, Michelle sits down with musician Joe Ayoub to talk about the quiet, powerful ways parents shape their children’s spiritual lives without even realizing it. Joe reflects on how the lessons his parents modeled decades ago still shape his life today, and why love will always reach further than guilt or fear. If you’ve ever questioned whether your example matters, this episode will remind you that your kids are watching, and God is working—even when you can’t see it yet. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.Our Foundations of Faith cards offer an engaging and easy way to teach the essentials of Orthodoxy, providing a beautifully designed introduction to help new members feel at home. Learn More at https://www.faithtree.org/cardsThe Lionheart Sessions offer a transformative four-week curriculum designed to integrate men into the life of the Church. Learn More at https://www.faithtree.orgEpisode Recap:In this episode, we’re talking with Joe AyoubHow did Joe’s parents shape his faith?What role did freedom play in helping him stay connected to the Church?Why is unconditional love more powerful than guilt or fear in parenting?What hope can parents hold onto when their children take a different path?Resources:Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube Download this episode’s free discussion guideExplore the full library of Faithtree ResourcesDownload The Encounter appGet your copy of 10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know

It’s normal to feel afraid for our children and worry about their futures. But when we let those feelings take control, it often leads to a style of parenting that doesn’t consider our children's emotional lives. In this episode, George Papageorge explains how we can embrace peace and prioritize heart-to-heart communication that makes our children feel known and loved. He also reminds us to develop our own healthy emotional lives, so we can better serve God and love our children. Finally, he shares some advice and encouragement for parents who worry about their children leaving the church when they grow older. George is a marriage and family therapist with more than 35 years of experience working with families, so you won’t want to miss out on his expert perspective! Episode Recap:Today we’re talking with George Papageorge about building deeper connections with our children What can parents do to foster heart-to-heart connections?How can we help our children feel known and loved?What might it look like to parent out of peace instead of fear? What is the parenting stethoscope, and how does it work? With so many things to be afraid of today, how can we embrace faith instead?What does a healthy emotional life look like for a parent, and why is it so important? How do we know if we’re good listeners? What can the parable of the prodigal son teach us about parenting? How can we help our children stay connected to the church?What are the killers of communication?How can we repair broken communication? Resources:Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube Download this episode’s free discussion guideExplore the full library of Faithtree ResourcesDr. John Gottman’s research

We all want to raise our kids to love God and love the Church, but what are the practical strategies that can help us do that? In this episode, Paul and Cindy Karos reflect on the biggest lessons they learned from parenting three children who have stayed deeply rooted in the Church into adulthood. They share some of the tactics that worked well for them, like surrounding their family with friends who share the faith and teaching their kids about the saints, along with a few things they wish they’d done differently. They also offer encouragement to any parent who feels like they’re running on empty. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, this episode is full of relatable, useful information! Find the “10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know eBook” at https://www.faithtree.org/parentingDownload The Encounter app at https://www.faithtree.org/the-encounterEpisode Recap:In this episode, we’re talking with Paul and Cindy Karos What role did the Church play in your upbringings and your early marriage? How did you raise your children to love the Church?Why is joy so important when instilling faith in our kids? What practical steps did you take to teach your kids about priorities? How can parents adapt to the difficult times we’re living in today? How can we raise our kids to rejoice in suffering? What should you do if you feel like you’re running on empty?Resources:Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube Download this episode’s free discussion guideExplore the full library of Faithtree ResourcesDownload The Encounter app

Parenting in today’s world isn’t easy — but you don’t have to walk it alone. Orthodox Christian Parenting, hosted by Faithtree Resources Executive Director (and mom of four!) Michelle Moujaes, is a weekly podcast for parents and grandparents navigating the holy struggle of raising kids in the Holy Orthodox Faith. Each episode offers honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom from the Church — creating space to exhale, freedom from the pressure to be perfect, and openness to grow as you raise children who are growing in their knowledge and love of Christ.Visit faithtree.org to learn more.