Orthodox Christian Parenting

As parents, we all have a plan for how our lives will unfold. But how do we hold onto faith when those plans shatter? In this episode, Elias and Joy Hajjar share their story of raising a child with a heart defect and navigating surgeries, hospital stays and eventually a transplant. They explain how their Church community held them up during the most difficult moments and discuss the steps they’ve taken to keep their marriage strong in times of chaos and calm. Make sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss part 2 of this conversation, and download this week's free Discussion Guide here.Episode Recap:Today we’re talking with Elias and Joy Hajjar about holding onto faith in the midst of a child’s illness.Tell us about your experience of giving birth to Rosie.How did your Church family surround you in such a challenging time?How did Rosie’s health impact your younger daughters?Did navigating these challenges together make your marriage stronger?How did the lessons of faith you grew up with carry you through?Did you ever find yourself feeling angry at God?Can you tell us about the transplant process?Resources: Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTubeDownload this episode’s free Discussion GuideExplore the full library of Faithtree ResourcesDonate to support the podcast

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