Author: Thomas Lickona. Published April 10, 2018

How to Raise Kind Kids

Parenting

In today's episode, we dive into the idea of parental sacrifice—but not just for our own children, for all children. Suzanne is joined by Katy Faust, Founder and President of Them Before Us, a global movement advocating for children's rights to both their mother and father. Katy discusses how her work prioritizes children's needs over adult desires, especially in the context of marriage, family, and societal norms. She also shares her personal journey and convictions that led her to this path. Suzanne and Katy delve into culturally relevant topics such as adoption and IVF, emphasizing the ethical and spiritual implications of these practices. Tune in as Katy shares her perspective on infertility and how to advocate for policy changes that can make adoption more accessible and affordable.

Them Before Us: The Parents Role | S3 E3

In this Season 3 opener of The InFormed Parent podcast, Suzanne Phillips dives into the theme of courage and sets the tone for all the exciting episodes ahead. She reveals the changes happening across the parenting landscape—from the almost extinct helicopter parent, to the lawnmower parent, to the beacon parent who makes informed decisions and lights the way for their family. She describes a new lineup of expert guests who will offer parents both warnings about current dangers in culture and guidance for how to safely navigate these dangers. And she encourages parents to be courageous and actively engage in shaping their children’s values and worldview, especially in the face of cultural challenges and societal pressures. Tune in to hear from Suzanne and get equipped with the knowledge and spiritual insight to lead your family with confidence and purpose in today's increasingly complex world.

Choosing Courage | S3 E1

Teenagers are hungry for guidance and truth when it comes to relationships and sex. Whether Christian or not, teenagers are facing the same pressure to prioritize pleasure over purpose. In this episode, Suzanne talks to Jackie Brewton, a motivational speaker who empowers teenagers to make better decisions and equips parents to have difficult conversations about love, sex, and relationships. Tune in as they discuss creating safe environments where teens feel comfortable having open and honest conversations built on trust.

Supporting Teens to Make Wise Decisions in Sex, Love and Relationships | S2 E10

There are things parents should know, and then there are things parents need to know. In this must-listen episode, Suzanne talks with attorney Vernadette Broyles about children and parental rights amidst the growing transgender movement. Vernadette is President and General Counsel of Child & Parental Rights Campaign, Inc., a not-for-profit public interest law firm that engages in litigation and advocacy across the country to protect children’s health and defend parental rights against the impacts of gender identity ideology. Listen in as Vernadette outlines the history of transgenderism and how it’s made its way into our public school systems. She shares specific examples of cases her team is currently addressing in courtrooms across the country, giving parents a better understanding of the depth of the transgender crisis and how they can best protect their children.

Gender Ideology: What’s a Parent to Do? | S2 E7

“The core issue people are dealing with is not gender, it’s identity,” says Dr. David Cooper,  lead pastor of Mount Paran Church in Atlanta, GA. In this episode, Suzanne and Dr. Cooper address three distinct aspects of gender–physiology, psychology and spirituality–in order to better understand genetic code, gender affirmation, gender dysphoria and emotionalism. Listen in as they bring clarity and scriptural truth to the confusion swirling around gender in today’s culture. You’ll leave  equipped with ways to help families and churches best respond. 

An Honest Take on Gender | S2 E6

“We need to turn our frustration into fascination,” said author and CEO of Growing Leaders, Dr. Tim Elmore, as he described how parents can best close the generational gaps with their children. Listen in as Suzanne and Tim discuss the differences parents and kids are experiencing across generations–including attitudes toward authority–and how best to make generational connection for the sake of generational impact. [Listener Discount Code from Summit Ministries: “INFORMED24” for $200 off Student Conferences at summit.org] 

Closing the Generational Gaps | S2 E4

Proverbs tells us there are four types of people: The wise, simpleton, fool and mocker. When it comes to parenting, which one are you? In this episode, Suzanne calls us to ask ourselves the hard questions as parents: What does it look like to steward our responsibility? Are we pursuing wisdom? Are our children growing like Jesus did, in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man? But she doesn’t just leave us hanging with questions! Tune in and hear the solutions Suzanne offers to help us develop the wisdom and biblical worldview we need to parent well.

The Pursuit of Wisdom | S2 E2

Gabe Lyons joins Suzanne Phillips to kick off Season 2 and highlight the new lineup of episodes ahead. They discuss frontline issues parents are facing in the current culture and how parents can rightfully guard and protect the true essence of childhood through a Christian worldview. Suzanne and Gabe call out some threats to be aware of, such as school-based health centers and gender ideology policies, and how parents can think well, make informed decisions, and exercise wisdom in seeking alternatives for their families. Listen in as Suzanne and Gabe encourage parents to see themselves as leaders, get educated on the policies that impact their kids, and take action as they are called.

Are kids experiencing childhood anymore? | S2 E1

Author Trillia Newbell reminds us we as Christians have the tools to have peace, and we don't have to pretend as parents because we serve a God who is with us and understands the chaos. 
 


Parenting in a Chaotic Culture

“The church has done a disservice, if you will, in teaching us to understand that we should be obsolete from government. We have been taught to, in a great sense, turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to things that are happening, and I believe that’s why a lot of stuff is happening,” said Latasha Fields, a passionate advocate for parental rights, education, and community empowerment and a homeschooling mom of three. Latasha has founded the Christian Home Educators Support System, made a run for Illinois Lt. Governor, and many other endeavors in between. In this final episode of Season 1, Suzanne and Latasha talk solutions to traditional public education. Listen in as they discuss overcoming the fear of homeschooling and the opportunities that come from a discipleship-focused homeschool framework. You’re sure to be inspired by Latasha’s story and passion for restoring the family and the next generation of learners.

When a Mom Follows | Ep. 12

Did you know studies are now showing children are first exposed to porn as early as 8 years old? Titania Jordan, the CMO and Chief Parent Officer of Bark.us, joins Suzanne on this week’s episode to address the dark side of the fast-paced digital world our children are growing up in. They talk dangerous content, dangerous people, and dangerous apps–even the alarming rise of sextortion. Tune in to learn what to watch for and the internet safety solutions you can use to best protect your children across social media, text messaging, and email.

Tech Solutions | Ep. 11

Can talking about emotions and feelings in school actually have a downside? In this episode, Suzanne interviews Marsha Metzger, former holistic sex ed instructor, president and founder of Parents on the Level and author of The Parent Navigator. Together they dive into the controversial topic that has become a systemic worldview in schools: Social Emotional Learning, or SEL. Suzanne and Marsha breakdown the impact and dangers of SEL for students and parents, including how SEL is used as a framework to justify emotionalism, school  “safe places,” and student surveys that collect personal data. Tune in to hear what parents can proactively do to protect their children and their values within the context of SEL.

What’s Wrong with Feelings? | Ep. 5

Parenting is a great privilege, but it’s also a great responsibility. Now more than ever, families are under attack and parents need wisdom and discernment. In this episode, Suzanne calls moms and dads to think well about their role as a parent and the direction they want their family to go. Listen in as she encourages parents to get informed, determine their family vision and values, and lean into the leadership God has entrusted to them.

What is a Parent? | Ep. 1

Rory Groves believes in the value of family economies and advocates for resilience in the family unit. God's plan for your family doesn't begin with land or a farm, but with vision and conviction. 