Training Them Wisely - discipling kids

Ep. 100 100th Episode Celebration

How in the world have we recorded 100 episodes? Time flies by. We are so thankful for each and every listener, both new and old!
We had so much fun recording this episode, and we're giving you some sneak peeks about what is coming up soon!
https://www.trainingthemwisely.com
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 99 What Love Looks Like in Every Age and Stage

 
💗 Episode Summary
In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore how God’s love meets us—and our children—uniquely in every stage of life. From rocking a newborn in the quiet hours to texting a college student encouragement from afar, biblical love grows, stretches, and adapts through the seasons.
You’ll walk away with encouragement, relatable stories, and Scripture-rooted insights for loving your kids well—right where they are today.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
💡 Why love isn’t one-size-fits-all—and how God models flexible, faithful love
👶 Early Years: Love as nurture and physical presence (Isaiah 40:11)
🧒 Elementary Years: Love as patient teaching and consistent discipline (Proverbs 22:6)
👦 Tween Years: Love as listening and emotional safety (Colossians 3:21)
👩‍🦰 Teen Years: Love as mutual respect and humble presence (Micah 6:8)
🧑‍🦱 Young Adult Years: Love as release, blessing, and ongoing prayer (Numbers 6:24–26)
🙏 A prayer to help you reflect God’s love through every season
📖 Key Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season…”
Isaiah 40:11 – “He gently leads those that have young.”
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
Colossians 3:21 – “Do not provoke your children…”
Micah 6:8 – “Walk humbly…”
Numbers 6:24–26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you…”
💬 Let’s Reflect
What does love look like for your child right now?Is it presence? Patience? Release?Ask God to help you love in the way they need most today.
📣 Share the Love
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a second to share it with a friend or fellow parent? Every share helps us reach more families walking this discipleship journey. 💛
Check out our best-selling family discipleship book! Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids is available on Amazon, on our website TrainingThemWisely.com, and in Christian bookstores. 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 98 Discipleship Starts at the Dinner Table

You don’t need a perfect devotional plan to disciple your kids—you just need a table, some time, and a heart to listen.
In this episode of Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids, Rene and Rebekah share how simple, everyday moments—especially around the dinner table—can become powerful opportunities to point your children to Jesus. From chicken nugget dinners to bedtime chats, these ordinary routines hold extraordinary potential for spiritual growth.
Together, they walk through Scripture, share personal stories, and offer practical conversation starters that help parents disciple with grace, not guilt.
🔑 In This Episode:
Why your dinner table might be one of the most powerful places in your home
How Jesus used meals to teach, connect, and reveal truth
Simple ways to turn ordinary conversations into moments of grace
What to do when things feel messy, loud, or far from “spiritual”
Encouragement for showing up with consistency—not perfection
📖 Scripture Highlights:
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — Teach them when you sit at home
Luke 24:30–32 — Jesus revealed at the table
Colossians 4:6 — Let your conversation be full of grace
1 Corinthians 10:31 — Do it all for the glory of God
🙌 You’ll Walk Away With:
Fresh vision for how everyday life can shape your child’s faith
Encouragement that even chaotic dinners count
Easy faith-filled questions to ask around the table
A reminder that God works through your presence, not your perfection
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more weekly discipleship encouragement, and leave a review to help other parents discover simple, grace-filled ways to disciple their kids.
✨ Resource Mentioned:Check out Rene’s book, Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids—a practical, biblical guide for growing your faith and leading your kids with confidence and purpose. You can find it on Amazon or on our website: TrainingThemWisely.com.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 97 Herbalism for Kids

Health for our families is important. I am excited to welcome Laketa Entzminger to the podcast today. She is a clinical herbalist with a strong foundation in public health and education. Her journey into herbalism began out of personal necessity—while working as a new educator, Laketa found herself frequently ill. Discovering the healing power of herbs not only transformed her own health but also ignited a passion to share her knowledge and experience with others. As the founder of Lady K's Herbal Solutions, Laketa empowers children and families with practical, everyday ways to use herbs. Through hands-on workshops and dynamic presentations, she creates engaging, accessible learning experiences that demystify herbal wellness and promote lifelong habits of natural self-care.
Check out the links below. You can follow her on Instgram and check out her products below.
Find Laketa Here:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ladykherbal
Website: https://ladykherbal.company.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladykherbalsolutions/
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 96 Hugs, Not Hammers: The Gentle Power of Parental Influence

“You don’t have to shout to be heard. Your gentleness might be your most powerful parenting tool.”
In a world that feels louder and harsher by the day, our kids need homes that reflect the gentleness of Christ. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah explore how discipling with tenderness creates lasting influence in your child’s heart.
You’ll discover:🌿 Why gentleness is strength, not weakness and is modeled perfectly by Jesus🏠 How your tone and presence shape your child’s sense of safety🛠️ Practical ways to disciple through hugs, calm correction, and everyday grace💡 How to make your home a holy ground in a harsh world
🗝️ Key Scriptures:
– Matthew 11:29– Proverbs 15:1– Philippians 4:5– Ephesians 6:4– Galatians 5:22–23
💬 Episode Highlights:
How gentleness creates space for real influence
The difference between correction and condemnation
Why your calm presence speaks louder than control
Practical ways to disciple with tenderness (even in tough moments!)
The importance of being a safe place in a noisy, critical culture
🙏 Prayer Prompt:
– Thank God for His gentle love and faithful patience with you– Ask Him to help you disciple with kindness, calm, and Spirit-led wisdom– Pray over your child—especially while they sleep
📘 Want more support?Grab Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids by Rene Christensen—perfect for parents who want to grow spiritually and lead their kids with confidence, even if they’ve never been discipled themselves.
🎧 Encouraged by this episode?Share it with another parent who needs a reminder that grace is powerful. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!
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🔗 Let’s connect:Website: trainingthemwisely.comInstagram: @trainingthemwisely
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 94 1 Grace-Filled Homes: Discipleship That Reflects God’s Love

“If you’ve ever snapped at your kids, felt overwhelmed, or wondered if you’re doing this discipleship thing right, this one’s for you.”
In this debut episode, Rene and Rebekah unpack what it means to create grace-filled homes, homes where discipleship happens through love, not lectures… through compassion, not control.
You’ll learn:💛 What biblical love actually looks like in parenting🛑 Why control can’t produce true discipleship—but compassion can🏡 How to reflect God’s love in your discipline, words, and everyday moments🛠️ Simple, practical ways to make your home a safe space for spiritual growth
🗝️ Key Scriptures:
– 1 Corinthians 13:4–7– Psalm 103:13– Ephesians 4:32– 1 John 4:19– Romans 5:8
💬 Practical Takeaways:
Slow your response—pray before reacting
Speak more encouragement than correction
Let failure be a doorway to grace, not shame
Say “I’m sorry” when you mess up—model humility
Wrap your rules in relationship
🙏 Prayer Prompt:
– Thank God for His patient, loving leadership– Ask Him for a heart of compassion toward your children– Pray for gospel-centered parenting rooted in grace
📘 Want more discipleship tools?Grab your copy of Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids by Rene Christensen—a Scripture-rich, practical resource that equips parents to grow in their own faith and guide their children at every age and stage. Available at trainingthemwisely.com and on Amazon.
🎧 Enjoyed the episode?Share it with a fellow parent and leave a 5-star review to help spread the message of grace-filled discipleship!
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🔗 Stay connected:Website: trainingthemwisely.comInstagram: @trainingthemwisely
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 93 Faith that Sticks: Building a Discipleship Legacy at Home

In today’s episode, Rene and Rebekah explore what it means to create a grace-filled home by discipling our children with compassion, not control. Parenting isn’t about producing perfect kids; it’s about pointing them to a perfect Savior.
With biblical insight and personal stories, they share how God models love, patience, and grace—and how we can reflect that same love in our parenting, even on the hardest days.
🔑 What You’ll Learn:
The difference between control and biblical love (1 Corinthians 13)
Why compassion is more effective than correction (Psalm 103:13)
How to model God’s unconditional love in everyday parenting (1 John 4:19, Romans 5:8)
Simple, practical tips to build a home rooted in grace
🛠️ Practical Tips from This Episode:
Pause and pray before responding to your child.
Speak more encouragement than correction throughout the day.
Let failure be a doorway to grace, not shame.
Say “I’m sorry” when you mess up because your humility teaches more than your perfection ever could and models God's grace.
🙏 A Word of Encouragement:
God has grace for you as a parent, too. You don’t have to get it all right, just do your best. As you rest in His love, you’ll have more to give your children. You’re not alone on this journey.
📖 Scripture Highlights:
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 – Love is patient and kind...
Psalm 103:13 – The Lord shows compassion as a father to his children...
Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other...
1 John 4:19 – We love because He first loved us.
Romans 5:8 – While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
📣 Don’t Miss This:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs the reminder that grace is the goal. Make sure to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and check out Rene’s book:
📘 Training Them Wisely: Discipling KidsA Scripture-rich resource to help parents grow in faith and lead their children well. Available at TrainingThemWisely.comand on Amazon.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 92 We're Back!

We are so excited to bring back the Training Them Wisely, Discipling Kids podcast! We took an unexpected break after a new baby, job situations, and going back to school, but we are back and can't wait to talk about family discipleship!! Listen to what we have planned for the next few months!!

Ep. 91 Discipling Older Elementary Kids

Kendra Joyner joins the podcast to discuss discipling older elementary-age kids. This is such a fun age. They have started to think more critically, can read more, and can learn so much. 
Resources for children this age:
https://www.trainingthemwisely.com/children-s-bible-studies
Foundations for Kids:
https://amzn.to/3PWA4Vi
https://amzn.to/3PTNPUL
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 90 Discipling Young Kids (Prereaders) with guest Kendra Joyner

Today we continue our series on discipling different developmental ages. How do we disciple young kids who don't read well yet? Let's talk about how to teach them about God, the Bible, prayer and more. 
Kendra Joyner joins us as our guest. 
Training Them Wisely:
https://www.trainingthemwisely.com
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D