Gratitude & Overcoming Materialism With Paul and Cindy Karos
How can we teach our children gratitude in a world that’s constantly telling them (and us) that we should always want more? In this episode, Paul and Cindy Karos return to the podcast to share practical tips and encouraging words for parents who are looking for healthy alternatives to materialism. They talk about their own experience with raising their children to value gratitude, give generously and live simply. They also answer a few listener questions and discuss how you can take a balanced approach to the coming Christmas season.|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:Today we’re talking about gratitude and materialism with Paul and Cindy Karos.Why is materialism such an issue in our culture? How do you teach your children to find “the middle way”?What are some signs that we’ve maybe lost balance?How have you taught your kids to value giving?The simpler you live, the more freedom you have.How did you approach fasting as a family? Can you share some strategies you used to teach thankfulness? Do you have any tips for approaching the Christmas season intentionally? What would you say to a parent whose child is obsessed with trendy things?Resources:Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTubeDownload this episode’s free discussion guideExplore the full library of Faithtree ResourcesGet The Encounter app“Parenting Toward the Kingdom” by Dr. Philip Mamalakis (with the new companion guide) 10 Things Every Orthodox Parent Should Know
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How Love at Home Shapes Faith That Lasts with Joe Ayoub
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
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What Success Looks Like for Orthodox Parents with Dr. Philip Mamalakis
We all want to feel like we’re doing a good job raising our kids. But what does success actually mean for Orthodox Christian parents? In this episode, Dr. Philip Mamalakis returns to the podcast to share his perspective on the long-term goals parents should focus on when raising children who know God and love the Church. He also offers some practical tips for prioritizing hard work over accolades, creating a safe space for our kids to make mistakes, and helping them find their vocation. 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:Today we’re welcoming Dr. Philip Mamalakis back to the podcast How can we define success for ourselves and our children? What have you done to raise children who’ve stayed engaged in the life of the Church?How can we avoid prioritizing accolades and achievement? What does it look like to bring the Church into the home?How can parents set realistic expectations?Why should we teach our kids to make mistakes? How can we find balance between hard work and pursuit of excellence?How do you guide your children through finding their vocations? What do you do with a child who’s struggling to tell the truth? Can you share advice for co-parents who don’t share the same beliefs?Resources:Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube Download this episode’s free discussion guideExplore the full library of Faithtree Resources Get The Encounter App“Parenting Toward the Kingdom” by Dr. Philip Mamalakis (with the new companion guide)
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Why You Should Connect Before You Correct
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
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Guiding Our Kids to Use Tech with Wisdom with Dr. Felicia Wu Song
The culture around us can make it seem like technology use is just inevitable. But as a parent, you have the power to choose what role you want technology to play in the life of your family. In this episode, Dr. Felicia Wu Song joins the podcast to share some of her best advice and encouragement for parenting in the digital age. She explains why intentionality is so important when it comes to technology and shares some practical examples of what it can look like to set healthy boundaries. She also reminds us that every family and every child is different and encourages parents to get creative and stay open to experimentation. 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:Today we’re talking with Dr. Felicia Wu Song about parenting in the digital age Why do you say that technology is not inevitable? How can parents go against the grain with technology usage? What is monotasking, and why do you recommend it? Is technology neutral? How can parents have grace for themselves as they navigate this new environment? Should we engage with technology at all? What might it look like to experiment with technology use as a family? What tools do you recommend for maintaining boundaries? Resources:Follow and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube Download this episode’s free discussion guideExplore the full library of Faithtree Resources“Restless Devices” by Dr. Felicia Wu SongDownload our guide to “Navigating the Digital Tsunami” Download The Encounter appBePresent AppBrick
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 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 deepening their knowledge and love of Christ.
Listen to Orthodox Christian Parenting, Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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