Heart Focused Parenting: Recent Episodes
Belinda Letchford
The heart-focused podcast that helps Christian parents raise their kids with faith, character, and life skills. Short encouragements, tips, and prompts to help you in your everyday interactions with your kids - always keeping in mind that the heart is more important than the behaviour. Join me every week.
In this episode, we're looking at the difference between changing a child's behaviour and simply trying to control it. I share why heart-focused parenting aims to teach children what is good, right and wise by growing in the virtues that motivate wise choices, rather than just expecting outward obedience. When children understand the values behind everyday expectations, they're better equipped to make wise choices long after we're no longer standing beside them.
Heart-focused Parenting Action Step: Choose one behaviour you want to see in your child, identify the virtue behind it, and begin talking about and practising that character trait together this week.
Read the blog here: Changing Behaviour Without Behaviour Modification
URL: https://belindaletchford.com/how-to-change-child-behaviour
Continue the conversation (3 links)
If this episode resonated with you, you're welcome to join my weekly Heart Booster emails - regular encouragements for parents who want to be intentional, relational and heart-focused.
I mentioned the episode about parental authority - you can catch up about that here. How to Use Parental Authority to Help Your Children Grow
https://belindaletchford.com/how-to-use-parental-authority-to-help-your-children-grow/
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days. Instagram.
In this episode, I unpack four healthy ways parents use their authority in family life. We look at how authority isn't meant for control or convenience, but for setting values, creating expectations, teaching and training children, and putting structures in place that help them grow in wisdom and character.
When we have a right understanding of authority and how it is used in our family, parents can give their children the direction they need without sacrificing the relationship.
Heart-focused Parenting Action Step Take a few minutes this week to reflect on what you believe about parental authority and ask whether the way you use it is helping your child grow with dignity, wisdom and responsibility.
Read the blog here: How to Use Parental Authority to Help Your Children Grow
Continue the conversation Listen to the previous podcast about our parental authority: How to Use Parental Authority Without Controlling your Kids
If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here. Parent Coaching
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days. Instagram.
Many parents step back from using authority because they don't want to be controlling. But removing authority doesn't remove responsibility. We are still responsible for our child's safety, development, and training. Authority is simply the position we hold because of that responsibility. In this episode, I talk about how we find the healthy balance of parental authority and respecting our child's personhood.
Heart-Focused Parenting Action Step Take time this week to consider how you view your authority as a parent, and whether you are using it as a responsibility to lead your child towards what is right, good, and true.
Read the blog here: How to Use Parental Authority Without Controlling your Kids (#116)
Continue the conversation If this episode resonated with you, you're welcome to join my weekly Heart Booster emails - regular encouragements for parents who want to be intentional, relational and heart-focused.
If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here. Parent Coaching
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days. Instagram.
In this episode, I talk about what letting go as a parent really means. If we understand what we are letting go of it changes everything. Letting go as a parent doesn't begin when your child leaves home - it starts much earlier, in the everyday decisions you make as they grow. This post explores how to transition from directive parenting to becoming an influence in your child's life. With practical examples and clear mindset shifts, you'll learn how to prepare your teen and yourself as your kids grow towards being an adult. Letting go isn't about losing connection or relationship - it's about changing how you let your child grow to be autonomous and self-governing.
Heart-focused Parenting Action step: Choose one area where your teen is ready to take more responsibility and take a step this week to hand it over, allowing them to carry it and learn from it.
Read the blog here: Letting Go as a Parent: It is a good thing we need to do
Continue the conversation As mentioned: Have this conversation with your adult child, especially if they are living at home. I mentioned this idea of having a transitioning conversation with your adult child so you are all on the same page - you can find that article Have This Important Conversation When Your Child Becomes An Adult
Need help? If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here. Parent Coaching
Instagram: You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days. Instagram.
What to do when your child says, "I'm bored" When a child says they're bored, it's easy to respond quickly just to stop the complaining, but this episode invites you to pause and look deeper. I share why boredom is usually not a heart issue but a lack of skills, particularly around decision-making and using their time wisely. This matters because how we respond in these moments either shuts the problem down temporarily or helps our children grow into people who can think, choose, and act responsibly on their own.
Heart-focused Parenting Action Step Pay attention to your instinctive response when your child says they're bored, and instead of reacting, prepare a simple list of options to guide them in making wise choices with their time.
Read the blog here: What to do when your child says, "I'm bored"
Don't forget to copy my list of 5 different things for your kids to choose from - copy it from the blog.
Continue the conversation If this episode resonated with you, you're welcome to join my weekly Heart Booster emails - regular encouragements for parents who want to be intentional, relational and heart-focused.
If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here. Parent Coaching
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days. Instagram.
Most sibling arguments don't start with shouting, they begin with little moments of annoyance. In this episode, I talk about what I call "the Niggles," those early signs that relationships between siblings are starting to unravel. I share how parents can notice these moments early and guide their children to pause, adjust their attitude, and take responsibility for their responses before conflict grows.
Heart-Focused Parenting Action Step This week, pay attention to the early moments of irritation in your home and gently help your children notice them so they can adjust their attitude before an argument begins.
Read the blog here: How to Help Kids Handle Sibling Conflict Before It Turns into a Fight
Continue the conversation If this episode resonated with you, you might also find my Siblings Can Be Friends Parenting Class helpful.
In this free video class I share practical ways parents can shape the relationship between their children, and help siblings learn how to live well with each other. The class is available inside the Heart Booster Hub for subscribers.
š Access the class here: Siblings Can Be Friends (parenting class)
If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here. Parent Coaching
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days. Instagram.
In this episode, I reflect on Colossians 3:12ā14 and how these verses shape the way we should relate to our spouse. Rather than focusing on romance or shared interests, we look at the daily habits of compassion, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love that actually strengthen a marriage over time. This matters for for our own sake but also as parents, because the health of our marriage forms the emotional and spiritual environment our children grow up in.
Heart-focused Action Step - for your Marriage: Ask God to show you which attitude from Colossians 3 you need to "put on" in your marriage this week, and practise responding with that one intentionally.
Read the blog here: How to Strengthen Your Marriage According to the Bible
Recommended Resources on Marriage, Forgiveness & Boundaries If you are navigating a healthy marriage and want to strengthen it biblically, or if you are working through more complex challenges like forgiveness, emotional harm, or boundaries, here are a few trusted resources I often recommend.
š Expedition Marriage: Chris Bailey & Jamie Bailey Chris and Jamie encourage couples to build resilience and spiritual unity, offering a practical framework for strengthening marriage over the long haul.
https://expeditionmarriage.org/
š Leslie Vernick Leslie offers biblically grounded and psychologically wise guidance for women navigating difficult or destructive marriages. Her teaching helps clarify the difference between normal relational struggles and harmful patterns, while encouraging healthy boundaries.
https://leslievernick.com
š Lysa TerKeurst Through her writing and leadership at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa ministers to women walking through the painful complexities of marriage and relationships. Her work addresses forgiveness, boundaries, betrayal, and emotional healing with biblical honesty and compassion.
https://lysaterkeurst.com/
In this episode, I talk about a simple way to correct your child without overreacting or letting things slide. I explain how small, consistent verbal reminders act like course corrections, helping children adjust their behaviour before it becomes a habit. This matters because what we allow becomes normal in our homes, and small choices shape long-term character in our child's life.
In This Episode
- Why behaviours that seem to appear "suddenly" have usually developed gradually
- How what we accept becomes our child's norm
- The difference between correction and punishment
- The idea of correction as a course correction, not a big reaction
- How children learn something from every response we give
- Practical examples of simple verbal reminders
Heart-Focused Parenting Action Step
Over the next 24 hours, choose one behaviour you've been overlooking and prepare a simple verbal reminder you will consistently use to help your child adjust and practise doing what is right.
Read the blog here: Verbal Reminders are a Simple way to Correct your Child
Continue the conversation If this episode resonated with you, you're welcome to join my weekly Heart Booster emails - regular encouragements for parents who want to be intentional, relational and heart-focused.
If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here. Parent Coaching
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days. Instagram.
How to Teach Your Children a Daily Quiet Time with God Teaching children to have a daily quiet time with God is about helping your child grow in their relationship with Jesus. In this episode Belinda shares how she moved from modeling a Quiet Time to teaching how to have a Devotional time - helping her kids respond to God when they were ready and interested in doing so.
In this Episode: * What a daily Quiet time is for - and what it isn't * How to model this aspect of being a Christian to your children * How to recognise when your child is ready for personal devotions * What it looks like to teach your children how to have a Quiet Time
Heart-focused Parenting Action step: Ask yourself, How can I help my child grow in their relationship with Jesus?
And
Am I available to do that with them?
Read the blog here: How to Teach Your Children a Daily Quiet Time with God
Continue the conversation If you'd like more ways to help your children in their faith journey you can sign up to Heart Booster Hub and watch the replay of 4 ways to Encourage your Child's Faith.
If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here. Parent Coaching
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days. Instagram.
How can you have a life and be a full-time mum at the same time. Being a mum is important but it isn't your only role nor does it completely define you. Belinda reflects on 6 things she taught her kids that ended up giving her time to do the other things that were important to her.
Read the blog here: How I Had A Full Life As Well As Being A Full-Time Mum
Extra Mention:
How to teach your child anything - 4 Training Stages to be an Effective Parent
GROW as a Heart-Focused Parent: Join Heart Boosters
Each week you'll receive practical insights and encouragement to disciple your children's hearts, plus free access to my Resource Library with extra tools and printables.
PRIVATE COACHING:
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Sometimes we say all the right things as parents - yet nothing changes. Our kids tune out, we repeat ourselves, and then we get frustrated. This episode digs into why our words lose their influence and how a few simple steps of follow-through can bring real change to your family.
Read the blog here: The Real Reason Kids Tune Out And How To Fix It
Grow as a Heart-Focused Parent: Join Heart Boosters
Each week you'll receive practical insights and encouragement to disciple your children's hearts, plus free access to my Resource Library with extra tools and printables.
PRIVATE COACHING:
Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
FOLLOW BELINDA
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
In this episode of Heart-Focused Parenting, I share how family travel offers the perfect opportunity to grow character in our kids (and of course, ourselves as well!) Drawing from our recent trip to France, I started to think of four key virtues that make travelling with children easier: patience, flexibility, self-control, and responsibility. With practical examples and heart-focused ideas, I encourage parents to start teaching and practising these traits at home before the suitcases come out, helping kids respond wisely to new situations, changes, and challenges while keeping relationships strong both at home and out and about.
Read the blog here: How to Prepare for Family Travel With These 4 Virtues (#107)
Free bonus: Prepare a Heart-focused Christmas (Free short email course)
To create a Christmas that is both enjoyable and makes an impact on your child's heart doesn't just happen - you have to make it happen. Start thinking about this now.
Private Coaching: Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
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Website: belindaletchford.com
Parenting can so easily become all about behaviour. We hear ourselves all day saying things like - āStop that, do this, donāt forget.ā But as Christian parents, we want our kids to know God personally, not just know the rules. So in this episode, I want to talk about how we can use those everyday moments when our kids need correction to disciple their hearts because we want our kids to know Godās love not just obey His rules.
Read the blog here: Christian Parents are you focused on Correction or Introducing Jesus?
Grow as a Heart-Focused Parent: Join Heart Boosters
Each week youāll receive practical insights and encouragement to disciple your childrenās hearts, plus free access to my Resource Library with extra tools and printables.
PRIVATE COACHING:
Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
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On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
This episode explores the hidden pressures shaping modern motherhood and why so many mums feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, and exhausted - and then I share 3 lessons I learnt back in the day, that are still helpful for today.
Read on the blog too: Why Modern Motherhood Feels So Exhaustingāand What You Can Do About It
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PRIVATE COACHING: Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Praying out loud doesnāt come naturally to every child ā but itās a skill that can be learned in a safe, loving environment. In this episode, I share practical, age-appropriate strategies to help your kids grow comfortable talking to God in their own words. From modeling everyday prayer, to using the A-C-T-S framework, to preparing them with conversation starters, youāll learn how to guide them in both group and one-on-one settings. More than just words, itās about building their confidence in prayer and deepening their relationship with their Heavenly Father.
Read the blog here: Teaching Kids to Pray Out Loud: Practical Tips for Parents
FREE PARENTING SUPPORT: Join HEART-BOOSTERS
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
PRIVATE COACHING:
Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
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Substack: Belinda Letchford/A heart-focused Life
Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Iāve had a few strong-willed kids, or strong-willed moments, and what I learnt was first, staying calm is important, and secondly, I am not calm because my child does well, I am calm because of the work done inside of me. We can be calm even if our kids' behaviour is creating havoc!! It starts with a shift in us (the parents) - in how we think, what we expect, and what we believe about our role as parents.
Read or Listen: How To Stay Calm: 3 Essential Mindset Shifts For Christian Parents
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
PRIVATE COACHING:
Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
FOLLOW BELINDA
On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Substack: Belinda Letchford/A heart-focused Life
As a mum of four (now grown), Iāve had plenty of moments where I felt like my kids just werenāt listening. Iād give a clear instruction, and it would feel like it disappeared into thin air. Sound familiar?
What I learned back in the day was that obedience doesnāt begin when a child does the task. It begins when they stop, turn, and receive the instruction. That little moment of readiness is the foundation for everything that follows.
Let's talk about the Attitude of Readiness...
Read it here: The Attitude of Readiness is more Important than Obedience
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
PRIVATE COACHING:
Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
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On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
3 core words you will hear me say often about parenting is to be intentional, relational and heart-focused. But if youāre new here, you might be wondering what those words actually mean. If youāve been around for a while, now is a good time for a refresher. Thereās so much parenting information and advice out there - it is easy to feel overwhelmed and pulled in different directions. Which is why it is so important to come back to your foundation: to know what you believe and how you want to show up as a parent. For me that meant being intentional, relational and heart-focused, so today Iām sharing what those words mean, and how they shape everything about how you do family life.
Read the blog here: How To Parent With Connection And Purpose: A Framework That Works (#101)
Learn more with free email course - 3 Proven Steps to Transform your Parenting Today. Receive a short email every day, for 4 days, that gives you more details on being Intentional, Relational and Heart-focused, as well as a worksheet to help you process and apply.
Take the first steps to respond with purpose, rebuild connection and parent with wisdom and love. Read more here.
PRIVATE COACHING: Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Belinda and her husband Peter, along with their daughter Jessica, celebrate the 100th episode of the podcast "Heart-Focused Parenting" by discussing their family's journey of intentional living and their shared faith values. They explored how their farming backgrounds and spiritual beliefs brought them together, and shared their experiences of moving to a remote area in Northwestern Australia while maintaining their family values and community connections. The episode concluded with reflections on their parenting approach, educational choices, and the importance of balancing intentionality with healthy relationships. We hope you enjoy our conversation.
Extra Mention: Create a Family Vision Unique to your Family and
Download your Family Vision Starter Kit here.
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
My weekly email digs deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic of the current podcast so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
PRIVATE COACHING:
Get one-to-one help with coaching - via Zoom. Book your call today. $30/session. Read more here
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Discover what it means to embrace heart-focused homeschoolingāa mindset shift for Christian parents who want to shape character, faith, and values.
Read it here:
Heart-Focused Homeschooling: A Mindset Shift for Christian Parents
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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Get one-to-one help with coaching. see details
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
If my kids grow up and remember me only for being a good cook and having a clean kitchen... well, I think Iāll have missed something pretty important!
Motherhood isnāt just about managing life and doing all the things ā itās about shaping hearts, including our own.
Today on the podcast, Iām talking about the deeper story weāre writing as Christian mums ā and five priorities that matter far more than a tidy house or a full schedule. Grab your coffee (or your laundry basket!) and letās dive in.
Read the blog here: What type of Mum Do You Want to Be?
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
FOLLOW BELINDA
On Instagram: @belindaletchford
On Facebook: facebook.com/heartfocusparenting
Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Today, we are going to talk about a parenting habit that we rarely notice. If we donāt notice it, we canāt do anything about it. We have this tendency to lean into depending on our eldest child to do things, because it is faster and quicker and less frustrating. The reality is though, it is holding back our youngest kids, and at the same time, not doing any favours for our oldest either. So today I have some ideas to help us parent multiple ages and to parent in a way that benefits all our kids, not just our oldest, and not just the youngest.
Read it here: How To Parent Multiple kids of Different Ages
Extra Mention:
How to make Training a part of your Heart-focused Parenting: āHow many times do I have to tell you!ā is something I think nearly every parent has exclaimed. Unfortunately, the obvious answer is, āUntil I get it!ā but no child is ever quick enough to utter those words. But that is the truth; we need to keep telling our kids until they get it. The problem is though, that we only tell our children where the Bible clearly instructs us to train our children. Letās look at what training means in a parenting context.
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
It doesn't matter how intentional we intend to be - or think we are - there comes a moment when we suddenly realise things arenāt how we want them to be. This can happen in any area of parenting. One such situation is you suddenly realise your child spends too much time watching a screen.
I know that a big issue is teens on social media but thatās not what Iām specifically talking about today. Today I want to talk more about younger kids and TV, streaming shows, youtube, movies and maybe even gaming - that kind of entertainment. Letās just call it screen time. You might find some helpful ideas here to help with your teen managing their phones and social media - but thatās not the problem Iām specifically thinking about today.
Listen in or read over on the blog: How To Reset Your Child's Screen Time
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here. Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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Email Belinda: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Please leave a comment and let me know how this podcast or episode has helped you in your parenting.
Ever had one of those moments where your child walks in the door, and within minutes, you can tell something is off? Maybe theyāre short-tempered, suddenly disrespectful, or acting way too cool for the family rules. Youāre left wondering, What happened?! And more importantly how to deal with it! Todayās episode Iām breaking down what is really going on and how to handle it without becoming confrontational yourself. Youāll be able to deal with your childās attitudes with confidence.
Read it on the blog: How To Help Your Child Realign Their Heart After Being With Friends
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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Email: belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Please leave a comment and let me know how this podcast or episode has helped you in your parenting.
Do you have a vision for what you want your family life to be like? Do you have a vision for what you want your child to be like? We can just do parenting off the cuff or we can ask these important questions. Why are you parenting - or what are you parenting towards? Iām not talking about your kids career choices, or their personality but rather the values that they build their life on - do you know what you want that aspect to look like? Often parents say - I want my child to be honest, a hard worker, kind to people, I want them to look after the environment, to manage their money well, to be happy in their own skin. Each one of those things reflects something we (as a parent) hold as important and when we can articulate them as our goal or vision we can then intentionally teach those things to our kids and help them grow in those areas. But how do we do that in our busy life? Iāve got three ways I want to share with you today.
Extras:
Listen to episode on Creating a Family Vision Statement
Get your Family Vision Starter Kit
Get your Heart Booster Library Pass to download Reminder Posters
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Email Belinda (at) belindaletchford.com
Website: belindaletchford.com
Welcome to today's episode, where we are looking at how our words and actions affect our children's hearts? Are we nurturing them or unknowingly creating a disconnect? We are going to start off by looking at Colossians 3:21 By obeying this verse - which calls us to not provoke our children to wrath (which is a commonly known translation). So how do we do that? I have 6 simple ideas that will help you encourage rather than discourage your child - TBH - they are simple to talk about, but harder to implement - which makes them all the more important for us to think about and check how we are doing. Whether you're looking for reassurance or new strategies, this episode offers both hope and practical insights.
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Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. It really is just an email from my heart each week. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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Website: belindaletchford.com
Please leave a comment and let me know how this podcast or episode has helped you in your parenting.
Welcome back to the Heart-focused Parenting podcast after a month or so off over Christmas and the New Year as I caught up with family and had some rest time. We are back into the year - episode 91. And we are kicking off with a topic that many of us face daily - the temptation to compare ourselves to other parents. Whether you are scrolling on social media or watching your kids at the park, or doing the grocery shop it feels like everyone else has it all together while you are just trying to make it through the day! Let me just say up front - this is not true - but keep listening as I share a few ideas to help you deal with the comparison trap - because it is a trap.
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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Please leave a review and let me know how this podcast or episode has helped you in your parenting.
Itās hard to believe, but Christmas is just around the corner! Todayās episode is packed with tips to help you get through the Christmas season in a way that reflects your familyās values and faith. This will also be the last episode for a few months as I take a short break, so I do wish you a merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, but most of all I pray that you will continue to raise your kids to love Jesus and that you will parent in ways that honours God. So letās get started - I have 5 random thoughts for you today - hopefully youāll find them good tips!
If you want to read this episode: 5 Tips to Make This Christmas the Best Yet (#91)
Get your copy of Family, Faith and Fun Advent Guide for simple heart-focused Christmas activities - minimal prep. here
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
FOLLOW BELINDA
On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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Website: belindaletchford.com
Please leave a comment and let me know how this podcast or episode has helped you in your parenting.
Parenting often feels like a constant roll of reminders, prompts, and, yes, even nagging. But what dowe do if the constant correction (that we feel caught up in) isnāt actually changing anything? Often the real issue is that your kids donāt know why youāre telling them to do these things? Join me as we talk about how sharing your thought process changes how kids learn and grow into moral maturity.
Read blog post here
Episode mentioned in this episode: How to Make Training a Part of your Heart-focused Parenting
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Heart Boosters is a weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus parenting topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
So, be honestāhave you ever said, āThis Christmas will be different!ā only to find yourself drowning in wrapping paper and Pinterest ideas by December 10th? Yeah, weāve all been there. But what if it really could be different this year? In todayās episode, weāre chatting about how to swap stress for connection, busyness for peace, and make space for the things that matter most. No magic wands requiredājust a few intentional shifts that will leave you enjoying Christmas with a lighter heart. Sound good? Letās get started!
Sign up for Heart Booster: 6 Days to Create a Heart-focused Christmas: Christmas doesn't just happen especially if you want to use this time to teach your children about Jesus. You have to make it happen. This should email course will help you decide why and how you are going to make Christmas special this year.
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Ever felt like your carefully planned day just unraveled before your eyes? The meltdown you didnāt schedule happens, your plans fall apart, and youāre left wonderingāhow do I keep my cool and still parent well? In todayās episode, weāre talking about managing lifeās interruptions with a heart-focused mindset. Iāll share how a simple shift in perspective can help you stay grounded and guide your child through their strugglesāwithout losing sight of what really matters - which is your childās heart.
#88: A Simple Mindset Shift That Helps Parents Prioritise Their Child's Heart
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Are you tired of feeling like a broken record, constantly telling your kids to 'stop' doing this and 'stop' doing that? Today, Iām sharing a heart-focused parenting strategy that helps you parent the heart, helps keep the temperature down in your family dynamics, and helps your child learn to do the right thing. A win-win idea I reckon!! Iād love to hear from you if you start practicing this idea - let me know how it goes for you!
Read the blog version here
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Today, weāre diving into that all-too-familiar feeling of wanting patienceāand wanting it, right now! But hereās the thing, patience is a muscle we have to build. Stick around, because in this episode, weāre talking about practical ways to strengthen that āpatience muscleā and why itās so important for heart-focused parenting.
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Welcome back to the podcast! Today, Iām talking about a challenge every parent faces at some point - raising kids who can solve their own problems with willingness and confidence. Maybe youāve felt the frustration of always being on call, being needed to fix everything when things donāt go your childās way. Or perhaps youāve wondered how to equip your child to navigate lifeās bumps without you always holding their hand. Thatās what we are going to talk about today - raising kids who are problem solvers.
Link to Growth Mindset blog
Email me here if you started to encourage your kids to be problem-solvers
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Do you ever catch yourself making excuses about your childās behaviour that you know deep down just arenāt helping? Itās a common struggle. This episode might be a bit uncomfortable because Iām going to highlight 4 excuses we all make and why they might be more harmful than you think. Actually, you may not even know you make these excuses - but once you listen in and hear me say them, youāll start hearing them in what you say throughout the day. Of course, I donāt just want to call you out on this - we all do it, I did it - but hearing ourselves, is the first step in knowing we have to make change. And as I always say - heart-focused parenting is about us the parents doing the heart work - first in us, and then in our kids. So listen in - and see if you recognise any of these excuses.
LINKS Mentioned in this Episode How to Make Training a part of your Heart-focused Parenting
Free Excuse Busting Bonus: Sign up for this free Heart Booster
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83: Here is something that we donāt talk about enough: forgiveness as a parent. It is important to get your heart to a place of forgiveness before you deal with any heart or behavioural issue from your child. Forgiving is hard - especially when our child keeps doing the same thing over and over - but if we have unforgiveness in our heart - we wonāt be able to reach their heart.
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82: How To Handle Interruptions As A Parent With Heart-focused Results
Do you get interrupted throughout the day? Your day starts off with the best of intentions, a plan for the day, a realistic to-do list, and then life happens. I learned pretty quickly as a parent that my plans needed to be flexible. Kids seem to have their own agendas, their own needs and emotions that pop up at the most inconvenient times.
In today's episode, I want to talk about those interruptions ā those moments when our kids throw a firecracker in our perfectly planned day. Because these interruptions do happen so often, we really should have a clear understanding of what is going on and how we are going to deal with them.
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81: Growing in Faith Through Parenting
Ever feel like there's no time for you to grow spiritually because you're always busy with the kids? In this episode, I look at this a different way because the truth is being a parent can actually help you grow closer to God. As we deal with all the busy and all the exhaustion we can try and do it on our own, or we can press into God. The thing is - the more we depend on God the more like Christ we become - and that, as weāll find out is Godās purpose. Tune in to find out how you can strengthen your faith and become more and more like Christ - because you are a parent, not inspite of it!
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Download Heart Booster Reminder Posters - a set of posters to print out and have on your wall to remind you to be intentional, relational and heart focused. Download here
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80: How to be a Consistent Parent without the Guilt
We all know it ā Being consistent is important as a parent. But we also know it is one of the biggest challenges we face ā and it is one of the biggest guilts we deal with. But what does consistency look like? We tend to see it as being 100 percent the same ā always; but, that can look like legalism or being authoritarian. Out of reaction, we swing the pendulum the other way ā and find ourselves inconsistent! There has to be a balance, a middle road somewhere that makes consistency doable without the guilt of being human.
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Download Heart Booster Reminder Posters - a set of posters to print out and have on your wall to remind you to be intentional, relational and heart-focused. Download here
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79 How To Help Your Children Do The Right Thing: My goal as a Christian parent was to raise children who loved God, loved others and who were able to make wise choices as they lived in their community using their passions and talents to be a blessing to others. Sounds good on paper - but how do we raise our kids to do the right thing - to even know what the right thing is and then to have the strength of character to do it? In this episode I talk about 4 practical things we can do that will help our children do the right thing. When you start adding these heart-focused parenting strategies to your parenting toolbox you are laying the groundwork for your kids to be able to step up with integrity and responsibility.
For full transcript: How to Help your Child do the Right Thing
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78: Discipline is a big topic - and one that sparks lots of intense feelings. I thought it time to address what I believe about discipline because we use a word - and it may not mean what you think it means. Or at least you may not know what I mean when I use the word. Discipline is understood to be a big part of parenting - if we do it wrong it really does hurt our children - and I donāt mean just physically but emotionally, relationally and even spiritually. This is an area you really have to think about and not just do whatever. We must be intentional when it comes to discipline.
For full transcript: How to Discipline Your Child And Stay Heart-focused?
Coaching:
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77: If you have older teens, or young adults living at home then you want to listen in today as I talk about a key parenting strategy that will help your young adult child move into adulthood well, but it will also help you make the transitions you need to as a parent. If your young adult is living at home you need to have what I call a Rites of Passage conversation. Listen in as I explain it and give you the words to say.
Transcript: Have This Important Conversation When Your Child Becomes An Adult
This conversation will help you navigate chages in parent-child dynamics when your child becomes an adult.
Further Reading/Listening:
Supporting your Teen and Young Adult Children as a Mentor: Parenting changes and becomes more like mentoring as our children grow older and become teens and young adults. Are you making the shift?
Coaching:
Get one-to-one help with coaching. Start with a free Jumpstart session see details
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76: Today we're talking about three words that changed my parenting: love, mercy, and grace. As Christian parents, we are probably very familiar with those words. But do we let them change how we parent?
For full transcript: 3 Words that Changed my Parenting
Further Listening
What does it Mean to be a Christian Parent: The truth about Christian parenting isnāt in the things we teach our kids but rather in how we respond. Do we respond as followers of Christ?
Pursue Peace in Your Heart and Home: When we pursue the things of peace, our choices reflect Christ's righteousness and our right standing with Jesus, brings joy and peace every day.
How to be Calm, Gentle and Positive Towards your Children Every Day: 5 keys mindsets for parents to be calm, gentle and positive. When you change your beliefs you change your actions. You can be a gentle and positive parent.
Coaching:
Get one-to-one help with coaching. Start with a free Jumpstart session see details
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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75: Feelings of inadequacy can stop Christians from sharing gospel with children. Learn to distinguish conviction from condemnation and how to be in a place where you can confidently talk to your kids about Jesus.
For full transcript: Iām a Christian, but feel Inadequate to talk to my Children about Jesus
Further Listening:
- Jesus is our Example as we Disciple our Kids: Jesus gave us the 'Great Commission' and that includes our children.
- Our Children need to Meet Jesus - and We Should Make the Introduction: As Christian parents we want our children to love Jesus and follow Godās word so we have to be wise in how we teach our children about sin and mercy and grace.
Coaching:
Get one-to-one help with coaching. Start with a free Jumpstart session see details
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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Are you tired of feeling like you have to do it all to be a "good Christian family"? We are very quick to judge ourselves as not doing the right things, or not doing enough things to be a good Christian family. This is a false standard. What is a good Christian family anyway! Our goal should be to create a space where our children grow in their faith and in their confidence to be who God made them be, our goal needs to be peace and harmony in our home - not just copying what other Christian families do. When we know what is important to us, we can find the right way to make that happen in our family. But we have to remember, every family is different. And trying to keep up with the Christian Jonesās is never going to work!
For full transcript: Stop Doing All the Things Good Christian Families are Doing
Further Listening:
- 10 Ways Parents make Parenting Hard - Harder than I has to be: We can make it harder than it has to be by the habits we get caught up with but you can catch yourself and start responding differently.
- Pursue Peace in your Heart and Home, and have a Good Day: When we pursue the things of peace, our choices reflect Christās righteousness; our right standing with Jesus, brings joy and peace every day.
- 3 Little Changes that will make a Big Difference in your Family Life: Sometimes it is the little things that we can change in our family or parenting that will make the biggest difference.
Coaching:
Get one-to-one help with coaching. Start with a free Jumpstart session see details
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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73 As Christian parents, we all want our kids to know Jesus - and Easter is a time to create meaningful spiritual moments for our children, but we often get overwhelmed by chocolate and other things. In this episode, Iām talking about the importance of planning how you will approach Easter with intentionality and faith so that your children can grow in their knowledge and faith of Jesus Christ and all He has done for them. As an intentional parent - you need to start thinking about this now.
For full transcript: Preparing Your Family for a Faith-Centered Easter Celebration
Free Download: Easter Heart Booster (Jelly Bean Story and Easter Faith based prompts)
Further Listening/Reading:
Celebrating Easter is about Jesus - are you Ready to Talk to your Kids? (podcast/blog)
Our Children need to Meet Jesus - and We Should Make the Introduction (podcast/blog)
Easter Lessons for Older kids (blog only)
Coaching:
Get one-to-one help with coaching. Start with a free Jumpstart session see details
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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72: We all dream of a family home overflowing with love, laughter, and fun. And yet the reality is daily chaos and trying to balance all the things we have to do along with teaching and training our kids! This week Iām sharing a journaling moment that changed my heart, changed my perspective which in turn changed our family - way back when my kids were little. I donāt know about you but for me the Holy Spirit has a way of taking a Bible verse that I am very familiar with and making me really think about it, and and question whether I am living it out. Thatās is what Iām talking about this week. A Bible verse that changed how I engaged with my kids. Listen in.
For full transcript: Parents are you Cultivating a Family Culture of Love and Caring?
Further Listening:
Building a Relaitonship with your Child will Lead to Friendship Later: It is important not to get relationship and friendship mixed up as we parent our children. We start with a relationship and enjoy friendship later on.
Being a Good Mum isn't about Getting Everything Done Today: A busy mum tries to do all the things and finds she canāt. Follow these 5 principles and find balance so you can focus on what is important.
Five Things Parents can do to Help their Child Feel Secure: When our children feel secure they are more confident to engage with their world - learning and growing as they do.
Coaching:
Get one-to-one help with coaching. Start with a free Jumpstart session see details
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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71: Social media is here to stay so it is something that we as parents have to get our head around. To be honest, regardless of what you think about social media, there is every likelihood that your teen will think something different. How are you going to prepare them to walk wisely? This whole topic is huge and can be daunting. In this epiosode Iām talking about ways that help you navigate from a heart-focus perspective. Regardless of how old your kids are - social media is something you are going to have to think about so I hope you find this episode helpful as you establish your family guidelines for online interactions - and in particular social media.
Full Transcript: The Most Important Thing For Parents to get Right when their Teens want Social Media
Further Listening:
- Online Technology & Social Media are not the Real Problem for our Kids
- How to Help Adult Children Living at Home with Screen Time Habits
- Supporting your Teen and Young Adult Children as a Mentor
Coaching:
Get one-to-one help with coaching. Start with a free Jumpstart session see details
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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70: 10 practical steps for intentional, relational, heart-focused christian parenting that you can start implementing today.
I know that it is hard to stay intentional in the middle of all the chaos that happens in family life - but ironically intentionality is the key to overcoming the chaos. Not aiming for perfect, but aiming to live life with purpose and in ways that honour and obey God. When we tackle one thing at a time, with intention, change can happen.
This episode is kind of like a summary of 10 things that I feel we did well and that influenced the outcomes of our family life - its a bit longer than usual, but I hope you find it helpful and find something in all this that you can start doing in your family.
Links to Resources: Full Transcript / Blog: 10 Things we Did as Intentional Parents, that Made our Family
Signup to Heart Boosters (free): weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support materials.
Other helpful episodes
- Top Tip for Parenting the Heart ā In Any Situation
- Create a Family Vision Unique to Your Family
- 10 Ways Parents Make Parenting Hard ā Harder than it has to be!
- Know how to Help your Child Grow with an Intentional Plan
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69: It is about this time of the year that I start going through a mental wrap up. The end of the year is close, Christmas is pretty much sorted, and now my mind goes to planning next year. And weāll start to see a whole pile of whoo-ha about setting goals on our socials. How do you feel about that? Does this make you groan, knowing everyone is going to be talking about setting goals, but they just donāt work for you - you know it - and yet it seems like they should work for you but truth be told, youāve been setting the same goals for years and not really getting anywhere.
Something has to change! Listen in as I talk about the importance of goals (the right goals), and how to make them work for you - even when you are a busy, tired and overwhelmed Mum.
FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: How to set goals as a Busy, Tired, Overwhelmed Mum
Goals-setting for busy mums can be soul-destroying. Instead follow my heart-focused approach for life-changing goals & self-improvement.
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68 Thinking back over Christmases Past have you ever felt like you're juggling Christmas chaos, traditions and decorations and invitations - and your childrenās behaviour! In the middle of all that chaos going on you just wish your kids had a different attitude and be making different choices. Today Iām sharing 3 character traits that could totally spoil your christmas vibes if you arenāt careful. The reason why Iām talking about these 3 character traits is so you can identify the biggest one for your family and start addressing it now - a few weeks before Christmas. Listen inā¦. 3 Character Issues you donāt want to spoil your Christmas
FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: 3 Character Issues you Donāt Want to Spoil Your Christmas
Addressing these 3 character issues before Christmas will help your children do well at Christmas time. Be a heart-focused parent even in a busy time of year. >>>Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
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67ā¦I want to end the year well - donāt you? And yet it is so busy, here in Australia we have the end of school, and with that comes concerts, and graduations, and parties. We have Christmas - and all that comes with that. A lot of people head off on holidays to catch up with family or just visit somewhere new. It is a crazy busy time of year. Oh yeah, and while all this happens, we still have to parent. We still need to be intentional, relational, and heart-focused parents. So how do we stay connected with our kids, doing the important things, doing these fun things, and these things that build memories and not be distracted? That is what Iām talking about today - how to be fully present at this time of the year.
FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: How to be Fully Present in December as You Plan Christmas
Prepare for Christmas and be a fully present parent with these practical tips. Useful for end-of-year madness too.
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66 ..Having time for a Christmas Bible study ā that the whole family can do together is one way to keep Christmas about Jesus and to make it heart-focused. And yet ironically, or unfortunately, it is something that we often push to the side, and regret later that we didnāt do something more specific about Jesus this year! Today Iām sharing some tips on finding a bible study that will help you focus on Jesus, but also some ideas, that if you have left it to the last minute there are some things that you can do - pretty much by the seat of your pants, on the run, and yet, still focus on Jesus. Listen in!
FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: Christmas Bible Study Ideas for the Whole Family
Doing a Family Bible Study at Christmas time is one way to keep Jesus in Christmas even if it is last minute.
BUY: Family Faith and Fun Advent Guide: These prompts help you focus on Jesus, being a blessing to others and having fun as a family.
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65 This week my one of my daughters shared her testimony at her mid-week Bible study which got me to thinking about the benefit of parents sharing their testimonies or God stories with their children. Listen in as I share some of my reflections this week.
FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: Do you talk about your Faith and Share your Testimonies with your kids
Christian parents nurture their kids faith when they share their authentic testimonies and stories of what God has done in their life.
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass for bonus printables and support material.
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64 This weekās episode is titled: Preparing for Christmas - and yes, itās that time again! I want to encourage you to start planning for Christmas early (and if you arenāt celebrating - listen to the first little bit cause thereās something you need to start thinking about too!) For those who are celebrating - if we want to be intentional, relational, and heart focused we need to start planning now. Today Iām sharing three different things for you to consider before it gets too close to December.
FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: Preparing for Christmas (Yes, its that time again)
Start planning for Christmas now so you can create a celebration that touches your child's heart and nurtures relationships. Make Christmas meaningful and memorable for your family this year.
Extra Listening or Reading: Episode #24 Growing our Children's Faith at Christmas Time
Because Jesus is the reason for Christmas it is a good time to teach our children about Jesus and grow their faith.
Free Christmas Course: 6 Days to a Heart-focused Christmas
Create a Christmas celebration for your family that addresses the heart but a Christmas like that won't just happen - you have to plan for it and put in the work.
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63 My mum used to talk about the little man sitting on my shoulder making me uncomfortable if I did something wrong, or was about to. This was my conscience.
I define the conscience as the work of the heart telling me when my choices are about to go against what I believe is right.
We need to teach our children about their conscience. We need to teach them to listen to it.
This is what Iām talking about t his week - as I ask the question - Do your Kids listen to that inner voice of their Heart?"
FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: Do your Kids Listen to that Inner Voice of their Heart?
When our children know how to listen to the voice in their heart - their conscience - before they act - they will start to make wise choices.
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62 Are you caught in the comparison trap, constantly measuring what happens in your family against others? That is not helpful and it needs to stop. This week Iām talking about living by our priorities as a parent - we canāt do it all, letās just be honest - and instead work out what is important and put our full efforts into that! I really want parents to create a fulfilling family life - and for that to happen you have to let some things go and hold onto other things. Letās talk this issue some moreā¦ >>>FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: You can't do it all - No-one can - So Stop Comparing
When parents live by their values and priorities they create a fulfilling family life instead of one driven by comparison and judgement.
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61 Do you ever get frustrated when your kids just step over stuff and seemingly don't notice the mess? It doesnāt matter how long something is on the floor or left undone, theyāll just leave it there. It's as if they have a unique ability to ignore clutter. Well, you're not alone! In today's episode, I want to share what I did, back in the day, when I decided something needed to be done about this. I reckon these strategies will work for you tooā¦ >>>FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: Are your Kids Domestically Blind? Do they just not see the mess?
Though it is frustrating when our kids donāt see the mess in front of them -I call it domestic blindness. We can teach them to see it and do their chores better.
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60: As a Christian parent one of my strongest desires was for my children to know, love and obey God. I knew that as their parent, I was called to disciple them. So like we all do these days - we look for information, for the right information, for good information; resources that I could use to teach my children about God. And yet time after time, God showed me that the best way to make my kids think about Him was to talk straight from the heart. Letās talk about thatā¦
FULL TRANSCRIPT/BLOG: When you Teach Bible from your Heart, you Impact your Child's Heart
Teaching Bible to Children has the deepest impact when you teach from your heart and your personal faith journey, not just from a Bible curriculum.
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59 Though we all have many different reasons why we homeschool and how we homeschool I think there would be a common thread that we all want our kids to learn. We may differ on the what to learn and the how to learn - but we want our kids to learn. So when they start being really disinterested regardless of what we put in front of them it is a concern. I homeschooled 4 kids, from prep to year 12 - where each of my children are different in their abilities, their interests and the way they approach learning. And we certainly faced seasons where they just werenāt interested. Today Iām sharing some teaching methods and strategies that helped me keep our homeschooling going even when the kids were not that interested. >>>FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: Helping a Homeschool Student move from Un-engaged to a Love of Learning
Discover how to rekindle your childās love of learning when they become unengaged and disinterested in homeschool lessons. >>>Deschooling Workshop: Create the Homeschool you want for your family by deschooling before you homeschool. (Helpful for new homeschoolers and overwhelmed homeschoolers) Sign up here
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58: Listening to our teenagers having different opinions is challenging but it helps them clarify their beliefs and it strengthens your relationship, in fact it is an important heart-focused parenting practice. We must give our teenagers a voice (doesn't mean they are right, or don't have to learn more - but they do need to be able to speak it out.) >>>FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: Do you Allow your Teenager to Express an Opinion when it Differs from Yours?
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57: Sometimes it is the little things that go under the radar that we should be really concerned about as we parent our children. We tend to deal with the in-your-face arguments, temper tantrums, out and out lying, but attitude, now that is another thing. Attitudes are hard to define; they are hard to put a finger on. But if we donāt deal with the attitudes (what is in the heart) then we will only deal with external behaviours ā and our child will never learn and grow. So that is what we are talking about today, what is attitude and how do we deal with it as a heart-focused parent.
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: Being a Christian Parent and Addressing your Children's Bad Attitudes
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56 How do we know that our child is growing spiritually? It is the parentsā privilege to disciple their child as a new Christian but don't make the mistake of making it about them doing all the good Christian things. >>>FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: How to know if your Child is Growing Spiritually
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55: Looking back over our 20 years of homeschooling I share these 5 top lessons for homeschooling highschool. Highschool is about more than book learning. It starts with knowing your why - why are you homeschooling highschool and then are you making choices that will help you and your child reach that purpose and vision? >>>FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: Top 5 Lessons I taught in Homeschooling Highschool
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54: Are you looking to create deeper connections with your children in their faith journey? Join us on Episode #54 as we dive into a topic every parent can relate to: how to guide your kids in making their daily devotional time more meaningful.
And Iāve also got a special bonus for youā Heart Booster download with 5 prompts designed to help your child connect with God on a deeper level during their daily devotions.
Don't let your child's devotional time become just another task on the checklist. Tune in now to equip yourself with the tools that will make their faith journey more real for them.
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: These 3 Skills will Help your Child's Devotional Time
Download bonus printables: Responding to God Prompts (for your Child)
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#53: Empathy in parenting is key to helping our childrenās emotions - it also builds trust and connection in the parent-child relationship. We have to slow down enough to show our children that we are there for them. >>>FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: In that Moment Your Kids Need Empathy, not Solutions
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52: Follow these tips to find Margin even though you live a busy life as a Mum. Itās important as it will give you the time and emotional space to be a heart-focused parent! >>>FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: The Importance of Margin in the Life of a Busy Mum
Book mentioned in this episode: Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Richard Swenson
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51: Homeschooling in pyjamas is easy to do but not always the best for our children and to be honest, not all homeschoolers stay in their pjays! In our family we got dressed every morning and there was a good reason why - listen in as I talk about Why we didnāt homeschool in our pyjamas!
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: The Simple Reason Why we didnāt Homeschool in our Pyjamas!
I mentioned Flylady in this episode: She helps you gain control of your house and habits.
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#50: Celebrating 50 episodes of Heart-focused Parenting podcast so going off script to answer questions listeners sent in. Questions about discipline, routine, children being bored, legalism, chores and money - so much in this episode. Even if you didn't send in the question I am sure you've asked at least one of these questions yourself in your time as a parent!
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: Heart-focused Parenting - Questions Parents Ask #2
Quick outline:
1:56 What do we do when our children are bored?
9:07 When did you start seeing fruit of your parenting?
12.04 How do you apply heart-focused parenting in everyday activities
16:48 How can I be a Christian Parent without being legalistic
20:35 Tips for establishing a routine
26:36 Kids and Chores and Money and Paying Board
30:54 How do we balance disciplining our children and showing them Godās grace and love?
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Episode #49, we delve into a topic that may be uncomfortable but is crucial for us as parents to address. Bullying has become a prevalent subject in our society, often discussed in the context of schools and social media.. However, what often goes unnoticed is that bullying can happen within our own homes. We may not immediately recognize it, but believe me, it does happen. So today, Iām sharing my thoughts on the power plays in your family and how we dealt with this when our kids were growing up. Let's dive in and shed light on this often-overlooked issue: tackling the power plays that happen in family life.
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: Bullying can happen in Your Family - Know How to Deal with it!
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Parents should have the goal to raise self-governing kids not independent kids. There is a difference and in the long run it will make a big difference. >>>FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: #48: When Raising Independent Kids is our Parenting Goal - there is a Problem
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Episode #46: As mothers, we often find ourselves caught in the never-ending cycle of tasks and responsibilities. The never-ending to-do lists can easily consume our thoughts and leave us feeling overwhelmed. But what if we shift our perspective? What if we choose to focus on what truly matters? Today we explore the timeless saying, āA motherās work is never done,ā and how that plays out in our family in a healthy way.
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: A Motherās Work is Never Done - But thereās More to it than that!
>>>Questions for episode #50: Contact me here
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Episode #46: Many parents worry that homeschooling may leave their children with knowledge deficiencies compared to their traditionally schooled peers. But let's take a moment to challenge that perception. In today's episode, we'll explore the idea that education gaps are not exclusive to homeschooling. In fact, they exist in all educational settings but homeschoolers have a pretty unique opportunity in how to deal with those gaps.
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: Homeschooling Enables you to Consider the Gaps in your Child's Education
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Episode #45: Parenting changes and becomes more like mentoring as our children grow older and become teens and young adults. Learn what mentoring is and how to make a shift as a parent.
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG:
Supporting your Teen and Young Adult children as a Mentor more than a Parent >>>Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
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Episode #44: When we have children of different ages in our family we must parent the younger children as intentionally and as consistently as we parent the older. Sharing three different ways we get things out of whack in our family when we rely too heavily on the oldest and forget to train the younger.
FULL SHOW NOTES/BLOG: When you are Parenting more than one Age Group you need to be Intentional
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Each child has unique talents, abilities and interests; it is the parent's job to help discover and encourage those skills to grow.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #43 5 Ways to Encourage your Childās Unique Talents and Interests to Grow
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When our child makes a bad choice parents must respond with love, compassion and wisdom instead of being upset at their behaviour. Learn how to respond in that first moment so you really can reach your child's heart.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #42 How to Respond when Your Child makes a Bad Choice
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Does your child have a teachable heart or do they resist your instruction? Learn what is going on in the heart, what God says about it, and what you as a parent can do.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #41 What to do when your Child doesnāt have a Teachable Heart?
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The Bible has a lot to say about how we relate to people and these verses, though they donāt specifically address marriage, living by these verses will enrich our marriage relationship. This episode covers 7 Bible verses often overlooked when thinking about marriage.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #40 What skills does the Bible say you need for a successful marriage?
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Create a faith-filled homeschool as you pass on faith, values, develop gifts and teach skills because of who God is. >>>FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #39 Does Discipleship have a Place in a Successful Homeschool?
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Once a year the Christian church takes time to specifically remember the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The expressions of this celebration (for I do see it as a celebration) has been taken over by commercialism and the secular world. But it doesnāt have to be so in your family home. Listen in as I talk about how you can use Easter as a prompt to encourage your childrenās faith journey.
Show Notes / Blog: #38 Celebrating Easter is about Jesus - are you Ready to Talk to your Kids?
As Mentioned:
Free Download: Heart Booster Easter Edition: Family Devotional Activities for Easter
Book Recommendation: Creative Family Times by Hadidian and Wilson
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As a parent what do you think of when you hear Jesus command to go forth and make disciples? Matthew 28:19-20, says: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.ā (NIV) Do you think of parenting as a way of obeying that? I certainly do. Parenting is the process of making disciples of Jesus within the family. Keep listening as I talk about how we can follow Jesusā command as parents.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #37 Jesus is our Example as we Disciple our Children
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One of the most important things we can do for our children is to help them feel safe and secure. When children feel secure they are better able to make wise choices, connect with people, learn, and accept themselves. It can be challenging though for parents to know exactly how to create that sense of security for our kids. Today Iām sharing five ideas that parents can do to help their children feel secure, and ultimately thrive.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #36 Five Things Parents can do to Help their Child Feel Secure
If you are concerned that one of your children is struggling with insecurity Iām also going to suggest that you share this podcast with your spouse and ask him to have a listen so you can talk about how to move forward together.
ONE ANOTHER verses: Download this Heart Booster Resource - Family Devotion Activity that helps your family establish the habits of being others-focused. (free)
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I believe that self-care is an everyday activity that Mums need to make happen. But how do we do that when there are so many different things pulling at our time, emotions and energy. And yet if we donāt look after ourselves we wonāt be able to deal with all those things. So this week we are looking at how does a busy mum take a break, how does she find time to recharge and rest in the middle of it all - how does she make it happenā¦ keep listening and Iāll share my thoughts.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #35 Taking Time to Rest and Recharge is not Being a Selfish Mum
Mentioned in this episode: Do you Teach your Children that you too are a Person? (Episode #34)
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34 - Last week we talked about creating the family standard in our home that we love God and love others. And I particularly focused on how we can teach our children to love others - or to honour others by looking at the One Another verses in the Bible. As I applied that in our family - way back in the day - I had a realisation that as my kids lived with me I had an incredible training opportunity that I was missing. Looking back I believe that picking up on this key has been central to the relationship that I have with my kids now. Listen in as I share this mindset shift that will change your parenting too.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #34 Do you Teach your Children that you too are a Person?
Includes Free download printable: One Another Verses - use this list of Bible verses to teach and train your childrenās heart.
Listen to previous episodes as mentioned:
#33 Teach your Children to be Others Focused
#05 Do you Intentionally Teach your Children Good Manners?
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How do we teach our children to love others, to be others aware, to treat others as precious.Ā All these phrases probably roll off your tongue as easily as they roll off mine - this idea of our children putting others first, treating others with respect and even honour was something that we wanted for our family.Ā It is a very counter-cultural idea these days.Ā It is a challenge to live it out even as an adult.Ā But it certainly reflects Godās heart which is why we are talking about that today - how to teach our kids to be others focused.
FULL SHOW NOTES:Ā Episode #33:Ā Teach your Children to be Others Focused
Includes free download list of One Another Verses to use in Bible Memorisation and heart-focused living.
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In a classroom situation, the teacher works very hard at creating a classroom environment conducive to learning ā a creative, safe, engaging place for children to learn. We immediately envisage posters on the wall, artwork hanging from the ceiling, and a display in every corner but this is only an external expression of a creative, dynamic learning space but there are things that are less seen and yet make a bigger impact on your learning environment. These are the things that will impact your homeschooling far more than curriculum and resources. Letās talk about the things you can do to create a learning environment in your homeschool.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #32:
How to create Learning Environment where your Children will Homeschool Successfully
Free Email Course: Prepare your Heart for a Heart-focused Homeschool
Workshop: Deschool for a Strong Homeschool. 2 part workshop for homeschool parents. $25aud.
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31 - Have you ever paused and asked yourself if you respect your child? In the middle of their moment - are you responding in ways that shows respect to them? Is that possible - is it even necessary? I believe it is.
In fact, I believe that respect is a cornerstone for heart-focused parenting. Listen in as I talk about what respect is, what it isnāt, and how it impacts your family.
Go to the Show Notes to see the Heart-focused Action Steps for this episode (reflection questions)
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #31: Parents need to Respond with Respect if they want to Reach their Child's Heart
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Episode#30- Here at heart-focused parenting, I often talk about being intentional. One thing Peter and I did many years ago that helped us to be intentional was we spent a weekend thinking about our purpose and our vision for our family. As weāve found out over the years - the real benefit isnāt so much in the succinct statement but rather in the discussion and clarifying of beliefs and values about being a family and how we were going to live that out.
I encourage all families to think about their purpose and their values and how they want their family life to look like - in essence to create a family vision statement. This is what we are talking about this week - creating a family vision statement. Stick around till the end as I have something that will help you as you start to consider the uniqueness of your family.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #30 Create a Family Vision Unique to Your Family
Download your Create a Family Vision Starter Kit
To help you start talking about these things I have a free download for you - the Family Vision Statement starter kit - it is one of my Heart Booster resources. So sign up - and download the kit. It includes:
- Instructions and supplies for a brainstorming and discussion
- Questions to discuss together
- Template to help you collate your thoughts into a precise statement.
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Todayās episode is a little different than usual - I have a handful of questions people have asked - so Iām calling this episode: Questions People Ask about Christmas. Original hey!! Over the last few episodes, weāve looked at how to create a heart-focused Christmas - by building up your childrenās beliefs and values as you celebrate Christmas. I do hope you have a fun time together with your family - and that the peace that a relationship with Jesus offers will fill your heart. Letās get started on these questions.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #29 Questions People Ask about Christmas 2022
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Do you set goals at the beginning of the new year?Ā To be honest I like to set goals towards the middle to end of January to avoid all the New Year hype.Ā But now is a good time to think about goal setting - or even better - to think about putting off goal setting - till you are in a healthy frame of mind, after the holidays, so that your goals are realistic and even helpful for the coming year. This week we are looking at some foundational thoughts about goals so that you can be realistic and not set yourself up for failure just because it is the new year.Ā So Listen inā¦
FULL SHOW NOTES:Ā Episode #28
Setting Helpful Goals so you can Grow as a Woman and Mother
Spoiler alert:Ā This episode is your permission to not set goals in the New Year - listen to why I say that!
CAN I PLEASE HAVE YOUR HELP...
Could you please give this podcast a star rating - and if you have found this episode, or other episodes particularly helpful could you give a review?Ā
Reviews help other mums find the podcast and to be honest, it really encourages my heart as well to hear from you.
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On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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COACHING:Ā Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
Being a busy woman is one of the biggest challenges we face when we want to be heart focused.Ā Busyness robs us of our intentionality, our focus, our purpose.Ā It side tracks us, exhausts us, and changes us. Today Iām talking about 5 character based choices that you can make - that you need to make - to help you find balance with all you have to do.
FULL SHOW NOTES:Ā Episode #27
How Character Choices can Help you cut through the Busyness
PLEASE LEAVE A STAR RATING
If you find this podcast helpful could you please take a moment to give a star rating right there on the podcast app? And if you have a moment more - write a sentence or two on how the episode or podcast has helped you. I'd really appreciate the reviews as it does help new listeners find the podcast. Thanks for being here - and letting me into your family life!
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass, and other bonuses.
FOLLOW BELINDAĀ
On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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COACHING:Ā Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
If we are honest with ourselves Christmas is all about memories and traditions. Of course, Jesus is the reason - and He is certainly a part of our memories and traditions but when we talk about Christmas we are talking about the things that we do and by doing them every year we are establishing traditions and building memories. Today Iām sharing 3 keys that will help you make meaningful memories for your kids this Christmas.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #26
How to make Meaningful Memories this Christmas
Create a Heart Focused Christmas
There is still time to sign up for the free email course: 6 Ways to create a Heart-focused Christmas. Sign up, and every day youāll get a short email with something to think about, and then a thinking, reflecting, or planning action step. It wonāt tell you what to do, but it will help you work out what is important.
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
Our family talks a lot. A lot. Even now with us spread across the country we still talk a lot. We are interested in each other, we want to understand each otherās lives, we value each otherās ideas - all this comes from talking with each other. We do this now because talking with each other is our family culture - it is how we do family - or one aspect. But when the kids were younger we had to work on it - we all had to learn how to talk with each other - and I learnt that talking about things - talking about the things on my heart - was a very intentional and relational way to be heart focused. Today we are talking about talking to our kids - having conversations that touch your childās heart. >>>FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #25
Intentional Heart Conversations Touch what your Child Believes and Values
Includes - Heart-focused Christmas Conversation prompts: Visit the show notes and screenshot 5 questions that will help you focus on heart issues this Christmas.
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass, and other bonuses.
FOLLOW BELINDA
On Instagram: @belindaletchford
On Facebook: facebook.com/heartfocusparenting
COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
Though we talk about Jesus and teach Godās word all year through, Christmas time, or the month leading up to Christmas day, can be a special opportunity to really focus on what we believe and why. It is an opportunity to address issues of faith - because the idea of Jesus coming as a baby is foundational to all that we believe as a Christian. Today we are talking about ways to grow our childrenās faith at Christmas time.
>>>FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #24
Growing our Childrenās Faith At Christmas
6 Ways to Create a Heart Focused Christmas (Free email course)
If you would like to create a heart-focused Christmas - addressing the spiritual, moral and relational aspects of Christmas, and not quite sure where to start - then sign up for the free 6 day email course that will help you create the Christmas that touches the hearts of your family. How to Create a Heart-focused Christmas. And it's free - so sign up and start focusing on how you can make Christmas special this year. SIGN UP TODAY
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
I know it is only the very beginning of November (if you are listening to this as a new episode) but it is time to start thinking about Christmas - especially if you want a heart-focused Christmas. I was a Girl Guide as a kid - and their motto is Be Prepared. I donāt know if there is any connection but honestly - the idea of being prepared is a principle that shaped me as a mother - and certainly a necessary idea leading up to Christmas. If you want to beat the commercialisation of Christmas, of empty traditions and crazy attitudes - then start thinking now about the Christmas youād like to create for your kids.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #23: Start Planning Now if you Want a Heart Focused Christmas
Sign up for the Heart Boosters Free Email Course:
6 Ways to Create a Heart Focused Christmas: 6 emails, 6 action steps to help you plan the Christmas that meets the heart needs of your family.
Sign up here: Create a Heart Focused Christmas
FOLLOW BELINDA
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
Not all our parenting has to be a big push or hard work. Sometimes when things arenāt going well in our home we can make little tweaks and find big returns - or big changes happening. Today Iām sharing 3 things that you can tweak that will make a big impact on how your family functions. They arenāt big things - though I wouldnāt recommend you try and address all of them in the one week! Have a listen, and see if there is some fine-tuning you can do in your family.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #22
3 Little Changes that will Make a Big Difference in your Family Life Email me here Let me know what little tweak you need to make.
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass, and other bonuses.
FOLLOW BELINDA
On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
I remember when Jess was a baby, she was our 2nd child with about 16 months between her and Josh. When she was about 3month I remember feeling so frustrated that I wasnāt getting anything done in my days. I did a little journaling activity where I recorded all that I did in every hour as I went through my day. After a week of doing this I started to see where my time was going. Pete was working early mornings and late evenings so we had lunch with him, but I was preparing 3 different meals: breastfeeding Jess, toddler meals for Josh, and meals for Pete and I - three times a day. No wonder I wasnāt getting anything else done. It really helped me to see that I wasnāt being lazy, I was doing what needed to be done, and I just didnāt have time for it all. We are told that we can do it all - but that simply isnāt true. Let's look at this idea today.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #21
Being a Good Mum isn't about Getting Everything Done Today
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass, and other bonuses.
FOLLOW BELINDA
On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
I had a houseguest once who called me on how important it is to keep your word as a mum. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no - is what he said. He called me on second guessing myself, on entering negotiations, and on changing what I had said when my kids didnāt like it and not following through after I did say something. He had a point and for a while, after he left us, I heard his voice in my head ā keep your word: let your yes be yes, and your no be no. It really is a first step for parenting well. So let's look into this todayā¦
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #20
Parents, it is Important to Keep your Word when you Speak to your Child
Download FREE Healthy Person - Healthy Parent Journal and Assessment Pages. Heart Booster #15
When you are a healthy person you will make healthy parenting choices - and personal growth starts with honest reflection.
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It is often quipped that being an intentional parent is more about the parent than the child. And it is true. We cannot be a healthy parent unless we are a healthy person. Todayās society is very fitness and health aware ā and we go to extreme lengths to look after our body ā but our physical body is only one aspect of our health. We need to be healthy in all areas of our self: spiritually, morally, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically. So today we are looking at the idea that a healthy person equals a healthy parent.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #19
When you are a Healthy Person you are able to be a Better Parent
DOWNLOAD Healthy Parent Journal - Heart Booster #15
self assessment journal pages to help you grow to be the best you - so you can be a better parent.
Heart Booster #15 is a part of the Heart Booster Library which includes weekly emails, access to printables and other bonuses.
FOLLOW BELINDA
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
We may have been told when we were kids that sticks and stone may break bones, but words can never hurt you. But we also know that is simply not true. No idea why a parent would have ever said that to a child! We all know that there is power in the tongue - the words we say have an impact on the people who hear them. And as a parent this is an important heart issue for us to get a grip on. We are responsible for the words we say - we are responsible for the little hearts that we shape. Today Iām looking at 5 different times in our day where we can choose to speak life and be a positive influence in our childās growing up.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #18
Choose Your Words Carefully and Speak Life Throughout the day
Please share this podcast with your friends. Being heart-focused from Toddler through to Teenagers is so important - and if we need to change what we think about parenting and how we parent - it is helpful to have friends on the same page! Share the podcast and tag me on instagram.
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Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family. PLUS Resource Library Pass, and other bonuses.
FOLLOW BELINDA
On Instagram: @belindaletchford
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
In order for our children to know and love God and Godās Word, we need to include the Bible in our daily lives. I remember a story my parents read to me as a child ā I can even remember where we were when they told the story ā it was about a family who received a Bible and they were so excited about it, it was so precious that they decided to keep it up on a shelf in their lounge room - they looked at it and treasured it. The story then compared this with us having a birthday cake ā and being so excited about having a birthday cake and that we would never dream of putting the birthday cake up on the shelf. To enjoy the cake to the fullest we have to cut it and eat it. The Bible is much the same ā to enjoy it fully we need to read it and become familiar with it. Letās look at how we can help our children hide Godās word in their heart.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #17
2 Ways You can Teach your Children to Hide God's Word in their HeartJoin HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
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FOLLOW BELINDA
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
How do we keep perspective when all we can see are all the issues that need to be dealt with our children? How do we know which issue to take on, and which issue to leave for another day? And then what happens when we multiply that by all the kids in the house? This podcast is all about intentional, relational, and heart-focused parenting. Today we are focusing on the idea of being intentional in the training of our children. I have a significant strategy to share with you - which includes a download from the Heart Booster Library that will just make it much easier for you.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #16
Make a Plan that helps you Help your Child to GrowHeart Booster Intentional Parenting Plan (worksheet) You can join Heart Boosters and Iāll send you this download as a part of the Resource Library. Sign up here
Heart Boosters include a weekly email, resource library and a free workshop once a year.
As I mentioned in this episode if you need to do a recap on what it means to train our children - have a listen to Heart-focused Parenting episode #8 How to Make Training a Part of your Heart-focused Parenting
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see Coaching details
Today we are talking about those days where we get to the end and feel like its been a complete mess. One day I ranted to my mum about there being no joy and no peace in our day - and she quipped - I hope there was righteousness! As always mum brought me back to the Scriptures - and that is where we are going to start today - looking for a better way to assess our day - and then a better way to get back on track on those bad days.
FULL SHOW NOTES: #15 Pursue Peace in your Heart & Home and have a Good Day
Do you get the weekly HEART BOOSTERS? Now is a good time to signup. Each week I write a note - from my heart to your heart - now, that might sound cheesey, but it really is. I sit and write an email to my mum friends to encourage you in the things we talk about here on the Heart-focused Parenting podcast. Its a good time to join the Heart Booster Library as Iām also preparing a free parenting workshop just for that community. HERE: https://belindaletchford.com/heart-booster/
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
Youāve probably heard me say it - that we are to parent with relationship. My byline is Intentional - relational - heart-focused parenting! But it is important to understand that I am not talking about friendship. Friendship is an aspect of our family life that comes with maturity in our children. It is something that we can look forward to - but we blur lines, which is not helpful to our children growing up if we make them our spiritual, moral, emotional, social, or intellectual equal. So letās look at the difference between relationship and friendship with our kids and how that affects our parenting.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Episode #14
Building a Relationship with your Child will Lead to Friendship Later
Do you get my weekly Heart Booster emails? Every week I send an email, which is kind of like a note from my heart to yours, on the topic of the up-and-coming podcast. This means you get double the encouragement to be heart-focused in your family every week. Head over to either the show notes on the podcast app where you are listening - or my website belindaletchford.com/heart-booster and you can sign up there!
Along with the weekly Heart Booster, you will gain access to my Resource Library which has links to the printables and downloads that I have created over the years - and once a year I offer a free workshop. And just so you know - Iām working on a workshop now, so sign up so you donāt miss out on this Heart Booster resource.
FOLLOW BELINDA
On Instagram: @ belindaletchford
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
https://belindaletchford.com/coaching
So much of parenting is actually about the parents. What we do - how we respond or react has a direct impact on how our kids respond or react. Today is a quick tip episode. I have 10 subtle things that parents do that makes parenting hard. But donāt be hard on yourself - We all do these things at some time! But we can learn to check ourselves and learn new ways of parenting.
Email me which one is the hardest for you - and the most mentioned issue will be a future episode - find my contact details on my website: belindaletchford.com
FULL SHOW NOTES: 10 Ways Parents make Parenting Hard - Harder than it has to be!
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family.
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Iāve been asked the question a few times so this week Iām answering this email: Dear Belinda - I wondered if you have any advice for how to deal with young adults living at home who are struggling with addiction to technology. I am at such a loss and can see my son is hurting himself with his distraction and addiction to scrolling on his phone but nothing we say has made a difference. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. So this week we are looking at - How to Help Adult Children Living at Home with Screen Time Habits
FULL SHOW NOTES: How to Help Adult Children Living at Home with Screen TIme Habits
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Technology, social media, online gaming - these things have become one of the hardest things parents need to navigate these days - and our children are being exposed or influenced at younger ages than previous age groups. So it is a challenge - and we want to jump in and find hard and fast rules that will keep our children safe - but rules are rarely the answer. Instead, we need to look at the heart.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Online Technology & Social Media are not the Real Problem for our Kids
Join HEART-BOOSTERS (free) here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family.
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If you find yourself saying ānoā to your child all day, if you follow behind fixing things, avoiding accidents, resorting to reminders, and constantly telling offs - and nothing really changes - then it is probably time for a little tweak in the boundaries happening in your family life. Tweaking our boundaries is a proactive step that makes a big difference to the conflicts going on but more importantly it creates an opportunity for you to train your kids in areas where they need it. So letās look at boundaries.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Parents, Step up and Establish Safe Boundaries for your Kids
Sign up for HEART-BOOSTERS here.
Weekly email digging deeper into the heart-focus topic so you can make real change in your family.
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One of the aspects of our family life that I donāt talk about very much is that Peter works away from home a lot. He has done this for over 25 years and it has become a way of life for us. Not ideal but it is what it is. Over the years I have become aware that this lifestyle is normal for a lot of people (to differing degrees) so it is worth talking about. Today Iām sharing some of the key practices that have helped us maintain our sanity, our marriage and build a family culture where the kids have a relationship with their dad.
Does your husbandās work take him away from home for extended periods of time? How are you going with that? If you want to talk about this then you can email me here - or book a coaching call here.
FULL SHOW NOTES: How to do Family life When Work Takes your Husband Away from Home
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āHow many times do I have to tell you!ā is something I think nearly every parent has exclaimed. Unfortunately, the obvious answer is, āUntil I get it!ā but no child is ever quick enough to utter those words. But that is the truth; we need to keep telling our kids until they get it. The problem is though that we only tell our children where the Bible clearly instructs us to train our children. Letās look at what training means in a parenting contextā¦
FULL SHOW NOTES: How to make Training a part of your Heart-focused Parenting
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FOLLOW BELINDA
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COACHING: Book a free Jumpstart Call - see details
Central to heart-focus parenting is the desire for our children to love God with all their hearts. In all that happens in family life we need to ensure we donāt lose sight of this goal. There is so much I want to share with you on this topic - but for today we are going to have a quick look at the tree of knowledge of good and evil (from way back in Adamās day) and then we are going to look at Jesus and how He offers love, mercy and grace. If you want your children to be followers of Christ - listen in.
FULL SHOW NOTES:
Our Children need to Meet Jesus - and We Should Make the Introduction
>>>WHAT NEXT
Heart focused Action Step: Please reflect on how you are sharing the gospel message with your kids - how do you share Jesus to them?
>Leave a review (see the extra note for the thank you gift if you leave a review!)
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>>>EXTRA NOTE:
If you have enjoyed the podcast so far I would really appreciate it if you could give a rating and review. I have a bonus Heart Booster with a Parenting Quiz based on 12 Parenting Skills for the Heart Focused parent, and a bonus audio dealing with knowing you need to change and yet being content within yourself as a thank you gift. To get this Bonus Heart Booster you need to write a Podcast review, take a screenshot of it, and send it to me and Iāll send you the download! (available till end July 2022) All the details are on the show notes with this episode.
What does it mean to you to have a good attitude towards your children? We tend to know what we want being a mother to look like but often fail in getting there, sometimes not having a clue how to remotely reach that goal. Life around us seems to dictate our responses and suddenly we realize that we are not acting as we want.
How to be calm, gentle, and positive and stay that way? Here are 5 different aspects of parenting that I believe kept me calm and gentle, and by doing so changed my childrenās reactions, which put together changed the vibe in our home.
FULL SHOW NOTES: How to be Calm, Gentle and Positive Towards your Children Every Day
WAYS TO RESPOND
Heart focused Action Step: Please reflect on these 5 perspectives and prayerfully consider which one you need to grow in.
Leave a review (see the extra note for the thank you gift if you leave a review!)
Send me an email with a question
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EXTRA NOTE:
If you have enjoyed the podcast so far I would really appreciate it if you could give a rating and review. I have a bonus Heart Booster with a Parenting Quiz based on 12 Parenting Skills for the Heart Focused parent, and a bonus audio dealing with knowing you need to change and yet being content within yourself as a thank you gift. To get this Bonus Heart Booster you need to write a Podcast review, take a screenshot of it, and send it to me and Iāll send you the download! (available till end July 2022) All the details are on the show notes with this episode.
I remember sitting around the table asking my kids, they were older teens or young adults at the time - and I asked them āWhat are the top 10 manners you think everyone should know?ā My conversation starter was derailed (as it often is in our family) as someone asked - are good manners even relevant today? This led us to talk about different cultures and different times and how manners - or what is considered good manners change. So instead of simply listing 10 top good manners, we had to ask why are actions considered good manners. This is an essential question for all parents to ask and find an answer for before they start insisting on certain behaviour calling it good manners. So today, letās talk more about good mannersā¦.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Do you Intentionally Teach your Children Good Manners?
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE: If you have enjoyed the podcast please consider taking the time to write a review. This helps the podcast be found by other parents. As a thank you, I have a bonus Heart Booster Parenting Quiz based on 12 Parenting Skills for the Heart-Focused parent, and a bonus audio dealing with that inner conflict where we know we need to change and yet still be content within ourselves so we arenāt driven to guilt and self-criticism. To get this Bonus Heart Booster you need to write a Podcast review, take a screenshot of it, and send it to me and Iāll send you the download! The details of how to contact me are on the full Show Notes. (This bonus is available till end July 2022)
Here are instructions on how to leave a review.
Stay heart focused!
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NEXT EPISODE: How to be a Calm, Gentle and Positive Parent
Parenting is a journey is a phrase that I use - actually saying life is a journey is a bit of a trendy phrase. It paints a good picture, so in this episode, I start comparing family life to a journey we took around New Zealand but then I talk about comparison - it is such a trap - an unhealthy trap. Letās get started: Parenting is a Journey and you canāt Compare - Letās Celebrate Both
FULL SHOW NOTES: Parenting is a Journey and you canāt Compare - Letās Celebrate Both - Includes links to further reading:
- Create a Family Vision
- The Issue of Comparing Ourselves
- Perfectionism Distracts us from our Purpose
- Crisis Parenting and How to Stop it
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE: If you have enjoyed the podcast please consider taking the time to write a review. This helps the podcast be found by other parents. As a thank you, I have a bonus Heart Booster Parenting Quiz based on 12 Parenting Skills for the Heart-Focused parent, and bonus audio dealing with that inner conflict where we know we need to change and yet still be content within ourselves so we arenāt driven to guilt and self-criticism. To get this Bonus Heart Booster you need to write a Podcast review, take a screenshot of it, and send it to me and Iāll send you the download! The details of how to contact me are on the full Show Notes. (This bonus is available till end July 2022)
Here are instructions on how to leave a review
FOLLOW BELINDA on Instagram: @BelindaLetchford
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a parent was to be a Christian parent. There was plenty of information out there telling me how to parent my children according to various scriptures - but I donāt think that was my real problem. My real problem lay in my heart. I was a Chrisitan and I was a parent. How was I to be a Christian parent? That is what we are talking about in todayās episode of Heart focused parenting - the biggest issue we have as a parent is our own heart and living out our faith as we parent our kids.
For full Show Notes: What does it mean to be a Christian Parent? as well as further reading on this topic.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE: If you have enjoyed the podcast please consider taking the time to write a review. This helps the podcast be found by other parents. As a thank you, I have a bonus Heart Booster Parenting Quiz based on 12 Parenting Skills for the Heart Focused parent, and a bonus audio dealing with that inner conflict where we know we need to change and yet still be content within ourselves so we arenāt driven to guilt and selfcriticism. To get this Bonus Heart Booster you need to write a Podcast review, take a screenshot of it, and send it to me and Iāll send you the download! The details of how to contact me are on the full Show Notes. (This bonus is available till end July 2022)
Here are instructions on how to leave a review
Next episode: Parenting is a Journey
In the last episode, I defined the heart. That place inside each one of us that processes and holds beliefs, values, emotions, and choices. God tells us to guard our heart. We are to guard the things that go into our heart because what goes in comes out. So today we are talking about putting in values or another way of saying that is putting in character - good treasure in the heart.
Key idea for teaching the heart: Character is the quality of our response to people or circumstances consistent with our moral values.
Full Show Notes includes links to Character resources as mentioned.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Top Tip for Parenting the Heart in any Situation
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE: If you have enjoyed the podcast please consider taking the time to write a review. This helps the podcast be found by other parents. As a thank you I have a bonus Heart Booster Parenting Quiz based on 12 Parenting Skills for the Heart Focused parent, and a bonus audio dealing with that inner conflict where we know we need to change and yet still be content within ourselves so we arenāt driven to guilt and selfcriticism. To get this Bonus Heart Booster you need to write a Podcast review, take a screenshot of it, and send it to me and Iāll send you the download! The details of how to contact me are on the full Show Notes. (This bonus is available till end July 2022)
Here are instructions on how to leave a review
NEXT EPISODE: Being a Christian Parent
When I say the heart is the most important thing as a parent - do you know what Iām talking about? It is a phrase that can get tossed around - we like it but we donāt really know what it means, and if we canāt say what it means, how do we know it is a true or helpful phrase?
Catch phrases can be like that - so today Iām sharing our journey as we discovered what being a heart-focused parent really means and how that played out in our family.
FULL SHOW NOTES: Why the Heart is so Important for the Christian Parent
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE: If you have enjoyed the podcast please consider taking the time to write a review. This helps the podcast be found by other parents. As a thank you I have a bonus Heart Booster Parenting Quiz based on 12 Parenting Skills for the Heart Focused parent, and a bonus audio dealing with that inner conflict where we know we need to change and yet still be content within ourselves so we arenāt driven to guilt and selfcriticism. To get this Bonus Heart Booster you need to write a Podcast review, take a screenshot of it, and send it to me and Iāll send you the download! The details of how to contact me are on the full Show Notes. (This bonus is available till end July 2022)
Here are Instructions on how to leave a Review.
NEXT EPISODE: How to Teach the Heart in any Situation
Listen in as Belinda Letchford talks about the importance of heart focus parenting - and how that will shape all of family life.
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For more information:
Belinda Letchford Parenting Coach
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