In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Johnna Burns—neurocognitive researcher, professor, author, speaker, and longtime Life.Church family member—to talk about what it means to raise kids in a digital world. Dr. Burns helps parents understand how technology is shaping the brains, emotions, relationships, and faith development of today’s kids and teens—and why this isn’t something to fear, but something to steward wisely. Together, we unpack what it means to raise digital natives, explore both the benefits and challenges of growing up with screens, and offer hope-filled, practical guidance for parents who want to create healthy rhythms at home.

In this episode of the LC Parents Podcast, Ally Evans is joined by guest Josh Baldwin for a conversation about raising kids and teens. More specifically, Ally and Josh discuss the importance of communication, friendships, and keeping the end goal of who we want our children to become.

In this episode of the LC Parents Podcast, we shine a spotlight on Stay Here, a remarkable organization committed to preventing teen suicide and fostering mental health awareness. Join us for an insightful conversation with Jacob Coyne, founder of Stay Here, as we explore the critical issues surrounding mental health and GenZ in today’s world. We discuss the importance of open communication with teens, and the resources available to families who are navigating these challenging moments. Through personal stories and practical advice, you'll learn how Stay Here is making a real impact in the lives of young people and discover actionable steps you can take to support your family and friends around you. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or anyone who cares about the well-being of teens, this episode is a powerful reminder of the hope and help that is available to all.

This week, we're diving into The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Heidt. Join us as we chat about the real struggles our kids face today and how we can help them navigate through anxiety and stress. We'll share practical tips, real-life stories, and faith-based advice to support you and your family. Tune in for an honest and encouraging conversation about understanding and helping our kids thrive in these challenging times.

Parenting the next generation can sometimes feel like we have little aliens living in our homes. Their technology, knowledge, awareness, and sometimes even their questions can be very challenging to navigate. We could go as far as to say we have never, in history, had to navigate what our kids and students are facing today! Statistics show that anxiety in kids and students is at an all-time high. Many factors can contribute to these statistics. In this episode of the LC Parents Podcast, Ally Evans interviews our special guest Vince Parker about all things Gen Z and Gen Alpha. They explore new ways to engage kids and students, how to navigate difficult questions, and how to better bridge the gaps between our generation and theirs.

Have you ever wondered as a parent… Am I discipling my child the right way? Is what I’m teaching them actually sticking? Bringing Jesus into our parenting can be challenging. Whether it’s because we feel like what we say isn’t getting through to our kids, we feel overwhelmed with all the parent resources online, or simply because we feel like we lack Biblical knowledge. In this episode on the LC Parents Podcast, Ally Evans interviews our special guests Stephen Hershberger, Luke Guevara, and Stephen Cole on the their favorite ways to bring Jesus into every day conversations. We hope this episode brings a new light to the simplicity of every day conversations you can have as a family about Jesus, and helps you find new ways to bring spiritual discipline into your home.

Welcome to the LC Parents podcast! Have you ever thought to yourself, what is LifeKids and Switch really about? What is my kid or student learning every weekend or Wednesday night? In this podcast, Ally Evans will delve into the vibrant world of LifeKids and Switch with special guests Justin Edge and James Meehan.

Christmas is right around the corner which means we are nearing the end of the year! Ally Evans and Dr. Tim Elmore are taking time to discuss the vision behind his new book, I Can’t Wait! Every kid and student has the opportunity to do something great at a young age. As parents, we also have a great opportunity to set our kids up for finding greatness in themselves.

In a culture where anxiety has become the norm, we can equip our kids to recognize that they don't have to believe everything anxiety tells them. In this episode, Pastor Will Hutcherson walks us through his most recent book, Beyond the Spiral.

This month, Ally Evans and Tracy Foster are talking about how to do something that has never been done before—raise a generation of digital natives. You don't want to miss this conversation on setting the stage for the use of technology, the effects of video games on our kids' brains, and how to connect with our kids over what they are passionate about. What if video games are not the enemy and instead, an opportunity to build empathy and develop intentionally?

Time to tap into the ever-elusive minds of teenagers! On this episode, Next Generation Research Specialist, Kara Powell, chats with Ally Evans about the three biggest questions that our teenagers—and really all of us—are asking. They discuss where our kids are looking for answers and how we can help them process in light of the truth found in Jesus.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It is critical to bring attention to the victories and struggles that families with kids who have special needs experience. Join Ally and Sherry as they talk about who needs to be advocated for, how to speak up for yourself, and what it looks like to step past the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing in order to love people who really just want to be seen.

On this episode, Ally and Michelle address blended families and our internal narratives. Whether you are part of a blended family or not, this discussion reminds us all to stay rooted in the right things—not the drama going on around us, but God's Truth for us.

We are finally going there—unlocking the secret to your kid's best behavior. But the answer might be different than you think. Join Ally and Kaitlyn as they talk about the behavior cycle and the change that they have both made that's proved to be a game-changer in their lives and families.

Another one of those big questions we all must answer is this: What difference do I make? We want to know why we are here, our calling, our purpose, and how to move past our fears. Jessica and Ally discuss how we often find answers to these big questions through small acts of service and generosity.

One of the biggest questions every kid has to answer is: Who am I? There are multiple voices that try to inform the answer to that question, and those voices rarely say the same thing at the same volume. James and Ally discuss how we can help our kids cut through the confusion and show up in the world with confidence.

Often times, when we’re looking for answers about how to teach our kids to engage with technology well, we are met with blank faces and more big questions. But what if there’s a simple way to frame up this conversation? Join Ally and Tracy as they provide practical steps we can take to create a healthy culture around technology in our families.

What if there is a way to address our responses to pain, become more present to our kids, and stay grounded as parents? This month, Ally Evans and special guest, Matthias J Barker, help us reframe conversations around trauma and start thinking about it more wisely. Check out the Discussion Guide and resources for this episode at https://leaders.life.church/lc-parents-podcast-discussion-guides/. Next steps and resources: - Don’t do this alone. Engage in biblical community by joining a LifeGroup and working through these questions together. You can find a group near you at go2.lc/lifegroups - Start working through the self-paced trauma workshop to help you understand your own trauma and have healthier conversations with your kids at www.matthiasjbarker.com - When we get healthier, our families also reap the benefits. So take the time to go deeper into your personal inventory about the ways you naturally respond to pain.

On this episode, Ally, James, and Charlie help answer your questions! From the challenge of getting our kids to open up more, to teaching them the value of education, to figuring out how to move forward when you have messed up—the wisdom shared will help you connect with your kids in deeper, more meaningful ways. Talk this episode over with your spouse, LifeGroup, or friends! Check out the Discussion Guide and resources for this episode at https://leaders.life.church/lc-parents-podcast-discussion-guides/.