Ep. 101 The Myth of the Perfect Parent: Discipling From a Place of Realness

💡 Episode Summary

Let’s be real—parenting is hard, and the pressure to “get it all right” can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah pull back the curtain on the myth of the perfect parent and offer a refreshing reminder: God doesn’t call us to perfection, but to faithfulness, humility, and honesty.

Join us as we talk about discipling our children from a place of authenticity, not image. You'll hear practical stories, biblical encouragement, and real-life examples of how God uses our weaknesses to display His grace.

🧭 What You’ll Hear

• 💬 Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how God works through our realness

• 📖 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you…”

• 💥 The cultural and church pressures parents feel to appear perfect

• 🛠️ Practical ways to disciple your kids when you're tired, overwhelmed, or discouraged

• 🗣️ How to have “real talk” moments with your kids about struggles and God’s faithfulness

• 🧎‍♀️ The power of apologizing, praying together, and modeling dependence on Jesus

• 💛 Encouragement to let go of the image and embrace the grace

📖 Key Scriptures

• 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – “My grace is sufficient for you…”

• Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”

• Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”

• Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”

🛠 Practical Tips

• Journal about areas where you feel weak as a parent—and ask God for strength

• Share age-appropriate struggles with your kids to model humility

• Apologize when needed—it builds trust and models grace

• Create a family “realness board” or prayer journal for tracking daily wins and struggles

• Have open conversations about depending on God together

📚 Recommended Resource

📘 Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids by Rene Christensen This book offers encouragement for your personal walk with Jesus and practical, age-appropriate discipleship tools to help you raise faith-filled kids. Perfect for parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders.

📣 Share the Hope

If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and sharing it with a friend or fellow parent. Realness is contagious—and freeing.

 

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D