Is following Jesus just about the "spiritual" side of life—or does the body matter too?
In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, hosts Matt Jones and Janel Greig tackle a topic often overlooked in Christian parenting: the role of the body in raising kids who thrive in God's Kingdom.
Joined by Dr. Bryan Crutcher, a professor of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, this conversation explores how physical health, movement, and embodied living are essential parts of discipleship—not just optional add-ons.
Together, we unpack:
*Why the body is central to a biblical worldview
*Common mistakes parents make with kids and physical activity
*How to foster healthy movement habits without creating performance pressure
*The impact of screen time and sedentary lifestyles on kids today *What age-appropriate physical formation looks like from childhood through adolescence
*How movement helps kids regulate stress, anxiety, and emotions
*Practical ways parents can model healthy habits—even when they feel exhausted
You'll also hear how to talk about the body as a gift to steward, not a project to perfect—and how to raise kids who value health, joy, and God's design for their lives. Key takeaway: Raising kids in God's upside-down Kingdom means caring for their whole person—body and soul. If you want to raise resilient, healthy, and grounded kids in a distracted and sedentary culture, this episode will give you both a fresh perspective and practical next steps.
👉 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with other parents who want to raise the next generation well.
Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:
*How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker
*Human Value & the Image of God—Christopher L. Reese
*Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality—Nancy R. Pearcey
