Upside-Down Parenting

Bryan Crutcher, a kinesiology professor who studies movement and brain health, discusses how screens reshape childhood development and dopamine wiring. He highlights declines in conversation and connection. He shares quick habits, the role of play and sports, and realistic movement rhythms parents can start today.

Bryan Crutcher, a kinesiology professor who studies movement and sport psychology, argues the body matters to faith and parenting. He discusses theological reasons the body counts. He warns against early specialization and performance pressure. He highlights play, lifelong movement habits, and how screens reshape development.

Alicia Bennett, founder of MobilizerMom.com and parenting educator, helps parents raise teens with resilient, Christ-centered faith. She discusses making faith teaching hands-on and fun, using real-world moments like the Olympics to spark worldview conversations. She explains a learn-before-they-leave plan, tackles fears that lead to controlling parenting, and promotes a long-term view for steady investments in kids.

Alicia Bennett, founder of Mobilizer Mom who equips parents to build Christ-centered homes. She shares her transformation in motherhood and why identity in Christ changes family life. They discuss raising resilient kids modeled on Daniel and Esther. Hear practical habits, spiritual conversations, and coaching approaches for guiding faith without controlling behavior.

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, where we help Christian parents navigate today's culture with biblical wisdom, practical tools, and real encouragement. Parenting has never been simple—but in a world filled with new spiritual ideas, social media influences, and shifting cultural values, many parents are asking an important question: How do we help our kids recognize truth and follow Christ with confidence? In today's episode we're talking about the growing influence of New Age and 'new spirituality' trends among young people. From mindfulness culture to manifestation, spiritual-but-not-religious beliefs, and online influencers, these ideas are shaping how kids think about truth, identity, and God—often in subtle ways. Joining us today is Dr. Michael Plato, who will help us understand what these movements are, why they're so appealing to the next generation, and how Christian parents can respond with wisdom, grace, and a strong biblical worldview. You'll walk away with practical insights, conversation starters, and encouragement to help your kids grow in a faith that's thoughtful, resilient, and rooted in Christ. 👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World—Tara Isabella Burton *Confronting the New Age: How to Resist a Growing Religious Movement—Douglas Groothuis *5 False Worldviews That Ensnare Your Church—Dr. Jeff Myers

Sarah Stonestreet, parenting speaker and author and mother of four, shares practical wisdom on forming faith-filled families. She discusses preparing kids to engage culture thoughtfully. She highlights biblical meekness as real strength. She emphasizes simple daily rhythms, mentoring relationships, and choosing human connection over screens.

Parenting in today's culture can feel overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes even upside-down. But you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself. In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, we sit down with Aaron Klemm, Director of Content & Publishing at Summit Ministries, to talk about an important shift happening at Summit Ministries: a growing commitment to supporting parents more intentionally than ever before. For years, Summit has been known for equipping students to think critically and live out a biblical worldview. Now, Summit is expanding its focus to come alongside moms and dads—providing resources, training, and encouragement to help them confidently guide their kids' faith and character. In this conversation, you'll discover: *Why Summit is investing more in parents right now. *What new programs and resources are available for families *What makes Summit's approach to parenting unique *How a biblical worldview shapes practical parenting guidance *Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start Whether you're raising young kids, teens, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that you don't have to navigate today's challenges alone—and that equipping the next generation starts with equipping parents. 👉 Subscribe for more practical wisdom and biblical encouragement to help you parent with confidence. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Raising Gender-Confident Kids: Helping Kids Embrace Their God-Given Design—Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch *How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker *The Nuts and Bolts of Worldview Formation—Dr. Maggie Pope and Dr. Roger Erdvig

Did Jesus ever actually say things like, "Just follow your heart," or "Believe in yourself?" Today on the Upside-Down Parenting podcast, Matt Jones and I are talking about well-intended phrases Christian parents often use—phrases that sound biblical, but may actually misrepresent Jesus. Over time, these kinds of statements can subtly shape a fear-based, performance-driven faith instead of one rooted in trust and formation. And if we want to disciple our kids into an authentic, resilient faith that lasts, we have to stop putting words in Jesus' mouth and start letting his actual words shape the way we parent. Have a question for us? Email podcast@summit.org—your question may be featured in an upcoming Q&A! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Live Your Truth and Other Lies: Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed—Alisa Childers *Stop Looking Inside Yourself—Dr. Jeff Myers *When "Being Yourself" Hurts Yourself—Rebecca Sachaj

Jon Noyes, seasoned speaker and Christian apologist who went from atheism to faith, shares his journey and work with families. He discusses how kids today ask deeper questions, the difference between deconstruction and doubt, signs a child is wrestling with belief, and practical ways parents can keep trust and space for honest conversations.

As we kick off a new year, we're diving into a topic that impacts every family: money. Teaching our kids to steward money and resources well can feel stressful, overwhelming, or even divisive—but it doesn't have to be. A New Year reset is the perfect opportunity to rethink how our families handle finances, cultivate generosity, and live with joy and purpose. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Shane Enete, author of Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy. Shane shares practical wisdom and biblical insight on how faith, family, and finances intersect in everyday life, offering encouragement for parents who want to raise generous, joyful stewards. Together, we explore what it means to manage money with a whole heart, how to teach children biblical stewardship, and practical steps families can take to align their finances with their faith. Join us as we discover how Jesus-centered money habits can bring freedom, joy, and purpose to your family finances. Have a question for us? Email podcast@summit.org—your question may be featured in an upcoming Q&A! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy—Shane Enete *The Money Storybook Bible Podcast *Gen Z's Problems With Money & the True Secret to Financial Peace—Shane Enete