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How can parents help their children build a strong foundation in Christ before the noise of culture shapes their worldview? In this episode of Fierce Calling, I welcome back Lee Ann Mancini to discuss biblical parenting, critical thinking, family discipleship, and the importance of relationship from the earliest years. In a previous episode which you can find here, we talked all about her book Raising Kids to Follow Christ, and in this episode we go even deeper, including the Raising Disciples Conference coming up in October 2026.

Lee Ann shares practical ways to help children ask thoughtful questions, examine ideas through Scripture, and understand the difference between rights and privileges. She also explains how family mission statements, positive communication, prayer, and consistent boundaries can shape a child’s faith. Her central encouragement is simple: parenting is hard, but parents can take a deep breath, trust the Lord, and pray for wisdom.

The conversation also highlights Lee Ann’s work equipping parents and grandparents through her books, resources, and the upcoming Raising Disciples Conference in South Florida.

💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways

05:56 Reflecting on parenting and mentoring

08:18 Researching and Writing the Book

12:54 Writing a book on family virtues

13:54 Teaching Kids Critical Thinking

17:38 Listening to Kids’ Thoughts

23:18 Creating family mission and contracts

27:19 Explaining rules to kids

30:12 Teaching kids critical thinking

33:17 Establishing Early Spiritual Foundations

35:36 Parenting and Faith Conference Overview

39:20 Christian parenting guidance and resources

42:29 Trusting God in Difficult Times

44:39 Discussing spiritual gifts and teamwork

Becoming a Grandparent and Praying for Children Before Birth

• The first grandchild, a nine-week-old grandson named Nino, becomes a personal example of intergenerational faith.
• Prayer began during pregnancy, with emphasis on:
  • Asking God to teach wisdom in the womb.
  • Praying for a heart that wants to know and love God.
  • Asking that God’s Word be written on the child’s heart and mind.
  • Praying for compassion, love, and the fruit of the Spirit.
• The discussion encourages parents, grandparents, relatives, and mentors to pray for children before birth and throughout their lives.
• Grandparenting is described as an opportunity to apply lessons learned and steward spiritual influence.

The Origin of the Children’s Books and Animated Series

• The original children’s stories were created because existing books did not adequately show children how to apply biblical principles to real-life situations.
• Stories were first written and read to the author’s own children.
• The books later became the 7 See Kids series.
• The ministry’s mission continued through the animated series after the books were no longer being sold.

The Shift Toward Equipping Parents

• The ministry’s focus moved from producing children’s materials to educating and equipping parents.
• Concern grew over statistics indicating that:
  • 45% of middle-school children were walking away from their faith.
  • 75% of high-school children were walking away from their faith.
• More than 250 parenting books, expert resources, and training courses were researched.
• Additional training included Biblical Parenting University, Kidman, and an EPIC trauma course for children.
• The research was condensed into Raising Kids to Follow Christ.
• Proceeds from the book support a nonprofit that provides free:
  • Parenting books.
  • Bibles.
  • Devotionals.
  • Children’s books.
  • Other family resources.

The Raising Disciples Conference

• The first parenting conference in South Florida is scheduled for October 10.
• The conference is designed to make parents feel supported, loved, and spiritually encouraged.
• The event includes:
  • Parenting instruction.
  • Emotional and spiritual support.
  • Practical tools.
  • Raffle prizes.
  • Resource-filled goodie bags.
• The conference website is raisingdisciplesconference.com.
• The event takes place in Pompano Beach, Florida.
• The day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Registration is described as $65 for the full day.
• Lunch options include bringing food or purchasing Chick-fil-A for $10.

Concerning Statistics About Christian Families and Biblical Belief

• Recent statistics discussed include:
  • 70% of 13- to 14-year-olds from Christian families reportedly do not believe Satan is real.
  • 84% reportedly do not believe people are born into sin and need a Savior.
  • 90% reportedly do not believe in absolute moral truth.
  • 56% of Christian pastors reportedly believe reincarnation is real.
• The statistics are connected to findings from the Barna Group and Christian Arizona University.
• The book is presented as both an explanation of the problem and a source of practical application.
• A major emphasis is answering not only what parents should do, but how they can do it.

Cultural Noise, Confusion, and Heart Transformation

• Modern families receive information from television, radio, podcasts, magazines, newspapers, and other media.
• Excessive information can confuse children and adults and pollute their thinking.
• The central concern is not only what enters the mind, but what takes root in the heart.
• Biblical parenting should focus on:
  • Teaching truth.
  • Identifying what is valuable.
  • Developing virtues.
  • Encouraging heart transformation.
• A forthcoming book project is mentioned on teaching families to become virtuous.

10. The Parent’s Primary Spiritual Responsibility

• Academic achievement, sports, and other activities are acknowledged as worthwhile but secondary to spiritual formation.
• Parents and grandparents are encouraged to raise children who:
  • Stand firmly in their faith.
  • Think critically.
  • Become other-centered.
  • Grow into strong disciples.
• The first 13 years are described as a critical window for establishing a child’s worldview.
• A strong early foundation allows later spiritual growth to build on something stable.

Building Relationships Through Play

• Relationship-building should begin during infancy and early childhood.
• Parents are encouraged not to rely primarily on phones or television to occupy children.
• Playtime should be intentional and relational.
• The home environment can be evaluated by asking whether it reflects “Disneyland” or “Destinyland.”
• Biblically themed toys, Legos, puppets, and costumes can support spiritual conversations.
• Examples of faith-centered play include:
  • Acting out Bible stories.
  • Using puppets and costumes.
  • Reimagining a tea party as communion.
• Play is presented as a way to cultivate trust and make children comfortable engaging with parents.

Teaching Faith Throughout Everyday Life

• Deuteronomy 6 is used to emphasize teaching children about God:
  • When rising.
  • While walking along the path.
  • At bedtime.
  • Throughout ordinary daily routines.
• Faith formation is presented as an all-day process rather than a once-a-week activity.
• A strong relationship makes it easier for teenagers to bring parents their questions, confusion, and concerns.
• Parents are encouraged to begin teaching critical thinking before adolescence.

Encouraging Questions and Critical Thinking

• Children should be praised for asking questions.
• Parents can respond to a child’s question by first asking, “What do you think?”
• This approach helps parents understand the child’s current beliefs and reasoning.
• When a child gives a biblically sound answer, parents can affirm the child’s thinking.
• When a child is mistaken, parent and child can search Scripture together.
• The approach is intended to:
  • Encourage curiosity.
  • Build confidence.
  • Keep communication open.
  • Teach children to investigate claims rather than accept them automatically.
• Asking questions back should be used thoughtfully rather than mechanically, so children do not feel frustrated.

Positive Communication With Children

• Parents are encouraged to replace negative phrasing with positive, purposeful language.
• Examples include:
  • Saying, “Hurry up and put your pajamas on so we can have a bedtime story,” rather than threatening to remove the story.
  • Telling a teenager to drive carefully and watch the speed because safety matters and driving privileges should continue.
• Positive language can communicate both expectations and reasons.
• Frequent negative words and commands may negatively affect young children’s language development and learning.
• Parents are encouraged to think before speaking, especially when angry.
• The distinction between reacting and acting is emphasized.

The “Yes-No Sandwich” for Toddlers

• A “yes-no sandwich” gives children a positive response while setting a necessary boundary.
• Instead of simply saying no to a request, parents can:
  • Affirm that the desired activity will happen.
  • Explain the condition or timing.
  • Offer a choice within the boundary.
• The example involves postponing a trip to the park until a younger sibling wakes from a nap.
• Giving children choices, such as selecting between swings and a teeter-totter, helps them hear the positive elements of the response.
• The method avoids blaming a younger sibling for a postponed activity.

Reverse Negotiation and Privileges

• “Reverse negotiation” is presented as a discipline technique for repeated arguments over privileges.
• If a teenager continues challenging a limit, each additional argument results in a further loss of privilege.
• Possible privileges include:
  • Computer time.
  • Cell-phone access.
  • Car keys.
  • Time with friends.
• The approach teaches that continued arguing worsens the outcome.
• Children are distinguished from having unlimited rights to privileges:
  • Basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are rights.
  • Cars, phones, computers, and social activities are privileges.
• Privileges can be earned through obedience and responsible behavior.

Family Mission Statements and Disciplinary Contracts

• Families are encouraged to create a written mission statement.
• A family mission statement can define:
  • Family values.
  • Worship practices.
  • Stewardship.
  • Spiritual priorities.
  • Expectations for raising children.
• A disciplinary contract can outline:
  • Family rules.
  • Individual responsibilities.
  • Duties.
  • Consequences for disobedience.
  • Privileges connected to obedience.
• Clear expectations help children understand what is required before discipline occurs.
• The family is encouraged to plan spiritual formation as intentionally as vacations, education, and careers.

Discipline Through Accountability, Safety, and Love

• Parents are encouraged to explain the reason behind discipline.
• Three reasons are emphasized:
  • Parents are accountable to God for how they raise children.
  • Boundaries help keep children safe.
  • Discipline is rooted in love.
• Teenagers often respond poorly to lectures.
• Conversations, listening, and relational connection are presented as more effective approaches.
• Strong discipline depends on a strong parent-child relationship.

Critical Thinking and Biblical Worldview

• Children should learn to evaluate ideas rather than automatically accept what friends, culture, media, or authorities say.
• Critical thinking includes examining:
  • What is right and wrong.
  • What is good and bad.
  • What is biblical and unbiblical.
  • What is evil and what is not evil.
• Children are encouraged to take thoughts captive and ask whether an idea aligns with Christ and God’s Word.
• Without this foundation, children may become vulnerable to every new trend, slogan, fad, or ideology.
• Critical thinking is connected to preparing children to become future leaders.

Biblical Parenting Education in Churches

• The need for biblical parenting classes in churches is emphasized.
• Parents may struggle to disciple children because they were not themselves raised with a strong biblical foundation.
• A six-week biblical parenting course is being developed.
• The course is intended to help parents learn how to:
  • Raise children in the faith.
  • Teach biblical truth.
  • Practice discipline.
  • Use apologetics.
  • Apply Scripture to family life.
• The conversation identifies four influential areas of society where strong Christian disciples are needed:
  • Government.
  • Academia.
  • Media.
  • The church.

Children as “Arrows” in the Family

• Psalm 127 is used to describe children as arrows in a parent’s quiver.
• The metaphor emphasizes preparing children to be:
  • Precise.
  • Effective.
  • Strong in faith.
  • Ready to influence society.
• Children are encouraged to carry biblical conviction into the major institutions of culture.
• Raising spiritually prepared children is presented as a way to influence the future of the country and the world.

Establishing Faith During Key Developmental Stages

• Spiritual formation is described as beginning in the womb and continuing through adolescence.
• Developmental stages discussed include:
  • Birth to age 3: preparing rich soil for spiritual growth.
  • Ages 4 to 7: planting biblical seeds and teaching concepts such as the Sabbath.
  • Around age 7: spiritual formation begins to take shape or fails to take shape.
  • By age 13: worldview formation is largely established.
• Everyday language can introduce biblical ideas to young children.
• Families are encouraged to articulate their worldview clearly:
  • Belief in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Belief in the truth and authority of Scripture.
  • Belief that biblical living is healthy, productive, and God-honoring.
• A strong Christian worldview is intended to support lifelong faith.

Parenting Conference Speakers and Sessions

• The conference will feature sessions on:
  • Child discipline.
  • Homeschooling.
  • Parenting without regret.
  • Parents and grandparents working together.
  • Helping prodigals return.
  • Raising disciples in an increasingly evil world.
• Speakers mentioned include Ginger Hubbard, Sam Sorbo, Rhonda Stoppe, Lori Wildenberg, and Lane Lawson Craft.
• The conference is designed to combine instruction, encouragement, fellowship, practical tools, and generosity toward families.

Upcoming Books and Courses

• A book on teaching families to develop virtue is being prepared with Chris Bertling.
• A children’s book titled How Do I Know God Is Real? is being developed with D6 and Randall House Publishing.
• A six-week parenting course is being developed in connection with Answers in Genesis.
• Planned course topics include:
  • God’s design for parenting.
  • Deuteronomy 6.
  • Discipline.
  • Apologetics.
  • Teaching parents so they can teach their children.
• Practical application remains a defining feature of the books and courses.

Providing Free Resources to Families

• Proceeds from ministry materials support the Raising Christian Kids nonprofit.
• Resources are offered to families who cannot afford books and other materials.
• The nonprofit provides:
  • Children’s books.
  • Parenting resources.
  • Bibles.
  • Devotionals.
  • Toys.
  • Gifts.
  • Teddy bears.
• A statistic is cited that 66% of Christian families make less than $30,000 per year.
• The ministry seeks to remove cost as a barrier to Christian parenting resources.

Scripture Bear and Support for Adopted Children

• Scripture Bear is described as a teddy bear that plays eight Bible verses in a child’s voice.
• Four hundred bears were donated to the nonprofit.
• Two hundred bears were given to 4KIDS, an adoption agency connected with Focus on the Family.
• Additional bears are being donated to children whose families cannot afford to purchase them.

Prayer, Trust, and Encouragement for Parents

• Parents are encouraged to take a deep breath and recognize that parenting is difficult in today’s culture.
• Prayer is described as the most important parenting tool.
• Parents are encouraged to ask God for:
  • Wisdom.
  • Guidance.
  • Peace.
  • Open doors.
  • Help in difficult situations.
• God’s sovereignty is emphasized as a reason for parents to trust Him.
• Parents are encouraged to surrender their worries rather than carry them alone.
• The closing spiritual encouragement includes trusting God, having faith, and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Connecting With Raising Christian Kids

• The main website is raisingchristiankids.com.
• Free resources available through the website include:
  • Apologetics content for children.
  • Six weeks of material on defending the faith.
  • Six weeks of material featuring discipline experts.
  • Podcast episodes with practical information from experts.
• Most podcast episodes are described as 15 to 20 minutes long and focused on substance rather than filler.
• The website also provides access to additional resources and ministry connections.

🤝 Connect with Lee Ann!

You can connect with Lee Ann at raisingchristiankids.com where you’ll find books, resources, and more information about the upcoming Raising Disciples Conference happening in October 2026 in South Florida!

Lee Ann Mancini is passionate about helping children build a lifelong, unshakeable foundation in Jesus. She is the founder and CEO of Raising Christian Kids Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents and caregivers with the tools they need to become the best spiritual leaders for their children.

Lee Ann is a wife and the mother of two grown children. Her award-winning children’s books and animated series, Sea Kids, are based on the stories she wrote for her young children about cute sea creatures who learn about God’s morals and values through everyday childhood experiences.

Lee Ann’s award-winning podcast, Raising Christian Kids, is filled with expert parenting advice and wisdom, as well as interviews with nationally and internationally acclaimed Christian experts on parenting and growing up in today’s world.

An adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College, she earned two master’s degrees from Knox Theological Seminary—in Christian, classical, biblical, and theological studies—and a master’s in Christian studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Lee Ann has devoted her life to the salvation of children and the preservation of Christianity.

🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters!

As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week?

Grace and peace,
Doris
Host, Fierce Calling Podcast

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Thanks for Listening!

I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect.

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Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you.

I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect …

Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon.

With love and joy,

Doris

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The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of this podcast, its hosts, or its sponsors. The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.