EP 70 // Christian Parenting: What to Do When Your Child Has a Hard Day

What do you do when your child comes home saying, “This is the worst day ever”? As Christian parents, our first instinct may be to cheer them up, fix the problem, or tell them it isn’t as bad as it feels. But Philippians 4 gives us a better path. In this episode of Faith Mom Mentor, we walk through Philippians 4:4–9 and discover six practical family discipleship steps you can use on your own hard days—and teach to your child. You’ll learn how to help your child process disappointment without dismissing their emotions, recognize thoughts that may not be true, pray honestly, practice thanksgiving, and take the next faithful step. Because your child’s day can change without their God changing. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: • How biblical joy differs from simply “cheering up” • How to help your child separate circumstances, feelings, and thoughts • Six simple steps from Philippians 4 for handling hard days • How to teach kids to ask, “Is what I’m thinking actually true?” • How prayer and thanksgiving help children turn toward God • Why biblical joy can exist alongside sadness and disappointment • How Bible study becomes practical family discipleship • How to help your child identify the next faithful step • Why our deepest joy is ultimately found in Jesus THE SIX WORDS TO REMEMBER: Rejoice — What is still true about God? Remember — The Lord is near. Pray — Tell God what happened. Thank — What can you thank God for? Think — Is what you’re thinking actually true? Do — What is the next faithful step? You don’t need the perfect speech when your child has a hard day. You can help them bring what happened back under the truth of God’s Word. ⏰ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:48 Worst Day Ever Setup 02:36 Open Philippians 4 02:58 Rejoice: Rooted Joy 03:41 Name the Thoughts 05:37 Remember the Lord 07:01 Pray About Everything 08:08 Practice Thanksgiving 09:48 Think What Is True 11:30 Study Bible Joy Index 12:55 Joy in the Pain 14:30 Jesus, Our Deepest Joy 16:07 Do the Next Step 17:10 Six Words Recap 18:29 Keep Coming Back 19:54 Next Episode for Moms RESOURCES MENTIONED 📖 NLT Large Print Premium Value Thinline Bible https://amzn.to/3Ndslol ⭐️ FREE eBook: Reclaim Your Role as a Godly Influence in Your Middle Schooler’s Life https://www.lifeandpeaceministries.com/time-truth-trust-EBOOK 📚 Joshua Bible Study https://amzn.to/40rPF4o 🎧 LISTEN NEXT EP 69 // When TRYING to Be a “Good Christian Mom” Feels Like a Burden https://www.lifeandpeaceministries.com/podcasts/faith-mom-mentor-helping-moms-guide-kids-8-12-to-walk-with-god/episodes/2149245920 CONNECT WITH LIFE & PEACE MINISTRIES Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592507375460 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeandpeaceministries/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithMomMentor?sub_confirmation=1 WAYS TO WORK WITH LIFE & PEACE MINISTRIES ⚡️ Free Resources https://www.lifeandpeaceministries.com/blog ⚡️ Schedule a Faith Mom Mentor Session https://www.lifeandpeaceministries.com/schedule-a-faith-mom-mentor-session ⚡️ Book Anne to Speak https://www.lifeandpeaceministries.com/speaker-page Faith Mom Mentor helps Christian moms of tweens and preteens understand Scripture, practice family discipleship, teach kids the Bible, and build faith at home. Learn it. Live it. Teach it. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.