In this episode we talk with Kate Morris and Dave Whittingham, who both have first hand experience of living with neurodivergence and/or supporting neurodivergent children. Kate Morris also brings a wealth of knowledge from her studies and research in this field. Our guests' insights are enlightening, educational and very encouraging. We cover questions like:

- What do the terms 'neurodiversity' and 'neurodivergence' mean?
- What language is most helpful when referring to neurodivergent people?
- Why might parents seek a diagnosis for their child? Is it detrimental to 'label' them in this way?
- How does our Christian world view shape our attitude to neurodiversity?
- What would our families and churches look like if we truly loved people in all their neurodiversity?
- How might an understanding of neurodivergence shape parents' approach to discipline?
- How can we foster positive relationships between neurodiverse siblings?

Links:

An Extraordinary Normal: Faith, Family, and Neurodivergence Substack articles by our guest Kate Morris.

Stories of a Faithful God for Kids podcast by our guest Dave Whittingham.

Faith in Kids 4 Kids podcast from UK organisation Faith in Kids.

Growing Faith articles by our guest Kate Morris:
'Supporting families with neurodivergent members'
'Neurodivergent Christians can find true belonging at church'

Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.

Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we talk with Jocelyn Loane about the thorny topic of discipline. We explore what biblical discipline really means - it's not just punishment for a past wrong, but rather the loving, intentional, wholistic, long-term process of modelling, encouraging, training and correcting our children to help them mature towards godliness.

We talk about:
- What is discipline?
- Why do parents need to discipline?
- How can discipline go wrong?
- Is it OK for Christian parents to smack (or not to smack) their children?
- How can we best respond to our children's bad behaviour?

Links:
Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Discipline as discipleship' by Harriet Connor and a chapter by our guest, Jocelyn Loane.

Motherhood: How the gospel shapes our purpose and priorities by Jocelyn Loane, which includes two chapters on discipline.

Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.

Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.

In this episode we talk with Jane Gibb, an experienced life and conflict coach, about the many aspects of personal conflict, especially within marriages and families, and how it can help us grow. We had an insightful, practical and wide-ranging conversation about:

- What is conflict?
- Should Christians expect conflict?
- What are the different ways people naturally respond to conflict and why?
- Where do we experience conflict in our families?
- What steps can we take to work through personal conflict in a healthy way?
- What are some principles for managing conflict in our marriages?
- How can we teach our children to manage conflict well?

Links:
Peacewise: a Christian, cross-denominational, not for profit peacemaking ministry striving to build peacemakers for life.
Peacewise kids: Resources to help kids have better relationships and resolve conflict in a healthy way.

Quiet wisdom: Jane Gibb's coaching ministry for women seeking healing after sexual betrayal.

Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Related articles:
'Should we argue in front of the kids?' by Keturah Jones.
'Sticking together when parenting pulls us apart' by Harriet Connor.
'Help, my kids are fighting ... again!' by Roselyn Owens.

Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.

Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.