Here's an uncomfortable reality: we parents can easily idolize our kids.

When your teen or adult child is distant, critical, or just doesn't seem to like you, it cuts deep. You want their approval, their friendship, their gratitude. That's not wrong—it comes from love! But what happens when their opinion of you becomes the measure of your worth?

Brandon, Liv, and Matt explore the common trap of needing our kids' validation—and why it always backfires. When your child's approval becomes the sun in your identity solar system, you become grasping, controlling, or bitter. The very thing you're doing to win their love pushes them away.

The solution isn't trying harder. It's letting God be your source of validation so you're finally free to love your kids without needing anything back. That's when you can give them what they actually need: compassion, patience, and a parent who isn't desperate.

Practical. Honest. Hopeful.

Links:

• How to Read the Gospels with Your Imagination Workshop: https://www.signpostinn.org/events/gospel-imagination-mar-21
• Free Webinar — Heal & Deepen Your Relationship with Your Kids: https://www.signpostinn.org/webinar
• Brandon's Book — Changing the Conversation: Learning to Dance Instead of Fight: https://www.signpostinn.org/book
• Join us for an event: https://www.signpostinn.org/events
• Donate to Signpost Inn: https://www.signpostinn.org/donate

Connect with us:

Facebook www.facebook.com/SignpostInn

Instagram www.instagram.com/signpostinn

Check out our website www.signpostinn.org for more resources!

Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Your kid doesn't want to go to church. Before you panic or strategize, take a breath. This episode isn't about fixing your kid. It's about looking in the mirror first.

Brandon, Liv, and Matt explore why kids resist church (some reasons are healthy, some are legitimate critiques, some are heart resistance) and then ask the harder question: What implicit theology are you modeling at home? Your kids notice the gap between what you say about God and what you show them.

The good news? You can become what your teen actually needs: a "safe haven" where doubts are welcomed and a "secure base" that encourages exploration and offers forgiveness when they stumble. That's how God relates to you. And it's what you can offer your kids.

Practical. Honest. Hopeful. It's not too late.

Links:

• Join us for for an event: https://www.signpostinn.org/events
• Donate to Signpost Inn: https://www.signpostinn.org/donate

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Follow us o nFacebook www.facebook.com/SignpostInn and Instagram www.instagram.com/signpostinn/. Check out our website www.signpostinn.org for more resources!

Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Have you ever stood in your kitchen, listening to your kids scream at each other, and thought: "A good parent wouldn't have kids like this. Did I screw them up?"

How about the holidays with family? Was it like a Hallmark movie, or were there disagreements and fights? Did you feel a little helpless and wonder if you failed your family?

Today we're going to talk about this feeling, because if you've ever asked it, you're not alone. Somewhere along the way, most of us started believing a lie: our kids are our report card. If they turn out well, we pass. If they struggle, fight, or walk away, we failed.

Links:

• Not Home Yet: Audio book link
• Changing the Conversation Book link
• Join us for for an event: https://www.signpostinn.org/events
• Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-signpost-inn-podcast/id1583479686
• Donate to Signpost Inn: https://www.signpostinn.org/donate

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com