The Bible reminds us over and over what a gift from God children are. As parents, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different worries when it comes to raising a child: Are they healthy? Are they happy? Are they kind to other people? One essential element of parenting that sets a great foundation for a child’s well-being is modeling a spiritually healthy life for our kids, so that they know there’s a God who cares for them, and listens when they pray.

This week, we get to hear from three experts on how we can mentally and spiritually nurture the young minds of tomorrow. Dr. Daniel Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, and a leading expert in brain health and mental health. Charles Fay, PhD, is an nationally recognized author and president of the Love and Logic Institute, which joined Amen Clinics in 2020, offering practical solutions for educators, mental health professionals, and parents dealing with challenging behaviors in youth. Melina Luna Smith is the Executive Director of Storymakers NYC, who works with parents to reach their children through storytelling, and gives tips on how to incorporate story into the everyday life as a family, as a way to connect and teach faith values as well. 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Dr. Meg Meeker

Upcoming interview: Tamron Hall

Thank you to our sponsor: www.give.cru.org

Jesus Calling for Easter

Dr. Daniel Amen 

Amen Clinics

Charles Fay, PhD

Love and Logic Institute

Brain SPECT Imaging

active listening

Raising Mentally Strong Kids

Melina Luna Smith

Storymakers NYC

www.storymakersnyc.com

Interview Quotes:

“The good habits that our kids have to start with are our good habits.” - Dr. Charles Fay, Ph.D.

“Write down the mistakes you hope and pray that your kids make.” - Dr. Charles Fay, Ph.D. 

“When do we really have the closest, deepest faith encounter with our Lord? Is it when things have gone really well and we've made really good decisions, or is it maybe when we've exercised some free will and we haven't made such a good decision, and then we look up and we say, ‘Oh, please, Lord, I know that I can trust you’? That’s a faith exercise. We all need those.’” Dr. Charles Fay, Ph.D.

“If you want to give your child the greatest gift, which is the gift of faith, you need to work on your relationship with God, of course, but also with your kids.” - Dr. Daniel Amen, MD 

“When [children] connect with us, they put our values inside of their heart, and those values travel around with them.” - Dr. Charles Fay, Ph.D. 

“We want kids to be engaged with [Bible stories], and we really want them to walk away with information and an experience that is meaningful and that is going to shape and form them, so that they know that God is with them, for them, now and always.” - Melina Luna Smith 

“God is the ultimate story maker, and we are story makers too.” - Melina Luna Smith

“Just as Jesus would always bring the parables to the listeners, He was drawing a story. He was drawing a picture of what was heavenly truth for us to hear.” - Melina Luna Smith 

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