Real Parenting Mistakes And What We Learned About Faith
If we could parent all over again, these are the things we'd do differently.
About this episode
What would you change if you could go back and parent your children again?
In this honest and vulnerable conversation, Troy and Amy reflect on their biggest parenting mistakes, lessons learned, and how faith has reshaped their perspective as parents and grandparents. Looking back over nearly three decades of parenting, they discuss missed opportunities, misplaced priorities, travel sports, family dinners, spiritual leadership, communication, and the importance of being present.
This episode isn't about parenting perfection. It's about learning from mistakes, extending grace to yourself, and recognizing that God can work through both your successes and your failures. Whether you're raising young children, navigating the teenage years, or looking back as an empty nester, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for building a stronger, faith-centered family.
Read more about this topic: Real parenting mistakes and what we learned about faith - It’s never too late to repair, to ask forgiveness, to break generational patterns, and to invite Jesus into your parenting with humility and consistency.
Key Scriptures
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
Psalm 127:3
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5
What’s in this episode
The parenting mistakes Troy and Amy wish they could redo
Why family dinners matter more than most parents realize
How busy schedules can quietly steal family connection
The impact of sports and activities on family priorities
Missed opportunities to teach life skills and financial responsibility
Why it's okay to tell your children, "I don't know"
The importance of spiritual conversations in the home
Learning patience with children during difficult seasons
Creating meaningful family experiences instead of just staying busy
What Troy and Amy are doing differently as grandparents
How God's grace covers imperfect parenting
Reflection questions
Are your family's priorities aligned with your values?
What distractions are competing for your time and attention as a parent?
How often do you have meaningful conversations with your children?
Are you creating memories or simply managing schedules?
What life skills do your children need you to teach them?
How are you modeling faith in everyday life?
If your children described what matters most in your family, what would they say?
What is one parenting adjustment you can make this week?
Key Takeaway
Perfect parents don't exist. The goal isn't flawless parenting—it's intentional parenting. The greatest gift you can give your children isn't a perfect childhood, but a home where faith, love, grace, and connection are lived out consistently.
Quote from the episode
"Looking back, I wish we would have slowed down more and spent more time around the dinner table having meaningful conversations."