Intentional Parenting: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Christian Homes

00:00 Introduction – Episode 350 Milestone
00:31 Why Intentional Parenting Matters
01:12 Pitfalls of Modern Christian Parenting
03:30 Inconsistent Discipline & Child Exasperation
05:14 Challenges for First-Generation Christian Parents
06:25 Wisdom from Proverbs & Godly Mentors
07:27 Elder Qualifications & Warm, Well-Managed Homes
09:40 Multi-Generational Influence in the Church
10:18 Balancing Family Schedules & Activities
12:30 Ordering the Home for Peace (Not Chaos)
13:58 Self-Sacrifice in Christ-Centered Parenting
16:06 Teaching Life Lessons – The Baseball Story
17:40 Choices That Shape Future Generations
18:56 Training Kids to Behave in Public Settings
20:33 Discipline, Guilt & Single-Parent Realities
22:26 Persevering in Doing Good Parenting
24:02 Outro & How to Support Straight Truth

Related Sermons:
The Context for Christian Parenting:    • Parenting 101: The Context for Christian P...  
The Wrong Answer for Your Childs Greatest Needs:    • Parenting 101: The Wrong Answer for Your C...  
A Generational Plan for Discipleship:    • Parenting 101: A Generational Plan For Dis...  
Joyful Parenting:    • Parenting 101 : Joyful Parenting | Psalm 127  
Christian Parenting:    • Christian Parenting | Ephesians 6:4  
Wise Parenting - Part 1:    • Wise Parenting - Part 1 | James 3:17-18  
Wise Parenting - Part 2:    • Wise Parenting - Part 2  | James 3:17-18  

Is it possible to be a loving, well-meaning Christian parent and still cause unintentional harm to your children? Does loving our children well mean saying yes to everything? Can we raise our kids with all the right motives—yet miss the mark because of poor methods, lack of biblical training, or an overly chaotic home life? Are you parenting reactively, emotionally, or inconsistently? Or are you parenting with the long view in mind—raising children who not only respect authority but love Christ above all?
In this episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, How to Parent with Purpose –Wisdom for Christian Families, Dr. Richard Caldwell joins host Dr. Josh Philpot to address the challenges of Christian parenting in today’s culture. They explore what it means to engage in intentional parenting, the dangers of inconsistency in discipline, and how to apply biblical wisdom for families in the most practical ways. Whether you are a new parent, a struggling single parent, or a couple trying to navigate different parenting approaches, this conversation is for you. You’ll hear real-life stories, biblical principles, and actionable wisdom for how to raise kids biblically in today’s fast-paced, often distracted world. Tune in to this powerful discussion and be encouraged to pursue intentional parenting that honors God.
Many believers today are first generation Christian parents. They’ve come to faith as adults, and while they love the Lord and desire to raise godly children, they are often without biblical examples from their upbringing. They want to instill truth and godliness in their homes, but struggle with how to do it. In this discussion, Dr. Caldwell gives clear Christian family advice rooted in Scripture, especially from the book of Proverbs.
The discussion covers common parenting mistakes such as:

•Letting children become the center of attention in every room
•Replacing correction with passive listening
•Swinging between leniency and harshness
•Allowing chaotic family schedules to overrun spiritual priorities
•Micromanaging the home without warmth or grace
Dr. Caldwell emphasizes the need for family discipleship and consistent, loving Christian discipline. He explains that discipline in parenting isn’t about control—it’s about love, wisdom, and setting parenting boundaries that honor God and protect children. True parenting with purpose starts by ordering the home around spiritual priorities, not extracurricular busyness or emotional guilt. Drawing from his own experience raising four children and now enjoying life as a grandfather, Dr. Caldwell provides godly parenting advice for those feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. He encourages parents to surround themselves with older, faithful believers—those who have raised children well and who can offer practical wisdom, correction, and encouragement.
This discussion will help parents consider whether their homes are marked by peace or chaos, and how they can pursue a more ordered and Christ-centered environment. Biblical parenting involves teaching children how to behave respectfully in adult company, how to understand godly authority, and how to prioritize worship over worldly success. Whether you're dealing with toddlers or teenagers, the principles shared in this candid discussion apply across all stages of parenting.