Raising Lions

Episode 13 - Stop Putting Your Child in the Middle

Episode Summary

When one parent gets to be fun and the other has to enforce the rules, parenting becomes exhausting. In Episode 13, Pastor Joseph addresses parenting through divorce, confronting parents who undermine each other or pressure children to choose sides. With biblical guidance and practical steps, this episode encourages parents to pursue repair where possible and provide loving, steady leadership when two homes have different standards.

Episode Notes

Episode 13: When One Parent Gets to Be Fun—and the Other Has to Be Firm

Parenting through separation or divorce gets harder when one parent enforces expectations while the other undermines them. In this episode, Pastor Joseph challenges parents to stop competing for affection and focus on what their children need.

In this episode:

• An appeal to parents considering divorce: seek help and pursue meaningful repair where it is safe.
• Stop putting children in the middle through bitter comments, guilt trips, and pressure to choose sides.
• Stop buying the favorite-parent position by removing responsibility and accountability.
• Maintain reasonable expectations when the other household operates differently.
• Respond to “Dad lets me” or “Mom doesn’t make me” without attacking the other parent.
• Give children affection, enjoyable time together, and steady leadership.

Scripture references: Matthew 19:6; Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 6:4; Romans 12:18.

This week’s challenge: Stop one habit that brings adult conflict into your child’s day. Establish one dependable routine. Spend time together that isn’t centered on correction or the other parent.

Remember: Your child did not cause the divorce and cannot fix it. Handle adult problems with adults, take genuine safety concerns seriously, and let your child be a child.

For parenting resources and Christian parent mentoring, visit RaisingLionsFamily.com.

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