Parenting: Raising Kids Without Pretending to be Perfect

This week on Open Spaces, we’re joined by our dear friends Brooke and Elizabeth Mosser, founders of Intentional. If you heard Brooke’s previous episode, you already know why we love them. But in this conversation, we get to hear from both Brooke and Elizabeth as they share honestly about parenting, marriage, suffering, healing, and what it looks like to follow Jesus when life doesn’t go according to plan. Together we talk about raising kids while still doing our own healing, the pressure so many parents feel to “get it right,” and why vulnerability—not perfection—is what creates safe spaces for our families to grow. This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, encouragement, and so much hope for parents who feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or like they’re falling short. In this episode: Why your kids don’t need a perfect parent—they need an honest one. How to begin breaking generational patterns while you’re still raising children. The importance of naming your own story so it no longer controls your reactions. Why repairing after you’ve failed as a parent may be more powerful than never failing. What “good enough parenting” really means—and why it’s freeing. Helping children understand anxiety, ADHD, autism, and other challenges without shame. Why giving kids language for their experiences helps prevent harmful narratives from taking root. Teaching a biblical theology of suffering instead of promising an easy life. How to model dependence on Jesus when life is painful and uncertain. Finding hope, healing, and deeper intimacy with God in the middle of real life. Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teenagers, or simply trying to heal from your own story, we pray this conversation reminds you that God’s grace is enough—and that you’re not walking this road alone.   Resources mentioned: Intentional Parents: https://www.intentionalparents.org/, https://www.intentionalparents.org/podcast Intentional Fatherhood Podcast https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzlLfu_s5Lt_WOIGwTWht31djJe6pzTdP&si=s_wft8swsAzndYXj Intentional Motherhood & Fatherhood Retreats https://www.intentionalparents.org/events   If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who could use a little hope today? Your support helps us continue creating conversations that make room for honesty, healing, and the presence of Jesus.