Pardon the Mess with Scarlet Hiltibidal - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids

Summer always seems to come with big expectations. We imagine memory-making adventures, endless family fun, and kids who magically never complain. But somewhere between snack requests, screen-time negotiations, and trying to keep everyone occupied, many of us end up wondering if we're doing enough.
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares why the best summer isn't necessarily the busiest one. Instead, she explores how the gospel frees us from the pressure to create a "perfect" summer and invites us to faithfully enjoy the ordinary moments God has already given us.
You'll also hear from special guest Anna Van Dyke, who shares simple, practical rhythms that have helped her family cultivate faith, connection, and joy throughout the summer.
Whether you're staying home, traveling, or just trying to survive another hot afternoon with your kids, this episode will encourage you to embrace intentionality over perfection and remember that God is already at work in the everyday moments.
In This Episode
Why summer can leave moms feeling overwhelmed
How the gospel frees us from the pressure to create a "perfect" childhood
Simple spiritual rhythms your family can build into everyday life
Practical ideas for creating meaningful summer memories without overscheduling
Finding joy in the ordinary instead of chasing extraordinary moments

Scripture Focus
Colossians 3:17
Luke 10:38-42

Special thanks to Anna Van Dyke who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Resources:
The Adventure Bible
Cozy Earth (use code PARDONTHEMESS for up to 20% off! And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, make sure to let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here!)
Get your copy of Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today!
Get to know Scarlet here
Sign up for Morning Minute

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess
Scarlet’s Instagram
Scarlet’s Facebook

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MESS
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com

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Few things are harder than watching your child come home hurt by a friend. Whether they're feeling left out, navigating conflict, experiencing rejection, or struggling through friendship drama, many moms find themselves wondering: Should I step in? Should I stay out of it? How do I help without making it worse?
In this episode of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares personal stories, practical encouragement, and biblical wisdom for helping children navigate relational conflict in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. Through the lens of Matthew 18, she'll explore how we can teach our kids to pursue reconciliation, extend forgiveness, and find their identity in Christ rather than in the approval of others.
If you've ever felt helpless watching your child struggle socially, this conversation will encourage you to trust God with their relationships while helping them develop the skills and character they'll need for a lifetime of healthy friendships.
In This Episode:
Why friendship drama affects moms so deeply
The difference between protecting your child and preparing them
What Jesus teaches about conflict and reconciliation in Matthew 18
How to help your child navigate hurt, rejection, and misunderstandings
Teaching kids to pursue peace instead of gossip
Helping children separate their identity from their friendships
Practical ways to walk alongside your child without taking over
How the gospel transforms the way we handle relational conflict

Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 18:15
Ephesians 4:31–32

Special thanks to Vanessa Dolberry who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.

P.S. Scarlet also joined Steph on The Christian Parenting Podcast earlier this week for a great conversation on embracing the Gospel for real-life parenting messes! Listen here or watch here

Resources:
The Adventure Bible
Get your copy of Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today!
Get to know Scarlet here
Sign up for Morning Minute
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess
Scarlet’s Instagram
Scarlet’s Facebook

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MESS
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this deeply personal episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares her own experiences with miscarriage and the difficult questions that often accompany loss. Through stories of grief, fear, and surrender, she reflects on the difference between questioning God's goodness and learning to trust His goodness even when circumstances don't make sense.
Whether you're walking through pregnancy loss yourself or supporting a mom friend who is, this conversation offers biblical encouragement, honest hope, and practical ways to care for those who are grieving. Together, we'll explore what it looks like to cling to God in heartbreak and find comfort in His unchanging character when life feels uncertain.

In this episode:
Scarlet's personal experiences with miscarriage
Wrestling with faith in seasons of loss
Trusting God's goodness when life doesn't feel good
Biblical encouragement for grieving moms
Practical ways to support someone experiencing pregnancy loss
Finding hope and healing in Christ amid unanswered questions

If you've ever wondered how to hold both grief and faith at the same time, this episode is for you!

Today's Scripture Focus:
Psalm 34:18, Romans 8:32, Lamentations 3:22-23, John 11:35
Special thanks to Scarlet’s little tiny infant baby sister (who is 32!) Aubrey Fuhrman, who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.

Resources:
The Adventure Bible
Get to know Scarlet here
Sign up for Morning Minute
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess
Scarlet’s Instagram
Scarlet’s Facebook

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MESS
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How do you talk to your kids about cancer, suffering, terminal illness, or the possibility of losing someone they love?
Whether it's a grandparent's diagnosis, a chronic illness, a devastating loss, or another painful reality, there comes a moment when we realize we cannot protect our children from every hard thing this side of heaven.
In this episode of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares from a deeply personal place as she reflects on her mother's battle with stage-four cancer and the challenges of helping her own children navigate grief, uncertainty, and difficult questions. How much do we tell our kids? Should they see us cry? How do we help them process suffering when we're still processing it ourselves?
Together, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about suffering, why Christian hope is different from wishful thinking, and how parents can model faith in the middle of fear. Rather than shielding our children from every hardship, we have the opportunity to show them what it looks like to trust Jesus when life hurts.
This conversation is ultimately about more than cancer. It's about helping our children discover that God's presence is real, His promises are trustworthy, and His love remains steadfast even when life feels fragile.

Today's Scripture Focus:
2 Corinthians 4:16–18
"Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day..."

Special thanks to Jennifer Sieber, who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.

Resources:
Get to know Scarlet here
Sign up for Morning Minute
Hopeful-ish: Sadness, Weariness, Donkey Attacks, More Sadness, and Other Stuff You Need the Gospel For
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess
Scarlet’s Instagram
Scarlet’s Facebook

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How do you talk to your kids about cancer, suffering, terminal illness, or the possibility of losing someone they love?
Whether it's a grandparent's diagnosis, a chronic illness, a devastating loss, or another painful reality, there comes a moment when we realize we cannot protect our children from every hard thing this side of heaven.
In this episode of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares from a deeply personal place as she reflects on her mother's battle with stage-four cancer and the challenges of helping her own children navigate grief, uncertainty, and difficult questions. How much do we tell our kids? Should they see us cry? How do we help them process suffering when we're still processing it ourselves?
Together, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about suffering, why Christian hope is different from wishful thinking, and how parents can model faith in the middle of fear. Rather than shielding our children from every hardship, we have the opportunity to show them what it looks like to trust Jesus when life hurts.
This conversation is ultimately about more than cancer. It's about helping our children discover that God's presence is real, His promises are trustworthy, and His love remains steadfast even when life feels fragile.
Today's Scripture Focus:
2 Corinthians 4:16–18
"Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day..."
Special thanks to Jennifer Sieber, who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.

Resources:
Get to know Scarlet here
Sign up for Morning Minute
Hopeful-ish: Sadness, Weariness, Donkey Attacks, More Sadness, and Other Stuff You Need the Gospel For
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess
Scarlet’s Instagram
Scarlet’s Facebook

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/MESS
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy