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

What if my anxiety is affecting my kids?
It’s a question many moms quietly ask themselves. In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares a personal story from her own motherhood journey and the fear that she might pass her anxiety on to her children.
Scarlet talks about a moment when she realized that her biggest struggle wasn’t just anxiety itself, it was what she believed about God. When we don’t trust that God is good, our fears can take over. But when we understand the character of our loving Father, we can begin to release the impossible burden of trying to control every outcome for our kids.
Through Scripture, honest reflection, and personal experience, Scarlet encourages moms that the goal isn’t to become a fearless mom, it’s to become a mom who knows where to take her fears, because our children don’t need perfect, anxiety-free moms. They need moms who point them to the perfect love and faithfulness of Jesus, even when they feel weak.
In This Episode:
The story behind Scarlet’s fear that getting closer to God might lead to something terrible happening to her children
How anxiety can distort our view of God’s character
Why the root of anxiety is often a struggle to trust God’s goodness
The guilt moms feel when they worry their anxiety is affecting their kids
How honesty about our struggles can actually help our children see faith lived out
Why we don’t have to become fearless moms, we can become moms who trust God with our fears

Key Scriptures:
Matthew 6:25–26 — Jesus reminds us that our heavenly Father cares for His children.
Matthew 7:11 — If earthly parents know how to give good gifts, how much more can we trust our good Father?

Resources:
Afraid of All the Things
The Maker of the Mountain
The Adventure Bible
I Love You, Little Light
Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
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Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess
Scarlet’s Instagram
Scarlet’s Facebook

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

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

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If you've ever wrestled a toddler through the church doors, bribed your kids with donuts to make it through the service, or wondered if anything they're hearing is actually sticking—you are not alone.
In this episode, Scarlet sits down with her pastor-husband, Brandon Hiltibidal, for an honest conversation about one of the biggest questions Christian parents ask: How can we help our kids love the church?
The answer isn't found in creating the perfect kids' ministry or making church endlessly entertaining. More often, it begins with the way we, as parents, view and love Christ's bride.
Listen in to hear practical, gospel-centered ways to cultivate a love for the local church in your family while helping your kids understand that church is much more than a weekly event.

In This Episode:
Why your attitude toward church shapes your children's view more than you realize.
The difference between raising church attenders and raising kids who love God's people.
Why church should feel like family, not just another Sunday activity.
How to help your children build meaningful relationships within the church.
How to talk with your kids when they notice hypocrisy, conflict, or failures in church leaders.
Why the gospel gives us hope even when people in the church disappoint us.
Personal stories of how the church cared for the Hiltibidal family during seasons of adoption, hardship, and celebration.

Scripture Focus
Acts 2
Hebrews 10:24–25

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus?
You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find more resources, Bible studies, and encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com.

Resources:
The Maker of the Mountain
The Adventure Bible
Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Sign up for Morning Minute

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

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

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

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

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

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, Who even am I anymore?
Motherhood is beautiful, sacred, and deeply meaningful, but it can also feel all-consuming. Somewhere between diaper changes, school pickups, endless laundry, and caring for everyone else, it's easy to lose sight of who you are.
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares honestly about what it feels like to lose yourself in motherhood and why the answer isn't finding your "old self" again, but anchoring your identity in Jesus. Through personal stories, biblical encouragement, and practical rhythms, you'll be reminded that your worth isn't found in your productivity, your parenting, or your season of life. It's found in Jesus..
If you've been feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or like you've disappeared beneath the title of "Mom," this conversation is for you.
Special thanks to Katie Hinson, 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.
In this episode:
Why so many moms feel like they've lost themselves
The difference between your role as a mom and your identity in Christ
The importance of friendship and Christian community
Key Scripture
Colossians 3:1-4
Ephesians 2:10

Resources:
You are Not Forgotten by Christine Hoover
The Adventure Bible
Bridging Resilience
Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Sign up for Morning Minute
First15

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Get to know Scarlet here
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess
Scarlet’s Instagram
Scarlet’s Facebook
Join the Pardon the Mess community by subscribing and leaving a review!

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

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

Our Sponsors:
* 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 know you're making the right decision for your kids?
Whether you're homeschooling, choosing private school, considering public school, or simply wondering if you're getting this whole parenting thing right, the pressure can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal reminds us that while parenting comes with countless decisions, our greatest calling isn't to engineer the perfect childhood—it's to faithfully point our children to Jesus.
Through biblical encouragement and practical wisdom, Scarlet shares how Scripture shapes our approach to discipleship at home, why prayer and wise counsel matter, and how resting in God's sovereignty frees us from the burden of believing everything depends on us.
In this episode, you'll hear:
What the Bible says about discipling our children in everyday life.
Why God's Word should be woven into the rhythms of your home.
How to seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel when making educational decisions.
The freedom that comes from remembering you are called to point your children to Jesus—not save them.
How trusting God's sovereignty brings peace in every parenting season.
Key Scriptures
Proverbs 3:5–6
Deuteronomy 6
Key Takeaways
God's Word is meant to shape the everyday rhythms of family life.
Parenting is about faithful discipleship, not perfect outcomes.
Every family and every season is unique—seek God's wisdom rather than someone else's formula.
Prayer and biblical wisdom should guide every major parenting decision.
God is already at work in your child's life, and you can trust Him with what you cannot control.

Special thanks to Ever, Scarlet’s 15-year-old, 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!)
Bridging Resilience
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
Seeds Kids Worship

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 IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com

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

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 IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com

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