Rooted By The River: An SRC Parenting Podcast

Creating Rhythms of Faith in Your Family

In this bonus episode, John and Virginia Houmes talk on "Spiritual Habits: Creating Rhythms of Faith in Your Family". You'll hear how seizing opportunities and practicing intentionality can shape your family's faith. The talk was given by the Houmes' at SRC's Mom Talks in November of 2025.  Rooted by the River on:
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Resources:
Book Resources
The Bible Project on Youtube
Give Me An Answer (Cliff & Stuart Knechtle on Youtube)
The New City Catechism App
Habits of the Household Class (Winter 2026)
 

Parenting, Boundaries, and the Wisdom of Saying Yes (and No) with Alyssa Hanna

When should parents say “yes” to their children—and when is it loving to say “no”?
In this episode of Rooted by the River, the family ministries podcast from Spanish River Church, John sits down with Alyssa Hanna to talk about healthy boundaries in Christian parenting. Alyssa is a mother of three young children and a licensed counselor who works with teenagers, bringing both professional insight and real-life parenting experience to the conversation.
Drawing from a parenting and boundaries class taught at Spanish River Church, Alyssa and John explore how biblical wisdom, emotional health, and clear boundaries help parents raise children who are secure, resilient, and rooted in Christ.
Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers practical tools, faith-based encouragement, and hope for overwhelmed parents navigating everyday decisions.
#faithbasedparenting #kids&boundaries #parenting #Christianparenting #boundarieswithkids #sayingyesandnoResources:Spanish River Counseling CenterBoundaries curriculum by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Marriage and Kids: How to Stay Connected as Husband and Wife with Dan Myers

Marriage doesn’t stay the same once kids enter the picture.For many couples, the relationship slowly shifts into survival mode—focused on parenting, schedules, and responsibilities—until spouses feel more like roommates than husband and wife.
In this episode of Rooted by the River, the family ministries podcast from Spanish River Church, John interviews pre-marital counselor Dan Meyers about how couples can strengthen their marriage after kids, keep the marital covenant at the center of the home, and intentionally grow in connection, communication, and spiritual unity.
This conversation offers practical Christian marriage wisdom for:
Parents navigating the busy seasons of family life
Couples who feel disconnected or stuck
Engaged and newly married couples preparing for the future
If you care about building a healthy, Christ-centered marriage that serves as the foundation of your family, this episode is for you.
#ChristianMarriage #MarriageAfterKids #ParentingAndMarriage #parenting
Resources:
Learn more about Dan Myers
The Meaning of Marriage, by Tim & Kathy Keller
Couples Counseling Groups at Spanish River Counseling Center
Marriage, Family and Parenting services at Spanish River Counseling Center

Parenting Beyond Assumptions: Modeling Curiosity at Home with Laine Schmidt

Curiosity is a powerful thing—especially in today’s culture of assumptions and believing we already know what others are thinking. This mindset can impact our parenting and family relationships.
In this episode of Rooted by the River, John sits down with professional business coach, Laine Schmidt to explore why curiosity is essential for healthy families, especially in parenting and discipleship.
Together, they unpack how asking thoughtful, open-ended questions helps parents better understand their children, build trust, and model curiosity at home.
 #parenting #askingquestions #parentingtips #christianparenting #curiosity
Topics Covered in This Episode:
Curiosity vs. assumption in parenting
How assumptions damage family communication
Asking better questions as a parent
Modeling curiosity and humility for children
Helping kids feel seen, heard, and known
 
Resources:
Ask Powerful Questions, by Will Wise
Laine Schmidt Coaching

Kids These Days: Understanding Gen Alpha with Lara Jensen

Gen Alpha has arrived.
Rising 6th graders now represent an entirely new generation, and they’re asking deeper questions than ever before. In this episode, John Houmes interviews Lara Jensen, Director of SRC’s Middle School Student Ministry, to discuss what sets Gen Alpha apart, key generational differences, and how today’s students are engaging with faith, identity, and the world around them.
#genalpha  #Rising6thgraders #kidsthesedays #alphakids
Resources:
Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents - And What They Mean For America’s Future, by Jean Twenge
TikTok Therapy comedy bit, by Jen Fulwiler

How Music Disciples Kids: Worship, Faith, and Family with Worship Director Eric Blythe

🎶 How does music shape the faith of our kids?
In this episode of Rooted by the River, the family ministries podcast from Spanish River Church, we explore the powerful role of worship music in discipling children at home.
Host John sits down with Eric Blythe, Worship Director at Spanish River Church, to talk about how music forms our hearts, shapes our beliefs, and influences the spiritual growth of the next generation.
#childrenandworship #parenting #faithandmusic #faithformationAvailable on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Resources:
Slugs and Bugs
Westminster Shorter Catechism songs, by Bruce Benedict
Ask Me Whoo Children’s Catechism, by Diana Beach Batarseh
Indelible Grace (old hymns to new music)
You can listen to Eric Blythe's music with The River Collective at spanishriver.com/rivco

The Birds & the Bees: Talking About Sexuality with Your Kids with Dr. Jill Dagistino

How do you talk to your kids about sex, faith, and God’s design without fear, awkwardness, or silence?
In this episode of Rooted by the River, host John sits down with Dr. Jill Dagistino, a licensed therapist and trusted voice in Christian parenting, to tackle one of the most challenging—and important—topics parents face: discipling your children in their sexuality.
Many Christian parents want to have healthy conversations about sex, but don’t know where to start, Dr. Jill Dagistino offers practical, grace-filled wisdom to help parents build open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations rooted in Scripture and relationship—not shame or fear.
You’ll learn why talking about sex is better than staying silent, how to frame sexuality as part of God’s good design, and how to explain biblical boundaries around sex in ways that lead to trust, understanding, and faith formation.
#kidsandsexuality #talkingtokidsaboutsex #biblicalsexuality #faithandfamily #parenting #Godsdesignforsex
Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. 
Resources mentioned in the Podcast:
The Amazing Beginning of You, by Jacobson, Jacobson and Lee
How Did God Make Me?: The Miracle Before Birth, by Matt Jacobson
Talking to Your Kids About Sex, Mark Laaser
A Chicken's Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids About Sex: Honest Advice for Parents on How to Have “The Talk”, by Kevin Leman
Learning About Sex series (8 Books)
 
You can learn more about Jill Dagistino at Spanish River Counseling Center at https://www.spanishrivercounseling.com/jill-dagistino

Welcome to "Rooted by the River"

Welcome to "Rooted by the River," a Spanish River Church podcast designed to empower you as a parent. We invite you to take a journey with us as we engage with knowledgeable guests who offer practical parenting wisdom. We want to equip you to nurture faith at home in our fast-paced, ever-changing culture. 
Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums or teen questions, each episode will offer practical insights, gospel encouragement, and a deeper connection to help you and your children stay rooted in Jesus. 
In this episode, SRC Family Ministries Pastor John Houmes shares the vision for the podcast. Think “best practices” with kids rather than “controlled outcomes”.
Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Scripture Reference:
Psalm 1Proverbs 22:6Follow Along on Instagram:Rooted by the RiverSpanish River Church