Setting boundaries as a parent can feel confusing — especially in painful or estranged relationships. Many parents worry that boundaries mean rejection, distance, or giving up on their child.

In this episode of the Still Faithful series, we talk about healthy, faith-aligned boundaries that protect love rather than punish it. This conversation reframes boundaries as stewardship — not withdrawal — and offers permission to care for your heart without guilt.

This episode is especially for parents who feel emotionally drained, reactive, or consumed after interactions with their child, and who want to love well without losing themselves.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why boundaries can feel so hard for parents who love deeply

• Boundaries as stewardship, not rejection

• Emotional boundaries that help parents stay grounded

• How to remain open-hearted without being consumed

• Why boundaries can actually preserve love rather than damage it

Reflection questions:
Take your time with these — there's no pressure to resolve anything quickly.

• Where do I feel most drained after interactions with my child?

• What boundaries might bring peace rather than distance?

• What am I allowed to protect — emotionally, spiritually, or relationally?

An important reassurance:
Setting boundaries does not mean you've stopped loving your child.
Boundaries are often what make faithful, sustainable love possible.

A gentle next step:
For many parents, boundaries are where discernment becomes difficult. Knowing what to set, how to hold it, and how to release guilt takes support.

Coaching is available for parents who want help discerning next faithful steps — without pressure, formulas, or forced decisions.

You can learn more at https://melindapatrick.org/coaching-for-christian-parents-when-parenting-hurts/.

If January was about stabilizing the heart, February invites us to reimagine love — not as fixing or chasing, but as something steady, humble, and true.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to love well when relationships are strained, distant, or uncertain. Together, we'll explore:

• Why love is not the same as control or agreement

• How to love without losing yourself

• What it looks like to respond instead of react

• How to anchor your heart in truth — even when outcomes are unclear

You'll also find space to reflect on questions like:

• Where have I confused love with fixing?

• How has my definition of love changed?

• What does loving well look like from where I stand now?

This is for the parent who's still showing up in faith — even when there's silence.
Even when there's grief.
Even when there's no clear path forward.

Listen and share if you need the reminder:
You can still love well. Even here. Even now.

If this episode resonated with you, would you consider:

• Sharing it with someone who needs the same reminder

• Leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

• Following The Bridge Between Us so you never miss an episode

Your support helps more parents find their way back to hope.

Subscribe to the Bridge Between Us Newletter for updates, equipping and encouragement:

https://mailchi.mp/1e8513b0df62/the-daring-rescue

Some parenting stories don't resolve neatly. Relationships remain strained. Questions remain unanswered. And the waiting can feel exhausting.

In Episode 5 of the Still Faithful series, we talk about what faithfulness looks like when nothing is resolved — when there is no closure, no clear outcome, and no timeline for change.

This episode invites parents to consider how to live fully, love well, and stay faithful even when the story is still unfinished.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The emotional weight of unresolved parenting seasons

• Why faithfulness is not waiting for resolution before living

• How to hold hope without demanding outcomes

• Allowing joy and grief to exist together

• Moving forward while trusting God with what remains unanswered

Reflection questions:

• Where am I waiting for resolution before allowing myself to live fully?

• What might it look like to move forward faithfully, even while something remains unfinished?

• How can I hold hope without attaching it to a specific outcome?

A closing encouragement:
Faithfulness does not require closure.
It requires presence.

If you would like more information on the coaching Melinda offers, send an email to: melinda@melindapatrickorg