I don’t know how to teach my kids to repent
38m | Oct 22, 2026What does it actually mean to teach our kids to repent?
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks about why repentance is one of the most important things we can teach our children, and why it has to be about so much more than getting them to say “sorry.” We want our kids to stop hiding and defending sin, and rather to confess it honestly, and turn toward Jesus.
Scarlet shares from her own experience as a mom, along with Scripture’s vision for repentance, to help us think about how we can model it in our homes. She talks about the difference between an apology and genuine repentance, why our kids need to see us repent too, and how confession can lead to the joy, peace, freedom, and nearness to Jesus we were made for.
Special thanks to Caroline Saunders, who shared so much wisdom in today’s Messy Mom Moment. Caroline Saunders is a writer, Bible teacher, pastor's wife, and mother of three who believes in taking Jesus seriously and being un-serious about nearly everything else. Learn more about what the Bible says about clothing in Caroline's recent tradebook, But What Do I Wear?: The Biblical Story of Clothing, How It Helps Us Think About Getting Dressed, and Approximately Seventeen Stories I May Regret Telling. Find her writing, resources, and ridiculousness at WriterCaroline.com and on Instagram @writercaroline.
Scripture Focus:
- 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
- Isaiah 6
Connect with Scarlet
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 her books, Bible studies, and more encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Resources:
Caroline Saunders’ latest book: But What Do I Wear?: The Biblical Story of Clothing, How It Helps Us Think About Getting Dressed, and Approximately Seventeen Stories I May Regret Telling
Podcast episode Scarlet mentioned with “the Elizabeth story!”
Book: You’re the Worst Person in the World
NiRV Question & Answer Bible for Kids
WinShape Camps Carpool Conversations Podcast
Get your copy of our latest prayer journal and join Scarlet each Monday to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal!
Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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