Nathan Unger is the Associate Campus Pastor/Student Pastor at Bethlehem Church Oconee Campus. He and his wife, Anna of 9 years, have three wonderful boys at home with another one on the way!

Key Takeaways

  – Importance of balancing family traditions with flexibility and intentionality

  – Value of allowing children to experience both success and failure to build resilience

  – Significance of celebrating children’s achievements and modeling outward-focused behavior

  – Need for tailored parenting approaches based on each child’s unique personality and love language

Topics

Family Background and Dynamics

  – Nathan has been married to Anna for 9 years, with three sons (Hudson, Sam, and Judah) and expecting their fourth child in March 2025

  – Roles include father, husband, spiritual mentor, and recently youth football coach

  – Balancing family traditions (e.g. holiday rotations) with creating new family rhythms

  – Emphasis on outdoor activities and limiting screen time for children

Parenting Philosophy and Approaches

  – Allowing children to experience “victory” by not rescuing them too quickly from challenges

  – Implementing age-appropriate chores to instill responsibility (e.g. dishes, pet care, cooking)

  – Focusing on celebrating achievements 5-10 times more than correcting behavior

  – Tailoring parenting style to each child’s personality and love language

  – Teaching generosity and outward focus through modeling and encouragement

Rewarding Aspects of Parenting

  – Witnessing children learn, succeed, and overcome challenges

  – Seeing “light bulb moments” as children master new skills

  – Balancing protection with allowing appropriate struggles for growth

Recommended Resources

  – Book: “Raising Passionate Jesus Followers” by the Comers

  – Book: “The 5 Love Languages” (including children’s version)

  – Podcast: Pure Athlete podcast, especially the episode with Ben Watson

Parenting Advice

  – Be present and enjoy each season of parenting

  – Recognize that challenging phases are temporary

  – Take intentional time to celebrate children’s accomplishments and positive behaviors