Ladylike Podcast | Episode 11: Making the Most of the Toddler Years

About this sermon

In this episode, Julie and Delaney sit down with the wonderful Hannah McGrath — local wife, registered nurse, and mama to two boys, Mac (5) and Mercer (11 months) — for an honest, encouraging conversation all about the toddler season. Hannah shares how she and her husband Shane have leaned into intentional, faith-centered parenting— from listening to the Bible in the car (Mac is now on year three!) to teaching the fruits of the Spirit in everyday moments. We talk about the "lifeguard theory" of parenting boys, navigating screen time without rigid rules, and why the years from 1-5 may be the most important foundation-building season of your child's life. Whether you're in the thick of toddlerhood or looking back on it, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and genuinely helpful wisdom. Topics Covered: • Why 90% of brain development happens before age 5 (no pressure!) • Hannah's approach to screen time and low-stimulation content • How daily car Bible listening shaped Mac's spiritual curiosity • The Ginger Hubbard parenting podcast & other trusted Christian resources • Kids' resources: God's Big Story, The Bible Recap Kids Edition & missionary biographies • Free-range parenting vs. structured schedules — finding your family's rhythm • The beauty of grandparents as village builders • An encouraging word for every mom who feels like she's just surviving Nuts & Bolts Tip: Start with one trusted resource (like Ginger Hubbard's podcast) and follow the "domino effect" to find more — for both parenting wisdom and kids' content! Timestamps: • 0:00 Welcome & Introducing Hannah McGrath • 0:45 Meet the McGrath Family • 1:53 Why the Toddler Years Matter So Much • 3:19 The Lifeguard Theory of Parenting Boys • 4:49 Fostering Curiosity & Learning in Toddlers • 6:03 Listening to the Bible in the Car • 7:44 Screen Time & Low-Stimulation Content • 12:52 Discussing Scripture & Spiritual Questions with Kids • 16:01 Grace-Based Discipline & the Fruits of the Spirit • 20:03 The Power of Fiction & Biographies for Kids • 23:34 Missionary Stories & Christian Reading Resources • 30:01 Golf, Interests & Following Your Child's Lead • 31:05 Content Hannah Has Consumed as a Mom • 33:07 Structuring Toddler Life & the Role of Grandparents • 37:34 Working Night Shift & Making the Most of Your Time • 38:43 Comparing Mac & Baby Mercer • 40:30 Nuts & Bolts: How to Find Trusted Christian Resources • 43:53 Encouragement for Moms in the Toddler Season New episodes dropping regularly at Ladyliketalk.com — subscribe so you don't miss one! MENTIONS IN THIS EPISODE: BOOKS FOR PARENTS/READ ALOUDS: “James Herriot’s Treasury for Children” “Evidence Not Seen” by Darlene Deibler Rose "Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime" by Geoff Benge and Janet Benge "Isaac Newton" by John Hudson Tiner PODCASTS: Parenting with Ginger Hubbard Journeywomen Podcast The Bible Recap Knowing Faith Risen Motherhood Mama Bear Apologetics FOR KIDS: The Bible Recap for Kids https://www.thebiblerecap.com/kids God’s Big Story Podcast (Spotify) The Biggest Story https://www.thebiggeststory.com Download the Maximum Life+ app today and get instant access to hundreds of hours of sermons, Bible studies, books, and exclusive content from Dr. Zach Terry and Julie Terry— all in one place. Simply search "Maximum Life+" in the App Store or Google Play, download the app, and subscribe to unlock everything, including a free copy of A Commentary on the Minor Prophets. Join a growing community of believers who are going deeper in God's Word every day. AMPLIFY THE TRUTH by supporting Maximum Life - https://maximumlife.zachterry.org/tabs/give Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maximumlifewithzachterry Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zachterry Website http://www.zachterry.org Twitter https://twitter.com/zachterry