Raising Kids Who Thrive Anywhere w/ Ali Gilkeson
An Impactful Life
Equipping parents during their child’s academic years to bring learning to daily moments.
The Parenting IQ Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org
On today’s episode…
Ali Gilkeson of Rend Collective joins Dr. Kelly to share how her family raised resilient, joy-filled kids while touring the world. From life on a tour bus to homeschooling on the go, Ali talks about parenting with grace, embracing help, and keeping faith at the center. She also introduces her newest children’s book Keeping the Light, inspired by the worship song My Lighthouse, encouraging kids to shine bright no matter where they are.
Show Notes
Raising Kids Who Thrive Anywhere: Lessons from Life on the Road with Ali Gilkeson
What does it look like to raise resilient, joy-filled, grounded kids while touring the world in a band? For Ali Gilkeson, a mom of three, author, and member of the worship band Rend Collective, it meant turning a chaotic, unconventional lifestyle into a vibrant, faith-rooted childhood for her kids—full of learning, laughter, and light.
In this heartwarming episode of the Parenting IQ Podcast, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with Ali to explore how her family lived out education, faith, and community while constantly on the move—and how that life prepared her children to thrive anywhere.
Life on Tour & Learning on the Go
Ali shares the origin story of Rend Collective and how a simple prayer opened an unexpected door to tour the U.S. with Chris Tomlin. With infants in tow, she and her husband embraced an “on the road” parenting lifestyle that included homeschooling, performing, managing merchandise, and building community on buses and in venues across the world.
“We were just figuring it out as we went,” Ali says. “But I realized quickly—I can’t do it all. And that’s okay.”
The Power of Receiving Help
One of the most powerful takeaways from Ali’s journey is learning to ask for and receive help without guilt. She emphasizes that thriving as a mom isn’t about being a superhero—it’s about knowing when to lean on others and when to step back and say, “I need rest.”
“You don’t have to do everything. And everyone will be better for it when you allow help in.”
Keeping the Light On: Her New Children’s Book
Ali also introduces her beautiful new children’s book, Keeping the Light, the sequel to her popular title My Lighthouse. Inspired by her band’s worship anthem, My Lighthouse, the story follows a young boy named Finn who learns the value of shining his light—regardless of how others respond.
“Your light isn’t dependent on what’s happening around you—it’s about who God made you to be. Just shine.”
The book blends whimsical storytelling with gospel truth, making it a treasure for parents looking to instill confidence and compassion in their kids.
Raising Globally Aware, Others-Focused Kids
Ali describes how life on the road helped her kids develop empathy, flexibility, and a deep sense of community. From learning to tiptoe around sleeping bandmates to asking strangers how they slept (a bus-tour habit!), her children grew up understanding that the world doesn’t revolve around them—but that they still have a meaningful role to play in it.
From Conflict to Resilience: Growing Up in Northern Ireland
Drawing from her childhood in Northern Ireland—a country long marked by political and religious conflict—Ali reflects on how trust in God, laughter, and storytelling were the tools that carried her family through uncertain times.
“We joked, we laughed, we trusted God… it’s what kept us grounded.”
The Legacy of Joy, Faith & Flexibility
Whether it’s waking up in a new city every day or sitting around a table full of extended family chaos during the holidays, Ali encourages parents to lean into grace, embrace imperfection, and create spaces where joy can flourish.
“If your kids ask you to play with their new toy—just do it. That’s what they’ll remember.”
Where to Find Ali & Her Books
You can find My Lighthouse and Keeping the Light at:
Amazon
Target
Barnes & Noble
And connect with her on Instagram and Facebook under Ali Gilkeson.
Final Word from Dr. Kelly
This episode is a beautiful reminder that raising confident, faith-filled children doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence, purpose, and a whole lot of grace. Whether you're homeschooling, traveling, or just navigating everyday chaos, let Ali's story inspire you to keep the light on—in your home, in your heart, and in the lives of your kids.
About Ali Gilkeson
Ali Gilkeson is a founding member of the worship band Rend Collective and a passionate advocate for creativity, family, and faith. As a mom of three, she has balanced touring the world with intentional parenting, often homeschooling from a tour bus. Ali recently became a children’s author with her debut book Keeping the Light, designed to help kids connect with truth, hope, and the presence of God through storytelling.
Struggling with screen time and safe tech? Dr. Kelly is proud to partner with Gabb Wireless—the phone that protects childhood. It's a perfect complement to fostering focused, grounded kids in a distracted world.
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