5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids.

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Welcome to another episode of 5 minute parenting. Today, I have a special guest, Holly Debella McCarthy. She's a dedicated educator, an accomplished author, and a passionate advocate for child development and education. She's a former special education teacher, a school administrator, and university professor. Holly now writes full time, and she creates resources supporting parents and educators. Her Dilly Duck and Friends series features three award-winning children's picture books, and it highlights the themes of kindness, teamwork, and environmental awareness. 

Here are some of the key takeaways from the episode:

1. Establish Daily Routines: Parents can help their children transition from summer schedules to school routines by gradually adjusting bedtime, lunch, and snack times. Practicing opening lunch boxes and containers independently can also build confidence.

2. Practice Expected School Behaviors: It's beneficial to familiarize children with expected school behaviors such as waiting, good listening, and lining up. Parents can also reach out to the school or teacher to understand classroom rules.

3. Play School at Home: Role-playing as the teacher and student can provide a fun way to model expected school behaviors and reduce school anxiety.

4. Countdown to School Calendar: Using a calendar to count down the days to the first day of school can help children understand the concept of time and build excitement.

Visit Holly's website where she shares practical parenting strategies and resources. Additionally, her "Dilly Duck and Friends" picture book series 

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

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This month we are focusing on topics and tips to help parents get ready to send their children back to school. 

Today, we're diving into the topic of choosing schooling options for our children. I discuss the fact that our daughter actually experienced all three types of schooling--private, public and homeschooling. I discuss the reasons behind each of our choices and highlight the pros and cons of each schooling option. 

Here are 3 key takeaways for parents navigating the education landscape for their children:

1. Flexibility in Education: Explore various schooling options - public, private, homeschooling - based on your child's unique needs and interests.

2. Supportive Environment: Consider how the school's values align with your family's beliefs to provide a nurturing and conducive learning environment.

3. Empowerment Through Preparation: The need to equip our children with a strong biblical foundation so they can stand firm against the current anti-Christian culture.

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Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

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During the month of August we will be focusing on tips to help your child as he/she prepares to go back to school. In this episode, we discussed five tips for helping your child get organized:

1. Designated Space: Create a designated area in the home for schoolwork or homework to help children focus.

2. Designated Storage Space: Provide a designated storage space for school-related items to help children keep track of their work.

3. Family Organizational Calendar: Use a central family bulletin board or calendar to keep track of school and family activities.

4. Establish a Routine: Establish a regular homework or schoolwork schedule to develop consistency and routine.

5. Your Role as a parent: Tailor your support to your child’s age, and encourage them to develop organizational skills from a young age to help them become more self-confident and independent. Model organizational skills for your children and provide encouragement and praise as children develop these important life skills.

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

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Welcome to another episode of 5-Minute Parenting! Today's guest, Terry Heller Brown, shares with us valuable insights on recognizing and seizing teachable moments with our children.

Key Takeaways:

- Use the Acronym STOP:  "S T O P" stands for "Stop," "Take" notice of emotions, "Open" up the conversation, and "Praise" their insights and present solutions. 

- Embrace interruptions: Teachable moments often interrupt our plans, but they are invaluable opportunities to disciple our children and equip them for a life following Christ.

- Encourage critical thinking: Praise and encourage your children's insights and attempts at reasoning, even if they're a little off, to help them feel heard and seen.

-Keep an eye out for the episode, and don't miss out on Terry's new children's picture book, "A World of Pancakes." Thank you, Terry, for sharing your insights on recognizing and seizing teachable moments!

Check out Terrie's website for more great parenting advice as well as info on her new picture book: "A World Of Pancakes."

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

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Today I had the pleasure of hosting Leigh Ann Mancini, an award-winning author and executive producer of the Sick Kids series books. She shared invaluable insights from her brand new parenting guide, "Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God." The episode delves into the challenges parents face in raising kids to have a strong faith in today's culture.

Leigh Ann highlighted some alarming statistics about the beliefs of today's youth and the role of Christian parents in guiding their children to stay strong in their faith. She emphasized the importance of instilling a strong foundation, starting from the womb to age 3, and planting seeds of wisdom from ages 4 to 7. Her research-backed strategies aim to equip parents in nurturing counterculture warriors for Christ.

She delved into practical ways to incorporate biblical teachings into everyday life, emphasizing the importance of modeling a godly life and actively engaging children in discussions about faith. Leigh Ann's approach is not just about instilling knowledge but also about shaping a godly worldview and fostering a deep understanding of faith in children's hearts and minds.

Find our more about Lee Ann on her website. You can find her book, "Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God,"  on Amazon. All proceeds from the book go towards providing free resources to families in need.

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

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In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Karen Whiting, an experienced author and speaker, who shared invaluable insights on ways to engage our children in prayer. Karen's practical and hands-on approach to family prayer is not only fun but also effective in helping children grow in their faith.

Her book, "52 Weekly Devotions for Family Prayer," offers a treasure trove of ideas for parents to engage their children in prayer activities. From "ball prayers" for active kids to "family powwow" sessions where family members pray for each other's worries and wonders, Karen's book offers a diverse range of activities suitable for children of various ages and dispositions.

One of the most heartwarming activities Karen shares is the "overflowing cup of thanks," where children pour colored water into a jar, symbolizing their thankfulness for blessings and the overflow of joy in their hearts. This simple yet profound activity beautifully captures the essence of gratitude and reminds children of the abundance of blessings in their lives.

Karen also emphasizes the importance of not just praying for children but praying with them. By incorporating these interactive prayer activities in our daily routine, we can instill a deeper understanding of faith and create lasting bonds within the family.

If you're looking for practical ways to engage your children in prayer, Karen Whiting's book is a must-have. You can find more about her and her books on her website.

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

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As parents, we have a unique role in shaping our children's worldview and values, and one aspect that shouldn't be overlooked is instilling a love for missions. Today, I had the pleasure of discussing this important topic with Melissa Heiland, founder of "Beautiful Feet International. "

Melissa shared that the act of instilling a heart for missions in our children is about instilling a deep love for all people to know Jesus as their Savior. As Melissa highlighted, there are numerous creative and accessible ways to incorporate missions into everyday family life. 

Here are 3 key takeaways from our insightful conversation on raising children to love missions:

1. Reading Missionary Biographies: Expose your children to the inspiring stories of missionaries that can captivate and ignite their passion for impacting the world.

2.  Engage your kids in activities like praying for missionaries; finding their location on a map and discovering more about that country; becoming pen pals with missionary children; and organizing projects to support missionaries' needs.

3.  Consider exposing your kids to global mission experiences through short-term trips. These experiences can profoundly shape their spiritual development and worldview.

Find out more about Melissa and her "Beautiful Feet International" ministry on her website.

#5MinuteParenting #RaisingChildren #Missions #ParentingTips #GlobalPerspective #BeautifulFeetInternational 

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

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Our guest today on  5-Minute Parenting is Laurie Deverno, who shares with us the importance of building strong family foundations rooted in faith. As a parent, she feels it's vital to be intentional in guiding our children on their spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritize Family Devotional Time: Establishing regular family devotional times and open discussions about faith will help instill lasting values in your children.

2. Be Mindful of Cultural Influence: Stay informed about the media and entertainment your children consume, and guide them towards content that aligns with your family's beliefs.

3. Lead by Example: Let your children see you actively seeking after God, both individually and as a family. Your commitment to faith will inspire and guide them in their own spiritual growth.

Find out more about Laurie and her book, Coffee House Parenting, on her website.

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

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In this episode of 5-Minute Parenting, we have the pleasure of hosting the insightful Julie Zine Coleman. As a mother of four grown children and six grandchildren, Julie holds a wealth of experience on today's topic: Mommy Guilt. Julie candidly shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of parenting, offering touching anecdotes and a refreshing perspective on overcoming guilt. With valuable insights from her background in biblical studies, Julie delves into the scriptural view of guilt and offers wisdom for all parents. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of embracing grace and freedom in parenting on this episode of 5-Minute Parenting.

Be sure to check Julie's website for more info on her and her books.

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...

Send us Fan Mail

Parenting in today's world can be tough, but today's guest, Maureen Miller, shared some incredible insights on praying the Word of God over our children. 

 Maureen emphasized the importance of praying the full armor of God over our children, no matter their age. From the helmet of salvation to the sword of the spirit, each piece plays a crucial role in protecting and guiding our kids through life's challenges. 

Key Takeaways:

- Praying the full armor of God over our children is vital for their protection, no matter what stage of life they are in.

- We can pray specifically for different pieces of the armor depending on our children's unique needs, providing them with tailored spiritual support.

- Teaching our children to understand the armor of God and how to use it daily equips them to stand firm in a society that is often anti-Christian.

 Make sure to listen to the episode and visit Maureen's website to read a special story about the power of prayer in the protection of our adult children. 

#Parenting #ChristianParenting #Prayer #ArmorOfGod #Family #Podcast #SpecialGuest

Check out the Questions for Kids picture book series, perfect for young readers ages 5-10! 

*Are you looking for fun, gospel-inspired merch for your family + discounted picture books for your kids and grandkids? Visit my Etsy store at KarensBooksandMore

Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

Visit our websites at: 

https://www.karenferg.com/

https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ 

Find our books on Amazon:

Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Sandra Chambers: ...