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

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Bullying is becoming a huge issue affecting younger and younger children. Comparitech conducted a survey of over 1000 parents of children over the age of 5 with these results:

• 47.7% of parents with children ages 6-10 reported their children were bullied.
• 56.4% of parents with children ages 11-13 reported their children were bullied. (https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/boundless-bullies/  

Bullying increases the risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, dropping out of school and even suicide according to the National Bullying Prevention Center. 

So let’s look at the definition of bullying and the different kinds of bullying.As defined by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Resources, bullying is aggressive, repeated, unwanted behavior that includes an imbalance of power between the children. Kids who bully use their power—whether their physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity to control or harm others. 

Bullying can be classified into four types: verbal, social, physical and damage to property.

1. Verbal bullying is saying or writing something that is cruel or intended to harm, and includes such things as making inappropriate sexual comments or threatening to cause pain.
2. Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships and includes spreading rumors or causing intentional public embarrassment.
3. Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body and includes actions like hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, sexually abusing, or taking one’s possessions.
4. The fourth type of bullying involves any type of intentional damage to a child’s property.

And now because of the prevalence of media technology (phones, email, chartrooms, instant messaging, or online posts) children must deal electronic bullying or cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is not a different type of bullying; it just involves an electronic context. It includes verbal bullying and social bullying.

Only about 20% to 30% of students who are bullied notify adults about the bullying. If your child admits to being bullied, here are some ways you can help:

1. Let them know you are on their side. 
2. Help them realize they are not to take the blame for being bullied. The bully is the disturbed one, not them. 
3. Just because a bully says something about them, does not make it true. 
4. Remind them also of their value in God’s sight. 
5. Help them understand that no one can make them feel inferior without their permission.

Next week we will look at some traits of a bullied child and ways you can help (for the lack of a better word, “bully-proof” your child.

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! 🌈

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We have a special guest today on 5-Minute Parenting. Melissa Henderson is an award-winning author and a passionate advocate for praying with grandchildren. Melissa shares her thoughts on the importance of prayer in the lives of children and grandchildren, highlighting how it not only teaches them about God's love, but also strengthens the bond between generations. Through heartwarming anecdotes about her own grandchildren, Melissa reminds us that prayer can be a simple, everyday routine, thanking God for the blessings in our lives. Whether it's bedtime prayers or gratitude prayers at the front and back doors each morning, she emphasizes the value of modeling prayer and teaching the younger generation how to talk to God naturally as they go through their day. 

Be sure to check out Melissa’s website for more info about her, her books, and her ministry. 

Check out free resources and downloads on my website:

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Thanks to my Virtual Assistant, Alyssa Avant (https://alyssaavantandcompany.com), for her tech genius and help with this podcast.

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/ 

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

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Matthew Krekeler is a devoted father who deeply reflects on what it means to be a dad. He believes that the heart of fatherhood is building strong relationships, just like our relationship with God as our Heavenly Father. Matthew finds great inspiration in the Lord's Prayer, which invites us to know God as a loving father. 

Matthew believes that the primary role of a father is to love, taking after our Heavenly Father who is love. He emphasizes that fathers should provide, protect, discipline, and guide their children with love as the foundation. Justice and mercy are also important aspects of fatherhood for Matthew. While justice is necessary, he finds that mercy is where justice meets love, and he sees God as a merciful father. 

Matthew finds inspiration in the story of the prodigal son, where the father runs out to greet his son with open arms, representing the unconditional love of our heavenly father. As a father, Matthew aims to constantly show mercy to his children, embracing them with open arms. He values the selflessness and care that his children exhibit towards each other, often putting their sisters' needs before their own. Matthew shares a heartwarming anecdote about one of his daughters willingly sharing her treat with her sister, demonstrating mercy and compassion. He believes that justice is important, but mercy is a beautiful way to show love and emulate our heavenly father.

Visit Matthew's website and podcast 

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 

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In today's episode of 5-Minute Parenting, we delve into the fascinating topic of how the internet is changing our children's brains. With the internet providing instant access to information and shaping the way we interact with the world, it's clear that its impact goes beyond mere convenience. Excessive use of the internet can lead to negative effects on attention spans, deep thinking, and memory formation. But the positive in all this is that our brain has the incredible ability to rewire itself. 

There are ways we as parents can demonstrate and teach our children to use the internet responsibly. 

1. Participate in activities that strengthen our focus and attention

Spend time each day completing a single, uninterrupted task. Ex. Read a chapter or two in a book, play a musical instrument, or work on a project without picking up your smartphone to check on something. For our children and teens it may mean keeping their phone in another room away from them so they can focus on the task in front of them without being distracted.

2. Return to nature

Take regular breaks from technology—take breaks in nature. Go on walks, to parks, etc. Kids need to engage in some outdoor playtime. Some research has shown that being in nature may improve our creativity. Plus, an added bonus is just getting some fresh air and exercise which is another positive way to rewire out brains naturally.

3. Create technology-free zones

This will look different depending on your family, the age of your children, etc. Discover times when everyone in the family can turn off technology—during dinnertime, family time together—whether playing games or watching a movie, taking a walk, etc. Everyone in the family, including adults need to abide by the rules and set a good example.

Technology has it’s place, but we need to rule it; not let it rule us. 

(Source: http://www.vibrantlife.com/ Author: Beatrice Tauber Prior, Psy.D.)

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 

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Today’s guest is Mel Tavares, a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling and a Board Certified Master Health Coach who is passionate about children's well-being. She believes that the current generation is facing numerous challenges, including the impact of technology and social media on their mental health. In this podcast episode, she shares five helpful tips for parents and caregivers to improve their child's mental well-being during the school year.

1. Be aware of and oversee social media consumption (bullying, comparisons, anti-family values)

2. Provide structure and expectations in their days (helps reduce stress/anxiety).

3. Create safe communication space (where they can express their fears and concerns).

4. Watch for behavioral changes (withdrawn, risky behaviors, overly talkative).

5. Model a healthy lifestyle (helps develop healthy coping skills).

  Check out more info and free resources on Mel Tavares check out her website at:  Mel Tavares

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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Grandparents play a vital role in shaping the lives of their grandchildren, and on this episode of 5-Minute Parenting we explore the importance of being a Christian mentor to the younger generation. 

In a culture that values “new” and “youth,” grandparents can often be viewed as obsolete when it comes to having anything to offer society today, but godly grandparents have an important role in influencing the lives of their grandchildren and the younger generation.

Here are some ways you can be a mentor for your grandchildren as well as for the younger generation.

1. Wisdom and Value: The Bible reminds us that wisdom is found among the aged, and gray hair is a crown of glory. As grandparents, you have a wealth of wisdom and experience to share with your grandchildren. Don't underestimate your role in shaping their lives for the better.

2. Prayer: One of the best things you can do as a grandparent is to pray for your grandchildren every day. 

3. Create Memories Together: You can share your gifts and talents with them and take an interest in their activities at school, in sports and clubs. 

4. Stay Connected: Even if you don’t live near your grandchildren, technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected. Find ways to show an interest in their activities, be there to listen, and share your life and faith with them. 

PARENTS: Encourage respect for the older generation in your children and teach them to appreciate and honor their grandparents. We will be celebrating Grandparents Day the Sunday after Labor Day On this day to honor grandparents, let them know how special they are and acknowledge their contribution to the family.

Download one of the free grandparent appreciation certificates to honor their grandparents this Grandparents Day. (Available on my website under: Ideas and Tips for Parents and Kids.

To learn more about being a Christian mentor to your grandchildren, check out the Christian Grandparenting Network.

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 

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Let me suggest that instead of asking simply, “How was school today?” try some of the following questions:

1. What’s something new you leaned to do in school today?

2. What’s something fun that happened at school today? Or something funny that happened or something that made you sad or angry? Tell me about it.

3. How would you rate your day today: 1-great; 2- good; 3-ok; 4-below average; 5-awful

(For a younger child you might draw or cut out a few faces that show different emotions and have them choose the one that matches how their day was.)

4. Then ask: Why did you choose that one to describe your day. (OR) What happened today that made you choose that one?

5. Did someone say something nice or do something nice for you today?

6. Did you say something nice or do something nice for someone today?

7. Did you make a new friend today? Tell me about them?

8. Is there something you are learning that you feel you don’t understand and need more help with?

9. What do you like about your teacher or teachers?

10. What’s one thing that would make each day at school better?

 Having good conversation starters can work for all ages. Perhaps start a list of your own ideas you that you can use to spark a conversation with your child. 

 And when our child does come to us on his or her own and wants to talk, we need to listen whole-heartedly. If possible, we should stop what we are doing, look them in the eye and focus on them. We all know that’s not always possible—but we can make an effort or we can make and appointment with them as soon as possible to sit down and talk. “I really want to hear what you have to say but right now I’m in the middle of ______. Could we talk in an hour, when I can give you my full attention?”

Begin by praying that God will help you be a good listener and that your child will feel free to talk with you about their experiences at school—good or bad. Sometimes they may just need us to listen and not offer advice. At other times they may be open to our suggestions. If we’re aways trying to give them advice or solve their problems, they may clam up and not want to talk with us. Perhaps ask them if they’d like to hear a suggestion from you after they share. If they say no, just give them a hug and tell them you’re always there just to listen. 

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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My pastor reminded us last Sunday that we are in a spiritual battle everyday—a battle against an enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. And we don’t fight that war with natural weapons, but with the spiritual weapon of prayer. Our enemy is focused on destroying this generation of children with cultural lies, worldly, distractions, and sexual perversions. My pastor challenged us to spend more time praying than we spend on social media and scrolling online. I’m taking that word to heart as a word from God.

As parents and grandparents, we need to be praying for our children and grandchildren everyday and teaching them how to pray and put on the spiritual armor of God. As they begin a new school year, let’s pray together for them today. (These 10 prayer points will be in the Notes so that you can use them for your prayer time.)

10 Prayers for Our Children and Grandchildren as They Go Back to School

Lord, we ask that our children:

1.     Be kept safe physically, spiritually and emotionally while in school.

2.     Develop discernment and stand firm for what is right and refuse what is wrong.

3.     Develop a strong and healthy self-image and self-confidence.

4.     That they would treat others with respect and obey the authorities in their life.

5.     Recognize that You created them and have a plan and purpose for their lives.

6.     Discover their God-given gifts and talents.

7.     Be motivate, disciplined and challenged in their learning experiences.

8.     Choose their friends wisely and find Christian fellowship.

9.     That that would have teachers who are good examples for them.

10.  That they would have a peaceful classroom where they can learn.

 Download these 10 Prayer Points from: : https://sandrakaychambers.com/freebies

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 

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Tips to Help You Succeed in Your Homeschool Journey
with guest speaker Kris Cox
a.Make discipleship your highest priority.
b.Realize that homeschooling is more than just an educational method, it’s a lifestyle.
c.Make it your goal to instill a love for learning in your children.
d.Parents work as a team in educating their children.
e.It’s important to find support.
f.Depending on the Lord for help and guidance is essential.

Podcast guest: Kris Cox is a veteran homeschool mom with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and 17+ years of experience home educating their four children. She also has 10 years experience as a homeschool consultant, blogger, writer, and speaker. 
Website: www.hswithconfidence.com
E-mail contact: [email protected]

Homeschool resources available:
•The Homeschool Life All-in-One Planner: https://hswithconfidence.com/shop/the-homeschool-life-all-in-one-planner-printed/
•Homeschooling with Confidence: https://hswithconfidence.com/shop/homeschooling-with-confidence/
•Growing the Fruit of the Spirit: A Bible-based Unit Study: https://hswithconfidence.com/shop/growing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit/

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 

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Guest Speaker Kris Cox, homeschool speaker, blogger, author, and consultant.

Benefits of Homeschooling:
I.Homeschooling is parent-led, home-based education.
A.There are currently approximately 4.3 million home educators in the US.
B.Great resource for HS stats: www.nheri.org.

II.Benefits of homeschooling
a.Academic success
b.One on one teaching
c.Individualizing curriculum to fit our children’s needs.
d.Opportunity to transfer values and beliefs to our children.
e.Character-building opportunities
f.Safe and challenging learning environment
g.Flexibility
h.Close family relationships developed.
i.Best place to learn socialization.
j.Previously homeschooled students are successful as adults.

Kris Cox is a veteran homeschool mom with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and 17+ years of experience home educating their four children. She also has 10 years experience as a homeschool consultant, blogger, writer, and speaker.
 Website: www.hswithconfidence.com
E-mail contact: [email protected]

Homeschool resources available:
•The Homeschool Life All-in-One Planner: https://hswithconfidence.com/shop/the-homeschool-life-all-in-one-planner-printed/
•Homeschooling with Confidence: https://hswithconfidence.com/shop/homeschooling-with-confidence/
•Growing the Fruit of the Spirit: A Bible-based Unit Study: https://hswithconfidence.com/shop/growing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit/

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: ...