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

Send us Fan Mail

In today's episode, we're addressing a topic that every parent needs to be aware of: "Online Grooming." With the rise of digital communication, it's crucial to understand the tactics that predators use to exploit and abuse children online. From establishing deceptive relationships to desensitizing children to inappropriate content, the grooming process is a chilling reality that we cannot ignore.

As we dive into this episode, we'll discuss the stages of grooming, the importance of early education on online safety, and how to maintain a safe online environment for your children. This episode is a difficult, but crucial topic that will equip parents with the knowledge they need to protect your children.

Resources: https://parents.thorn.org
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC):
https://www.missingkids.org

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

We’ve all read statistics about how child and teen depression has been on a steady increase since COVID and with the increasing popularity of social media. Bullying is also on the rise, and right behind it is teen suicide. 

In her book, God-Confident Kids: Helping Your Child Find True Purpose, Passion, and Peace, Cyndie Claypool De Neve’s says, “There is a confidence crisis in a generation of hurting kids, and confused parents struggling to guide them through an obstacle course of stressors unique to this era. To respond to this crisis by telling our kids they’re the “best,” “prettiest,” “smartest,” and “strongest,” is overstroking their confidence while teetering on creating entitled narcissists. We set kids up for failure when we teach them to be self-confident, which is solely based on how they feel about their strengths, talents, competence, and looks and is often determined by what others say about them.“

So just what is God-confidence?

God-confidence is knowing that the God of the universe handcrafted each of us for a purpose and that He will give us strength, courage, and wisdom, and all the gifts we need to do the tasks He has set before us. Self-confidence promotes relying on one’s self to accomplish our own purpose, but God-confidence reminds us to rely on God.

As parents we need to be encouraging our children to build their God-confidence, trusting in Him who designed each of them for a unique purpose with unique talents and gifts.

I’m excited to announce that my kid’s devotional for ages 8-12: Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions That Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose will be released Nov. 7, 2023, by Ambassador International Publishers. This devotional is focused on the same topic as today’s podcast—helping children know they are uniquely created by God for a purpose. I’ll be posting updates on my author website and in my quarterly newsletter, so be sure to signup to receive it on my author’s website. (Link below.) 

 Resources for today’s podcast: God-Confident Kids

Helping Your Child Find True Purpose, Passion, and Peace by Cyndie Claypool de Neve, Baker Publishing Group, ©2019

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

In today's episode I have a special topic and a special guest.  Today we are talking about parenting teenagers with my guest and mother of three teenagers, Alyssa Avant.  She gives us her top three tips for parents of teenagers.  

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

On this episode of 5-Minute Parenting, we dive into the topic of making memories with your grandkids during the summer. Whether you live close by or need to connect online, there are plenty of ways to bond with your grandkids and create lasting memories. We discuss the concept of "grandma camp," a simple and inexpensive way for grandparents to create activities for their grandkids. From reading books together to having a story hour, cooking or baking something special, planning picnics or movie nights, and even going camping in the backyard, we explore various activities that will bring you closer to your grandkids. We also provide ideas on creating a craft center, planning a special back-to-school bag, organizing talent shows, and using technology to stay connected. Don't miss this episode filled with fun and heartwarming ideas to make this summer unforgettable for you and your grandkids. For a list of the ideas I include in this podcast, go to: https://sandrakaychambers.com/ideas-and-tips-for-parents-kids/

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

Today we are going to pray for ourselves as parents and for our children as we face more and more lies of the enemy seeking to destroy our children and our society.

Dear Lord, I ask that you give our children wisdom to know right from wrong and the strength to do what they know to be right. Deliver them from the enemy’s lies deception that have become woven into our current culture. Give our children discernment and Truth that only your Holy Spirit can reveal. 

And for our youngest children, Lord, give them discerning parents, grandparents and teachers who will stand up and say, “No More! ” We have the right to train up our children as we see fit and as God has commissioned us to do in Scripture. Lord, help us as parents to raise up a standard of righteousness against the ungodliness that has permeated our culture. 

Lord, your Word says, if your people who are called by your name (that means all of us who are Christian believers) will humble themselves and pray and seek your face and turn from our wicked ways, then you will hear from heaven, and will forgive our sin and will heal our land. (2 Chron. 7:14).  Lord, you don’t make it difficult or hard—you tell us exactly what we need to do to heal our land. We confess we have allowed ungodliness to seep into our culture on our watch. Forgive us, Lord, and open our eyes wide to be able to discern and draw a line in the sand against all ungodliness, especially where it concerns our children. 

As parents, we commit to do what you tell us to do—humble ourselves, seek You and pray. I ask that as we are obedient as parents to pray for our children, they may grow up filled with joy, peace and purpose in their lives that comes from knowing and serving you.  

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

As Christian parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children about God and His principles. In this episode I share some ideas and strategies that could help you make this task easier and more enjoyable.

It can be challenging to have a family time focused on reading the Bible, prayer, and discussing faith, especially with varying ages of children. Whether it’s incorporating games, listening to faith-based music, or acting out scenes from the Bible, I have some suggestions you might want to try for different ages of children. 

Having an appropriate age-level Bible or Bible story book is important. Using different translations of the Bible can help kids understand and engage with the text. Teenagers or older children who enjoy being artistic can benefit from having a Bible with space for doodling, illustrations or journaling. There are also several multimedia resources such as the You Version Bible App with its online Bible plans and videos for different ages. I also recommend the book, Growing the Fruit of the Spirit, which has great resources for games, coloring sheets, puzzles, and object lessons. Also, check out another resource to help you find the best kid’s Bibles by age level.


NOTES: Source ideas for this podcast: 

Some of the ideas expressed in this podcast came from Collin’s Column: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/collinscolumn/2023/06/8-creative-ways-to-mix-up-your-family-bible-study/

Best Bibles for Kids by Age: https://faithfulmoms.org/the-best-bible-options-for-kids-based-on-age/

Creative Family Time Bible Study: https://www.creativebiblestudy.com/family-Bible-study.html

Growing the Fruit of the Spirit (A Bible-Based Unit Study) by Kris Cox and Kris Hage. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=growing+the+fruit+of+the+spirit&crid=1JMVB9WYKTRFV&sprefix=Growing+the+%2Caps%2C95&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_12

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

Hey fellow parents, are you struggling to find great books for your children that align with your Christian beliefs?  Look no further! This podcast episode is all about helping you choose age-appropriate and wholesome books for your kids. We discuss resources like "Honey for a Child's Heart,” "Wild Things and Castles in the Sky," and Focus on the Family that provide excellent recommendations. Plus, we dive into the controversy surrounding children's books and story hours and how Christian parents can navigate through it all. And don't miss our upcoming summer episodes featuring Christian authors, counselors, and parents talking about a variety of topics from faith to practical parenting tips.

Here’s the list of resources from today’s podcast: 

1. One resource book I remember personally as a teacher is Gladys Hunt’s classic Honey for a Child’s Heart. It has aided Christian parents and teachers for decades on book recommendations for all ages. There are updated versions of this classic book available on Amazon—the latest version being 2021. 

2. Another book, Wild Things and Castles in the Sky, is a group of essays by Christian writers, editors, and teachers that offers guidance on choosing books for children. Topics range form imagination, faith, classic literature, Newbery Books, etc.

Some online resources are very helpful include:

3. Redeemed Reader (https://Redeemedreader.com). This book review site offers free weekly book reviews, lists, news, etc. for parents of children and teens. 

4. Good Book Mom (https://goodbookmom.com). This offers book reviews from a biblical Christian perspective for ages 0-12. There’s a free newsletter you can sign up for and also a paid subscription for even more info and downloads. 

5. Focus on the Family website offers great book recommendations broken down by ages 4 through teens (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/how-to-find-great-books-for-your-kids-to-read/) 

6. Freedom Island Book Club (https://bravebooks.us) is a conservative Christian book Club with a monthly or yearly membership fee where children receive a new book monthly that teaches a Christian value or lesson and includes questions, fun games, etc. 

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

You can find a free download - 10 Ideas for Family Prayer Time here. 

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

Are you looking for ideas for fun family activities this summer? Here’s a list of activities the entire family can participate in to build family relationships, Christian Character and provide opportunities for creativity and service to others.  

Find a Free download Tips for a Great Kid Summer here.

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

 For more prayers to pray for your children, download this free “Scriptural Prayers for Our Children.”

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: ...