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

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Welcome back to 5-Minute Parenting! Today we have a special guest on the show bringing encouragement to moms. Cara Blondo is a writer, teacher, and podcaster who is passionate about helping women connect biblical truth to their everyday lives. 

In this episode, Cara shares a two-pronged approach to our most common struggles as moms: defeat and discouragement. Moms are often the main gatekeepers and disciple-makers of their children, and Cara brings a special message to every mom: it's not about perfection but the direction you are going. Just like the farmer, moms are called to sow seeds of truth in their children's hearts today for a future harvest. 

She encourages moms to shift their perspective when they're feeling discouraged or defeated in a simple but powerful way you won't want to miss. Listen in and be inspired and encouraged!  

Cara has created a special download just for moms, be sure to click the links below.

BIO: Cara Blondo is a writer, teacher, podcaster and wife and is passionate about helping women connect biblical truth to their everyday lives. Through her blog and podcast, she aims to help women shift their perspective and come to know Him as their ONE THING desire. Cara also has the privilege of teaching for First 5, a ministry of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her husband have been married for nearly 25 years and are blessed to have four children. 

LINKS:
Prayer Prompts for Moms
https://carablondo.myflodesk.com/makl7wx4gu
Bearing Fruit In Your (Home)School
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/32647-bearing-fruit-in-your-homeschool
Proverbs 31 podcast
https://theonethingdesired.com/finding-a-woman-of-worth-a-study-on-proverbs-31/

*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, on 5-Minute Parenting, host Karen Ferguson talks with fellow Ambassador International author, Amber Bateman, who shares about modern dangers to mental health as it relates to parenting, taken from her book, Save Yourself Some Therapy: Four Modern Dangers to Our Mental Health.  

Amber Bateman has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina. She has over 15 years of experience in the helping profession, serving with a therapeutic wilderness camp, sexual assault response program, pregnancy care center, student counseling services, Christian counseling and private practice settings. 

In this episode, Amber covers two of the most common modern challenges to mental health for parents: 

Hurriedness and overstimulation. 

Listen in as she provides simple tips for overcoming these distractions, so you can parent your children with greater peace and wellbeing. 

BIO: Amber has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina. She previously studied communications in Florida and religious studies in Thailand. Amber has over 15 years of experience in the helping profession, serving with a therapeutic wilderness camp, sexual assault response program, pregnancy care center, student counseling services, Christian counseling and private practice settings. Her book, Save Yourself Some Therapy: Four Modern Dangers to Our Mental Health, is a practical resource for individuals and small groups. Amber lives in Greenville, SC with her husband and two sons.

Website: https://www.delvementalhealth.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.bateman.586617/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberbatemanlpc/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberbatemanlpc 

*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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Join Karen Ferguson and special guest, author Alexandra Jensen, for an encouraging word and resource for moms. 

Daily Grace for Moms of Littles is Alexandra's fourth book, and one this podcast host highly recommends! 

Alexandra shares the inspiration and heart behind this 50 day devotional, and offers a fresh kingdom perspective for moms that goes against the messages of this world. Listen in as Alexandra reads from her book and answers this question: What is a strong mom? It's different than you'd expect. 

Join today's episode and be encouraged! Then grab a copy of Alexandra's book for yourself, or for a special mom you want to cherish. Click the links below: 

Daily Grace for Moms of Littles (on Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Grace-Moms-Littles-Confidently/dp/1649606257 

WEBSITE: https://www.alexandrajensen.org/about 

*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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Does your child's bedtime routine feel like a battle of the wills? Are you looking for ways to make bedtime easier for your kids (and you)? 

Join 5-Minute Parenting as special guest, Valerie Ellis, shares some of her tried and true tips for making bedtime easier and more meaningful through the ages and stages. 

Valerie is a mom and certified teacher with countless hours in children’s ministry, and writes books that serve kids at the intersection of faith and fun - perfect for bedtime stories. On today's episode, Valerie shares ideas for meeting your child's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, for younger and older kids, and offers practical advice for overcoming bedtime challenges and obstacles. 

Check the links below for additional resources and to connect with Valerie online. 

Valerie Ellis is an author, speaker, and founder of Our Everyday Parables, a multi-author online resource with book reviews and ideas for families pursuing faith and compassion. A certified teacher with countless hours in children’s ministry, Valerie writes books that serve kids at the intersection of faith and fun. Her latest book is Wild Faith Devotional for Kids: 52 Amazing Animals That Point to One Great God.
Valerie is a frequent speaker at national conferences and local gatherings of parents, teachers, and children's ministers. She is also a nonprofit consultant, trainer, and grant writer in the Houston area, where she lives with her husband and their two boys. 

Website: https://valerieellis.com

Bedtime Article
https://oureverydayparables.com/bedtime-prayers/

Printable Bedtime Prayer Ideas
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BvJ8U_j5u-H0s9xYEgbxX4Q4bdqb_5As/view?usp=sharing

Our Everyday Parables Website
https://oureverydayparables.com

Instagram
https://instagram.com/iamvalerieellis 

*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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On today's 5-Minute Parenting podcast, Host Karen Ferguson welcomes and interviews author Rachel Kovac about her new book, Their Future is Shining Bright: a Guide to Homeschooling in High School. Rachel brings a fresh and much-needed voice to the homeschooling community, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of the often-overlooked high school years. As a writer, speaker, and educator, Rachel understands the uncertainty many parents feel when deciding whether to homeschool through high school. She empowers parents with vision, practical guidance, and encouragement drawn from years of experience homeschooling her own children through high school, and guiding them into college with scholarships. Rachel helps families approach academics, college admissions, and alternative pathways with confidence, while nurturing a home life rooted in connection, purpose, and love.

Listen in as Rachel answers these questions and more:

1. Why do you think so many families are making the switch to homeschooling and why is it not too late to transition to homeschool in high school?
2. You describe high school as a season of growth and opportunity instead of something just to survive. How can parents reframe these years so they become some of the best years and not the hardest years?
3. Some parents worry that homeschooling through high school will isolate their teens. What have you learned about community, friendship, and belonging in this season?
4. For those parents considering homeschooling, what is the first step you encourage them to take?
5. What is the largest misconception people have about homeschooling?

You can connect with Rachel and grab a copy of her book by visiting her website:

https://rachelkovac.com/

*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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Host Karen Ferguson welcomes special guest, Teresa Argenbright to share "Vocabulary building games you can enjoy on the go - screen free!"

Teresa is a children’s book author with a lifelong love of language, rhythm, and storytelling. Her newest book, Charlotte and Penelope and the Neighborhood Stage, is the second in The Menagerie Series, a charming, rhyming picture book series filled with clever wordplay, colorful characters, and heartwarming fun.

Teresa’s background spans everything from advertising copywriting to nonprofit grant writing — and now, writing stories that inspire joy, imagination, and giggles in kids and grownups alike. 

Listen in for practical advice to help grow young readers as Teresa answers the following questions: 

1) Your books use such fun and rich vocabulary — how can parents use everyday moments to introduce new words to kids without it feeling like homework?
2) What are your favorite screen-free vocabulary-building games that families can play on the go — say, in the car, at the grocery store, or on a walk?
3) You mention the importance of laughter — how can humor, rhyme, and silliness play a role in both vocabulary development and bonding with children?
4) What advice do you have for parents or grandparents who want to help foster a love of reading, even if the kids are reluctant or tech-obsessed?
5) What’s next for Charlotte, Penelope, and the rest of the Menagerie? Can readers expect more rhymes and adventures ahead in your book series? 

LINKS:
Website: www.teresaargenbright.com  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teresa-Argenbright   
Instagram: @teresaargenbright_author 

*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 back to 5-Minute Parenting: Tips to Help you Raise Competent, and God-Confident Kids! 

Today’s guest is Tammy Kennington - author, podcaster, and preschool director turned reading specialist, and she is here to talk about Dyslexia and how parents can identify it and help their children overcome it. 

Dyslexia is neurologically-based and affects 1 in 5 children and adults, many of whom are incredibly bright and creative. Fortunately, there are reading remediation strategies that are very effective and create changes in neurological pathways to make it easier for these children and adults to read, and to enjoy reading. 

Tammy's early career as a preschool director took a turn to reading remediation when her two children were diagnosed with Dyslexia. Listen in as Tammy shares answers to the following questions: 

• What is Dyslexia? 
• What are the signs a child may be Dyslexic? 
• What are the common myths of Dyslexia? 
• Can it be cured? 

For help with your child or grandchild, Tammy recommends starting with the International Dyslexic Association. 

Here is a link to their website with assessment tools:  https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-test/  

Tammy Kennington is an author, podcaster, certified life and mental coach, and inner healing prayer practitioner familiar with the impact of trauma, mental health issues, and parenting in the hard places. Tammy is the author of five children's nonfiction books, and her work has been featured in various publications including Focus on the Family, Crosswalk.com, and Starlight magazine. 

Visit Tammy's website to sign up for her newsletter: https://tammykennington.com/  

Check out this fun resource for families: 

Free podcast series Words and Wonder where Tammy invites children and their parents to a private, faith-focused podcast series featuring classic stories, nursery rhymes, sing-along songs, and Bible verses for littles as well as one daily quick tip for the grownups in their lives. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9ai7u1lhgmrbcg5oid8hc/ABMjWL1ByTszm5run0-ArV4?rlkey=992qw2favnjvd4nifwr35pryk&e=1&st=4jam6nt3&dl=0 

*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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Join Host Karen Ferguson and special guest Cara Ray on the topic of Parenting through the Seasons: Trusting God through every Stage. 

In this episode, Cara walks us through 4 distinct seasons of parenting and connects them to the 4 natural seasons for a discussion that is both fascinating and encouraging. Cara brings an inspiring and heartfelt message to remind parents that no matter what season you are in, and no matter the challenges, God is faithful to bring beauty, growth, and fruit - in His perfect time. 

HERE ARE SOME POINTS CARA COVERS IN THIS EPISODE:

Key Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

SPRING — The Season of Beginnings
Theme: Growth, curiosity, hope 

SUMMER — The Season of Steady Work
Theme: Formation, consistency, presence 

HARVEST — The Season of Fruit
Theme: Gratitude, joy, receiving 

WINTER — The Season of Release and Trust
Theme: Letting go, dependence, quiet faith. 

Closing Encouragement: Faithful in Every Season
Scripture: Ecc 3:11 (He makes all things beautiful in its time.) 

Cara Ray is a writer, Bible teacher and founder of The Writers' Bloc community and podcast. As a former quiet time checkbox checker, she now writes to help others slow down, savor Scripture, and pursue holy leisure. Cara's work has been featured on Desiring God, Challies.com, Gospel Centered Discipleship, and the YouVersion Bible App. 

BE SURE TO CONNECT WITH CARA ONLINE AND CHECK OUT HER NEW BOOK AND SEASONS OF CREATIVITY RESOURCE BY CLICKING THE LINKS BELOW: 

The Pursuit of Holy Leisure book: https://cara-ray.com/pursuitofholyleisure/ Seasons of Creativity workbook: https://dedicated-producer-5419.kit.com/a10948cb1d 

WEBSITE: https://cara-ray.com/ 

*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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Check out this new 5-Minute Parenting episode with award-winning author Valerie Fentress, just in time for Easter! ✝️ Many Christian parents wonder what they should do with the Easter Bunny and don’t want this commercial symbol to distract from the true meaning of Easter. 

Valerie is on the show today with a resource that reclaims the Easter Bunny, using it to teach kids about the true meaning of Easter. Jesus! 🙌 

Listen in and be sure to connect with Valerie online, plus grab her book and free Easter resources!

Valerie Fentress is an award-winning children's author and host of the BookWorthy Podcast. She writes simple stories with biblical truth to remind children who God is and who God says that they are. 

Website: www.valeriefentress.com
Easter Craft Kit: https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/0f6d17f610
BookWorthy's Easter Book List: https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/829b88d7ae
An Easter Bunny's Tale Family Reading Plan and Devo: https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/9b20ed2779

*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 episode is for all the boy moms out there! 

Award-winning author and family ministry leader, Christie Thomas, joins 5-Minute Parenting to share quick and simple tips for raising strong boys, providing answers to the following questions: 

1) How can I better connect with my sons? 

2) How can I help my boys grow spiritually? 

3) How can I deal with the physicality of boys without feeling overwhelmed? 

Christie is an award winning author, podcaster, and the mom of three growing boys. Listen in as she shares practical, real-world advice that will help you grow stronger connections with your boys. 

Be sure to follow Christie on Instagram @littleshootsdeeproots and check out her resources for parents! 

Boy Mom Toolkit: https://christiethomas.kit.com/ee9abbfe9b

The Mother and Son Prayer Journal: https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/mother-son-journal-and-prayer-journal-for-kids/

Christie Thomas was a Children’s Ministries Director for over a decade and is now a family discipleship coach to parents who need equipping, support, and encouragement. Her books for kids and parents help families cultivate faith-filled moments. She lives with her husband and three boys in Canada.

*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: ...