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

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Positive affirmations have a powerful impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing, and they're even more powerful when taken directly from God's Word! Join 5-Minute Parenting as special guest Sally Cressman offers beautiful words of affirmations for moms of all types, straight from the Bible. 

If you're like most moms, you struggle with an overloaded calendar and loads of expectations that can be hard to juggle. Listen in and be uplifted as Sally shares inspiring personal stories, and godly encouragement that will cheer you on as a mom and daughter of God. 

Be sure to visit Sally's website, join her email list, and send her a message with "5-Minute Parenting" in the subject line for MORE special affirmations! 

Sally Cressman is the award-winning author of The Dance of Easter. She has written children’s Sunday school curricula, devotionals, and articles. Her publishing credits include LifeWay Kids Ministry, Focus on the Family, Moms in Prayer, and Nashville Christian Family magazine. She is passionate about encouraging moms and grandmas who feel unequipped in this digital age to confidently pass their faith on to their children and grandchildren. Sally and her husband of thirty-five years enjoy a relaxing rhythm in their home south of Nashville—close to their grandson. 

Website: https://sallycressman.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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Join Host Karen Ferguson to discover fun, family-friendly alternatives to celebrating Halloween! 

Have you been disturbed by the growing darkness associated with Halloween festivities? Are you re-thinking your normal activities this year? Would you simply like to try something new? Then check out this week's 5-Minute Parenting episode for unique ways to make the day fun and special for your family, without compromising your convictions. 

The choice to celebrate Halloween can be rather controversial, and I am not here to convince you to not participate. That’s between you and God. But whether or not you're a fan of Halloween, you will be a fan of these fun, community building party ideas. 

Links to original sources:  

5 Halloween Alternatives: https://childrensministry.com/five-halloween-alternatives/ 

Halloween Alternatives for your family: https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/parenting-kids-halloween-alternatives 

Minno (Christian Content for Kids): https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=minno&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 

Fruit Basket Upset Game - How To Play:
Arrange your group in a circle with chairs (preferably without wheels or arm rests). Number the group 1 up to 7 depending on the size, you should have at least 3 people per number. Assign each number a fruit

Banana, Apple, Grape, Cherry, Orange, Watermelon, Lemon

Have one person stand in the center and remove their chair. The center person yells any fruit or combination of fruits. The people with that fruit(s) have to get up and switch seats. The person in the center tries to steal one of their seats. Players may not keep the same seat. The person in the center can also yell “Fruit Basket Upset."  At that point everyone gets up and switches seats.

How To Win:
Elimination – where each person left in the center is eliminated then a new person is selected for the center and their chair is removed until you have 1 team left.
Time – stop the game at a pre determined time (participants do not know when) The team (guys vs girls, old vs young) not in the center is the winner.

*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 we're talking about the importance of guarding our children's hearts (and our own!) with award-winning author and speaker, Melissa McLaughlin. Listen in as Melissa shares simple tips and insight from her experience as a mom and teacher of 28 years to make faith in our families a natural way of life that promotes health and wellbeing in every part of our lives!

Melissa has also graciously offered to do a special giveaway for her Whole Bible Devotional. Sign up for my email newsletter and you'll be entered into a random drawing for a free eBook copy of The Whole Bible Devotional. This offer is for 5-Minute Parenting podcast listeners only and the winner will be announced by email within a few weeks of this episode. Thank you Melissa for sharing your special book! 

Enter to win here (giveaway ends October 23/winner will be announced by email):  https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/s7c9i5 

Melissa McLaughlin is a teacher and writer. Having retired from her 28-year career as a public school teacher, she now writes and speaks about her passion, Jesus Christ. Melissa holds Bachelors Degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist. In addition, she earned a Certificate in Foundations of Biblical Studies which complements her teaching degrees as she writes to uplift and inspire followers of Christ. 

God inspired Melissa to write her second book, The Whole Bible Devotional: Seeing Jesus in Every Book of the Bible, after struggling to read through the Bible with her family. Her goal with this book is to help others with today's busy lifestyles grasp the Bible's main message and see Jesus throughout the Scriptures. The Whole Bible Devotional won the Christlit award for excellence in Christian literature and portions are available to study for free on the YouVersion
Bible app for people who would like to read a sample. The Whole Bible Devotional comes with a free downloadable Small Group Study Guide for families and churches.

For more information visit Melissa's website at melissamclaughlin.org where you can subscribe for a free weekly devotional to inspire and uplift you.

*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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Have you been thinking about homeschooling your kids? Are you just getting started? Listen in as Trisha Pull, homeschool momma of six and educational consultant at Homeschool with Confidence, shares five things you should know before you get started. 

These practical tips and resource recommendations will set you up for success! 

Trisha is a beloved return guest to 5-Minute Parenting, and she has a knack for providing clear and concise insight into the homeschooling experience.  Listen in and take notes, and be sure to visit her website for more resources at https://hswithconfidence.com/. 

Also, be sure to check out these recommended links and resources for getting started with homeschooling:

All In One Planner: The Homeschool Life: All-in-One Planner | Homeschooling with Confidence

Book: Homeschooling with Confidence: Homeschooling with Confidence | Homeschooling with Confidence

Homeschool Laws By State

State Homeschool Organizations

*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 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson and special guest, Debbie Simmons on the topic of Next Best Steps in Faith-Based Parenting. Parenting is a work in progress, filled with many unknowns and "Why, Lord?" questions along the way. The good news is you don't have to be perfect, or find the "perfect" next step in parenting (or life), to have a positive impact and create a legacy of faith and love.

In this episode, Debbie shares her heart as she breaks down the topic of 'next best steps' into real-life examples that will help you in the happy and in the hard seasons of parenting. 

Debbie is the parent of nine adopted children and has a wealth of expertise and life experience to help families. Be sure to check out her website, books, and resources below!

Debbie Simmons is a visionary leader, international speaker, and best-selling
author dedicated to transforming lives through faith-driven leadership and service. As the Founder and CEO of Anchor Point, she has pioneered a movement that provides holistic support to families, empowering them to embrace life with courage, faith, and purpose. Her latest endeavor, Debbie Simmons LLC, showcases her commitment to inspiring others through speaking engagements, workshops, and personal development resources. Through this platform, Debbie offers tailored coaching sessions and dynamic presentations that empower individuals and organizations to lead with faith and purpose. Her book, The Heart of Legacy: Living a Focused, Faithful, and Fearless Life, has inspired countless individuals to step into their God-given callings, lead with boldness, and build a legacy that outlives them. Debbie’s expertise in leadership, faith-based entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management makes her a sought-after speaker on both national and international stages.

Visit her website and check out Debbie's books and the Pathway to Hope annual camp for families: 

Personal Website: https://thedebbiesimmons.com/
Anchor Point Website: https://anchorpoint.us/ 

The Heart of Legacy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Legacy-Focused-Faithful-Fearless/dp/1964334071

Pathway to Hope Camp: https://anchorpoint.us/pathway-to-hope-camp/
Perfectly Imperfect Family Book: https://thedebbiesimmons.com/the-perfectly-imperfect-family/
FREE Best Strategy Guide: https://thedebbiesimmons.com/best-strategy/

*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, we welcome back to the show Terrie Hellard-Brown to talk about the important topic of forgiveness. Terrie highlights the heart issue behind forgiveness and offers effective ways to teach our kids how to forgive in a healthy, sincere manner. She discusses strategies kids can use to navigate this tough part of relationships, offering 'teachable moments' that will set our kids up for victory over bitterness and division. 

Parents and grandparents - this episode is good for us, too! No matter our age or stage, we are all faced with the decision to forgive. Listen in and be encouraged and equipped! 

Be sure to check out Terrie's book, Izzy's Notebook, the beginning of a series on living the One Anothers found in the BIble, with this first book tackling the topic of forgiveness in a creative, engaging, and relatable ways for kids. 

Empowering families to disciple the next generation every day and everywhere is Terrie Hellard-Brown’s mission. Sparking Everyday Discipleship, the podcast hosted by Terrie Hellard-Brown focuses on discipleship in the 21st Century, great books, and sparking important conversations with our children. Terrie is a writer, speaker, missionary, and mom with a BA in sociology and psychology, an MA in education, and is currently working on her DMin. 

Her books include: 

• Up, Down, and All Around: A Handbook for Discipling Our Children Based on Deuteronomy 6 
• Building Character Through Picture Books: 25 Family Devotions Based on Favorite Picture Books 
• A World of Pancakes (a picture book on flexibility and culture and including recipes from around the world) 
• Izzy’s Notebook (a picture book about forgiveness, Harper and Izzy, Best Friends Forever Series: Living the One Anothers) 
• Drandar the Dragon Knight (chapter book about being who God created us to be). 

Website: www.terriehellardbrown.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terriehellardbrown
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ter_h_brown/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrie-hellard-brown-36218598/
Twitter: https://x.com/HellardBrown

*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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Kids are back in school with all the new learning and experiences that go along with it! As parents, it's important to support them in building confidence and courage, so they can thrive as they learn and try new things. One way to do this is through imaginative play! 

Listen in to 5-Minute Parenting as special guest, Ashley Wall, offers simple examples for using this strategy to support your child's spiritual, mental, and emotional growth and wellbeing. 

Ashley Wall is a Texas native, former teacher, and award-winning children’s author with a passion for inspiring young minds. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education, with over a decade of experience in the education field, where she developed a deep understanding of the transformative power of storytelling. As a mother of two, she draws from her personal experiences to create stories that foster children's love for reading, nurtures their imaginations, and promotes kindness and friendship. Throughout her career, Ashley has always been a passionate advocate for education and believes that books can be a gateway to learning and emotional growth. 

In addition to being a children's book writer, Ashley co-founded MamaBear Books the publishing company, with her husband. She empowers others (all Moms so far) to publish their childrens books, inspiring and guiding them. 

Connect with Ashley online and check out her books:

Website: MamaBear Books  

Books: https://mamabearbooks.com/all-books/    

Freebies and resources: mamabearbooks.com/parent_teacher_resources

*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 - Tips to help you raise competent, God-confident kids! 

Friends are one of the greatest blessings in life! Children naturally want to belong and be accepted by their peers. They want companionship. It's how God created us. 

Learning to grow lifelong, healthy friendships is critical to your child's wellbeing and quality of life, but it's not always easy! Parents, you are their greatest example. 

Listen in as Host Karen Ferguson shares 5 simple but important things you can teach your child about making friends and being a good friend.

*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! Today we’re talking with Susan Neal the author of Eat God’s Food: A Kids Guide to Eating Healthy. 

Susan is an RN, author, speaker, and certified health and wellness coach whose background in nursing and health services led her to seek new ways to educate and coach people to overcome health challenges. Her passion and mission is to improve the health of Americans. 

Eat God's Food is written specifically for the health needs of children, preparing them for a lifetime of eating and living the way God intended. In this book you'll find healthy activities and cooking adventures to ensure kids not only learn but have fun too. You and your child will learn together through fun yet educational activities. What a fantastic book! 

Listen in as we discuss the topics of obesity, diet changes for wellness, physical activity, and just what Susan means by "God's Food." 

Be sure to visit Susan's website for links to her books and other resources for living a healthy life: https://susanuneal.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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Today's episode is a real treat, as I have two young ladies from Tennessee on the show talking about encouraging entrepreneurship in our children - and they know what they're talking about! 

Addison Gaylor and Ashlen Vogelsang are twins who took a fun hobby in their teen years and turned it into a sustainable family business! 

Faith Farms is a Christian, family-owned business dedicated to providing quality skincare products, helping others live healthier lifestyles by bringing natural, non-toxic products into homes - straight from their Farm to other families! These ladies are passionate about making soap the old-fashioned way, going back to basics with simple and very few ingredients, as well as milking and raising their own goats! 

Listen in as they share their story along with insight into encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset in this next generation. This is about more than business skills, it's about develping important life skills in our kids. Listen in and be inspired! 

Be sure to check out their website to learn more about their business and order their natural, non-toxic products for your home! https://faithfarmsgms.com/

Instagram: faithfarmsgms

Facebook: faithfarmsgms

*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: ...