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

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Join 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson, and special guest Lynsey Martin for a lively conversation on making reading time more fun for kids! 

Reading time does not have to be boring, even in this digitally-distracted age. Listen in as Lynsey shares creative and practical ways to create a cozy, themed environment for reading time at home, incorporating simple elements that will make reading time fun and immersive, and keep your kids coming back for more! 

Topics discussed this episode: 

1. Why is it important to make reading time fun and immersive for young children? 

2. Simple ways parents can transform regular story time into a themed, memorable experience. 

3. Lynsey's favorite reading routines and traditions in her home. 

4. "Props" or cozy touches parents can add for bringing a story to life. 

5. Examples of how families can create a themed reading experience with Lynsey's book How to Get an Alligator out of the Bathtub.

6. Where families can find more inspiration and resources online for adding fun themes to their child's reading time.

About Lynsey: 

Lynsey Martin is a wife, Christian mom of two boys and dog Ellie, a graduate of Santa Clara University, and author of How to get an Alligator out of the Bathtub. Originally from Southern California, Lynsey lives with her husband and children in Austin, TX. The inspiration behind her children’s book was a trip to the zoo with her boys and their comments of wanting to have the alligators come home to live with them; and so, the character in her debut book, Allistair, was born! 

Connect with Lynsey: 

MamaBear Books: https://www.mamabearbooks.com/pages/lynsey-martin-2?srsltid=AfmBOor9mSHSXtItduNBrYqC7BVZNU-Fazg-gwNq8OHY7YJygyg5V3R5 

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

Check out her debut children's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Alligator-Out-Bathtub/dp/1960616226 

*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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Moms, get ready to be encouraged! I have Jodi Hendricks on the show today, author of #NoFilter: Unmasking the Woman God Created you to Be, and she has a special message just for you. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all that's on your momma plate, thinking you don't have what it takes to "do it all"? Are you exhausted by all the "shoulds" in your life, feeling like you don't measure up? Is your vision of yourself and your calling as a mom a little fuzzy? Jodi brings a clear message of our worth in Christ and how that changes the way we live out our callings as moms. Listen in as Jodi shares her personal story and her powerful book, you'll be encouraged and inspired. There is no doubt: The Almighty God who created you has a Good plan and purpose for your life, and He finds you beautiful just as you are. Just as He created you - unmasked and without any filters.  

Meet Jodi Hendricks: the author of #NoFilter: Unmasking the Woman God Created You to Be! Jodi is a passionate writer, speaker, and advocate who has dedicated her life to helping women embrace their God-given identity, free from the filters of insecurity, societal pressure, and past wounds. A wife and mother of four, Jodi’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she pursued her love for storytelling and communication at Bob Jones University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and a Master of Arts in Interpretative Speech. Later, she continued her education at Wayland Baptist University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling and went on to serve as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, helping women navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. She now serves as Executive Director of New Mexico Family Action Movement (NMFAM), where she works to advocate for biblical values in public policy. Jodi’s passion for God’s Word, her heart for women’s ministry, and her unique ability to connect biblical truth to everyday life make her an inspiring voice for those seeking authenticity and spiritual growth. 

Join Jodi on this journey of unmasking the woman God created you to be—imperfections and all!  

Follow along as she shares insights and encouragement: http://jodihendricks.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 we're talking with Dr. Gladys Childs about how to teach children to handle small failures early on so they learn to bounce back from setbacks. Believe it or not, these life lessons in failure will actually grow their confidence! 

Listen in as Dr. Gladys provides insight and real world examples to help you navigate this sensitive learning experience with your child. You'll walk away inspired and equipped to empower your kids!  

Dr. Gladys the 'Truth Doctor,' meets people at the crossroads of faith and life’s challenges, offering clarity, hope, and practical wisdom. As a Religion professor, pastor’s wife, author, speaker, and mom, she empowers individuals to navigate life’s toughest moments in faith and freedom. 

Dr. Gladys has shared a special freebie for listeners you can download here: Rooted in His Word: Practical Steps to Engage the Bible https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uQDGTosYUFlA8a1iCjseD_867Xbda8TQ/view  

Visit Dr. Gladys' Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/ 

Order her Book Busting Barriers: https://www.amazon.com/Busting-Barriers-Overcome-Emptiness-Devotional/dp/B0CN13ZJXG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UAZIR33PKSWO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hd1fiSluR-0qKAaria04PA.46bZwoz68vO507Ku4rrfoQbungZKPNn7ET4Kg_2Z8z0&dib_tag=se&keywords=busting%20barriers%20gladys%20childs&qid=1741140089&sprefix=%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1 

*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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Are you in the middle of the empty nest season, wondering what your next step should be? Is that season coming soon whether you like it or not, and you don’t feel prepared?  Whether you’re in the middle of it, preparing for it, or even walking into a new empty NEXT season, you’ll want to grab a copy of Kate Battistelli’s book, The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is not your Only Name. 

Kate is a best-selling author, speaker, podcaster, honoree with She Leads Tennessee, former actress in the Broadway theatre world, and mom of GRAMMY Award-winning Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli Goodwin. 

Today she’s on the show to share about her fascinating life and her beautiful new book, perfect for those preparing for the empty nest, or right in the middle of it. You will be inspired and encouraged!

The After Party reminds moms that there is a second act, a future with your name on it filled with hope and surprises you can’t imagine … if you plan for it, believe in it, and walk fearlessly into it.

Be sure to check out Kate’s links and order a copy of her book, either for yourself or someone you know! 

Links:

Website: https://katebattistelli.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBattistelli/

Amazon link to The After Party of the Empty Nest:  https://amzn.to/4c37fkn

Kate Battistelli is the author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name, the bestseller, The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible, and Growing Great Kids: Partner with God to Cultivate His Purpose in Your Child’s Life. She's a contributing writer to the (In)courage Bible for Women and The Spirt-Led Woman's Bible, and her writing has appeared in Guideposts, The Joyful Life magazine, The Better Mom, and more. She is one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. In addition, she is an honoree with She Leads Tennessee.
 
As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare,” moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business. She lives in Franklin, TN, near her daughter Francesca and seven grandchildren. 

*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 us to welcome Bonica Brown, debut author of Roses & Honeysuckle: Finding God in the Midst of an Ordinary Life. 

Bonica is a pastor’s wife, mother, writer, artist, photographer, graphic designer, and children’s pastor. She met her husband of 14 years while attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she earned her art degree. Together, they serve as pastors at First PCG in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.
Bonica lives in Muskogee with her husband, their four children, and a lively assortment of pets, including dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs, and fish. Her busy days are spent homeschooling her children, shuttling them to dance, basketball, gymnastics, band practice, church, and co-op, while still finding moments to dream of a simpler life filled with baking and gardening. 

A lifelong writer, Bonica recently published her debut book, Roses & Honeysuckle, a heartfelt story that reflects her love for storytelling. Deeply grateful for her family and faith, she strives to live a life of thankfulness and simplicity while inspiring others with her journey. 

Listen in as she shares heartfelt encouragement to young moms. Be sure to visit her website and grab a copy of her book: Website: https://bonicabooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonicaBooks/

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

X: https://x.com/bonicabooks

Roses & Honeysuckle is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bhXctlW

*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 Melinda Poling to the show to discuss the "With Me" parenting strategy for discipleship. This strategy is a way to do life together as a family, investing in our children's character and spiritual development with intentionality and joy, resulting in strong family bonds and strong kids in every developmental stage. Listen in as Melinda shares heartwarming stories, along with practical advice for implementing this practice in your home!

Melinda is a ministry team leader in her church, an active apologetics coach, speaker, pastor’s wife, and the mother of eight sons and one daughter, and seven grandchildren. Melinda delights in bringing Christ to the center of any conversation or story by engaging hearts. She has aired on various podcasts, been published in magazines, and her fiction has made her an Award winner in both the Cascade and the ACFW Kidlit contest. She and her husband enjoy country life and educating their youngest two children at home, praying daily to finish strong.  She also runs a small business with her children, raising chocolate and silver Labs. 

You can download Melinda's free book Helium Farm: Mysterious fruit clouds and a sabotaged farm force twelve-year-old Blake to become a hero. Along the way, he must confront family secrets and make a difficult choice between championship glory and helping his favorite uncle.  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wypc2fwndt 

Join 20,000 others to follow along with Melinda on social media: 

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

X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FPolingMelinda_ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.poling.7 AND https://www.facebook.com/melindapolingauthor 

*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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Resilience, problem-solving, adaptability and a growth mindset. These are all part of the package when it comes to perserverance; and it's more important than ever to intentionally teach it to our children in this quick-fix, instant, Instagram-famous world we live in!  

Join Host Karen Ferguson with special guest Terrie Hellard-Brown to discuss natural ways to practice perseverance as a family. Terrie provides parents encouragement, inspiration, and practical advice you don't want to miss! 

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.

Terrie's 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)

Visit Terrie's website and find her books at http://www.terriehellardbrown.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, as she shares practical ideas and resources to help make learning U.S. History fun! Whether you homeschool your children or just want to enrourage a love and understanding of our nation's history, it's important to make it interactive. No long textbooks, boring lectures, or rote memorization allowed! Kids want to relate to what they're learning, and you'll find plenty of resources to help them do just that. 

It's important this next generation understands the motives and cost behind the American Revolution, and the unique values of liberty, justice, and democracy that can only thrive in a free nation. For it's only when we understand the true value of something that we will honor it and consider it worth fighting for. The good news is, history does NOT have to be boring! 

Check out the links below to the resources mentioned in this episode.

1. Hillsdale College K-12 History & Civics Curriculum If you need to brush up on your American History, there’s a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips through Hillsdale College, and it’s free! Hillsdale-K12-American-History 
2. Focus on the Family: Adventures in Odyssey Check out this award winning drama audio series! It’s perfect for ages 8-10, but there is no doubt - your whole family will love it! This series was a hit in our home when the girls were young, and my daughter now shares it with her children. Here’s a link to a series on American History. Adventures-in-odyssey-for-god-and-country
3. Engaging Books and Curriculum I’ve heard great things about Tuttle Twins books Americas-history Plus here's a curriculum set that is highly recommended for homeschool families: https://store.generations.org/products/american-faith-set 
4. Educational Board Games Not every child enjoys learning from books. Incorporate learning games into your curriculum and you’ll make learning history fun! Here’s one option: American Trivia: Family Edition ref=as_li_ss_tl
5. Teach History from a Biblical Worldview This is the best way to teach history! I’ve heard great things about this resource: america-in-gods-providence-set-2nd-edition
6. Make Learning Interactive Check out these ideas to help provide an engaging and well-rounded understanding of our nation's history: https://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/homeschool-help/10-ways-to-teach-kids-about-americas-christian-heritage/ 
7. For additional resources visit: https://www.karenferg.com/blog/fun-ways-to-get-kids-excited-about-us-history

*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 today's episode of 5-minute Parenting! Join Host Karen Ferguson as she shares encouragement and examples to begin the practice of writing love letters to your children. 

Our words are powerful, the Bible says so and scientific data backs that up. Our words create lasting impressions on our children, either for good or bad. Let's be intentional to build up our childrens' identities and confidence with this simple writing practice, that's not just for writers! Let's start a trend in this unique way and show our kids they are seen, valued, and loved. 

Proverbs 16:24 "Gracious words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." 

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." 

Recommended resource to store letters in digital form: Chatbooks https://chatbooks.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqQVJOnN7wOgqTmAYjbBmvK01eJLHEavIbqa-wX9E7e0vFalBOH

*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 writer and author Kelly Wilson Mize to 5-Minute Parenting! Kelly is a wife, mother of two young adults, and proud cat mom with 25 years of experience as a published author. A former educator with a master’s degree in education, Kelly has written an extensive collection of stories, articles, devotions, interviews, and curriculum projects for various publishers including Lifeway, PragerU Kids, Bethany House, Guideposts, (in)courage, and others. She is also a contributing author of twelve books. 

In 2021, Kelly published her first independent project, a picture book for all ages titled The Beautiful Story Within Me. 

Listen in as Kelly shares her writing journey, the meaningful message behind her children's book, and uses her experience and expertise as a former educator and librarian to answer the question: 

• How can parents help instill a love for reading in their kids?

Visit Kelly's website for links to her book and to stay up-to-date on events and special projects: https://www.kellywilsonmize.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: ...