Parenting to Impress

How do we raise kids who are confident enough to speak up, stand strong under peer pressure, and lead with courage? In this episode, we’re diving into practical, everyday ways to help children build confidence—whether they’re ordering at a restaurant, asking a librarian for help, or learning when to say “no.”

If you’ve ever worried that your child is too shy, struggles to speak to unfamiliar people, or tends to follow the crowd, this conversation will encourage you. We’re sharing simple ways to build courage from the preschool years so your kids grow into leaders who do what’s right—with confidence, wisdom, and love.

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• Building Courage in Preschoolers
• Teaching a Child a Phone Number
• Letting Go of Fear in Parenting

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

Looking for meaningful ways to celebrate your child’s salvation birthday? In this encouraging, mom-to-mom conversation, Heidi and Melanie share simple, Christ-centered ideas to help your family remember and honor the day your child chose to follow Jesus.

You’ll learn why celebrating salvation is biblical, how to keep the focus on God (not the party or child), and practical ways to create lasting memories—like sharing their salvation story, praying over them, and recognizing spiritual growth. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to mark this special milestone without making it complicated, this episode will give you the confidence you need.

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• Salvation Certificates & Posters
• What is Salvation?
• The Sanctification Process
• Ideas for Simple Gifts

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

If you’ve ever felt the weight of trying to control your child’s choices, protect their future, or guarantee their faith—this episode is for you. Heidi and Melanie have an honest, grace-filled conversation about fear-based parenting, the illusion of control, and what it really looks like to trust God with your children. You’ll walk away encouraged, reminded of your true role as a parent, and equipped to release fear and embrace faith.

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• Calling Sin a Sin
• Life Updates
• The Sanctification Process

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

Why does the same sin keep showing up again, even after prayer, confession, and repentance?

In this episode, Heidi and Melanie talk honestly about the sanctification process—the lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. Together they unpack why spiritual growth takes time, how God uses everyday struggles (especially in parenting) to shape the heart, and what to do when you feel stuck in the same battle.

If you’ve ever wondered why change feels slow or why certain struggles keep returning, this conversation will remind you that God is still working and His grace never runs out.

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• How to Read Your Bible and Pray
• When Fear is Hold Your Back

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

Many moms wonder, “Do I deserve to be happy?” Or, "Is it wrong to want my children to be happy?" In this Parenting to Impress podcast episode, we unpack what Scripture says about happiness, contentment, and joy, and why seeking holiness brings deeper fulfillment than chasing fleeting pleasures. 

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

About a year ago, Melanie and I recorded a podcast episode we didn’t know would be our last for quite some time. The break wasn’t planned, but life required it. 2025 brought confusion, heartbreak, grief, and parenting decisions that didn’t come with clear answers. In this podcast, we share why that pause happened and what God has been teaching us along the way.

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• How to Pray the Scriptures
• New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp (ad)

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

Discover how to train children to respect wake-up times and stay in bed, allowing parents to reclaim their mornings for essential quiet time with God. In this episode we share 7 practical tips and a step-by-step training process that works for even the most determined early risers.

If you haven't downloaded our Free Bedtime Routine Visual Schedule, check out this link. And for more on establishing a meaningful quiet time with God, listen to our previous episode on that topic.

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• Bedtime Routines that Work, Part 1
• Free Bedtime Routine Visual Schedule
• How to Have a Quiet Time
• Wake-up Clocks for Kids (affiliate link)
• Psalm 4:8  - In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord,     make me dwell in safety.
• Love and Logic (affiliate link)

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

If bedtime feels like chaos and you’re desperate for a little peace (and sleep!), you are not alone. We’ve been there — exhausted and unsure what would actually help our kids stay in bed and sleep well. 

In this 2-part podcast, Melanie and Heidi are sharing the bedtime routine that worked for their families—what they did right, what they'd do differently, and how you can create a plan that brings rest to everyone in your home. 

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• How to Have a Quiet Time
• Reading the Bible with Kids
• How to Have Family Devotions
• Free Bedtime Routine Visual Schedule

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

Grief is hard, especially when you’re trying to help a child process loss. In this episode, Melanie and I share 10 practical ways to walk alongside kids as they navigate sadness, whether from the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, or even disappointment over unmet expectations. From preparing them for what to expect at a funeral to offering comfort in ways they understand, this episode will equip you with tools to provide the support and reassurance children need. Discover helpful ideas, encouragement, and real-life experiences. 

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• ABCJesusLovesMe Facebook Group
• When Technology is Out of Control in Your Home
• 5 Tips to Keep Your Child Quiet During Church
• Raising Emotionally Resilient Children
• Potty Training Tips
• How to Teach Kids about Emotions
• Teaching Kids about Pragmatics
• Books to Guide Children Through Grief

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!

 In this episode, Heidi shares practical tips on teaching colors and shapes through fun, play-based activities that build your child’s vocabulary, creativity, and early math skills. Using everyday conversations, Bible stories, books, and play, she helps parents and teachers introduce colors and shapes in a natural, engaging way. Whether you're just starting or looking for fresh ideas, this podcast will inspire you to teach these foundational concepts with confidence and joy. 

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• How to Teach Kids 
• Creation Activities for Kids
• Joseph's Colorful Coat Activities for Kids
• The Rainbow in Noah's Ark
• Color-based Books
• Shape Books
• Maximum Learning While Reading

Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.

Get connected with Parenting to Impress:
Facebook Group:  /groups/ABCJLM
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/
Subscribe to Blog & Newsletters:  forms.feedblitz.com/5r0

Thanks for listening!