Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

The school year is almost over! For our kids it's a time to play, spend time with family and friends and have a different daily rhythm. But for moms (and dads too), the 3 months with no structure or routine can make us feel anxious-what will we do with all this time! Whether you are ready to embrace summer or are worried about how to fill your days, this episode is for you! Heidi and Melanie chat about all things summer including how to be intentional with your days so that you don't look back at the start of the next school year with regret.

Helpful Links from this Episode: 

• Blank Summer Schedule Chart
• Training a Child to Report
• Teaching Little Man First-Time Obedience
• Runts Fruit Candy (affiliate link)
• Our Daily Bread for Kids (affiliate link)
• Old and New Testament Curriculum 
• All About Spelling Curriculum (affiliate link)
• How Much Media Use is the Right Amount?

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

Facebook Group:  /groups/parentingtoimpress
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

Congratulations! You've decided to start having a quiet time with God! You'd like to use something alongside your Bible to help guide your quiet time but you're not sure what to choose. We get it!

In this episode, Heidi and Melanie discuss how to avoid the common pitfall of using self-help books during your quiet time. What's wrong with self-help books? Should I never read a book from this genre? The ladies answer these questions and offer encouragement as you decide what to use other than the Bible when you meet with God each day.

Helpful Links from this Episode: 

• How to Have a Quiet Time Podcast Episode
• DRAW Deep
• Creating a Prayer Journal
• What is a Quiet Time?
• When to Have a Quiet Time
• Does Where Matter?
• But I Need My Sleep!
• The Best Devotionals to Guide Your Quiet Time
• A Quiet Time, Worth the Time eBook
• Free Psalm Study (Attributes of God) - Part of the ABCJesusLovesMe Resource Library
• Free Old Testament Chronological Reading Plan
• Free New Testament Chronological Reading Plan

Episode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

Finding a church home can be challenging! In this episode Heidi and Melanie unpack the questions they would ask if they were looking for a church. Significant issues to consider include doctrine, worship style, and children's services. In this encouraging conversation, you'll find helpful ideas and hear how they processed these very questions when their families were looking for a church home.

Helpful Links from this Episode: 

• How to Have a Quiet Time Podcast
• Old and New Testament Curricula
• 10 Tips to Introduce Your Child to Church
• 5 Expectation Tips to Set Before Attending Church
• 5 Tips to Keep Your Child Quiet During Church
• 5 Tips to Prepare Your Child to Attend Church

Episode Sponsor:  The Old and New Testament Curricula provides age-appropriate learning for children ages 3-10 years at home, preschool, or church (Sunday School).

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

If you knew you could transform your life by changing how you spend 1% of your day, would you do it?  While it hasn't always been easy, Melanie and Heidi made the change and today's podcast shares their stories. 

Join the Parenting to Impress Podcast team as they process through the what, when, where, and how details of this change. And be encouraged and challenged to give it a try!

Helpful Links from this Episode: 

• Creating a Prayer Journal
• What is a Quiet Time?
• When to Have a Quiet Time
• Does Where Matter?
• But I Need My Sleep!
• The Best Devotionals to Guide Your Quiet Time
• A Quiet Time, Worth the Time eBook
• Free Psalm Study (Attributes of God) - Part of the ABCJesusLovesMe Resource Library
• Free Old Testament Chronological Reading Plan
• Free New Testament Chronological Reading Plan
• Lies We Believe Podcast
• Ephesians 1:18-21

Episode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

Does the idea of planning a family vacation stress you out?
Or do you enjoy fine-tuning the details of a trip?

Wherever you land on planning a family vacation, this episode offers practical advice as you process what a family vacation looks like for your family! Make sure to listen to the end when Heidi shares one of the most freeing pieces of advice Melanie's ever heard about family vacations.

Helpful Links from this Episode: 

• Vacationing Tips for Families
• Family Vacation 101:  What to Pack, Where to Say, How Long, Meal Calendar
• I'm Giving You Permission Not to Go on a Family Vacation and Why
• Road Trip Activity Book
• Hotel Rooms, Vacations, and Kids:  16 Tips to Success
• Create a Travel Journal (ages 5+)
• Car and Travel Activities for Kids
• Specific Tips to Visit:   Central California (Yosemite)
       Smoky Mountains
       Rocky Mountains (Colorado Springs)
       Grand Tetons and Yellowstone
       Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon
       St. Louis
• "Lies We Believe" Podcast

Episode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

Heidi introduces Melanie to a fun way to jumpstart a conversation, with your family or in any situation. You'll hear both ladies share their Highs, Lows, and one random thought. And you'll hear how quickly this "game" leads to further conversation. Listen in and get to know Heidi and Melanie a bit better as they share their hearts and encourage one another along the way.

Helpful Links from this Episode: 

• Be Intentional Planner
• How to Create a Prayer Journal
• I'm Mad at God and Bitterness May Take Over Blog Post

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

Facebook Group:  /groups/parentingtoimpress
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

In the final episode in this series, Heidi and Melanie wrap up their list of the best parenting and marriage advice they’ve learned over the years. Spoiler alert! Even though there weren’t supposed to be any “favorites,” Heidi and Melanie reveal the advice that has meant the most to them.

Helpful Links from this Episode: 

• Teaching Kids About Money
• How to Have a Quiet Time
• How to Pray Scripture
• Voxer app
• Marco Polo app

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

Heidi and Melanie continue their conversation about advice they’ve received as well as the lessons they wished they’d learned earlier in their parenting journeys. Be sure to listen to Episode #5 to hear the first part in this series.

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• Potty Training Cheat Sheet
• Tips to Have Successful Meals
• Training Your Child to Sleep In
• How to Have a Quiet Time with God
• So Much to Tell You (I Forgot to Laugh) 

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

Facebook Group:  /groups/parentingtoimpress
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

Join Heidi and Melanie in the first episode of a 3-part series on parenting and marriage advice they’ve learned over the years. Some of it may be familiar to you but expect a few surprises too!

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• Quality Books for Children
• How My Expectations Nearly Ruined My Family Blog Post
• What Lies Are You Believing? Episode #1

Episode Sponsor:  The ABCJesusLovesMe Bible Curriculum - Fun, interactive Bible learning at home, preschool, or church for ages 3-10 years.

Facebook Group:  /groups/parentingtoimpress
Facebook:  /heidi.franz.2911
Instagram:  /abcjesuslovesme/

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!

Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought!

One of the significant responsibilities as a mother is instilling in our children the delight of communicating with God through prayer. However, what if we're uncertain about how to embark on this journey? How can we initiate the practice of prayer with our young ones? Heidi and Melanie share their experiences in teaching their children to pray, provide suggestions on introducing prayer to your kids, and motivate you to begin this meaningful journey, regardless of your children's age.

Helpful Links from this Episode:
Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that we receive an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.  

• How to Pray the Scriptures Podcast Episode
• Prayer Songs (10 Fingers Folded in Prayer)
• Creating a Prayer Journal
• I Can Talk with God by Debby Anderson (While we didn't discuss this book in the podcast, it is an excellent children's book to explain prayer to children.)
• How to Teach a Child to Pray

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!