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

Karen Ferguson
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the 5-Minute Parenting podcast! I'm Sandra Kay Chambers, the founder and host of this podcast. I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and former teacher, journalist, and an award-winning children's author. My Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions That Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose (ages 8-12), helps kids realize they are unique, just like their fingerprints, and have a God-given purpose in their life. I'm also the author of a picture book, Maisie Discovers Her Fingerprint (ages 3-8), and an adult book, Lord, It’s Boring in My Prayer Closet: How to Revitalize Your Prayer Life,  Hello, I’m Karen Ferguson, your new podcast host beginning February 2025! I’m a wife, mom, grandmom and author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. I have a background in K-8 education and a passion for equipping parents to raise competent, God confident kids.  In this podcast, we cover parenting practices from both a practical view and a biblical view that will benefit your child’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual growth. Our goal is to help you raise kids with a positive, godly self image so they can become all they were created to be. I know you’re busy so we’ll keep it short, let’s take just five minutes and dive in!  For more information and helpful resources, visit our websites at  https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ https://www.karenferg.com/ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @karenfergusonauthor @sandrakaychambers.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

  1. 4d ago

    Practical Tips for Parents from Dr. Gladys Childs, author of Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness

    Send us Fan Mail Host Karen Ferguson welcomes back Dr. Gladys Childs to share about her new book and provide practical tips for parents. Dr. Gladys hosts the podcast and TV show Bare Faith, where raw faith and deep pain meet a relentless God. A pastor’s wife, theologian, author, and boy mom, she names the lies standing between people and God's truth. Her book, Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness, is for anyone exhausted from hoping the next thing will finally satisfy.  On today's episode, Dr. Gladys answers the following questions: You host a podcast and TV show called Bare Faith and you have a series called 'Learning to Live with the Unfinished.' As a parent, how do you sit with the unfinished places in your own kids' lives, the seasons where you can't fix it and the story feels wrong, without trying to control the outcome?In your book Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness, you tell a story about teaching your son Scott to choose joy from the time he was a baby. He's a teenager now and you said he still wakes up smiling. What did you do differently, and can parents start this with older kids too?You didn't grow up in a home where love was spoken or shown, and you write that you were in your late twenties before you grasped that God loved you. How does that shape the way you parent your own son?Your book identifies psychological barriers for each fruit of the Spirit. If you had to pick the one barrier that affects most parents on a daily basis, which would it be and why?You have a devotional called 'Curb Anger Before It Transforms You.' What's your practical advice for the parent standing in the kitchen about to lose it?  Learn more at gladyschilds.com.  Click the links below to order her book and connect with her online:   Bare Faith Podcast & TV show: https://www.gladyschilds.com/bare-faith-podcast-tv Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: https://buff.ly/quChaqU Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drgladyschilds *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: ...

  2. Sep 24

    The Realities of Recovering from an Eating Disorder with Author Grace McCready

    Send us Fan Mail In a world where comparison and body image issues are prevalent among youth, particularly with young girls, author Grace McCready is on 5-Minute Parenting to shed light on the struggles associated with an eating disorder and give hope for recovery.  Grace is an author, blogger, and speaker who’s passionate about encouraging young women through sharing personal stories and scriptural truths. She’s the author of Real Recovery: What Eating Disorder Recovery Actually Looks Like and blogs at Tizzie’s Tidbits of Truth.   In this episode Grace touches on the following topics: Grace's story and her book Real RecoveryAdvice for parents who think their daughter may be struggling with a food addiction or eating disorderTips for parents to help their kids who struggle with this issueRecommendations to help parents raise their kids to have a healthy relationship with foodLinks: Book: Real Recovery: What Eating Disorder Recovery Actually Looks Like Blog: Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth *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: ...

  3. Sep 17

    Three Creative Ways to Teach the Bible to Kids w/Breanna Churchill

    Send us Fan Mail Breanna Churchill from Brown Bear Book Club is on 5-Minute Parenting today to share three creative ways to teach the Bible to kids.  Breanna Churchill is an award-winning children’s author and Founder of the Brown Bear Book Club, a platform dedicated to helping families and educators cultivate a love for literacy, faith, and learning.  On today's episode, Breanna shares simple, practical ideas for sharing the Bible with kids, covering the following:   1. Props and Role-Play 2. Science Experiments & Movement 3. Testimonies & Storytelling  Breanna’s platform The Brown Bear Book Club, is dedicated to helping families and educators cultivate a love for literacy, faith, and learning. Breanna’s writing is deeply inspired by her role as a wife, homeschooling mother of two boys, and her teaching experience. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing games with her family, teaching children’s church, and watching sunsets. Breanna wholeheartedly believes the truth of Psalm 127:3: “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” Be sure to visit Breanna's website, follow her online, and grab her books and resources for your family! https://thebrownbearbookclub.wixsite.com/1234 *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: ...

  4. Sep 10

    Make Families Great Again Interview w/Dr. Mel Tavares

    Send us Fan Mail What do families need to be great? Dr. Mel Tavares is on 5-Minute Parenting to share on this topic from her award-winning book, Make Families Great Again.  Dr. Mel is an award-winning author, speaker, life coach, and frequent media guest. She holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling and has 35 years of experience working with families professionally and in ministry. She is a board-certified mental health coach and life coach and she and her husband have seven adult children and eleven grandchildren.  On today's episode, Dr. Mel answsers these questions:  Who this book is designed for, and what inspired Dr. Mel to write it. How she chose the title for this book. Why this book is important right now in our culture, and what she hopes readers take away from this book.Three simple things parents can do right now to help grow a strong, healthy family. Dr. Mel is celebrating 25 Years in Writing/Publishing Industry!  *2025 AWSA Member of the Year (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)  *Award-Winning Author of Books, Blogs, Devos, Short Stories, Articles  *Writing Coach/Mentor  *Founder/Facilitator of CT's Chapter of American Christian Writers  *Managing & Acquisitions Editor of Devotions at AriseDaily.com  Learn more and grab a copy of her book at drmeltavares.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: ...

  5. Sep 3

    Self-care Techniques and Habits for Parents w/ Kristin Faith Evans

    Send us Fan Mail 5-Minute Parenting welcomes special guest, Kristin Faith Evans, sharing on the topic of self-care for parents. What a relevant topic in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world!  Kristin Faith Evans is an award-winning author, national speaker, licensed master social worker, and a special needs mom. She is passionate about empowering parents with the skills to thrive in their faith, mental health, and marriage. Kristin has been featured on over thirty-five radio and podcast shows and published in magazines such as Focus on the Family and the American Association of Christian Counselors. She is experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis interventions, as well as church and retreat ministries. And she enjoys a cup (or two) of Italian roast coffee, dark chocolate, traveling, and authentic conversations with friends. Listen in as Kristin covers the following topics:  Why self-care is important for parents and tips for helping ease stress levels.Over half of parents are overwhelmed on a daily basis because our coping skills haven’t kept up with society’s demands. Our stress levels as parents directly impacts our children’s spiritual, physical, and mental health.Simple mindfulness skills combined with faith practices can dramatically reduce the harmful effects of stress.We can hack our nervous systems to calm our minds and bodies in just minutes a day with deep breathing, breath prayer, and muscle tensing and relaxing.Self-compassion, gratitude, reliance on God, and acceptance lead to lower stress.Returning our focus to the present moment and awareness of God’s presence throughout the day calms our stress and soothes our anxiety.Be sure to check out Kristin's books, YouTube channel, and other resources for families by visiting her website: https://kristinfaithevans.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: ...

  6. Aug 27

    Introducing a New Picture Book Series for Kids w/author Alyssa Wedemeyer

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode of 5-Minute Parenting is a real treat, because Host Karen Ferguson gets the pleasure of interviewing her oldest daughter, Alyssa Wedemeyer, about her new picture book series, ABCs of America for Kids!  Alyssa's passion is creating books that spark a love for history among young readers, teaching them important historical facts in a fun, engaging way, so they will learn, remember, and love learning US history.   Listen in and get to know Alyssa and her book series better, then connect with her online and grab a copy of her books for your special young readers!  In this episode, Alyssa will answer these questions:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspires your writing.Tell us about your book ABCs of Civil War History and what inspired you to write it.Do you have a favorite part of this book and did you discover anything surprising or fascinating as you wrote and published it?How can parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians use this book with young readers? What do you hope young readers take away from it?Give us a sneak peak into the other books in the series!About Alyssa Wedemeyer: Alyssa Wedemeyer is a homeschooling mom of multiple littles in a growing family. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Religion with a focus on Apologetics from Liberty University, and has completed advanced coursework in American history at Liberty University online. Alyssa has extensive experience writing teaching curriculum for elementary to middle school aged children and has been published in Brio magazine and was a finalist in the 2026 Cascade awards for speculative fiction.  Links: Website: https://alyssawedemeyer.com/ Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Americas-Civil-America-Kids-ebook/dp/B0GX3B1DV3?ref_=ast_author_mpb Etsy:https://www.etsy.com/shop/KidsBooksbyAlyssa?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Falyssawedemeyer.com%2F *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: ...

  7. Aug 20

    Gospel Colors, Forgiveness, Creation and More: Natural Ways to Weave the Gospel into Daily Life with Kids and Grandkids

    Send us Fan Mail 5-Minute Parenting welcomes back Melissa Heiland to talk about simple ways parents and grandparents can weave the Gospel message into daily life with their kids and grandkids.  Melissa is a wife, mother of 6, and grandmother of 12. She’s an author, speaker, and Founder and President of Beautiful Feet International, a mission organization that starts pregnancy centers worldwide, with more than 200 pregnancy ministries in over 45 nations. Her passion is teaching others to share the Gospel and to protect life.  In this episode, Melissa covers practical things like forgiveness, thanksgiving, creation, prayer and colors to keep the Gospel message central in your home. Listen in and discover ideas you can implement easily in your family! RESOURCE: As a mom of 6 and grandmother of 12, Melissa recommends the Keys for Kids devotions: https://www.keysforkids.org/  You can connect with Melissa and find out more about her ministry by visiting: https://www.beautifulfeetinternational.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: ...

  8. Aug 13

    Parenting When Life Throws You a Curveball w/Melinda Poling

    Send us Fan Mail Author, ministry team leader, pastor's wife, and mom of nine, Melinda Poling, is back on the show to piggyback on her last topic of the "With Me" parenting strategy, in episode #116.  In today's episode, Melinda takes us down a different path to share about the sometimes hard realities of parenting, with encouragement and advice to help during those challenging seasons. Or as she refers to it, Parenting When Life Throws You a Curveball.  Listen in as Melinda shares personal stories and practical ideas for strengthening your mind, body, and spirit during tough times.  Melinda Poling 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, 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 Visit Melinda's website, connect with her online, and check out her books:  https://melindapoling.com/ Social media:  Join 20,000 others to follow along with Melinda on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook—personal profile and author page.) *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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About

Welcome to the 5-Minute Parenting podcast! I'm Sandra Kay Chambers, the founder and host of this podcast. I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and former teacher, journalist, and an award-winning children's author. My Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions That Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose (ages 8-12), helps kids realize they are unique, just like their fingerprints, and have a God-given purpose in their life. I'm also the author of a picture book, Maisie Discovers Her Fingerprint (ages 3-8), and an adult book, Lord, It’s Boring in My Prayer Closet: How to Revitalize Your Prayer Life,  Hello, I’m Karen Ferguson, your new podcast host beginning February 2025! I’m a wife, mom, grandmom and author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. I have a background in K-8 education and a passion for equipping parents to raise competent, God confident kids.  In this podcast, we cover parenting practices from both a practical view and a biblical view that will benefit your child’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual growth. Our goal is to help you raise kids with a positive, godly self image so they can become all they were created to be. I know you’re busy so we’ll keep it short, let’s take just five minutes and dive in!  For more information and helpful resources, visit our websites at  https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ https://www.karenferg.com/ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @karenfergusonauthor @sandrakaychambers.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

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