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

Karen Ferguson
  • 5.0 (29)
  • 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 ME ON INSTAGRAM @karenfergusonauthor @sandrakaychambers.com

  1. 4d ago

    How to Help Children Walk through Grief w/Award Winning Author, Kalya Green

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to 5-Minute Parenting: Tips to Help you Raise Competent and God-Confident Kids! In this episode, we have return guest Kayla Green talking about an important topic of how to help children walk through grief.  Kayla shares encouragement and wisdom based on her personal experience and short story, Edge of Sea Glass, that relates to this topic, speaking openly about the pain of losing her dad when she was a new mom. Kayla uses her testimony to encourage others, and in this episode speaks specifically to parents, helping them help their children work through their grief in a healthy way.  Listen in as she shares about her experience and helpful strategies for dealing with grief along with her favorite Bible verses and song.  Three C's When Dealing with Grief:  Choose what's best for your family (routines that work best for you); Communication (express your feelings, needs, boundaries, and memories with others); Connection (reach out to friends, family, and support groups to avoid isolation).  Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 5:12  "In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Casting Crowns Song - "Scars in Heaven."   BIO: Kayla Green is an award-winning author and poet who writes to remind others—and herself—that light always prevails over darkness. Kayla’s Christian faith greatly shapes her worldview, which in turn shapes her writing. She’s a wife, mom, and avid reader, who enjoys spending time with family and signing loudly and off-key with KLove Radio. Learn more and connect with Kayla at theunicornwriter.com and on Instagram @theunicornwriter93 Website/Blog: https://theunicornwriter.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunicornwriter93  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunicornwriter  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kayla-e-green  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: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr...

    21 min

  2. May 28

    An Encouraging Word for Moms with Author & Motivational Speaker, Kathy Vintson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 5-Minute Parenting, author and motivational speaker, Kathy Vintson, has a special message of encouragement for moms.  Kathy understands the challenges of motherhood as well as the blessings, and the guilt that is sometimes associated with it when we fall short of "perfect parenting." Kathy brings a much needed reminder to moms that we are daughters of the King, and we don't have to try to be perfect. God's grace is sufficient and the best thing we can do for our kids is show them God's grace in action.  Kathy is a storyteller by nature and she shares some of her powerful testimony. Take just a few minutes out of your busy day and listen in to this encouraging message. Then grab a copy of Kathy's book and follow her online.  Website: kathyvintson.com Facebook: @The Crown Effect by Kathy Vintson Book: The Crown Effect: Abundant Life in a Chaotic World (available on Amazon or anywhere books are sold online)  BIO: Kathy Vintson was born and raised in inner-city Birmingham, Alabama. Raised by her grandparents, Kathy learned at a very young age the importance of trusting and believing in God for…everything. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education and a master’s in educational leadership and spent 32 years in the field of education as a high school teacher and principal. Recently retired, she writes from a small corner desk overlooking the lake where she lives with her husband of 38 years. Kathy is a women’s motivational speaker and social media influencer, who seeks to inspire and motivate women. Her passion is encouraging women to claim all God has for them to live joyful, successful, abundant lives. 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: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr...

    8 min

  3. May 21

    A Two-Pronged Approach to Common Struggles in Motherhood w/ Cara Blondo

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to 5-Minute Parenting! Today we have a special guest on the show bringing encouragement to moms. Cara Blondo is a writer, teacher, and podcaster who is passionate about helping women connect biblical truth to their everyday lives.  In this episode, Cara shares a two-pronged approach to our most common struggles as moms: defeat and discouragement. Moms are often the main gatekeepers and disciple-makers of their children, and Cara brings a special message to every mom: it's not about perfection but the direction you are going. Just like the farmer, moms are called to sow seeds of truth in their children's hearts today for a future harvest.  She encourages moms to shift their perspective when they're feeling discouraged or defeated in a simple but powerful way you won't want to miss. Listen in and be inspired and encouraged!   Cara has created a special download just for moms, be sure to click the links below. BIO: Cara Blondo is a writer, teacher, podcaster and wife and is passionate about helping women connect biblical truth to their everyday lives. Through her blog and podcast, she aims to help women shift their perspective and come to know Him as their ONE THING desire. Cara also has the privilege of teaching for First 5, a ministry of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her husband have been married for nearly 25 years and are blessed to have four children.  LINKS: Prayer Prompts for Moms https://carablondo.myflodesk.com/makl7wx4gu Bearing Fruit In Your (Home)School https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/32647-bearing-fruit-in-your-homeschool Proverbs 31 podcast https://theonethingdesired.com/finding-a-woman-of-worth-a-study-on-proverbs-31/ 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: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr...

    10 min

  4. May 14

    Modern Mental Health Challenges for Parents and What to do About it w/LPC Amber Batemen

    Send us Fan Mail Today, on 5-Minute Parenting, host Karen Ferguson talks with fellow Ambassador International author, Amber Bateman, who shares about modern dangers to mental health as it relates to parenting, taken from her book, Save Yourself Some Therapy: Four Modern Dangers to Our Mental Health.   Amber Bateman has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina. She has over 15 years of experience in the helping profession, serving with a therapeutic wilderness camp, sexual assault response program, pregnancy care center, student counseling services, Christian counseling and private practice settings.  In this episode, Amber covers two of the most common modern challenges to mental health for parents:  Hurriedness and overstimulation.  Listen in as she provides simple tips for overcoming these distractions, so you can parent your children with greater peace and wellbeing.  BIO: Amber has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina. She previously studied communications in Florida and religious studies in Thailand. Amber has over 15 years of experience in the helping profession, serving with a therapeutic wilderness camp, sexual assault response program, pregnancy care center, student counseling services, Christian counseling and private practice settings. Her book, Save Yourself Some Therapy: Four Modern Dangers to Our Mental Health, is a practical resource for individuals and small groups. Amber lives in Greenville, SC with her husband and two sons. Website: https://www.delvementalhealth.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.bateman.586617/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberbatemanlpc/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberbatemanlpc  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: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr...

    14 min

  5. May 7

    Daily Grace for Moms of Littles w/Alexandra Jensen

    Send us Fan Mail Join Karen Ferguson and special guest, author Alexandra Jensen, for an encouraging word and resource for moms.  Daily Grace for Moms of Littles is Alexandra's fourth book, and one this podcast host highly recommends!  Alexandra shares the inspiration and heart behind this 50 day devotional, and offers a fresh kingdom perspective for moms that goes against the messages of this world. Listen in as Alexandra reads from her book and answers this question: What is a strong mom? It's different than you'd expect.  Join today's episode and be encouraged! Then grab a copy of Alexandra's book for yourself, or for a special mom you want to cherish. Click the links below:  Daily Grace for Moms of Littles (on Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Grace-Moms-Littles-Confidently/dp/1649606257  WEBSITE: https://www.alexandrajensen.org/about  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: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr...

    10 min

  6. Apr 30

    Overcoming Bedtime Battles through the Ages & Stages w/Valerie Ellis

    Send us Fan Mail Does your child's bedtime routine feel like a battle of the wills? Are you looking for ways to make bedtime easier for your kids (and you)?  Join 5-Minute Parenting as special guest, Valerie Ellis, shares some of her tried and true tips for making bedtime easier and more meaningful through the ages and stages.  Valerie is a mom and certified teacher with countless hours in children’s ministry, and writes books that serve kids at the intersection of faith and fun - perfect for bedtime stories. On today's episode, Valerie shares ideas for meeting your child's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, for younger and older kids, and offers practical advice for overcoming bedtime challenges and obstacles.  Check the links below for additional resources and to connect with Valerie online.  Valerie Ellis is an author, speaker, and founder of Our Everyday Parables, a multi-author online resource with book reviews and ideas for families pursuing faith and compassion. A certified teacher with countless hours in children’s ministry, Valerie writes books that serve kids at the intersection of faith and fun. Her latest book is Wild Faith Devotional for Kids: 52 Amazing Animals That Point to One Great God. Valerie is a frequent speaker at national conferences and local gatherings of parents, teachers, and children's ministers. She is also a nonprofit consultant, trainer, and grant writer in the Houston area, where she lives with her husband and their two boys.  Website: https://valerieellis.com Bedtime Article https://oureverydayparables.com/bedtime-prayers/ Printable Bedtime Prayer Ideas https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BvJ8U_j5u-H0s9xYEgbxX4Q4bdqb_5As/view?usp=sharing Our Everyday Parables Website https://oureverydayparables.com Instagram https://instagram.com/iamvalerieellis  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: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr...

    14 min

  7. Apr 23

    Their Future is Shining Bright: A Guide to Homeschooling in High School w/ Rachel Kovac

    Send us Fan Mail On today's 5-Minute Parenting podcast, Host Karen Ferguson welcomes and interviews author Rachel Kovac about her new book, Their Future is Shining Bright: a Guide to Homeschooling in High School. Rachel brings a fresh and much-needed voice to the homeschooling community, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of the often-overlooked high school years. As a writer, speaker, and educator, Rachel understands the uncertainty many parents feel when deciding whether to homeschool through high school. She empowers parents with vision, practical guidance, and encouragement drawn from years of experience homeschooling her own children through high school, and guiding them into college with scholarships. Rachel helps families approach academics, college admissions, and alternative pathways with confidence, while nurturing a home life rooted in connection, purpose, and love. Listen in as Rachel answers these questions and more: Why do you think so many families are making the switch to homeschooling and why is it not too late to transition to homeschool in high school?You describe high school as a season of growth and opportunity instead of something just to survive. How can parents reframe these years so they become some of the best years and not the hardest years?Some parents worry that homeschooling through high school will isolate their teens. What have you learned about community, friendship, and belonging in this season?For those parents considering homeschooling, what is the first step you encourage them to take?What is the largest misconception people have about homeschooling?You can connect with Rachel and grab a copy of her book by visiting her website: https://rachelkovac.com/ 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: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr...

    13 min

  8. Apr 16

    Screen-Free Vocabulary Building Games Kids Enjoy w/ Teresa Argenbright

    Send us Fan Mail Host Karen Ferguson welcomes special guest, Teresa Argenbright to share "Vocabulary building games you can enjoy on the go - screen free!" Teresa is a children’s book author with a lifelong love of language, rhythm, and storytelling. Her newest book, Charlotte and Penelope and the Neighborhood Stage, is the second in The Menagerie Series, a charming, rhyming picture book series filled with clever wordplay, colorful characters, and heartwarming fun. Teresa’s background spans everything from advertising copywriting to nonprofit grant writing — and now, writing stories that inspire joy, imagination, and giggles in kids and grownups alike.  Listen in for practical advice to help grow young readers as Teresa answers the following questions:  1) Your books use such fun and rich vocabulary — how can parents use everyday moments to introduce new words to kids without it feeling like homework? 2) What are your favorite screen-free vocabulary-building games that families can play on the go — say, in the car, at the grocery store, or on a walk? 3) You mention the importance of laughter — how can humor, rhyme, and silliness play a role in both vocabulary development and bonding with children? 4) What advice do you have for parents or grandparents who want to help foster a love of reading, even if the kids are reluctant or tech-obsessed? 5) What’s next for Charlotte, Penelope, and the rest of the Menagerie? Can readers expect more rhymes and adventures ahead in your book series?  LINKS: Website: www.teresaargenbright.com   Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teresa-Argenbright    Instagram: @teresaargenbright_author  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: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr...

    16 min
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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 ME ON INSTAGRAM @karenfergusonauthor @sandrakaychambers.com

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