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. 6d ago

    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: ...

  2. Aug 6

    Helping Children Navigate Loneliness with Dr. Heather Thompson Day

    Send us Fan Mail 5-Minute Parenting welcomes Dr. Heather Thompson Day to the show to talk about her children's book Can I Sit Here?, co-written with her daughter, about a troubling experience her daughter had trying to make friends in a new school. Dr. Heather talks openly about her daughter's experience, shining light and wisdom on the issues of loneliness, isolation, and bullying in young children.  Questions covered in this episode include:   What inspired you and your daughter to write Can I Sit Here?, and why did you feel this was an important story to tell at this time? Your daughter’s personal experience is at the heart of this book. Please tell us about her experience and share with us how you both processed and were affected by that situation. What are some common misconceptions that parents and other caregivers have about childhood loneliness or bullying, and how can those misconceptions be addressed?How can a child’s faith help them navigate feelings of loneliness and the fear of not fitting in socially? I love to offer our listeners practical advice, please share a few examples of the kinds of phrases or comments parents could include in conversations with their children about their identity in Christ and why it’s important to engage in positive self-talk. What additional advice would you give to adults who are watching a child struggle to make friends in a new environment (e.g., school, church, their neighborhood, etc.)? Are you working on other projects you’d like our audience to know about? BIO: Dr. Heather is a bestselling Christian author, interdenominational speaker, and the founder of It Is Day Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training churches, leaders, and laypeople in gospel-centered communication. Her children's picture book comes alongside hurting kids and shows them that they’re not alone. Inspired by a situation her daughter once found herself in, this book aims to help kids who are struggling with loneliness and isolation find the confidence to be brave and make new friends.  Helpful Links: Heather’s Website Heather’s Instagram Heather’s Facebook Book Buy Link *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. Jul 30

    How to Help Kids Develop a Mission's Heart for the Lost w/ Special Guest DeAnna Sanders

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to another episode of 5-Minute Parenting: Tips to Help you Raise Competent and God-confident Kids! Today I have the pleasure of talking with fellow Ambassador International author, DeAnna Sanders, about how to help our kids develop a missions heart for the lost.  DeAnna is an award winning author and writer who seeks to inspire her readers to sharpen their focus on undervalued, unseen people, locally and globally. Her writing life includes her weekly Substack newsletter, a Good Word Wednesday, and her award winning book: Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life with Your Neighbors and Nations. DeAnna has traveled the world for many years, ministering to unseen people and served as a missions minister for her church.  Listen in as DeAnna shares her mission's heart, and answers these questions:  Why is it important to teach and involve children in missions?  How did your parents teach you?  What are some practical ways parents can help their kids develop a missions lifestyle of learning, praying, giving, and going.  Be sure to check out DeAnna's book and her website where you'll find a study guide. You can also check out Window of the World, a resource that DeAnna highly recommends.  BIO: DeAnna is an award winning author and writer who seeks to inspire her readers to sharpen their focus on undervalued, unseen people, locally and globally. Her writing life includes her weekly Substack newsletter, a Good Word Wednesday, and her award winning book: Unseen People: sharing light and life with your neighbors and nations. DeAnna lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two Fox Red Labradors.  Website: https://deannalynnsanders.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649605080?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NVHE7VNMXXZ4VTD7ETN7&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NVHE7VNMXXZ4VTD7ETN7&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NVHE7VNMXXZ4VTD7ETN7&skipTwisterOG=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: ...

  4. Jul 23

    How to Resist the Comparison Trap for Parents w/Susan Davidson

    Send us Fan Mail Host Karen Feguson welcomes writer and sharer of encouragement Susan Davidson to 5-Minute Parenting to talk about that sneaky thief of joy: comparison. In this episode, Susan defines the comparison trap and explains how it not only steals our joy but tries to steal our destiny as it erodes our confidence in the unique giftings and plans God has for each of us. Listen in as Susan delivers encouragement, specifically to moms struggling with their inner critic, and offers 3 practical ways to silence the voice of comparison.  Here are some points Susan covers in this episode: 1) What is comparison and what some call the comparison trap  2) How to recognize this inner critic that sneaks into our thoughts  3) How comparison affects seasons of motherhood  4) How listening to those negative thoughts affects our parenting and our children  5) Applications to put into practice to silence the voice of comparison and live in peace and confidence, fulfilling your unique God-given purpose.  Susan has created a special freebie just for moms. Click the link to download Embracing Who God Created You to Be: A Practical Resource for Moms to Break Free from the Comparison Trap: https://susan-davidson-ruth-216-girl.myflodesk.com/ent0oljczk BIO: Susan Davidson is a freedom-from striving pursuer and a sharer of encouragement enthusiast. She is a devotional writer featured in "Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: 50 Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry.  She is also one of the writers for "Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best."  Connect with Susan by clicking the links below.  Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best (book link) https://amzn.to/4aPJdIS Website: https://www.ruth216girl.com  IG: https://www.instagram.com/ruth216girl/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth216girl *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. Jul 16

    Leaning into God's Promises when Motherhood is Hard w/Special Guest Alicia Searl

    Send us Fan Mail Are you in a difficult parenting season? Do you have a wayward child? Are your kids getting ready to go off to college? Listen in to 5-Minute Parenting as special guest, Alicia Searl, shares her momma's heart with an honest, transparent conversation about parenting in the hard seasons.  There is no doubt motherhood can be hard at times, but Alicia encourages moms of all ages and stages to reject the lies of our culture and of the enemy and cling to God's promises instead!  Here are 5 important truths and Bible verses to hold onto in every season:  1) God is a purposeful planner (Psalm 37:23)  2) God has equipped you (2 Peter 1:3)  3) God is our greatest Comforter (Matthew 5:4)  4) God casts out fear (Isaiah 41:10)  5) God is full of grace (Romans 15:13)  Alicia Searl is a Christian author, writer, coach, and speaker who is passionate about sharing God’s Word to spread hope and healing. She is a contributing writer for iBelieve, Crosswalk, Christianity.com, and Your Daily Prayer. She has authored two devotionals, several Bible studies, and a children’s book and coloring book to comfort grievers. When she isn't writing her heart on a page, she enjoys sipping an oat milk latte while soaking in a bit of peace on her back porch swing. Otherwise she is playing house with her rowdy little family of five or handing a hammer to her hubby for their next DYI project.  Instagram *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. Jul 9

    Tips for Caregivers: Finding Joy in Hard Times (for parents, grandparents, and more) w/ Diana Derringer

    Send us Fan Mail Join 5-Minute Parenting with special guest, Diana Derringer, as she shares her compelling story as the caregiver of her husband for the past twenty years. Diana shares candidly about the miracles, hard times, and blessings of being his caregiver.  Her husband's health diagnosis 21 years ago launched Diana on a roller coaster ride, with many ups and downs. But in the midst of it all, Diana chooses joy daily, and is on the show today to share encouragement for riding the challenges and sometimes chaotic circumstances of caring for someone with a serious health diagnosis.  Although Diana's story is one of a spouse, her wisdom and practical tips apply to anyone in a caregiving situation. Parents are the ultimate caregivers, of course, and many are in that tough life stage called "The Sandwich Generation." Caring for kids and aging parents. Is that you? Listen in and be encouraged!  Diana is an award-winning writer and author who shares hope and joy through devotions, articles, dramas, Bible studies, planning guides, and poems in more than 70 publications, including The Upper Room, Guidepost, The Secret Place, and Missions Mosaic. She also writes radio dramas and television programs for Christ to the World Ministries and shares weekly blog posts on Words, Wit, and Wisdom. Her adventures as a social worker, adjunct professor, youth Bible study teacher, friendship family for international university students, and caregiver for her husband supply a constant flow of writing ideas.  🌐Website: https://dianaderringer.com 📖 Blog: Words, Wit, and Wisdom: Life Lessons from English Expressions 📚 Book: Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More! — Buy on Amazon   🔗 Connect with me:   Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Sign up for my mailing list and receive a free copy of "Words of Hope for Days That Hurt."   C. Derringer​​ ​​​​​​​​Reprint Rights Offered ​​​​​​​​A Poem​ ​​​​​​​​15 Lines (with verse)  Rejoice   Some days we bask in the sunshine. Some we dance in the rain. Others we slog through storms that never seem to stop.   Throw open wide your arms, Embrace them one and all. Squeeze every moment’s joy … every single drop. “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 NKJV). *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. Jul 2

    The Biblical Worldview Primer Book w/ Ben and Julie Quine

    Send us Fan Mail On today's episode, Host Karen Ferguson welcomes a special couple to 5-Minute Parenting: Ben and Julie Quine, authors of the Biblical Worldview Primer book.  Ben is an author and speaker and serves as Vice-President of Christians Engaged. His Bible studies in the Answers for Difficult Days series equip churches and individual believers to address the hot-topic issues of our culture from the foundation of Scripture. He is a Fulbright scholar, and the editor of The Worldview Library, a series of classical literary works with student helps. His wife Julie grew up overseas as the daughter of Bible translators in Papua New Guinea, and she has a love for editing, layout, and design as well as a love for homeschooling.  Ben and Julie have a heart to equip the Church with Bible studies and curriculum that will answer our culture’s questions from God’s Word, and teach a Biblical worldview to the next generation.  Bill Federer of The American Minute describes their book as “Outstanding! A beautiful, visually captivating volume, it reveals Gospel truths in a crystal-clear presentation and shines a brilliant light on the unique foundations of America and the source of the freedoms we enjoy.”  Listen in as Ben and Julie answer these questions:  Tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do, and what inspired you to write this book.This book is intended to be used as a family devotional. What do you hope readers and families take away from this book?Do you have a favorite part of this book, and did you discover anything surprising and fascinating? Your book is about discipling our children. What practical tips do you recommend to parents that will help them grow a biblical worldview in their children? Visit BenQuine.com to connect with Ben and Julie and stay in the know about important resources and upcoming events. *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. Jun 25

    Flourishing in All Seasons w/Special Guest Dawn Ward

    Send us Fan Mail On today's episode, 5-Minute Parenting host Karen Ferguson talks with speaker, writer, and Bible teacher Dawn Ward on helping moms flourish in every season. Dawn is here to encourage moms as the ultimate caregivers to take care of themselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically so they can thrive. She touches on self care and gives practical tips for doing that in various seasons as needs change depending on their season of parenting. Dawn offers helpful advice on nutrition, movement, rest, technology, mindful moments, gratitude, isolation, soul care, and more.  So listen in and be encouraged and equipped! Dawn is the author of From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children and is the founder of The Faith to Flourish ministry, equipping women to live transformed lives through inspiring teaching, mentoring, and biblical resources. Dawn is married with three adult children and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. When she is not busy writing or serving in the Women's Ministry, you will find her hanging out with her dogs and reading a good book.  Connect with Dawn by visiting the links below and grab a copy of her free Mindset Makeover! https://www.thefaithtoflourish.com/mindset-makeover-sign-up HTTPS://www.thefaithtoflourish.com HTTPS://www.Facebook.com/thefaithtoflourish HTTPS://www.instagram.com/thefaithtoflourishblog  https://youtube.com/thefaithtoflourishwithdawnward https://linkedin.com/in/dawn-ward-93975b266 *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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