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. 1d ago

    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: ...

  2. 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: ...

  3. 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: ...

  4. 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: ...

  5. 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: ...

  6. 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: ...

  7. 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: ...

  8. 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: ...

See All (177)

5
out of 5
30 Ratings

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

Information