Parenting to Impress

As a mother who's navigated the stormy seas of parenting, I've seen firsthand the pressures that tests and tryouts can heap onto our children's shoulders. Today, I'm sharing heartfelt strategies to support your kids through anxiety-riddled tests, whether the elementary spelling test, ACT, or sports tryouts.  We'll explore how shifting the conversation from your child'...

Her inquiry was raw and brimming with emotion. To conclude, she anonymously posted, "I'm committed to our marriage, but I am tired." I'm aware that many have experienced this same sentiment in their marriages, even though Christians often feel pressure to have a different kind of marriage. Yet, what are you to do when you feel trapped and unhappy? Can love and connection truly...

Let's talk about adoption and foster care. Some adopt to expand their families. Others personally feel a command to "look after the orphans" ( James 1:27 ). Recently, I sat down with my friend Holly to learn about her journey of foster care and adoption. It was eye-opening and inspiring, to say the least.  Join us for a conversation that's not just about building a family, but...

Imagine a life in which you trust God with your time so much so that you pause work on Sundays.  Sounds intriguing, right? Join us, your hosts Heidi Franz and Melanie Simpson, as we share our personal journeys about observing Sabbath - even as busy moms. From the ancient roots of Sabbath in the Old Testament to its place in the 10 commandments, we dig into why God established this practice and how...

This podcast episode explores the sacred covenant of marriage. Join us as we uncover the truths behind common misconceptions and reveal the divine blueprint for matrimony. In this personal discussion, Melanie and I dive into the wisdom of 1 Corinthians 13:4-9, offering practical advice on cultivating love and humility within your marriage. We'll debunk the notion of perpetual happiness, empha...

Delve into the transformative journey of guiding your child's spiritual growth with our latest podcast episode! From laying the foundational truths of Scripture in preschool years to navigating its application in the teen phase, we unravel practical insights for every stage. Join us as we explore how to bridge the gap between Bible stories and real-life application, equipping your child to na...

Ever wondered how to cultivate a lifelong love of God's Word in your child, starting from their early years? That's exactly where we're heading in this enlightening episode of Parenting 2 Impressed. We share hands-on activities that can build a passion for the Bible and explain how teaching children to sit still and listen to God's Word can lay the groundwork for a lifelong lov...

Ready to embark on a divine journey of selecting the perfect children's Bible? We're here to guide you through this process. From charming picture Bibles for toddlers to engaging story Bibles for preschoolers, we analyze them all. Whether you're in search of the ideal beginner's Bible for your four to six-year-old, or a more comprehensive children's Bible for your early re...

Navigating spiritual differences within marriage and parenting can be a tricky terrain, but we promise you, it's not an insurmountable obstacle. We’re here to guide you through maintaining your personal faith practices even if your spouse isn't on the same spiritual wavelength. We've faced these challenges ourselves and have emerged stronger and more understanding, sharing the lesso...

Ever feel like you're walking through life with a perpetual frown? Are you tired of how your grumpy moods are impacting your relationships, especially within your family? You're not alone. Today, we unpack the mystery behind our random, or not so random, bouts of grumpiness and how they can hinder our connections with loved ones. We highlight the role of basic needs and we disentangle ho...

What if we could transform our children's understanding of sin and accountability, without discouraging them?   Join us, your hosts, Heidi Franz and Melanie Simpson, two seasoned mothers who have walked this parenting journey, as we dive this challenging  conversation about teaching kids about sin. We navigate the tricky waters of explaining that sin involves the choices we make, and how to t...

Do you wonder how to find time for God when your schedule is bursting at the seams? If you're a mom, this question might hit close to home. Melanie and Heidi, two moms who've been there, understand the struggle all too well. Tune into this podcast episode, where Melanie and Heidi come together to explore this common dilemma. They'll delve into their own experiences, provide relatabl...

Ready to explore how AI (Artificial intelligence) could transform everyday life? With a focus on biblical parenting, this conversation with data engineer and architect, Christopher King, will definitely expand your horizons. Uncover the creative potential of generative AI, a technology capable of producing text, poetry, songs, and images from limited input and grasp the implications to for your fa...

I love asking parents, "What do you desire for your child?" I frequently hear words like happiness, generous heart, and courageous. Thinking about these responses, I find this quote from my pastor so interesting. "One of the things that hinders us from living courageously is a lack of purpose and calling?" I would wager that happiness and generosity would fit into this sentence...

Join us for an honest and heartfelt discussion on parenting and grace as we delve into the important topic of talking to our children about sex. In this podcast episode, we reflect on our own experiences, acknowledging the missteps and fears we've faced. But we also explore the transformative power of approaching this conversation from a biblical perspective. Tune in as Melanie and Heidi shar...

When questioned about the most valuable asset in my parenting arsenal, my immediate answer would undoubtedly be 'One-Liners.' These succinct, pre-scripted parenting phrases, often referred to as 'broken records,' have played a pivotal role in shaping my children's behavior. Moreover, fellow parents and educators resonate with my experiences, witnessing these concise expres...

Have you ever asked more seasoned parents about the aspects of parenting they might have reconsidered if they possessed the knowledge they do today? And what about the boundaries they are grateful for having upheld? As we embark on the parenting journey, we often carry certain expectations of how things will unfold. However, sooner or later, unforeseen challenges arise. Continuing our series, the...

In a world where 70% of individuals find themselves living from one paycheck to the next, where 2/3 of the population lacks a structured spending plan, and where a significant majority is unprepared for emergencies exceeding $1000, the concept of giving and tithing may seem challenging. However, in the culminating episode of our enlightening series on "Hope in Christian Finances," we del...

TR Laughlin of Freedom 5:One ministry says, "The enemy has found a way into the  In the words of TR Laughlin from Freedom 5:One ministry, "The enemy has discovered an entryway into Christian homes through the realm of personal finances." This vulnerable area is causing rifts in marriages and families. Join us in exploring how parents can become wise financial mentors to steer their...

TR Laughlin of Freedom 5:One ministry says, "The enemy has found a way into the Christian home through the backdoor of personal finances."  It is through finances that marriages and families are being torn apart.  With six different money personalities is there any hope of a Christian couple getting on the same page? Discover in this 3-Part series why financial conflict occurs and how a...

Continuing our "Blind Spots in Parenting" series, today's topic is going to hit on the controversial topic of holidays.  Some believe that widely accepted holidays like Easter and Christmas have pagan roots making it wrong for Christians to celebrate.  Is this correct?  Join the Parenting to Impress duo as they look at what the  Scriptures have to say (or not say) about holidays and...

Many of us embark on the journey of parenthood without a clear direction, allowing the tides of exhaustion and societal pressures to shape our parenting objectives. However, Melanie and Heidi advocate for a different approach. They believe that God offers a more profound path in His Word, one that transcends mere morality. Join the Parenting to Impress duo as they share their insights from their o...

Does the title of this episode make your heart race? None of us want to raise self-centered children, but the reality is that many parents unknowingly do. In the ongoing Blind Spots in Parenting series, Heidi and Melanie delve into the inadvertent ways we might be fostering selfishness in our kids. Drawing from their own personal experiences and viewpoints, this dynamic podcasting duo also seeks w...

Society pushes academics, but college professors tell parents and students that there are more factors to success.  Listen as Melanie and Heidi talk through one professor's tips and how you can begin working on these aspects even in the preschool years. Helpful Links from this Episode:   ABCJesusLovesMe.com - Comprehensive Learning for the Foundational Years Age-Appropriate Chores and Respons...

A favorite phrase of this ministry's is "Begin with the end in mind." It's far easier to make parental decisions if you know where you desire to end up!  But what about in the realm of technology?   How do we allow our children to use technology for good while training them to stay away from the evil, such as pornography or unhealthy use? Join Melanie and Heidi as they warn abo...