Parenting to Impress

Does the Bible have anything to say about technology? The short answer is yes! Discover biblical wisdom, learn what professionals are suggesting, and glean ideas from what Heidi and Melanie do in their homes as gatekeepers of technology for their kids.  You'll be inspired and encouraged, and as always, get to learn from the mistakes Melanie and Heidi made along the way. Helpful Links from thi...

There is something about turning the calendar page to the first day of a new year that feels fresh and invigorating. Many of us plan and dream, set goals and draw up plans to help us achieve those goals. And many of us fail or fail to plan at all. Listen in as Heidi and Melanie share how they view goals and planning, what God says about goals, and discover encouragement along the way.  And as a bo...

As Heidi and Melanie talked about loneliness as moms they realized seasons of loneliness didn't just happen when their kids were little. As mommas of tweens and teens, loneliness had crept in and would likely occur again when their kids leave the house. So how can moms of older kids navigate loneliness? Listen in as Heidi and Melanie get real about friendships, time management and what they d...

It's time!  Finally, the day has come to share the exciting news.  Listen as Melanie and Heidi share all the details.  Then use the links below to get started on this amazing journey.  Helpful Links from this Episode: ~ Intentional Journey https://abcjesuslovesme.com/intentional-journey Episode Sponsor:   ABCJesusLovesMe.com , an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials need...

How are you feeling as you head into this Christmas season? Frazzled and scattered or calm and cozy? For either of those and for everyone in between, this episode is for you. Heidi and Melanie chat about how to be intentional with your kids this year so that Jesus remains the focus of Christmas. They also get into traditions, expectations and how to be both holy and happy as you celebrate the Jesu...

A momma asked Melanie and Heidi the question, "How do you deal with loneliness?"  We think all moms can relate to this question.  With honesty and transparency, the Parenting to Impress duo share how they overcame loneliness and what God taught them through the journey. Helpful Links from this Episode:   What Lies Are You Believing? What is Causing Your Parenting Exhaustion? Having a Dai...

Do you know how to keep Christ the center of Christmas?  Heidi and Melanie discuss a brand new ABCJesusLovesMe product that will empower you to do just that.  You will love the simplicity of the ideas as you use them with your family or as an outreach with friends, neighbors, your students, or even in your church. Helpful Links from this Episode:   Happy Birthday Jesus Workbook Thanksgiving Activi...

As Christians we know being grateful is more than just a certain month set aside to be thankful . But do we really know how to live that way? Let's consider what it means to live gratefully and pick up some tips for how we can teach thanksgiving to our children. Helpful Links from this Episode:   Thanksgiving Activity Workbook Sign Language (Thank you) Videos Teaching Your Child to Pray PK Ha...

 Have you ever wondered how some parents can take ordinary moments and turn them into God-moments that impact children's hearts for eternity?  Around Parenting to Impress and ABCJesusLovesMe we call these " Teachable Moments ." And with just a few tips, Melanie and Heidi believe you will be able to have multiple God-moments with your kiddos too! Helpful Links from this Episode:   Ho...

In the final episode of this series, we wrap up our fantastic conversation with Scott. We also get an answer to the cliff-hanger question Heidi left us on in Part 2 !  We have both been challenged and encouraged by Scott's observations about the attributes and rhythms he's noticed in God-focused families. We have some great take-aways to process through and implement in our own families,...

The world tells us our feelings are our truth. Emotions or circumstance defines you...in that moment. But feelings and circumstances change leaving an unstable foundation of beliefs. Friends, this is one of the biggest issues facing our tweens and teens today. Two others are busyness and a cultural value of specialization.  We invite you to dig deeper into these three issues in the 2nd of the 3-pa...

We live in a microwave society where everything happens at breakneck speed! Social media would have us believe that unless our calendars are full of activities we must be failing our kids. I mean, what kind of horrible mom would let her kid be bored ??? But is this best for our children? Will it reap the God-centered families that we desire? Today begins a 3-part series where Heidi and Melanie sit...

Is it true that God won't give believers more than they can handle?   Heidi and Melanie invite you to listen to their journeys to find out if this common saying is even Biblical.   Discover the circumstances that caused them to let go of control, trust God, and believe that even when things get really hard, God never leaves nor forsakes us. Helpful Links from this Episode:   What Lies Are You...

Being a mom is hard work, but what do we do when it just feels like too much? When you are overwhelmed, hate being a parent, and dread getting up each morning?  Be encouraged as Heidi and Melanie open up about their own struggles with this issue and how they have found hope in the exhaustion. Helpful Links from this Episode:   Training Your Child to Sleep In How to Set Up an Afternoon Quiet Time f...

In this second episode about teaching our kids the value and purpose of work, Heidi and Melanie get into the nitty gritty of dealing with older kids, defiant kids, and kiddos with disabilities. As always, there are practical ideas with lots of love and grace to cover it all! Join the discussion about chores and work and be encouraged to parent your kids with the end in mind. Helpful Links from thi...

In this episode, join the Parenting to Impress team as they delve into the concept of work through a biblical lens. Discover what the Bible has to say about work and responsibilities, especially when it comes to children. Always grounded in scripture, Melanie and Heidi share the principles they've integrated into their family lives to teach their kids the value of hard work. They also reflect...

The school year is almost over! For our kids it's a time to play, spend time with family and friends and have a different daily rhythm. But for moms (and dads too), the 3 months with no structure or routine can make us feel anxious-what will we do with all this time! Whether you are ready to embrace summer or are worried about how to fill your days, this episode is for you! Heidi and Melanie...

Congratulations! You've decided to start having a quiet time with God! You'd like to use something alongside your Bible to help guide your quiet time but you're not sure what to choose. We get it! In this episode, Heidi and Melanie discuss how to avoid the common pitfall of using self-help books during your quiet time. What's wrong with self-help books? Should I never read a bo...

Finding a church home can be challenging! In this episode Heidi and Melanie unpack the questions they would ask if they were looking for a church. Significant issues to consider include doctrine, worship style, and children's services. In this encouraging conversation, you'll find helpful ideas and hear how they processed these very questions when their families were looking for a church...

If you knew you could transform your life by changing how you spend 1% of your day, would you do it?  While it hasn't always been easy, Melanie and Heidi made the change and today's podcast shares their stories.  Join the Parenting to Impress Podcast team as they process through the what, when, where, and how details of this change. And be encouraged and challenged to give it a try! Help...

Does the idea of planning a family vacation stress you out? Or do you enjoy fine-tuning the details of a trip? Wherever you land on planning a family vacation, this episode offers practical advice as you process what a family vacation looks like for your family! Make sure to listen to the end when Heidi shares one of the most freeing pieces of advice Melanie's ever heard about family vacation...

Heidi introduces Melanie to a fun way to jumpstart a conversation, with your family or in any situation. You'll hear both ladies share their Highs, Lows, and one random thought. And you'll hear how quickly this "game" leads to further conversation. Listen in and get to know Heidi and Melanie a bit better as they share their hearts and encourage one another along the way. Helpfu...

In the final episode in this series, Heidi and Melanie wrap up their list of the best parenting and marriage advice they’ve learned over the years. Spoiler alert! Even though there weren’t supposed to be any “favorites,” Heidi and Melanie reveal the advice that has meant the most to them. Helpful Links from this Episode:   Teaching Kids About Money How to Have a Quiet Time How to Pray Scripture Vo...

Heidi and Melanie continue their conversation about advice they’ve received as well as the lessons they wished they’d learned earlier in their parenting journeys. Be sure to listen to Episode #5 to hear the first part in this series. Helpful Links from this Episode: Potty Training Cheat Sheet Tips to Have Successful Meals Training Your Child to Sleep In How to Have a Quiet Time with God So Much to...

Join Heidi and Melanie in the first episode of a 3-part series on parenting and marriage advice they’ve learned over the years. Some of it may be familiar to you but expect a few surprises too! Helpful Links from this Episode: Quality Books for Children How My Expectations Nearly Ruined My Family Blog Post What Lies Are You Believing? Episode #1 Episode Sponsor:   The ABCJesusLovesMe Bible Curricu...