If there is a place for grace in my parenting, it is in talking to my children about sex. I've said the wrong things at the wrong time. I've jumped to conclusions. I've let fear lead which caused me to miss opportunities. It can feel hard talking to our kiddos. But as parents we must talk to our children and shape their view from a biblical perspective. In today's post and podcast, Melanie and I share what we wish we had known and what we have learned in laying a biblical perspective of sexuality in the hearts of our children. Helpful Links from this Episode: Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that we receive an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.  The Care and Keeping of YouThe Talk, Changes, and RelationshipsPassport2PurityHow to Raise a Selfish ChildOvercomerHow to Raise a Child in a Gender-Neutral WorldHenry Blackaby's Experiencing GodCharacteristics of a God-Centered Family (Sports)Episode Sponsor:  The Old and New Testament Curricula provides age-appropriate learning for children ages 3-10 years at home, preschool, or church (Sunday School).Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

If asked what the most beneficial tool in my parenting toolbox is, I would say - without any hesitation, "One-Liners." Also called broken records, these pre-scripted, parenting quotes have been instrumental in training my children. And parents and teachers continue to echo my sentiments as they have also seen these short phrases transform their homes and classrooms.  In Episode #39, discover the what and how of one-liners.  Then be sure to head over to the blog to print your free One-Liners Poster.Helpful Links in this Episode:When Your Child Say, "I Hate You!"Heidi’s favorite parenting booksEpisode Sponsor:  The ABCJesusLovesMe Biblical Discipline Series provides the why, what and how of discipline the way God has designed.  Receive tips and tools you can immediately implement into your home or classroom.  Order now for only $12.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

Have you ever asked more experienced parents what they wish they would have done differently in parenting had they known what they know now? What about the boundaries that they are so glad that they held firm to? We all come into parenting with expectations of what we will do and how it will be. But not long into the journey something sneaks up behind us, catching us off guard. Continuing our series, discipline is one area that is filled with blind spots. Melanie and I share on every podcast that we are "two moms who have made a lot of mistakes but have found grace and peace along the way." Today we share some of our discipline blind spots and what we learned through each.Helpful Links from this Episode: The What and How of Parenting with One Liners25 Points of Advice We've Learned Along the Way Podcast and BlogsFree ABCJesusLovesMe Parenting VideosEpisode Sponsor:  The ABCJesusLovesMe Biblical Discipline Series provides the why, what and how of discipline the way God has designed.  Receive tips and tools you can immediately implement into your home or classroom.  Order now for only $12.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

70% of people are living paycheck to paycheck. 2/3 of people don't have a written plan for spending. The majority of people are not ready for an emergency over $1000. With money so tight, how can one even think about giving or tithing?In the final episode of this fantastic series on "Hope in Christian Finances," we dive into tithing and generosity with Coach T of Freedom 5:One ministry. You will discover why generosity is healthy and simple ideas that you can do to be generous, even when money is tight. Helpful Links in this Episode:Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.Episode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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.  How can parents be wise financial disciples to help their children avoid the financial struggles many adults have?  Discover in this 3-Part series tips for teaching preschoolers to teens money management.   Listen to Part 1. Helpful Links from this Episode: Freedom 5:One MinistryBuilding a Work Ethic in ChildrenRaising Children Who ServeShould Children Have Chores?Teaching Money Management to ChildrenEpisode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 married couple can get on the same page and develop a God-centered plan.Also view a video of Coach T sharing financial tips, advice for conflict in marriage, and answer  live questions.  Helpful Links from this Episode: Freedom 5:One MinistryLies We BelieveHope for Christian MarriagesEpisode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 how a family can decide what is best for them. Helpful Links from this Episode:  What's a Christian to do with Halloween?Is Santa Good or Bad? Is Easter Pagan in Origin or Roots?Is Easter a Pagan Holiday?ABCJesusLovesMe Easter, Christmas, and Halloween Jesus-centered activitiesEpisode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

So many of us enter parenting like a ship without a captain allowing the waves of exhaustion and society to dictate our parenting purpose.  But Melanie and Heidi believe that God has a better way!  In His Word, God has provided purpose that is beyond morality.  Discover what the Parenting to Impress duo have learned along their parenting journey and why raising good kids can be a dangerous goal.Helpful Links from this Episode:How to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian HomeVeggie Tales *What’s in the Bible?*Blind Spots in Parenting:  Technology PodcastLies We Believe PodcastFamily  Mission Statement?Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children. *Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that this ministry receives an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links. See our favorite products here. Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

Are you raising a selfish child?  Continuing the Blind Spots in Parenting series, Heidi and Melanie take a look at some ways we might unintentionally be raising selfish kids. As they share their own experiences and perspectives, the podcasting duo also looks to God and His Word. Listen in and be encouraged as they chat about how they've tackled selfishness in their families.Helpful Links from this Episode: ABCJesusLovesMe.com - Comprehensive Learning for the Foundational YearsThe Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman (ad)Episode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 YearsAge-Appropriate Chores and Responsibilities for Kids Favorite Children's BiblesFun Bible CurriculumEpisode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 about the dangers of technology, seek wisdom from the Bible, and share personal stories of triumph and disappointments.Helpful Links from this Episode: Common Sense Media StatisticsScreen Time and ChildrenScreen Time Guidelines for TeensPornography StatisticsCharacteristics of a God-centered FamilyEpisode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children. Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 this Episode: ABCJesusLovesMe.com - Learning for the Foundational YearsWhen Christians Don't Parent the SameSeeds Family Worship* Hide 'Em in Your Heart Cd by Steve Green**Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that this ministry receives an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links. See our favorite products here. Episode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children. Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 bonus, discover the podcast team's goals for 2023! Helpful Links from this Episode: Word of the YearIntentional Journey GroupsABCJesusLovesMe.comNegative Thought PatternsParenting to Impress Private FacebookEpisode Sponsor:  The Be Intentional Planner - the planner created to help you be the intentional woman God has called you to be.  Order now for only $15.00.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 did to move beyond feeling lonely.Helpful Links from this Episode: How to Overcome Loneliness in Motherhood, Part 1Lies We BelieveBe in the Word DailyEpisode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 Journeyhttps://abcjesuslovesme.com/intentional-journeyEpisode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentingtoimpressFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.franz.2911Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcjesuslovesme/Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 Jesus' birth.Christmas Countdown ActivitiesHappy Birthday Jesus WorkbookHay for Jesus Countdown ActivityHay Cookie Recipe (just omit M & M's)   Christmas Songs  Christmas Traditions17 Tips to Prepare a Child of Holiday GatheringsEpisode Sponsor:  Encourage your children or students to keep Christ the center of Christmas with the 32-page Happy Birthday Jesus Workbook.    Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 Daily Quiet Time with GodWelcome to Parenting to Impress Trailer EpisodeEpisode Sponsor:  Encourage your children or students to keep Christ the center of Christmas with the 32-page Happy Birthday Jesus Workbook.  Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 WorkbookThanksgiving Activity WorkbookChristmas Activity WorkbookWhat's a Christian Family to do with Halloween?Is Santa Good or Bad?Teachable MomentsHow to Turn Ordinary Moments into God Moments?When Momma Ain't Happy... PodcastEpisode Sponsor:  Encourage your children or students to keep Christ the center of Christmas with the 32-page Happy Birthday Jesus Workbook.  Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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 WorkbookSign Language (Thank you) VideosTeaching Your Child to PrayPK Hallinan's Let's Be Thankful and I'm Thankful Each Day!  (ad)Gratitude RollsEpisode Sponsor:  Lead your children or students to develop a thankful heart with the 50-page Thanksgiving Activity Workbook, 3rd Edition. Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!

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: How to Use Teachable Moments Every Day for Maximum Learning How to Have a Quiet TimeHow to Engage Your Child in Meaningful ConversationEpisode Sponsor:  ABCJesusLovesMe.com, an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children.Contact and get connected with Parenting to Impress:Facebook Group: /groups/ABCJLMFacebook: /heidi.franz.2911Instagram: /abcjesuslovesme/Thanks for listening!