5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids.
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 Pr...
Overcoming Bedtime Battles through the Ages & Stages w/Valerie Ellis
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Does your child's bedtime routine feel like a battle of the wills? Are you looking for ways to make bedtime easier for your kids (and you)?
Join 5-Minute Parenting as special guest, Valerie Ellis, shares some of her tried and true tips for making bedtime easier and more meaningful through the ages and stages.
Valerie is a mom and certified teacher with countless hours in children’s ministry, and writes books that serve kids at the intersection of faith and fun - perfect for bedtime stories. On today's episode, Vale...
Their Future is Shining Bright: A Guide to Homeschooling in High School w/ Rachel Kovac
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On today's 5-Minute Parenting podcast, Host Karen Ferguson welcomes and interviews author Rachel Kovac about her new book, Their Future is Shining Bright: a Guide to Homeschooling in High School. Rachel brings a fresh and much-needed voice to the homeschooling community, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of the often-overlooked high school years. As a writer, speaker, and educator, Rachel understands the uncertainty many parents feel when deciding whether to homeschool through high school. She empowers parents with vision, practical guidance, and encouragement drawn from years of experience homeschooling...
Screen-Free Vocabulary Building Games Kids Enjoy w/ Teresa Argenbright
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Host Karen Ferguson welcomes special guest, Teresa Argenbright to share "Vocabulary building games you can enjoy on the go - screen free!"
Teresa is a children’s book author with a lifelong love of language, rhythm, and storytelling. Her newest book, Charlotte and Penelope and the Neighborhood Stage, is the second in The Menagerie Series, a charming, rhyming picture book series filled with clever wordplay, colorful characters, and heartwarming fun.
Teresa’s background spans everything from advertising copywriting to nonprofit grant writing — and now, writing stories that inspire joy, i...
What is Dyslexia and can it be Cured? w/special guest Tammy Kennington
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Welcome back to 5-Minute Parenting: Tips to Help you Raise Competent, and God-Confident Kids!
Today’s guest is Tammy Kennington - author, podcaster, and preschool director turned reading specialist, and she is here to talk about Dyslexia and how parents can identify it and help their children overcome it.
Dyslexia is neurologically-based and affects 1 in 5 children and adults, many of whom are incredibly bright and creative. Fortunately, there are reading remediation strategies that are very effective and create changes in neurological pathways to make it easier for these children and...
Parenting through the Seasons: Trusting God through every Stage w/ Cara Ray
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Join Host Karen Ferguson and special guest Cara Ray on the topic of Parenting through the Seasons: Trusting God through every Stage.
In this episode, Cara walks us through 4 distinct seasons of parenting and connects them to the 4 natural seasons for a discussion that is both fascinating and encouraging. Cara brings an inspiring and heartfelt message to remind parents that no matter what season you are in, and no matter the challenges, God is faithful to bring beauty, growth, and fruit - in His perfect time.
HERE AR...
What Should Christian Parents Do About the Easter Bunny? w/ VALERIE FENTRESS
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Check out this new 5-Minute Parenting episode with award-winning author Valerie Fentress, just in time for Easter! ✝️ Many Christian parents wonder what they should do with the Easter Bunny and don’t want this commercial symbol to distract from the true meaning of Easter.
Valerie is on the show today with a resource that reclaims the Easter Bunny, using it to teach kids about the true meaning of Easter. Jesus! 🙌
Listen in and be sure to connect with Valerie online, plus grab her book and free Easter resources!
Va...
Tips for Raising Strong Boys with Family Ministry Leader and Award-Winning Author, Christie Thomas
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This episode is for all the boy moms out there!
Award-winning author and family ministry leader, Christie Thomas, joins 5-Minute Parenting to share quick and simple tips for raising strong boys, providing answers to the following questions:
1) How can I better connect with my sons?
2) How can I help my boys grow spiritually?
3) How can I deal with the physicality of boys without feeling overwhelmed?
Christie is an award winning author, podcaster, and the mom of three growing boys. Listen in as she share...
4 Ways to Cultivate Missional Prayer in Children w/ Special Guest Jenny Marcelene
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Host Karen Ferguson welcomes author, Jenny Marcelene, to 5-Minute Parenting to share her debut book The Dreamer. Jenny's heart is for unreached people, and this first book in her Christian-themed global adventure series for children ages 6 to 10, shares the Afghan culture with young readers in a relevant and exciting way.
Jenny's goal is to cultivate a biblical worldview and spark prayer for the Gospel among young people. Listen in as she shares her favorite Bible verse for missions, plus 4 simple ways to cultivate missional prayer in kids.
Be sure to...
Exciting Updates with Award-Winning Author, Sandra Kay Chambers (and former host of 5-Minute Parenting)
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Karen Ferguson welcomes back Sandra Kay Chambers, the founder and original host of 5-Minute Parenting! In this episode, Sandra shares exciting life updates and a teaser for a new book that's coming soon!
Sandra has had some important life changes since last being on the podcast, but what hasn't changed is her passion for books and writing.
Listen in as she shares the heart behind her soon-to-be-published children's book Nana's Piano. Sandra also continues to partner with 7Homes, a foster and adoption agency, with her book Fingerprint Devotions. Click th...
Interview with Happy Easter, Risen King! Author Laura Sassi
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5-Minute Parenting host Karen Ferguson loves sharing good books for families and on today's episode she is recommending a great one for children!
Join Karen and special guest, author Laura Sassi, who has a new Easter book available, called Happy Easter, Risen King! Laura shares the inspiration behind this joyful, colorful book and also good points about how to share the Easter message with your littlest ones!
Laura Sassi has been a teacher, homeschool mom, children’s ministry director and more. She is the author of multiple books for youn...
The Family Conflict Blueprint: a Transformative Approach to Building Stronger, Biblical Families w/ Bill High
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Join Host of 5-Minute Parenting, Karen Ferguson, and special guest Bill High, founder of Legacy Stone, as they talk on the topics of family legacy and The Family Conflict Blueprint, a transformative curriculum for building stronger, biblical families.
Today's episode covers these questions and more:
1) What does “legacy” mean and why should we look at it through a biblical lens?
2) At what stage in parenting should we start thinking about our legacy?
3) Tell us about the Legacy Stone curriculum, The 7 Generation Family, and the impact it’s...
Practical Ways to Help Kids Fall in Love with Reading
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Do you have a relunctant reader in your home? Join 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson, for practical ways to help your children fall in love with reading!
It's true that some kids are more prone to enjoy reading than others, but doing what we can as parents to support literacy in our homes will help our kids find greater confidence and success in their school years and in future work years.
Reading is also linked to important benefits that promote overall wellbeing. Things like improved brain health, enhanced memory, st...
The P.A.T.H. Method of Prayer and 5 Simple Ways to Memorize Scripture w/ Kimberley Payne
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We welcome Kimberley Payne back to 5-Minute Parenting to provide tips for spiritual health and growth using the P.A.T.H. method of praying + 5 simple (and fun!) ways to memorize Scritpure.
Parents and grandparents will find these tools very useful in discipling their children and grandchildren. These strategies will help make prayer more natural and fulfilling for young people (and people of all ages), and it will take Bible memorization to a new level!
Listen in and take notes, then implement in your own home and share with a...
The Power of a Good Story to Improve Literacy w/Author JOYCE MCCULLOUGH
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Welcome back to 5-Minute Parenting! Today I have the pleasure of interviewing a good friend and children’s author, Joyce McCullough. Joyce is a children’s book author, retired high school English teacher, Sunday School teacher, and avid reader. She now spends her time writing, giving piano lessons, leading her book club, and volunteering in her community in Middle Tennessee.
Joyce joins 5-Minute Parenting to preview her new children’s book and talk about the importance of reading in today’s society. You'll glean from her wisdom and years of education experienc...
Warfare Parenting: A Daily Battle Plan for your Child w/Laine Lawson Craft
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Today on 5-Minute Parenting we welcome parenting expert, award-winning author, and battle-tested warrior Laine Lawson Craft to discuss her groundbreaking work "Warfare Parenting."
Laine reaches parents worldwide through her books, media appearances, and her Warfare Parenting podcast with strategic, spiritual guidance for reconnecting with wayward children, and has helped thousands of families rebuild relationships once thought irreparable.
LIsten is as Laine shares her heart for prodigal children and transformed families. Be sure to check out her website below, where you'll find links to many freebies, including the first 10 days of...
Equipping Fathers to Purposefully Parent w/ Jeff Hamilton, Founder of Dad Academy
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5-Minute Parenting welcomes a Dad to the show today! Jeff Hamilton is a pastor, coach, and the founder of Dad Academy, a 7-session innovative workshop that aims to help men build a personalized 'Dad Plan' rooted in biblical values.
In this episode, Jeff shares about his passion for reaching dads; talks about how dads can work together successfully with their child's mother to bring out the best in their child; covers the importance of open-ended questions about emotions and experiences for healthy communication with their kids, and much more!
Y...
The Grandparenting Journey w/ Special Guest Melissa Henderson
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Award-winning author, Melissa Henderson, is back on the show with a special message for grandparents: biological, adopted, or designated neighborhood grandparent...YOU are needed!
Melissa shares her heartwarming experiences as she encourages listeners to share God’s love with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Melissa believes there is wisdom to be learned from grandparents, and lessons to be learned from children that can deepen our relationship with God and others. Listen in and be inspired and blessed!
Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. Melissa is an Elde...
Health and Fitness w/a Twist with Little Ones w/special guest Kimberley Payne
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In this episode, host Karen Ferguson welcomes special guest Kimberley Payne to talk about simple ways to incorporate fitness into busy family schedules.
Regular exercise is one of the biggest parts of a healthy life, but it can be a challenge to implement with little ones with short attention spans, or with children not that interested in sports or exercise.
Listen in to 5 effective ways to make and keep fitness a part of your family lifestyle. These are easy to implement and will be a blessing to your family!
<...Music Matters: Holiday Edition w/ Host Karen Ferguson
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Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends today, or enjoying a quiet day at home, take just five minutes to listen in as host Karen Ferguson shares the power of music to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health and includes some of her favorite Christmas songs you’ll want to add to your playlist to fill your home and heart today and every day of the year. 🎄🌟🎙️
Top Ten Playlist:
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman (Phil Wickham)Light of the World, Sing Hallelujah (We the Kingdom)Hope for...Holiday Traditions to Make Your Christmas Merry & Bright w/ Host Karen Ferguson
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Join Host Karen Ferguson on 5-Minute Parenting talking on the topic of holiday traditions. Christmas may be next week, but it's not too late to try something new this year to spice up your holidays! Karen shares 14 tried and true family traditions on her blog, and covers some of her favorites on this episode, with links to more resources below. Merry Christmas! 🎄🌟🎙️
Peanut Butter Kiss Recipe: https://www.erinliveswhole.com/healthy-peanut-butter-blossoms/
Christian Elf on a Shelf Ideas: https://equippinggodlywomen.com/parenting/8-christian-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/
Birthday Cake...
Juggling it all: Time Management for Busy Parents (and People!) with Lynsey Martin
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Parents are pulled in so many different directions! Sometimes it can be diffcult to juggle it all. Today on 5-Minute Parenting special guest, Lynsey Martin, is on the show to share simple tips for managing time better. Lynsey is a busy wife, mom, and children's book author who is known for amazing time management skills!
Listen in as she shares tips, tools, and strategies that will make your busy schedule easier to manage, covering daily and weekly practices like time blocking, calendar planning, self-care habits, and of course...
Tips for Navigating the Holiday Break Well w/ Ashley Wall, Founder of Mama Bear Books
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Join special guest Ashley Wall on 5-Minute Parenting for simple ways to keep your kids engaged during the holiday break.
This season is known for its hectic pace, and kids seem to have extra high energy levels, too! Ashley brings her tried and true ideas for keeping harmony in your house, and peace in your heart, with literacy-focused activities that will keep kids engaged.
Ashley is the Founder of Mama Bear Books, where you'll find her creative picture book series, perfect to keep your kiddos engaged, and a free r...
One Simple Technique to Live a Life of Gratitude w/Host Karen Ferguson
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The phrase "Attitude of gratitude" may seem overused, but there is no doubt it's essential to living a positive, healthy life - and it's Biblical!
Join 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson, as she shares from her personal experience one simple practice that brought breakthrough at a time when she was struggling with a critical, negative mindset.
Grateful people think differently and they act differently. Gratitude is linked to many health benefits, including better sleep, higher self-esteem, improved mental and emotional health, and a happier outlook on life. So, why not...
A Powerful Tool to Help Kids Navigate High School with special guest Kris Cox
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I'm delighted to have return guest and homeschool consultant Kris Cox back on 5-Minute Parenting to share about her newly updated Navigating High School guidebook. This book is a helpful tool for homeschool teens as well as those in private and public school.
This comprehensive resource draws on Kris' 17+ years experience homeschooling her four children, and 10 years' experience as a homeschool consultant, blogger, writer, and speaker. It covers important spiritual topics and essential life skills for teens navigating the complexities of high school life, providing faith-based guidance on spiritual, emotional, relational, a...
Teaching Kids to be Salt and Light w/ special guest April Graney
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In Matthew 5:16 Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." What would it look like to let God's light shine in elementary school classrooms today? Special guest, April Graney, shows young readers exactly what that looks like in her new children's book If Jesus Came to My School, published by Penguin Random House.
April is on the show today sharing a word of encouragement to parents entrusted with the important responsibility of teaching their kids to be s...
Helping Children Discover their True Purpose w/ Guest Dawn Stephens
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Are you and your kids "Fruit Pots?" Join 5-Minute Parenting to find out! Special guest, Dawn Stephens, talks about discovering our true purpose by becoming vessels that grow the fruit of the Spirit, or what she refers to as "Fruit Pots!"
Dawn Stephens is a former elementary school teacher and principal who has a children's book series about The Potter and His vessels. With each creative, colorful book telling a story about our relationship with God.
Like the main character in her first award-winning picture book, The Little Pot, Da...
Empowering Affirmations Just for Moms w/ Special Guest Sally Cressman
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Positive affirmations have a powerful impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing, and they're even more powerful when taken directly from God's Word! Join 5-Minute Parenting as special guest Sally Cressman offers beautiful words of affirmations for moms of all types, straight from the Bible.
If you're like most moms, you struggle with an overloaded calendar and loads of expectations that can be hard to juggle. Listen in and be uplifted as Sally shares inspiring personal stories, and godly encouragement that will cheer you on as a mom and daughter of G...
Fun Halloween Alternatives for Your Family
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Join Host Karen Ferguson to discover fun, family-friendly alternatives to celebrating Halloween!
Have you been disturbed by the growing darkness associated with Halloween festivities? Are you re-thinking your normal activities this year? Would you simply like to try something new? Then check out this week's 5-Minute Parenting episode for unique ways to make the day fun and special for your family, without compromising your convictions.
The choice to celebrate Halloween can be rather controversial, and I am not here to convince you to not participate. That’s between you and...
How to Guard our Children's Hearts (and our own!) w/ Melissa McLaughlin + Book Giveaway!
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Today we're talking about the importance of guarding our children's hearts (and our own!) with award-winning author and speaker, Melissa McLaughlin. Listen in as Melissa shares simple tips and insight from her experience as a mom and teacher of 28 years to make faith in our families a natural way of life that promotes health and wellbeing in every part of our lives!
Melissa has also graciously offered to do a special giveaway for her Whole Bible Devotional. Sign up for my email newsletter and you'll be entered into a...
5 Things you Should Know Before you Homeschool w/Trisha Pull
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Have you been thinking about homeschooling your kids? Are you just getting started? Listen in as Trisha Pull, homeschool momma of six and educational consultant at Homeschool with Confidence, shares five things you should know before you get started.
These practical tips and resource recommendations will set you up for success!
Trisha is a beloved return guest to 5-Minute Parenting, and she has a knack for providing clear and concise insight into the homeschooling experience. Listen in and take notes, and be sure to visit her website for more res...
Next Best Steps in Faith Based Parenting w/ Special Guest Debbie Simmons
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Join 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson and special guest, Debbie Simmons on the topic of Next Best Steps in Faith-Based Parenting. Parenting is a work in progress, filled with many unknowns and "Why, Lord?" questions along the way. The good news is you don't have to be perfect, or find the "perfect" next step in parenting (or life), to have a positive impact and create a legacy of faith and love.
In this episode, Debbie shares her heart as she breaks down the topic of 'next best steps' into real-life examples...
Teaching our Kids about Forgiveness w/Terrie Hellard-Brown
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Today, we welcome back to the show Terrie Hellard-Brown to talk about the important topic of forgiveness. Terrie highlights the heart issue behind forgiveness and offers effective ways to teach our kids how to forgive in a healthy, sincere manner. She discusses strategies kids can use to navigate this tough part of relationships, offering 'teachable moments' that will set our kids up for victory over bitterness and division.
Parents and grandparents - this episode is good for us, too! No matter our age or stage, we are all faced with the d...
The Importance of Imaginative Play in Building Courage and Confidence w/ Ashley Wall
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Kids are back in school with all the new learning and experiences that go along with it! As parents, it's important to support them in building confidence and courage, so they can thrive as they learn and try new things. One way to do this is through imaginative play!
Listen in to 5-Minute Parenting as special guest, Ashley Wall, offers simple examples for using this strategy to support your child's spiritual, mental, and emotional growth and wellbeing.
Ashley Wall is a Texas native, former teacher, and award-winning children’s auth...
5 Important Things to Teach Your Child about Growing Godly Friendships
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Welcome to another episode of 5-minute Parenting - Tips to help you raise competent, God-confident kids!
Friends are one of the greatest blessings in life! Children naturally want to belong and be accepted by their peers. They want companionship. It's how God created us.
Learning to grow lifelong, healthy friendships is critical to your child's wellbeing and quality of life, but it's not always easy! Parents, you are their greatest example.
Listen in as Host Karen Ferguson shares 5 simple but important things you can teach your child abo...
Kid's Guide to Eating Healthy w/Author and Health Coach Susan Neal
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Welcome back to 5-minute parenting! Today we’re talking with Susan Neal the author of Eat God’s Food: A Kids Guide to Eating Healthy.
Susan is an RN, author, speaker, and certified health and wellness coach whose background in nursing and health services led her to seek new ways to educate and coach people to overcome health challenges. Her passion and mission is to improve the health of Americans.
Eat God's Food is written specifically for the health needs of children, preparing them for a lifetime of eating and li...
How to Encourage an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Children w/ Faith Farms
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Today's episode is a real treat, as I have two young ladies from Tennessee on the show talking about encouraging entrepreneurship in our children - and they know what they're talking about!
Addison Gaylor and Ashlen Vogelsang are twins who took a fun hobby in their teen years and turned it into a sustainable family business!
Faith Farms is a Christian, family-owned business dedicated to providing quality skincare products, helping others live healthier lifestyles by bringing natural, non-toxic products into homes - straight from their Farm to other families! Th...
How to Incorporate Fun Themes into Your Child's Reading Routine w/ author Lynsey Martin
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Join 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson, and special guest Lynsey Martin for a lively conversation on making reading time more fun for kids!
Reading time does not have to be boring, even in this digitally-distracted age. Listen in as Lynsey shares creative and practical ways to create a cozy, themed environment for reading time at home, incorporating simple elements that will make reading time fun and immersive, and keep your kids coming back for more!
Topics discussed this episode:
1. Why is it important to make rea...
A Special Message of Encouragement Just for Moms w/ Author Jodi Hendricks
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Moms, get ready to be encouraged! I have Jodi Hendricks on the show today, author of #NoFilter: Unmasking the Woman God Created you to Be, and she has a special message just for you. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all that's on your momma plate, thinking you don't have what it takes to "do it all"? Are you exhausted by all the "shoulds" in your life, feeling like you don't measure up? Is your vision of yourself and your calling as a mom a little fuzzy? Jodi brings a clear message of...
Teaching Kids to Handle Small Failures for Confidence Development w/Dr. Gladys Childs
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Today we're talking with Dr. Gladys Childs about how to teach children to handle small failures early on so they learn to bounce back from setbacks. Believe it or not, these life lessons in failure will actually grow their confidence!
Listen in as Dr. Gladys provides insight and real world examples to help you navigate this sensitive learning experience with your child. You'll walk away inspired and equipped to empower your kids!
Dr. Gladys the 'Truth Doctor,' meets people at the crossroads of faith and life’s challenges, offe...
How to Thrive in the Empty Nest (or Empty Next) Season w/ Author Kate Battistelli
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Are you in the middle of the empty nest season, wondering what your next step should be? Is that season coming soon whether you like it or not, and you don’t feel prepared? Whether you’re in the middle of it, preparing for it, or even walking into a new empty NEXT season, you’ll want to grab a copy of Kate Battistelli’s book, The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is not your Only Name.
Kate is a best-selling author, speaker, podcaster, honoree with She Leads Tennessee, former act...
