Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Discover how to train children to respect wake-up times and stay in bed, allowing parents to reclaim their mornings for essential quiet time with God. In this episode we share 7 practical tips and a step-by-step training process that works for even the most determined early risers. If you haven't downloaded our Free Bedtime Routine Visual Schedule , check out this link. And for more on establishing a meaningful quiet time with God, listen to o...
May 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 72
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! If bedtime feels like chaos and you’re desperate for a little peace (and sleep!), you are not alone. We’ve been there — exhausted and unsure what would actually help our kids stay in bed and sleep well. In this 2-part podcast, Melanie and Heidi are sharing the bedtime routine that worked for their families—what they did right, what they'd do differently, and how you can create a plan that brings rest to everyone in your home. Helpful Links fro...
Apr 27, 2025•20 min•Ep. 71
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Grief is hard, especially when you’re trying to help a child process loss. In this episode, Melanie and I share 10 practical ways to walk alongside kids as they navigate sadness, whether from the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, or even disappointment over unmet expectations. From preparing them for what to expect at a funeral to offering comfort in ways they understand, this episode will equip you with tools to provide the support and...
Apr 13, 2025•26 min•Ep. 70
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! In this episode, Heidi shares practical tips on teaching colors and shapes through fun, play-based activities that build your child’s vocabulary, creativity, and early math skills. Using everyday conversations, Bible stories, books, and play, she helps parents and teachers introduce colors and shapes in a natural, engaging way. Whether you're just starting or looking for fresh ideas, this podcast will inspire you to teach these foundational co...
Mar 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 69
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that every parent can relate to— helping our kids manage their big emotions and build emotional resilience . It’s not always easy, but it’s so important! We’ll share practical tips on teaching kids to identify their feelings, model emotional resilience ourselves, and use books and daily routines to make learning fun. Plus, Melanie and I discuss the impact of screen time, gratitude, and other key areas...
Mar 09, 2025•26 min•Ep. 68
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Reading to children is a crucial aspect of their development, creating a strong foundation for vocabulary, comprehension, and emotional intelligence. This episode dives deep into the characteristics of quality children's literature and practical tips for making reading an enriching experience for both parents and kids. • Importance of reading to children for early development • Key qualities to look for in quality children's books • Engagement...
Feb 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 67
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Join us in our virtual booth as Heidi Franz and Melanie Simpson share our reflections and intentions for the year ahead. We discuss personal stories of letting go of distractions, desires, and our perceived "rights" to grow spiritually. Melanie’s word for the year, "more," represents a desire for more joy and closeness with God, and we talk about setting meaningful spiritual goals. In this episode, we explore how godly friendships, like ours, ...
Feb 10, 2025•18 min•Ep. 66
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! In this episode, Heidi and Melanie dive into the power of speaking truth over your children and the lasting impact it can have on their lives. We'll explore what it means to speak truth, why it's so important, and practical ways to begin doing this in your everyday parenting. They'll also share a personal example from Priscilla Shirer that really highlights how meaningful this practice can be. Plus, there's a special Valentine Affirmation prin...
Jan 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 65
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Join Melanie and Heidi as they discuss the delicate balance of parenting without over-helping, based on Stanford's research and their own experiences. They emphasize the importance of letting children face challenges to build independence, a strong work ethic, and a sense of purpose. By stepping back, parents can help their kids develop self-regulation, emotional understanding, and responsibility. In this episode, you'll learn a practical four...
Oct 13, 2024•28 min•Ep. 64
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Let’s do some shocking math for a moment. If your family goes to church for three hours a week, that only accounts for 1.8% of your entire week. While those three hours in corporate worship are vital, we can't hold the church responsible for the spiritual growth of our children. We must bring God's Word into our homes . Family Bible time is one more opportunity to consistently nurture your child’s faith beyond Sundays. You aren't creating a mi...
Sep 29, 2024•23 min•Ep. 63
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Ever wondered how to create a home environment where respect, trust, and obedience naturally flourish? In our latest episode of Parenting to Impress, we uncover the biblical foundations of family structure and obedience, drawing wisdom from the scriptures. And hitting a topic not typically shared in Christian circles, Heidi Franz and Melanie Simpson share encouragement for parents whose children are not following God's desire for their lives. ...
Sep 15, 2024•25 min•Ep. 62
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Why do children sometimes show more respect to one parent than the other? In this episode we will take a dive into various parenting styles—uninvolved, permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative—exploring how each impacts the level of respect children show parents. You'll gain valuable insights into teaching children what respect truly looks like, all through the lens of biblical principles and the importance of seeing each family member as ...
Sep 03, 2024•18 min•Ep. 61
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! What if teaching your child to pray could be as simple and joyful as blowing bubbles? Heidi and Melanie share their experiences in teaching their children to pray, provide suggestions on introducing prayer to your kids, and motivate you to begin this meaningful journey, regardless of your children's age. Helpful Links from this Episode: Some linked items are affiliate links . This means that we receive an itty-bitty commission if you choose to...
Aug 18, 2024•19 min•Ep. 60
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Dive into the intersection of faith and personality as the Parenting to Impress Podcast duo discusses the spiritual implications and use of the Enneagram. Addressing concerns about its possible evil origins, we explore how Christians can thoughtfully approach and utilize this tool used to understand the nine personality types. Join us as we explore what a Christian is to do with the Enneagram and its potential for spiritual growth, parenting, ...
Aug 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 60
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Discover how teaching children household chores can reduce their anxiety and foster responsibility. Inspired by Chris and Lindsay Wheeler's book, " Kit and the Missing Notebook ," this popular episode explores how engaging kids in daily tasks can create a peaceful family dynamic and prepare them for a life of service to God and others. Melanie and Heidi provide practical tips for parents on starting young and fostering balanced growth. Learn h...
Jul 21, 2024•24 min•Ep. 59
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Can the way you talk with your children really shape your child's cognitive, emotional, and social development? Discover the transformative power of balancing instructional and relational talk in this popular episode of Parenting to Impress. Helpful Links from this Episode: ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum Pragmatics Teachable Moments How to Engage in Meaningful Conversations... Blog Post Episode Sponsor: ABCJesusLovesMe.com , an education...
Jun 23, 2024•19 min•Ep. 58
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Can a family vacation really be both relaxing and fun when you're juggling young kids, single-bathroom situations, and meal planning? Tune in as we unravel the joy and chaos of family trips, offering practical advice on everything from mastering staycations to understanding the nuances of hotel etiquette and VRBO meal prep. Learn why setting realistic goals is key and how adjusting your expectations as your children grow can lead to more fulfi...
Jun 09, 2024•21 min•Ep. 57
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Embark on a journey to craft the ultimate summer experience for your kids. Together, Melanie and Heidi peel back the layers of parenting during those sun-drenched days, drawing inspiration from Mark 12:30 to fill our children's time with intention. Whether you love the slower pace or grapple with guilt as a working parent, our conversation is brimming with actionable strategies to help you plan a summer. Discover how to strike that perfect bal...
May 26, 2024•20 min•Ep. 56
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Have you ever felt like you're just not measuring up? It's something I've grappled with, and I'm sure many others have too. In our latest chat on Parenting to Impress, my friend Melanie and I get real about these struggles. We dive deep into those nagging doubts about our worth and our kids' success, because let's face it, those thoughts can be pretty relentless. But here's the thing: there is Truth midst of all that chaos, and we're excited t...
May 13, 2024•14 min•Ep. 55
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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's abilities to God's guiding hand can make all the difference. I'll share thre...
Apr 28, 2024•7 min•Ep. 54
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 endure in a marriage? I invite you to join me on what may be my mos...
Apr 07, 2024•34 min•Ep. 53
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 about redefining what it means to love unconditionally. Get connecte...
Mar 17, 2024•30 min•Ep. 52
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 we strive to balance rest with our parenting re...
Mar 03, 2024•18 min•Ep. 51
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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, emphasizing instead the journey towards holiness that mar...
Feb 18, 2024•20 min•Ep. 50
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 navigate life's challenges with wisdom rooted in faith...
Feb 04, 2024•13 min•Ep. 49
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 love of scripture. Imagine your little one clutching their very own Bi...
Jan 21, 2024•28 min
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 reader, we've got you covered. We highlight crucial factors like the Bible...
Jan 07, 2024•13 min
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 lessons learned with you so you don't have to walk this path alone....
Dec 10, 2023•24 min•Ep. 46
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 how our view of God can significantly influence our attitud...
Nov 26, 2023•23 min•Ep. 45
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 turn missteps into opportunities for pointing our little...
Nov 12, 2023•24 min•Ep. 44
