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🎙️ Parenting to Impress, your go-to podcast to learn practical ways to love God and love others, and impress this on the hearts of your children. Heidi Franz, the creator of ABCJesusLovesMe, is joined by her dear friend Melanie Simpson. Two moms who have made a lot of mistakes but have found grace and truth along the way.Â
🧒 Join Heidi and Melanie as they dive into the world of parenting, sharing their insights, stories, and wisdom gained from their own journeys.  From navigating the challenges of raising children in a modern world to finding creative ways to instill faith and values in your family, this podcast is your source of biblical and practical advice.
đź“– Each episode will explore different aspects of parenting, faith, and relationships, with guest interviews, expert insights, and real-life anecdotes. Whether you're a seasoned parent or just starting your journey, Parenting to Impress is here to support you in creating a loving and godly home.
🎧 Tune in to Parenting to Impress and embark on a journey of growth, love, and faith as you seek to "impress" the values that matter most on the hearts of your children. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
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Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! About a year ago, Melanie and I recorded a podcast episode we didn’t know would be our last for quite some time. The break wasn’t planned, but life required it. 2025 brought confusion, heartbreak, grief, and parenting decisions that didn’t come with clear answers. In this podcast, we share why that pause happened and what God has been teaching us along the way. Helpful Links from this Episode: How to Pray the ScripturesNew Morning Mercies ...
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 needed to be intentional ...
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 Maxi...
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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, particularly around the way we steward time. Hel...
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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-part podcast series Heidi and Melanie rec...
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! 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 with a local youth pastor, Scott Jones. We a...
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 t...
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. He...
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 ...
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 founda...
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 ke...
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&nb...
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 our...
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 p...
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 f...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, parentin...
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I am so excited! Thank you for creating a podcast ❤ Thank you Heidi!