After a year of praying, researching, testing, rewriting, and listening to teachers and families, the 3rd Edition of the ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum is here. This update was created to make teaching toddlers and preschoolers clearer, lighter, and more effective. It maintains the foundation of play-based learning, strong academics, ...
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Turning Ordinary Moments into Faith Lessons
Several years ago, I caught Peanut (5) singing a silly childhood song about trick-or-treating, smelly feet, and underpants. (Go ahead…you know the one.) While it tiptoes the line of being inappropriate, it’s a song kids have sung for generations because of its catchy tune and simple, sing-song lyrics. Peanut was clearly proud of his new ...
13 Tips to Navigate the Holidays with Sensory-Sensitive Kids
The holidays are hard for most children and adults. But for children navigating Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, or ADHD, the large groups of people, over stimulation, and changes in routine can send the whole day into a downward spiral. I learned—many times after the fact—that the best way to help my children (and myself) was to prepare for ...
The Blessing of Jesus
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Beyond the food we enjoy and the special moments with family, the greatest blessing of all is Jesus. Today, I’m sharing a heartfelt poem written by a woman who deeply impacted my life. THANKSGIVING PRAYER Lord, teach us we prayto love ...
Helping a Child Understand Purpose (Even at a Young Age)
What's your purpose in life? It’s a question that feels big—definitely too big for little hearts still learning to tie shoes and hold crayons. But the answer, in some ways, is beautifully simple: we were made to glorify God. Why Purpose Matters How does knowing one's purpose help? According to Faithward.org, understanding what the Bible ...
Two Simple Holiday Traditions That Teach the Gospel
There are two holiday traditions I’m especially thankful we started when my children were young. I truly believe they were key in helping them understand the Gospel and Jesus’ deep love for them. Holidays are filled with excitement, decorations, and gifts—but when faith is woven into those moments, they become powerful teaching tools. These two ...
A Meal Planning Trick Every Busy Mom Needs
Let’s be real: I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. It’s full of distractions, but sometimes it delivers little gold nuggets. Several years ago, a friend of mine posted a meal-planning idea she created, and I immediately knew I had to try it. It’s simple, flexible, and—most importantly—it works. Let's go into the archives to 2016 and ...
The Power of Friendship in Spiritual Growth {Transcript #66}
This transcript has been lightly updated for clarity. Heidi Host 00:00 Melanie, about once a month, we sit down at a restaurant, talk about how our families are doing, how jobs are doing, how our hearts are doing. As we stated in the very first podcast episode of Parenting to Impress, we are inviting our listeners to sit down in the ...
How to Avoid the “Shoulds” and Fully Enjoy this Holiday Season
If you’re an intentional person, chances are you’ve already started planning the perfect Christmas activities for your family—the ones that will help your children or grandchildren fall in love with baby Jesus, make good choices, and someday reflect back on your efforts with deep appreciation. But if you’re a procrastinator, you have plans to pull ...
Thanksgiving Challenge: Building Gratitude Through Play
Introducing the "Thanksgiving Challenge: Building Gratitude Through Play" Game! This Thanksgiving, I'm excited to present a special challenge game that will not only build lasting memories but also foster an attitude of gratitude in both you and your child(ren). Plus, provide some accountability and encouragement. So, let's dive right into the ...