A listener to the Parenting to Impress podcast, raised an insightful question: “How do I know if my home has structure? Is there a right or wrong amount?” Structure seems abstract, but I believe there are a few hints to gauge your family's structure. And be sure to read until the end, where I offer guidance for parents who are providing structure ...
Mommyhood
What’s a Christian to Do with the Enneagram?
I find the brain fascinating. How God created each person beautifully unique, yet with similar traits, is humbling and amazing. That's probably why I have enjoyed learning about personalities. It has helped me understand myself, work with others, and better parent my kids. My favorite personality resource is the Enneagram. This guide became ...
How Chores Can Help Reduce Child Anxiety
Growing up on a farm, work was a significant part of my life. Whether it was loading livestock into the trailer, preserving vegetables from the garden, or cutting thistles when the grass was waist-high, there was always something to be done. It took everyone working together to stay on top of it. However, I believe that working together has many ...
Unlocking the Secrets of Godly Families
Have you ever looked at a family and wondered what they are doing at home? You know there is something special happening because you see that their kids are respectful, obedient, and helpful. It’s like they’ve tapped into some secret sauce of parenting! Well, I’m excited to invite you to revisit one of our most popular Parenting to Impress ...
How to Create and Use a Prayer Journal to Deepen Your Faith
If I were asked what has had the biggest impact on my spiritual life, I would say, without hesitation, my prayer journal. However, it's important to know that my experience with prayer journals hasn't always been great. Each time I purchased or received a prayer journal, excitement overflowed as I imagined that this journal would suddenly ...
Elevate Your Parenting with Effective Communication
Did you hear the exciting news? The Parenting to Impress Podcast has been named #38 in the Top Two-Mom Podcasts! It's an incredible honor, especially considering there are thousands of mom podcasts out there. Yet you choose to sit down with Melanie and me! Thank you for being part of this journey with us. For listening, sharing, ...
Letting Go with Love: The Journey of Biblical Parenting
Updated and reposted 2020. Parenting in the Franz house is emotionally arduous right now. Bubs, at 16, is embracing new responsibilities such as driving to school and starting a part-time job. It's as if he's spreading his wings to prepare for flight right before my eyes. I find myself wondering: When did the little boy who was the ...
From Chaos to Calm: Family Vacation Tips
What's the first emotion that comes to mind when you think about family vacations? For many, it's a mix of joy and apprehension. Personally, I've experienced both ends of the spectrum; family vacations have brought some of our happiest moments and also some of the most challenging. There's something about cramming a family of six into tight spaces ...
Are You Losing to Gain?
I woke up this morning thinking about the quote, "In order to gain something, you must be willing to lose something." I don't know the original source but wonder if it's a modern take on Matthew 16:25, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." I understand the biblical call to deny myself ...
Summer Goals for Every Age {Free Printable}
I love summertime. Just thinking about the slower pace, evenings spent outside, camping trips, gardening, and ab-building laughter with friends puts a smile on my face. Looking back through my past blog posts, I’m reminded of how much has changed—three of our four children now have summer jobs! But some things remain the same. We still use these ...