Parents Take Five

Episode 30 - Advent Preparation with Jeannie Ford

In today's episode, Rev. Jen sits down with Jeannie Ford to chat about different ways we can prepare for Advent with our kiddos. Specifically, they talk about the book "Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas: A Savior Is Born" by Patti Rokus.

Episode 29 - What Do You Really Want?

Today, Rev. Jen brings us to the book of Joshua to talk about what we really want during the next few weeks. We say we want memories of time with family and cozy gatherings around a Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas tree. But when it comes down to it, we end up with last minute gift wrapping and worrying about whether we'll even end up being on time for these wonderful family moments. Why do we do this to ourselves? And how can we remind ourselves of what we truly want for ourselves and for our families? 

Episode 28 - Finances with Mark & Cathy Hagemeier

Today, Mark and Cathy Hagemeier discuss how we approach talking money with our kids. Mark is an attorney and Cathy provides new staff training and assists with curriculum development at MidSOUTH Training Academy. Together, they are kind and amazing parents who had a passion for helping their two daughters learn finances at a young age. Today, they share what tips and tricks have helped them best prepare for their daughters for the adult world of money. 

Episode 27 - Give Thanks

Nowadays, the words "grateful" and "thankful" are plastered on every coffee mug, throw pillow, cute door mat, and sweater you find around this time of year. Today, Jen breaks out her seminary knowledge to remind and refocus us on the true, Biblical meaning of thankfulness. She also walks us through ways we can include our kids in daily, genuine thankfulness.

Episode 26 - Sabbath & Family with Cam Thomas

Today, Cam Thomas, who serves as pastor at Topsail Presbyterian Church in Hampstead, NC and Jen discuss how we check in with our families, know when we're connecting together well, and that we simply cannot say yes to everything. While (in this episode and the Power Mom episodes) we use the words "dads" and "men" often, that's only because Cam is speaking from his own life and family experience. This advice and faithful wisdom is imperative for any and all parents of young ones.

Episode 25 - Mental Health

October 10th was World Mental Health Day in an effort to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness conditions and mental health. Today, Jen talks about the importance of mental health for every single person but, specifically, how important it is to talk to your kids about. Don't shy away from the hard subjects...let's talk about it.

Episode 24 - Power Mom Pt. 2

We're back with part two of Claire Brown's episode, "Power Mom". This half of the conversation, Claire shares with us the voices that she needed to surround herself with to feel empowered and emboldened as a mother and a woman. She also gets open and honest about how her faith falls into all of this life and parenting mess. We highly encourage you to go listen to episode 23 before this one to get yourself familiar with Claire's story. 

Episode 23 - Power Mom with Claire Brown

Today's episode is part one of a two part series with Claire Brown. Claire is a mom that, through the uninvited in life, discovered how to become a Power Mom with purpose, joy, and strength through her faith and community. If you like this episode, and part two that will be dropping next week, check out Claire's podcast "PowerWomen". It is bi-monthly conversations full of southernisms and authenticity.