Parents Take Five: Recent Episodes
Jen Evans
Where we take five minutes of your day to bring you tricks and tips on what it means to be a Christian parent today.
Jen has another conversation with April Fiet discussing a blog post she wrote a while back.
"If Im carrying a burden that’s too heavy for me but I don’t tell anyone then that person doesn’t have the opportunity to bless me in the way God wants them to."
https://aprilfiet.com/my-thoughts/new-life-experiences-when-life-has-gone-off-track
In today's episode Jen is asking us to look what our priorities have become and if we need to take the time to see if that is really what we want. Is it time to reprioritize?
Jen is back this episode with Eric Nolin and they are discussing how we as parents may be grieving a loss and how we can show our kids what it looks like to grieve well.
Jen is starting a new series with Eric Nolin, a former hospital chaplain, to talk about death and grief. This conversation started after Jen read Eric's Presbyterian Outlook article, My death and resurrection as a chaplain.
Eric Nolin, M.Div., is a recent graduate from Fuller Theological Seminary, where he took a special interest in studying grief, pastoral care, and the resiliency of the human spirit. When he's not reading or writing, you'll find him running, climbing, or exploring new restaurants with his wife.
Jen's here to give her 5 minutes to why she believes sheltering your kids is not the same as protecting them.
This episode Jen is discussing why people need to do better on social media. We need to be better examples for our children.
Starting the new year and in the season of Epiphany Jen is asking us all, kids and parents, which direction do we go now?
In the last episode of this series on abuse, Jen is back with Rev. Gen to discuss issues of abuse post separation.
For more information about Gen visit https://www.hoperisethrive.com/ for more resources. You can also go to https://www.thehotline.org/ for help and resources.
This is the 3rd episode in this series with Rev. Gen. Jen and Gen are talking about the effects of abuse on children.
https://www.thehotline.org/ for help and resources.
Jen has Rev. Gen back for a second episode. This episode the two of them are talking about what abuse can look like and reminders of where to go when you are looking for help.
https://www.thehotline.org/ for help and resources.
Jen is beginning a conversation with Rev. Gen about domestic abuse. This is the first of a few episodes that Jen will have with Rev. Gen. For more information about Gen visit https://www.hoperisethrive.com/ for more resources. You can also go to https://www.thehotline.org/ for help and resources.
Jen is back with April Fiet and talking about how to do something you enjoy with something that feels like a boring and necessary chore.
Jen is here with April Fiet, the author of The Sacred Pulse to give us a glimpse into her book.
April is a pastor, author, wife, mom, and lover of words. She finds inspiration under the big Nebraska skies, in the garden, in the yarn aisle, and in the backyard with her chickens. April is active on Facebook and Twitter, and she writes for At the Table with April Fiet (http://aprilfiet.com). Her first book The Sacred Pulse was published in 2021.
Jen is back with a reminder that our kids are always watching and learning from us. So let's remember to model healthy ways of dealing with our mental health during this week of mental health awareness (Oct 2-8).
Jen is talking with Rev. Eliza Jaremko this week. They are talking about her Presbyterian Outlook article 'Books we love: How to Keep House While Drowning'. In the article Eliza shares how she is learning to keep house like Mary and Martha.
Rev. Eliza C. Jaremko is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Haddon Heights, NJ, where she has served for over 10 years. She is currently the Moderator Elect for the Presbytery FOR Southern New Jersey and co-chair of the Vital Congregations initiative. With a passion for serving God through writing, Eliza is a regular contributor to the Presbyterian Outlook's Voices Blog (https://pres-outlook.org/author/jaremko-eliza/), and blogs about her chaotic and funny, yet always blessed, life as a pastor, wife, and mom of 2 littles at ReverendMama.com
Our kids feelings are just as valid and real as ours. Sometimes our kids may need a little extra help learning how to express them.
Jen is back this week with Trinity Whitley talking more about music and prayer with your kiddos.
This week Jen is talking with Trinity Whitley about how songs were a big part of her faith development as a child and how she is making those songs routine for her kids too. Trinity is giving her kids words to express their faith through song.
Jen is again talking with Lisa Kaufer. Like so many others, Lisa has found it hard to worship as a family during the pandemic. However, when she was commissioned to create a curriculum, and part of it would take place in Minecraft, Lisa was able to learn from her kids and help them grow. For more of the story, take a listen.
Jen is talking with Lisa Kaufer this week.
Lisa is the creator or the themuddyfork.org and has created the "Pray & Play Cards". One side of each card includes a brief prayer, scripture, and response activity. The reverse side of each card includes an illustration, two key words, and a conversation starter. Inspired by the idea of how the church tells time, the cards can be used for prayer and Bible study following along with the rhythm of the liturgical calendar. The illustrations and key words can also be used independently in a variety of games at the dinner table, in small groups, or at Sunday School.
In this episode Jen discusses where she was at while on a recent vacation and how she has started to check in with her kiddos about what and how their body is feeling at any given moment. So, let's remember to check in with ourselves today.
With the end of Pride month coming soon we've got one more episode with Pepa Paniagua. This week Jen and Pepa are discussing how parents can love their kids through tough transitions and keep strong boundaries while processing these new emotions with accountability friends. We're gonna jump right in.
Jen is back this week with our guest of the month, Pepa Paniagua, to talk about how you can be the one to help reduce the risk of self harm in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Jen is back with Pepa Paniagua talking about her new worshiping community Kin∙dom Community and the new fully affirming camp Kin∙dom Camp in Gilmer, Texas.
The Reverend Pepa Paniagua is a cradle Presbyterian. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. After graduating with degrees in Religion and Gender Studies, she moved to Austin, Texas, where she attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Ordained in the PC(USA), Rev. Paniagua has been living in the DFW area and serving in Grace Presbytery for more than 13 years. After serving congregations in a youth and families capacity, in 2020, Pepa pursued a call to create a more inclusive and affirming space for our LBGTQIA siblings, and those who are not comfortable in"traditional church," and kin∙dom community was born!
Jen is back this week with Lauren Graeber. We got her back for a second episode and the conversation was too rich to cut anything out. So this week you get 3 times the amount of conversation than the average episode! We hope you enjoy!
Lauren Graeber sometimes teaches writing and does a little writing herself in publications like Word and Way and EcoTheo Review. EVERY day she walks her dog and wrangles her kids. She's the Co-Director of the Center for Prayer and Spirituality in High Point, NC where she teaches workshops on writing as a spiritual practice and is still navigating what it means to have an MDiv and be a minister without being clergy. She can be found on Instagram @definitelysometimes making notes about parenting, our ridiculous world, and the shenanigans of faith.
In this episode Jen is discussing Mother's Day with a note from a listener and some advice on how she believes a parent should actually spend their big day.
Today Jen is talking with Lauren Graeber about why parents haven't brought their kids back to church yet.
Lauren Graeber sometimes teaches writing and does a little writing herself in publications like Word and Way and EcoTheo Review. EVERY day she walks her dog and wrangles her kids. She's the Co-Director of the Center for Prayer and Spirituality in High Point, NC where she teaches workshops on writing as a spiritual practice and is still navigating what it means to have an MDiv and be a minister without being clergy. She can be found on Instagram @definitelysometimes making notes about parenting, our ridiculous world, and the shenanigans of faith.
Link to article talked about today: https://wordandway.org/2022/02/22/the-parents-who-used-to-come-to-your-church-are-not-okay/
It is a Good Friday. And from here how does it look to the family to live as a resurrected, grateful people, today? And what is to come?
Jen is back with Bruce Reyes-Chow today. They are discussing parenting up to and through adulthood. If you need a refresher here is Bruce’s bio:
Bruce is an author, speaker, parent, consultant, coach, podcaster, and pastor. He speaks and writes on issues of faith, technology, race, parenting, and church culture. Over the past 25 years, he has pastored five churches in the San Francisco Bay Area serving as a head of staff, transitional, and founding pastor. He is currently a Senior Consultant and Leadership Coach with The Convergence Network and is a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach.
Bruce hosts the podcast, BRC & Friends and is the author of five books. His latest is, “In Defense of Kindness” (Chalice Press, 2021) and he is currently working on his next book, “Everything I Believe about God” ( 2023)
Bruce, his spouse, and two pups are currently empty-nesting San Jose, CA. Bruce can be found on most social networks via @breyeschow
Jen is talking with Bruce Reyes Chow this week all about kindness and parenting. Listen now for some pointers.
Bruce is an author, speaker, parent, consultant, coach, podcaster, and pastor. He speaks and writes on issues of faith, technology, race, parenting, and church culture. Over the past 25 years, he has pastored five churches in the San Francisco Bay Area serving as a head of staff, transitional, and founding pastor. He is currently a Senior Consultant and Leadership Coach with The Convergence Network and is a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach. Bruce hosts the podcast, BRC & Friends and is the author of five books. His latest is, “In Defense of Kindness” (Chalice Press, 2021) and he is currently working on his next book, “Everything I Believe about God” ( 2023) He and his spouse currently live in San Jose, CA and can be found on most social networks via @breyeschow.
Today’s episode has a slightly different focus than usual. Jen is here to share with you some of the new resources available to you as you faithfully parent and for church leadership helping others navigate parenthood.
This week Jen is talking with Kelly Fitzgerald about Lent and the struggles we as parents can have with these 40 days in the Christian calendar.
Reverend Kelly Fitzgerald is a liturgical enthusiast. She believes the church year is a great foundation for the rhythms of both church and home life. She lives in Sarasota, FL reveling in God's handiwork with each glorious sunset. She is also a mom to three girls that challenge every notion she had of Christian education and youth ministry she ever had.
It's the 3 year anniversary of Parents Take Five and in this episode Jen takes a walk down memory lane.
"I have learned so much from listeners, guests, and the many parents and church workers that I’ve met as a result. It offers a place to be authentic by sharing my own parenting struggles as we attempt to model faithful discipleship." -Rev. Jen Evans
Jen is here this week to talk about the Souper Bowl of Caring and one way we can live out Micah 6:8.
"He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Middle schoolers. Need I saw more? J/K. This week Jen is back with Brian Wallace and they are discussing the joys of raising middle schoolers and things to do to help them thrive.
This week Jen has guest Brian Wallace with her. Brian is the primary presbytery staff liaison for congregations in the North Branch and East Branch of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, Administrative Commission for Transformation, Commission on Preparation for Ministry, New Worshiping Communities Commission, and Next Generation Ministry Team, as well as overseeing areas of children & youth ministries. He's here to talk about continuing to parent through this pandemic.
Jen is back this week and is talking about deepening relationships with those we love. It is hard but can truly be worth the work.
In this episode Sarah Grace Montgomery and Rich Evans (Jen's partner) fill in. Jen experienced a sudden loss. Her father passed away over the Christmas holiday and so Sarah Grace and Rich discuss grief and a few resources for kids and adults alike who may also be experiencing a loss.
Resources discussed in this episode:
The Next Place by Warren Hanson
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
This week we have the last in our advent series. Jen and guest Sarah Grace Montgomery talk about where they find Joy is this advent season.
In the third in the series, guest Sarah Grace Montgomery and Jen discuss Love in the series on Advent. Let's light the Love candle.
In this weeks episode, Sarah Grace Montgomery is back with Jen to continue the series on Advent. This week they are discussing Peace.
This week Jen has a series guest joining her. Welcome Sarah Grace Montgomery to the first in a series on Advent. We begin with HOPE.
Jen discusses 3 types of yelling she notices and the perception and feelings of others when they are being yelled at.
In this episode Jen discusses what she calls 'Parentships' and why she believes they are something every parent should have.
In this episode Jen continues her conversation with Thomas Lynch. This week he has a word of gratitude and has a good reminder for parents.
In today's episode Jen reminds us that our worth is in God and that we need to kick judgment and shame to the curb.
In today's episode, Jen welomes one of her former youth, Thomas Lynch! Thomas is a 26 year old living in Greenville, South Carolina and he chats with Jen about the things his parents passed down to him and what made their brand of parenting particularly special.
Today, Jen comes to us on the heels of a conference for ministers that offers them a chance to cultivate wholeness and rest for themselves as a way to better serve their churches. Coming out of that space, she offers some insight she's had through the words of Katy Stenta about how Jesus rested and continues to encourage us to rest.
If you'd like to read more of Katy's work, you can check her out at https://katyandtheword.com
Today, Jen welcomes Rev. CeCe Armstrong from St. James Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC. CeCe shares the way her own faith has intersected with her decisions around keeping children safe and heatlhy during this back-to-school time. While everyone is absolutely entitled to their own opinions, CeCe's view rests in trust and, specifically, her trust in God.
Today, Jen takes a different route and shares a hymn-prayer with us. The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a Presbyterian hymn-writer and the parish associate at First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, New York, has written new lyrics to an old hymn for the people of Afghanistan. This hymn-prayer is sung to you today with extra verses written and added by Leigh Thomas Brown from North Carolina.
Today, Jen talks about how, historically, some voices of faith have used their words, actions, and even the Bible to cause pain. Thinking on this history, she offers a time of reflection for us to consider how our words and actions may be unknowingly affecting those around us.
In today's episode, Jen sits down for a conversation with Court Michael. Court is a member of Second Presbyterian Church and a dad to three little ones. Jen is always in awe of Court's parenting skills and took the time today to talk with Court about what motivates him to be the best dad he can be and some of the ways he builds trust and honesty into the relationship he has with his kiddos.
In today's episode, Jen welcomes special guests "Joseph" and "John" talk about authenticity and the support we need to stay authentic to others and to ourselves.
Today, Jen recounts watching a child's conversation with an adult at a conference she attended recently. Watching this child's joy, wonder, love, and faith had thinking more and more about what our children can teach us too.
Today's episode is part two to Jen and Dr. Tina's conversation on sex and sexuality. We're going back to children with this episode and discussing the "100 one minute conversations" parents need to be having with their kids as they grow into their bodies and this world. To learn more about Dr. Tina, check out the bio in Episode 85 or find her at https://www.tinaschermersellers.com.
Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers (a PhD in Clinical Sexology, an M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy, a B.S. in Education, a certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapy Supervisor, as well as being a speaker, author, mother, and wife) wears a LOT of hats! In this episode, Dr. Tina and Jen talk openly about one thing parents often have a hard time talking about…their own sex lives. They ask if you and your partner are talking about what sex is worth having? Are you having connection and pleasure when you come together? What does sex look like for you now? And how can you make love in other ways?
Our episodes in the Sexuality Series up until this point have largely focused on our kiddos. This episode challenges parents to redefine sex and sexuality within themselves and their relationship. Many anatomical terms will be used during this episode. Please be aware in case you often listen to Parents Take Five episodes with or around your children.
As we continue our series on faith, family, and sexuality, we are so happy to welcome Shannon Guse to the podcast! Shannon has served at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, FL for 14 years doing youth and young adult ministry. She has a degree in health science education from the University of Florida and has her own experience with teaching faith and sexuality as she raised her, now 17 and 20 year old, children.
We're so happy to welcome Sophie Maness back to the podcast! Sophie is the Director of Christian Education at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. She is a certified christian educator with a Masters in Christian Education and uses that knowledge to lead workshops centered on faith and sexuality with parents and children alike. Sophie joined us for episode seventeen back in the day to chat about sexuality and faith and today she comes bearing even more knowledge on what she finds to be the top five most important parts of conversation on faith and sexuality.
Today, Jen introduces the sexuality series Parents Take Five will be covering over the next few episodes. Jen will bring a few different people on who are going to talk us through how sexuality, faith, and family intersect throughout different stages of our kiddo's development. These episodes will include language that you may not be comfortable with your children hearing so please be aware of that if you often listen with your little ones.
Greg Allen-Pickett serves as the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Nebraska. Greg has an amazing partner in ministry in his wife, Jessica, and a gregarious and compassionate daughter in elementary school. They are loving life in central Nebraska with their ridiculous beagador dog named Luna.Today, Greg and Jen talk about ways we can acknowledge trauma and big emotions in our kids. He talks through some of the ways he and his daughter have processed his father's death together and how that's helped them both grieve in a healthy way.
Today, Jen sits in a bit of vulnerability. We all experience fear. Fear of not being good enough, smart enough, not doing things right. And, while we teach our kiddos they're good and smart and enough, sometimes we can forget what Scripture says to us adults about it as well.
Paul J. Pastor is a writer, editor, and wilderness lover who lives in the woods near Portland, OR with his wife and three kids. His award-winning writing on Christian spirituality is widely recognized for its beauty and insight. He loves good questions (especially ones about God), big stories, and the holy wonder of living.
There's a possibility that you got to hear a little bit of the behind-the-scenes moments from Paul and Jen's conversation last week. This week is the actual conversation that's here to help you take steps towards having real conversations about God with your kiddo.
Today, Jen tells a story of a recent flight she was on and a struggling mom and son. This story, like so many that happen every day around us, reminded her of something the Bible tries to teach us about truly caring for those around us.
Today's episode is part two of Jen's conversation with Jerusalem Greer. To see more about Jerusalem and her life, check out episode 76, "Happiness vs. Wholeness with Jerusalem Greer".
In today's episode, Jen welcomes author, parent who's survived those kiddo and teen years, and Episcopal minister, Jerusalem Greer. Jerusalem provides some golden nuggets in this episode so make sure to turn that volume up! She reminds us that, while this pandemic is harsh, "generations upon generations upon generations have weathered worse" and we can do hard things. There are things we can't (and maybe shouldn't) get our kids out of but that doesn't make us bad parents. That makes us more concerned about their wholeness than their happiness.
On today's episode we recognize International Women's Month with a conversation between Jen and her Gigi! This is such a special episode for Jen as she gets to talk parenting with one of the people who spent a ton of time helping to parent her growing up.
In today's episode, Joelle Brummit-Yale joins Jen to talk about some of the more artistic resources she's making available to parents. These resources help parents find hands-on ways to get Bible stories into their kid's weekly lives. They also talk about the importance of a good children's Bible.
Happy anniversary to Parents Take Five! It's been two whole years, 730 days, of editing podcasts, talking to guests, belly laughs, and deep recognition of our mistakes. Jen cannot thank you all enough for your support in this community so, as a token of her appreciation, here's a look back at some of the best moments and bloopers of the past two years.
Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode for a surprise addition that even our host, Rev. Jen, didn't know about.
Due to the once-in-a-few-decades weather that Central Arkansas has been experiencing this week, we took a day to spend time out in the snow with our families and make sure our heaters weren't rattling in their boots.
In today's episode, Jen joins Ferncliff's Chaplain and Camp Director Jocelyn Wildhack to talk about the resources Ferncliff has been offering families so that overworked, pandemic-era parents aren't carrying the brunt of faith formation and entertainment of their kiddos all by themselves. Jocelyn spends her time at work sending worshippers on scavenger hunts, fills hundreds of boxes with sparkly pipe cleaners, and makes sure that no camper gets left behind.
Life comes with a lot of interruptions. Interruptions as momentary and harmless as a kiddo who keeps asking what's for dinner in the middle of a grown-up conversation to interruptions as long-lasting and deeply impactful as the onset of an illness. In today's episode, Jen reminds us that scripture is full of these interruptions and gives us a deep hope in the midst of them.
Ryan Stallings (a.k.a. Coach Ryan) has been coaching youth sports for the past fifteen years, ranging from flag football and baseball to basketball and soccer. For more information on Ryan's background, check out the bio of Episode 69 or go to our website: www.parentstakefive.com
In this second part to Coach Ryan and Rev. Jen's conversation, Ryan talks about ways he keeps the parents and players in a positive mindset and how he uses critical thinking to help his young players always look for growth.
*This episode was recorded before COVID-19 hit home for the United States in March of 2020.
Ryan Stallings (a.k.a. Coach Ryan) has been coaching youth sports for the past fifteen years, ranging from flag football and baseball to basketball and soccer. He’s trained age groups from pre-k to high school and he prioritizes creating a fun environment for the kids, training that promotes personal growth and life lessons, and fostering mutual respect between the players and the coach. When he’s not coaching, Ryan invests his free time in outdoor adventures, culinary pursuits, reading and sketching. Ryan and his wife, Leslie, their sons, Caiden & Conner, and their pups, Izzy & Nymeria love family adventures.
In today's episode, Coach Ryan talks about the one thing your kid truly wants to hear after a game and, oddly enough, it's the one thing us as parents need to hear sometimes as well. Ryan talks mostly about boys in this episode as its the most recent team he's coached but these words of wisdom are true for any kiddo. *This episode was also recorded before COVID-19 hit home for the United States in March of 2020.
Happy New Year, Take Five friends! This new year has been long awaited and anticipated. But with it comes new stuff...and not so new stuff. Listen in with Jen about how we continue to keep ourselves grounded and thankful as we enter 2021.
In today's episode, Jen's family joins her for a few minutes of reflection on the Christmas story and even more laughs. Merry Christmas and a happy new year from all of us on this side of the podcast!
Welcome to week three of our 2020 Advent series with Rev. Anne Russ of Doubting Believer! Anne and Jen have been partnering on episodes to talk us through Advent and this preparation season. Today they talk about ways families can change up their "regular" spaces to create some holy space for Christmas and Anne gives us all the permission to do whatever our heart and souls need us to do (or not do) this holiday season.
Doubting Believer: www.doubtingbeliever.com
Parents Take Five: www.parentstakefive.com
We're back with the second week of Advent episodes! Today, Anne and Jen talk about the grief that's going to come with this holiday season. For some kids, it'll be the first Thanksgiving or Christmas without their grandparents or cousins. For parents, this will be equally, if not more, painful for them to watch their kids miss out on these experiences. In the midst of all that grief though, Jen and Anne bring the reassurance that yes, everything is a little chaotic and everything wasa little chaotic when Jesus was born. He still came then and he will still come now.
Welcome to our 2020 Advent series with Rev. Anne Russ of Doubting Believer! Over the next few episodes, Anne and Jen will be partnering on episodes to talk us through Advent and this preparation season. They're also introducing their Advent calendar they've partnered on! This Advent calendar has been made with busy parents and families in mind and is available on the Doubting Believer website and the new Parents Take Five website. We hope it helps prepare your heart and soul for the coming of Christmas.
Doubting Believer: www.doubtingbeliever.com
Parents Take Five: www.parentstakefive.com
Today, Rev. Jen talks a little bit about Thanksgiving. A holiday that, back in April or May, we couldn't imagine would be affected by COVID. She talks about ways to keep the familiar and comforting parts of our holidays as well as ways to break in the new and different to accompany this new and different world we're living in. Make sure you listen all the way to the end for news about our Advent episodes and an exciting announcement about Parents Take Five.
These are unprecedented times we live in. And to process them, sometimes we need to take a step back and look inside. We hope this episode brings some tangible ways to process our current world.
Today, Rev. Jen touches on the one subject on all of our minds right now...politics. She reminds us that our children are watching, listening, feeling, and processing during this time. So what will we be modeling for them?
We're back with a second episode from American actor, comedian, and television personality, DJ Pryor. Last week, Jen and DJ chatted about his early life and how he's learned what to do and what not to do as a father. This week they touch on how to keep on parenting even when they're "pluckin' our nerves" and ways he models faith for his own children. To learn more about DJ, and to check out the first half of this awesome conversation, go back and take a listen to episode 59, "Dadfluencer with DJ Pryor".
We are so excited to welcome DJ Pryor to the Parents Take Five podcast! DJ is an American actor, comedian, and television personality who's quickly becoming one of the most energizing and in-demand voices. With a gift of relatable expression, he has appeared on The Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show and has opened for legendary gospel singer Fred Hammond just to name a few. DJ also helped all of us welcome in the New Year with NBC’s Toast to 2020 and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. One of Mr. Pryor’s latest endeavors is a partnership with multiple non-profits such as Harvard University and United Way, focus on Mental Health and motivational speaking, just to name a couple of his passions.
Over the next few episodes, we'll be sharing Jen's conversation with DJ. Today, they chat about DJ's early life and how he's learned what to do and what not to do as a father. One of this biggest goals as a parent is not to just be a present dad but to be an active dad.
The news has been a less than uniting place recently. There is so, so much division in our society and in our culture right now. In the midst of so much division, how do we model to our kids the values we find to be so important and so faith-based? Rev. Jen takes a few minutes today to talk with us about Paul's words and how we model love in our families.
Welcome to the second part of Jen's amazing conversation with Katy Stenta! In this, she wraps up her thoughts around parenting children with special needs and talks a bit about her writings and the prayers for this pandemic world she's been Tweeting.
For more about Katy, check out the bio in episode fifty-six.
Katy Stenta is a solo pastor and a full-time mom, reader of fantasy and creator. She basically talks all the time...sometimes it’s to God, sometimes it’s through a blog, sometimes it’s to nonexistent book characters and sometimes it’s out loud. Today we have the first of a two-part episode with Katy where Jen chats with her about parenting special needs children, Katy's writing, her own personal theology, and so much more. Make sure you come back next time for the rest of Jen and Katy's conversation.
In today's episode, Jen is back to talk about kindness. Something so simple, yet something we see so little of in our social media lives right now. Jen suggests a book on kindness you can read with your kids at the end of the episode. Head over to the Parents Take Five Facebook page to learn more.
Traci Smith is an ordained minister, mother of three, and author. Traci's passion is helping families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. What began as a quest to help her own family has provided valuable insight for thousands of others. Traci believes faith practices should be simple, authentic, and repeatable. Today, Jen chat specifically about Traci's book "Prayers for Faithful Families" and the valuable ways we pray with our children.
To find more of Traci's resources, including her weekly Treasure Box Tuesday newsletter, check out www.traci-smith.com.
Rev. Aisha Brooks-Lytle has a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and is currently the executive presbyter of the Greater Atlanta Presbytery (a network of 92 churches and over 400 clergy). Aisha is also a proud mom and a heck of a singer. Today, she talks with Rev. Jen about what parents need to hear and need to remember in this time of uncertainty and constant hard decisions.
Along with all the newness that's accompanying our new normal, there are also a lot of big feelings coming along with it. We think that as parents we aren't allowed to feel or show these big feelings. Even more, we can sometimes forget that our little ones are feeling big things as well. In today's episode, Jen acknowledges those big feelings and talks through how to sit with those big, intense, and sometimes scary feelings.
Today we welcome back licensed therapist JC McDaniel to talk about his List of 5. This is a concept JC came up with in his marriage and something that Jen swears by in her own marriage. To hear more from JC, make sure to check out episode 50 "Who's the Heavy Lifter" as well.
In today's episode, Jen sits down with licensed therapist, JC McDaniel. JC uses his own experiences as a father and husband to talk about the benefit of recognizing that this parenting thing was always hard even without the curve ball of COVID-19, how putting a new schedule in place within your family helps you all respond a little easier to life right now, and who happens to be the heavy lifter in your partnerships.
Today, Jen talks with us about, oddly enough, how maybe right now we don't need to be doing even more. Perhaps we need to be doing a little less and taking the time to recognize ourselves and our own hearts.
Gail Henderson-Belsito is back this week to add onto the conversation. She talks about the way one of her favorite Bible stories has radically changed the trajectory of her faith when it comes to her marriage, her parenting, and her life.
Today, Jen chats with Gail Henderson-Belsito about how to say "no". Gail homeschooled her children when they were younger and that huge life decision was one of the catalysts for learning how saying "no" to some things, means saying "yes" to other things.
Welcome back, Katie! Registered play therapist, Katie Walker, is back to talk with us about the phrase we tend to think is an oxymoron: self care for parents. She and Jen raise the fact that even God rested...so why wouldn't we?
Today we welcome registered play therapist, Katie Walker, to the podcast! Katie talks with us in this first part of a two-part series about the different parts of the brain and how our kids are processing the fight, flight, or freeze response they have to all the craziness in a pandemic world.
Today, Jen talks about the difficult of keeping her own kiddos focused while attending worship from their couch. As she struggled with how to remind her kids in this new space how much they loved worship in the church building, she thought about the Apostle Paul...and how Paul also found a way to worship in a space he wasn't comfortable with.
This podcast was created as a short, concise, and tangible collection of tips and tricks on how to faithfully parents. Today though, in this unprecedented time we are in, Rev. Jen presses pause on the tips and tricks and sits with you in the difficulty of parenting in a pandemic.
We're back with returning guest, Rev. Anne Russ. Anne has joined us for episodes 39 and 40 as we continue our Lenten series so make sure to check out those episodes and head over to our Facebook or Instagram to read her bio. Today, Anne and Jen continue to talk about ways we voice the hard parts of Lent with our children as well as some tips on how to bring the Easter message home this year.
Parenting in the midst of a pandemic is a whole new ballgame. It's a learning experience for us all. In lieu of heaping more tips and tricks for at-home-schooling and home crafts on you...we leave you with these extra special words of affirmation.
Our Lenten series continues in today's episode with guest, Rev. Anne Russ. Anne joined us for our last episode so head over there or to our Facebook and Instagram to read her bio. Today, Anne and Jen talk about ways families can utilize a Lenten practice in the small pockets of time in their days. One way is through some guided questions provided in this episode that help kids recognize their own gifts and talents and the gifts of those around them.
Our Lenten series continues in today's episode with our guest, Rev. Anne Russ. Anne is a Presbyterian pastor living in New York, New York as well as the founder and face behind Doubting Believer, an online community of progressive and inclusive Christians. Today, Anne and Jen talk about ways families can take a Lenten practice, literally, on the road. We spend so much time in the car with our kids going to school, practice, try-outs, rehearsals, all the things...why don't we use those moments of contained holy space to spend some time in a Lenten discipline together?
The Lenten season begins tomorrow so in today's episode, Rev. Jen walks us through what Lent is and what kind of language we can use to talk with our kiddos about this season and what it means for us.
Today's episode is the second part of a two-part conversation with Lauren Winner. Lauren writes and lectures widely on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish-Christian relations. Dr. Winner, an Episcopal priest, is vicar of St. Paul's Episcopalian Church in Louisburg, N.C. For a more in-depth bio, check out our Facebook or Instagram pages! In this episode, Jen and Lauren talk about the moments we are able to find Sabbath for both our little ones and for ourselves.
Today's guest, Lauren F. Winner, writes and lectures widely on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish-Christian relations. Dr. Winner, an Episcopal priest, is vicar of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Louisburg, N.C. For a more in depth bio, check out our Facebook or Instagram pages! In this episode, Jen and Lauren talk about the moments we are able to find Sabbath for both our little ones and for ourselves.
Today, Jen chats about watching the most recent remake of The Lion King with her family. During the movie night, she found herself connecting so many of the Disney movie's scenes with themes and stories found in the Bible. In case you wanted your own movie night to make these connections with your kiddos, she's lined up the things she noticed in this episode.
Today's episode is a continuation of episode 33 with Eugenia A. Gamble. Eugenia and Jen talk more about what the commandment, "Honor thy mother and father", truly means. They also discuss what ways the church is an extension of parenting and grandparenting for families and how we as parents still need that same kind of guidance and parenting ourselves.
Eugenia is a PCUSA pastor, now retired after 35 years of active and loving service in Alabama, Colorado, and California. She is an author, speaker, preacher, and retreat leader who loves nothing more than helping the Bible come alive for people. Today, she and Jen focus on the commandment to honor our father and mother. Eugenia takes a unique and deep dive into what God truly means for us through this particular commandment.
Christmas can mean so many different things for everyone. It can be a time of joy and laughter and family! It can also be a time of grief and loss and trudging through hard feelings. This short, Christmas episode today brings a message for you, no matter where you are or what you're feeling on this holiday. Merry Christmas from Parents Take Five!
Today we hear straight from the Christmas experts themselves: the kiddos! Rev. Jen sits down with a few kids of all ages to ask them about different traditions their families have around the holidays that have helped form their faith over the years. We hope this will give you and your family some ideas of traditions you can enjoy together too!
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.
Today, Rev. Jen brings us to the book of Joshua to talk about what we reallywant 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, Rev. Jen takes us back to the basics of parenting. There are these little things that can seem so small and common, such as a hug, that have all the impact in the world. When was the last time you gave your little one (or your medium-sized one or your full grown one) a hug?
Today, Jen sits down and chats with Kami Tran. Kami is a licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist, a National Certified counselor, and a mental health supervisor with Pediatrics Plus Counseling and Diagnostics. This episode is a smidge longer than normal but worth every minute. Kami and Jen lovingly talk through the hard truth that moms and dads are human too with real human emotions that can be just as big and just as scary as their kiddo's emotions.
Can you feel it? Can you feel the pressure and the stress and the unique headache that is carpool lines? The school year has begun. While there are wonderful, beautiful parts to a new school year (reuniting with friends, a reliable routine, new office supplies) there are many hard parts to a new year. Jen takes a moment in today's episode to give you a technique she uses to breathe in God's grace and breathe out that new year stress.
Elizabeth is a wife, mother, Presbyterian minister, certified Christian educator, and a writer who currently serves as the pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church outside Atlanta, GA. In today's episode, Elizabeth and Jen explore the opportunities parents have when our kids ask those big time questions. Do we have the answers? Do we not have the answers? How do we wonder right along with our kiddos?
As a prior youth director and an associate pastor that works directly with youth, Rev. Jen has made many a covenant in her time. Most recently, she came back from a trip with the Second Pres. youth to Montreat Conference Center where they revisited their covenant and even made their own personal covenant for the week. Jen reflects on how covenant making as a family could potentially change the environment as whole in a household with littles.
It can be rough figuring out how to talk sexuality with our kiddos so Jen teamed up with some of the best to chat about this very subject. Sophie Maness, the Director of Christian Education at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN is a certified christian educator with a Masters in Christian Education and uses that knowledge to lead workshops centered on faith and sexuality with parents and children alike.
Recently, Rev. Jen experienced a parenting revelation during family game night. Sometimes, as parents, we prefer to forget that we aren't always in control. This week, Jen reminds us to take moments to surrender our control and open our eyes to the things we can only see in that moment of surrender to our kiddos and surrender to our God.
Today we revisit how we best worship with our children and are joined by Nancy Myer from Chapel Hill, NC. In this episode, Nancy gives tangible and real advice on what parents can do during worship time to engage and grow their children. She and Jen also encourage parents to lean into remembering that we're all out here fighting the same battle, so let's give ourselves and each other some much-deserved grace.
We're back today just in time for a conversation around freedom right before Independence Day. Freedom is a topic we tend to only visit once a year but is a feeling that we face daily. Whether it be freedom...or a lack of freedom. Rev. Jen talks with us today about how you can talk to your kiddos about freedom in the bible and in our own every day lives.
We’re revisiting Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana and her theories on improvisation in parenting. She discusses how easy it can be to fit moments of faith into our hectic lives by simply "doing what's obvious" and taking advantage of the small moments that matter. To hear the first installment of this conversation and to learn more about MaryAnn, check out episode nine, "Improv in Parenting Pt. 1" or head over to our Facebook page, Parents Take Five Podcast.
In such a time as this, it's good to remember the good. Rev. Jen addresses the flooding impacting Arkansas and some of our own congregation members at the moment and how this situation reminds her that at times we reach for the good. Sometimes it may not be obvious and within arm's length but we must always reach for the good.
Summer is fast-approaching and our kiddos are about to be back in the house all day, every day. Summer's are the promised land for kids but can be overwhelming for parents trying to put together an over-crowded summer calendar for themselves, their kids, and even the dog! Today, Rev. Jen chats about setting intentional summer time with her own family in the midst of the busiest season that is summer break.
Jen and Sarah Leer, the Director of Children and Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Bentonville, Arkansas had a great conversation about Generation Z, who they are, their priorities, and how parents can successfully and supportively walk alongside them in their day-to-day lives. Check out our Facebook page, Take Five with Parents, to read more about Sarah and her contributions to the Presbyterian world.
Today's episode is one part of an amazing conversation Rev. Jen got to have with Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana. MaryAnn is a writer, pastor, speaker, and ministry coach from Virginia. Over the next few months, you'll get to hear installments of their conversation about how MaryAnn uses her knowledge of stage improv and applies it to her every day life, faith, and even to her parenting.
It's an ages long struggle passed from parent to parent to learn how to keep your squirmy little ones in the pew on a Sunday morning. Today, Rev. Jen recognizes that struggle firsthand and wholeheartedly but pushes us to reconsider sending them off somewhere else and reminds us what scripture says about worship and kiddos.
Today we welcome Rev. Buz Wilcoxon from Mobile, Alabama. Buz talks with us about not getting caught up in the lists, the supplies, the baseball games, the Girl Scout campouts and making sure you don't miss the very important lessons you can learn from a four year old at bed time.
Jen talks us through the tradition her family has adopted of growing a caterpillar into a butterfly and how that strikes conversation about faith, life and Jesus Christ.
Today we invite Rev. Neeley Rentz Lane to talk with us about the never-ending juggling act of being a mom.
This week, Jen sits down with a member of our congregation to talk about the S.N.A.P. Challenge and how we can faithfully talk to our kids about hunger and food insecurity.
In todays episode, Rev. Jen Evans gives us five tips on how to productively and positively take advantage of those moments in life where we find ourselves waiting around with our kiddos.
In todays episode, we chat about what it means to be a parent of a church-going family.
In todays episode, we talk about what it takes to be a team...as a family. We take a cue from the book "Putting God First in Living and Giving" by Michael Slaughter.