Parents Take Five

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 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?