Happy Summer friends!

We are continuing our series, Empty Nester Wisdom, with my friend Amy Fenton. Amy is a mom to three grown kids and she’s been serving in children’s ministry for over 30 years. She has a passion for equipping the local church and the young children that come into those doors.

Amy talks about raising three kids (two boys) as a single mom and how the local church supported them along the way. She had a desire for her boys to be influenced by strong Christian men - and she can look back now and see God’s faithfulness. I pray through this episode that many feel called to step into volunteering for kids and students at your local church. It matters!

I loved her encouragement about finding a church that your kids actually enjoy. It may take sacrifice on your part, but consider prioritizing their needs in a church community when they are so young. I loved this practical yet profound advice for us all!

In this episode, we chat about:

• Asking for help as a single mom
• How to find a local church
• Importance of role models our kids’ lives
• How to support your children’s ministries

Enjoy!

Courtney

Chapters:

(01:24) Journey in Children's Ministry

(02:46) The Importance of Volunteer Engagement

(05:22) The Role of Community in Child Development

(08:34) Finding the Right Church Environment

(11:24) Balancing Parental Guidance and Faith

(15:35) Reflections on Parenting and Counseling

(17:07) Starting the Journey: Finding Support for Mental Health

(19:01) Building a Supportive Community for Children

(21:42) The Myth of the Parenting Checklist

(22:54) The Role of Parents in Church Involvement

(26:00) Rediscovering Self in the Empty Nest

(29:07) Encouragement for Single Moms

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Amy (amy@thinkorange.com)

Curriculum at Think Orange

Amazing Life Foundation

Cross Point Church

Raising Boys and Girl

Amy’s episode on Raising Boys and Girls

How to find a counselor for my child

Christian Parenting Products

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org