Category: Parents

Teaching your kids to pray

Today (5/20/21), The Morning Thing focused on prayer and parenting.

We focused on teaching your kids to pray. We shared some age level insights and how a kid’s perception of communicating with God changes as they grow.

Check out this informative article from mylifetree.com

Click HERE for the full article.

Keep these things in mind as you’re teaching kids to pray and connect with God:

Prayer is an attitude. Praying constantly means we’re always aware that God is here. We can sense God’s presence with us no matter our circumstances. We can pray about anything and everything, including other people and their needs.

Prayer is a routine. Regular times with God help shape our prayer attitude. Help children establish “check in” times with God, not out of obligation but out of love.

Prayer is a first response. When troubles and tough decisions loom, we can turn to God before trying anything else. Prayer should be our first resort, not our last.

Prayer is listening to God. Prayer is a dialogue that involves letting God speak to us through everyday life. Because prayer is two-way communication, we also should practice listening to God.

Prayer is modeled. The best way to challenge your children to pray is by letting them see and hear you praying often. Regularly share with them how you see God at work through your prayers.

 Age Level Insights

Children’s perceptions of communicating with God change as they grow:

Ages 2 to 3: Young children understand that Jesus is their friend. Say (or sing!) simple prayers that relate to children’s lives.

Ages 4 to 6: Children this age become very aware of the world around them. Let kids know that God cares about everything that happens to them and other people.

Ages 7 to 9: These children feel a need for God’s help and can verbally express thoughts. Help them look up Bible verses about prayer.

Ages 10 to 12: Preteens realize God is more personal. Let them understand that no prayers are insignificant to their heavenly Father.

Conversation Starters

Start a discussion about the importance of talking and listening to God by asking children these questions:

1. Why do you think God wants us to pray to him? How often and how should we pray?

2. Does God hear and answer all your prayers? How do you know?

3. What does it mean to listen to God’s voice? In what ways does God speak to us today?

4. What things should we pray about together as a family? How can we add more prayer time to our daily lives?

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – the WNZR Staff Members LOVE their Moms!

For our Friday Favorites this week, we focused on MOM!

The WNZR Summer Staff shared their favorite things about their Moms.
We encourage you to connect with your Mom this weekend.

Marcy Rinehart

Joe Rinehart

Wesley Boston

Catherine Haws

Alyssa Sidle

Zoe Bricker

Kelsi Brake

Jonathon Langdon

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Words of Encouragement for MOM

The Morning Thing wrapped up “Mom’s Week” by sharing words of encouragement for Moms.

Click HERE to find encouragement for those weary, tiring days. Thanks to imom.com for being a fabulous resource for all of us walking this beautiful and challenging path of motherhood!

Here are prayers of encouragement that you can pray on those challenging days.

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The Morning Thing is hosting Mom’s Week. We have some tips on how to copy with stress, plus some fun ways to celebrate the special day on Sunday.

Mom – are you feeling any stress? 🙂 We know that parenting is difficult. So, we shared 5 Smart Ways to Cope With Parenting Stress.

Click HERE to find some encouragement from imom.com

The problem: You can’t control things. The Tool: Flexibility

The problem: You feel like you’re failing. The Tool: A Mom Friend

The problem: You are ready to explode. The Tool: Your Go-To Calming Mechanism

The problem: You can’t juggle one more thing. The Tool: Perspective

The problem: Your kid screws up. The Tool: Appropriate Consequences

Click HERE to read the full article.

Maybe getting the perfect gift is causing you some stress for this Mother’s Day. No problem. We found a list of 15 ways to celebrate Mother’s Day even in the midst of a pandemic.
Click HERE for some gift ideas and activities to make this a special Mother’s Day.

10 wonderful Mother’s Day activity ideas during coronavirus

1. Share a lovely meal

2. Say hello from a distance

3. Enjoy nature together

4. Attend a virtual concert or show

5. Tour a museum, virtually

6. Relax with casual activities

7. Watch their favorite sports together

8. Bake or cook together

9. Relax with music

10. Read a book together

5 thoughtful Mother’s Day gift ideas

1. Send a heartfelt card or letter

2. Send flowers

3. Gift a device that makes video calling easy

4. Give gift cards for favorite services

5. Create a custom photo album, calendar, blanket, or puzzle

Click HERE to read the full article!

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Hey Mom! What your kids say is proof that you are a good Mom!

Moms, do you ever question yourself? Do you wonder if you have done enough to raise your children to be good human beings? You are not alone. All mothers go through times of questioning and second-guessing their parenting ability.

The Morning Thing has GOOD news! There are 8 Things Kids Say That Prove You ARE a Great Mom!
Click HERE to see the list from imom.com

1. “That’s not fair.”

2. “I forgive you.”

3. “I messed up.”

4. “I didn’t know that.”

5. “My dream is to…”

6. “Everyone else is allowed to.”

7. “I feel bad.”

8. “I’m ready to try again.”

Click HERE to read the full article.

Mom – we want you to know that you ARE doing a great job! You are loved! You are appreciated! You are NOT alone.

Here is a special song for Moms. Grab a tissue and enjoy the message of “Slow Down” from Nichole Nordeman.

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The Morning Thing kicks off “Moms Week”! Monday – Encouragement for all stages of motherhood

Today, we kicked off “Mom’s Week” on The Morning Thing. Each day this week, we will share encouragement for all types of Moms!

On Monday, we looked at the many stages of motherhood and shared advice for Moms with kids of any age.
Click HERE to read this encouraging article from Focus on the Family.

What stage are you in Mom? We hope you are encouraged today. We love and appreciate you MOM!

CHAPTER ONE – Prenatal, Birth, and the First Three Months

CHAPTER TWO – 3 Months – 3 Years

CHAPTER THREE – 4 Years – 8 Years

CHAPTER FOUR – 9 Years – 12 Years

CHAPTER FIVE – 13 Years – 18 Years

CHAPTER SIX – Eighteen Years and Older

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It’s FOOD Week on The Morning Thing!

Today, we kicked off a week focusing on FOOD! It is essential for life. So let’s have some fun looking at something we all need.

On Monday, we shared 7 Brain foods – choices that help kids stay sharp.
As the school year wraps up, these food choices could help your kids face the end of the year projects and exams.

Click HERE to read the full article from patch.com
The article has Parent Tips for each food choice!

  1. Nuts & Seeds
  2. Greek Yogurt
  3. Berries
  4. Fish
  5. Eggs
  6. Oatmeal
  7. Apples and Plums
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Make this Easter extra special for your KIDS! The Morning Thing shares ideas for a great holiday.

Easter is coming soon! Thursday’s show was for the Kids in your family.

Check out these FUN ideas for your family from www.imom.com.

Easter Activities for Kids

Fun Easter Ideas for Kids!

20 Fun Easter Jokes for Kids

15 Easter Riddles for Kids

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WNZR shines the spotlight on Place 4 Grace

The Morning Thing is focusing on local ministries this week. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Kandee Popham, Executive Director for Place 4 Grace.

Kandee shared how the Place 4 Grace team has learned some valuable lessons this past year. She also shared how God has richly blessed them in the midst of this pandemic.

Kandee shares great news about recent fundraising for the ministry. She also shares about the board’s recent approval for the official opening!

Kandee shares goals for 2021 and the exciting news that Place 4 Grace is hiring multiple positions.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

For more details on the ministry and how to support them, follow Place 4 Grace online:

Website – https://place4grace.com/

Facebook Page –  https://www.facebook.com/Place4Grace

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Valentine’s Day Ideas for your family

Today, we kicked off Valentine’s Week on the show. Every day, we’ll talk about topics that deal with love.

Today, we shared 10 Valentine’s Day Ideas for your family from Family Life.
Start some new traditions with your children during the holiday of love.

Click HERE to see the full article.

1. Ask the kids to tell you how they think Valentine’s Day began. Write down what they say. Then do some research with the children, online or at the library, and see if their ideas are correct.

2. Designate the month of February as a time to show special love in your home. Read the following paraphrase together of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (The Message).

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Then discuss each of the above characteristics of love at the dinner table on separate nights. For example, “Love never gives up.” How have friends and family stood by one another in good and bad times?  What did God do after Adam and Eve sinned that showed that He did not give up on mankind?

3.  Plan a unique scavenger hunt with the kids for Dad (or Mom). Help the children make and hide clues, taping a small chocolate kiss on each one. Have meaningful gifts at the end of the hunt. Possibilities include handwritten notes of love and appreciation, personal certificates of service (I will wash your car, clean out the garage, cook dinner, etc.), drawings, homemade treats, framed family pictures, etc. To make the scavenger hunt extra special, end your time with a family trip to the pizza parlor or bowling alley.

4. As a family, think of those who may be especially lonely on Valentine’s Day, then brainstorm ways that you could show Christ’s love to them. The kids may want to make unique Valentine cards, bake heart-shaped cookies, or invite them to a special lunch or dinner.

5.  Cultivate a sense of appreciation in your children by helping them express appreciation to their grandparents. Have each of the kids write Grandma and Grandpa individual Valentine’s Day notes. On February 14, personally deliver the notes along with an arrangement of flowers or a balloon bouquet. If grandparents live out-of-town, mail each note in a separate envelope and also call Grandma and Grandpa.

6.  Make February 14 a “red letter day” for your family. Decorate the kitchen or dining room with hearts, red and white streamers, and heart-shaped balloons. Wear a red outfit or apron and serve the family heart-shaped pancakes; add some red food coloring to the syrup. Make heart-shaped sandwiches for lunch, and choose dinner entrees that are red.

7.  Mail each of your children a Valentine’s card from you and your spouse. Share not only why you love your child unconditionally, but also your gratitude to God that your son/daughter is your child.

8.  Tell your children how you celebrated Valentine’s Day as a child. Then have the kids call/visit their grandparents to see how they celebrated it. Talk about ways that Valentine traditions have not only changed, but also remained the same.

9.  Help the kids make an “I love you because” book for someone special (parent, grandparent, pastor, teacher, etc.). In addition to writing and drawing heartfelt messages, include some favorite photographs and artwork. For a lasting keepsake, have the book bound at a local print shop.

10.  With your spouse, decide on personalized ways that you can show love to each of your children on Valentine’s Day. Spend time praying about how to best do this. While love for one child may be expressed by time, another may feel loved by words of affirmation or gifts. You may want to read The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.

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