Today’s tips for connecting with  kids through family time this school year is a sponsored post written on behalf of Heirloom  Audio Productions.

Every year around this time I share one of my most popular back to school blog post. The last time I shared it, I got comments from so many of you who were worried about sending your kids back to school, especially middle and high school. I’m not going to lie, I felt the same way before too which is what led to writing that post in the first place.

The verses inspire me to be more proactive in my kids school experience. It encourages me to be more intentional about connecting with my kids. It pushes me to be more consistent with reading the Bible together, and encouraging them to read and study the Bible on their own. On top of that, we make family dinner time a priority. We use that time during dinner to talk and listen to powerful stories from the past and present.

This is something I started when I homeschooled my kids and believe it helped build their confidence and faith. Dinner time is a super important time to connect with your kids. It’s the perfect time to talk and to listen to stories about courage, faith and character.

This year, we’re using a brand new series from Heirloom Audio Productions. This series is developed by the former sound designers of Adventures In Odyssey™ and provides that same style of Christian entertainment for families.

When we sit down for dinner to listen to the stories it gives us a chance to talk connect and share what’s going on in each of our lives. As we listen to the stories of the great heroes who relied on their faith to overcome obstacles I think it gives the kids courage. It helps them see that we all struggle with things, but it reinforces that they can trust God will help.

This first semester of school, we’ll be listening to The Dragon And The Raven. To help the kids make the connection, I created a meal that fit with the time in history when the story events occurred. The story is centered around the Vikings, who regularly ate baked bread, stews, potato and carrots. The food was eaten using wooden bowls, spoons and knives. Forks hadn’t been invented at that time so a sharp steak knife acted as both knife and fork. The kids really enjoy when I tie food and family time together.

What I like most about Heirloom Audio Productions is that they are based on historical events of believers who relied on God to overcome obstacles. Another thing is, “unlike images on a television show, it forces my children to use their own imaginations. Television doesn’t give kids a chance to think. It’s designed for them to absorb, while audio stories allow them to do both”.

This is going to be an exciting year of growth and development for our children. It’s up to us to pour in all the good we can. I encourage you to carve out time to do something like this with your kids, snap a picture and send it to me. I always love to see how families are using the ideas I share in their own homes.

If you want to recreate this dish, follow the recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 lb of carrots

• 4 large potatoes

• 4 tablespoons of flour

• 3-4 cups of chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil

• salt and pepper

• steamed rice

• bread

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large frying pan and turn on medium heat. Cut the chicken into 1 inch chunks and season.

2. Brown the chicken for about 10 minutes per side. While the chicken is cooking, peel and cube the potatoes.  Once the chicken is cooked, add the carrots, potatoes, and flour to the pot. Next, stir in the flour and add the broth. Bring to a boil, then turn down to low and cover for 10 – 15 minutes.

3. While the stew cooks, make a pot of steamed rice. Serve the stew over rice with baked bread.

Heirloom Audio Productions is offering a special discount of 67% off plus you get an extra audio set to keep or give away. Head over here to learn more.

Let’s continue to conversation in the comment section. I read every comment and interact with you there. I’d love to know how you’ll be intentional about connecting with your kids this school year?