In this Episode of The ABCs of Preschool, Ms. Amber Explores Faith and Personal Growth. Join Ms. Amber as she takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through her life and faith. This special episode of The ABCs of Preschool is a deeply personal reflection on the lessons, challenges, and transformations that shaped her perspective. From growing up in a devout Christian environment to navigating her own spiritual path as an adult, Amber opens up about the role of faith, gratitude, and personal intention in her life.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply curious, this episode offers insights on how personal beliefs and experiences can impact both parenting and personal growth.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 01:00] Introduction

• Amber shares her journey as a mom of five and early childhood expert with over 25 years in the industry.

• An exploration of her goals to inspire and empower parents, educators, and listeners through real-life experiences and expert insights.

[01:01 - 03:00] A Personal Look into Faith and Gratitude

• Amber reveals her journey to gratitude and living with intention, and how she has reframed her life story after health challenges.

• Discovery of the Blue Zones and the importance of community, spirituality, and purpose in longevity.

[03:01 - 07:00] Childhood Faith and Early Church Experiences

• Amber recounts her strict Pentecostal upbringing, discussing the weight of perfectionism and fear of sin that shaped her early years.

• Reflections on navigating a highly disciplined lifestyle centered around church activities and values.

[07:01 - 10:00] Adolescence and Early Adulthood

• Highlights of Amber’s teenage years, where she followed strict religious beliefs, often feeling disconnected from mainstream culture.

• Her path to marriage at a young age and journey as a “good girl” adhering to traditional Christian values.

[10:01 - 12:00] Life Challenges and Spiritual Evolution

• Amber opens up about her struggles in marriage and leaving the church.

• The journey through major life events, including a challenging divorce and cancer diagnosis, which shaped her spiritual perspective.

[12:01 - 15:00] Returning to Faith with a New Perspective

• A pivotal morning in 2018 when Amber felt a strong pull to reconnect with worship music and embrace faith again.

• She discusses the healing and comfort that faith brought her during tough times and her journey toward a more balanced and personal relationship with spirituality.

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“Through all the heart in my life, I felt God with me.” - Ms. Amber

“I never disbelieved in God.” - Ms. Amber

“Just because we believe in God or if we have faith doesn’t mean we’re not going to have the hard times because we are.” - Ms. Amber

“Going through the hard times with that higher power and that faith and that belief, it can carry us through.” - Ms. Amber

“Whether you believe or not, I feel like God is a God of love and grace and forgiveness and passion.” - Ms. Amber

“I am thankful for the journey and I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness.” - Ms. Amber

“God is a God of love, not a God that wants perfection.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode of the ABCs of Preschool, Ms. Amber makes a big announcement! After years of planning, she’s officially franchising Loving Start Learning Center! Whether you're an aspiring educator, a stay-at-home mom, or a community leader interested in early childhood education, Ms. Amber shares her journey and vision for expanding high-quality, loving childcare across communities. With over 24 years of expertise, she explains how this new chapter allows others to create impactful early learning environments with the support of her proven methods.

Key Highlights:

[00:01:00 - 02:00] Loving Start Becomes a Franchise

• Ms. Amber announces her official franchise status and shares her excitement.

• Discusses the unique franchise model that offers flexibility and personalization for educators and caregivers.

[02:01 - 05:00] The Road to Franchising

• Insights into the two-year journey of developing Loving Start as a franchise.

• Overcoming challenges, self-doubt, and the importance of believing in her vision.

[05:01 - 07:00] The Inspiration Behind Loving Start

• Origin story: transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to a school owner, starting with only four students.

• How her kitchen table turned into an early childhood learning space and the rapid growth of her school.

[07:01 - 09:00] Financial Independence and Community Impact

• How her business empowered her to leave a challenging marriage and achieve financial security.

• The value of creating a positive, lasting impact in her community through quality childcare.

[09:01 - 11:00] Accessible Models for Everyone

• Introducing three franchise models: Home, Small, and Large—each tailored for different community needs.

• Ms. Amber’s commitment to making childcare accessible for both new moms and community organizations.

[11:01 - 13:00] Collaboration with Churches and Community Centers

• Opportunity for churches to host Loving Start schools and benefit both financially and socially.

• Shared goals of love, kindness, and grace in nurturing young children.

[13:01 - 15:00] A Family-First Franchise Culture

• Ms. Amber’s vision of a supportive franchise “family” where members can rely on each other.

• Detailed training, onsite support, and proven curriculum to ensure success.

Whether you’re ready to start a career in childcare, looking to create a flexible income, or seeking a way to give back to your community, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights. Listen in to learn how Ms. Amber’s journey could be the start of yours!

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“This early childhood career is so magical because every day is so different.” - Ms. Amber

“I believe in making positive impact for the communities because everybody needs high quality childcare that’s loving and kind uplifting with our kids.” - Ms. Amber

“I’ve always run my businesses like a family.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, Ms. Amber dives into the transformative power of gratitude and introduces listeners to a "November Gratitude Challenge." This episode encourages everyone to cultivate thankfulness not just during the holiday season but every day of the year. Ms. Amber shares personal insights, practical tips, and the benefits of practicing gratitude daily—no matter the challenges we face.

[00:00 - 01:00] Introduction

• Ms. Amber introduces herself as a mom of five and early childhood expert.

• Overview of the podcast's goal: to empower parents and educators navigating the early years.

[01:00 - 04:00] Embracing November with Gratitude

• Ms. Amber shares her love for fall and the inspiration for a November Gratitude Challenge.

• Encourages listeners to start each day with gratitude, even in tough moments.

• Personal stories on how gratitude shapes her mindset, especially during challenging days.

[04:00 - 06:00] Why Gratitude Matters

• The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of a daily gratitude practice.

• Reflections on clean water, electricity, and everyday conveniences often taken for granted.

• Stories from travels that reinforce the importance of appreciating life’s basic comforts.

[06:00 - 09:00] Creating a 12-Month Gratitude Habit

• Transforming November’s gratitude practice into a daily, year-round habit.

• Examples of how gratitude positively affects physical health, emotional balance, and overall outlook.

• Discussing her previous 30-day challenge and the value of reflecting on memories.

[09:00 - 12:00] Practicing Gratitude in Daily Life

• Practical ways to incorporate gratitude: journaling, listing gratitudes with family, and daily mindfulness.

• Shares a personal morning routine with her husband focused on gratitude.

• Insights on how speaking gratitude enhances joy and optimism.

[12:00 - 13:30] Gratitude for Health and Well-being

• Reflecting on overcoming health challenges and the role gratitude plays in her healing.

• The mental shift that gratitude brings, reducing stress and improving overall wellness.

[13:30 - 15:00] Creating a Family Ritual Around Gratitude

• Tips for teaching children about gratitude, such as sharing daily thankfulness at dinnertime.

• Emphasizing that gratitude is a lifelong practice for better mental, physical, and emotional health.

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“Thanksgiving is a time where we get together with family and we get together with friends.” - Ms. Amber

“Having a gratitude journal is a powerful thing.” - Ms. Amber

“Gratitude brings another element of resilience to the human spirit.” - Ms. Amber

In this Episode, She takes on a question many families face: Should we have another child? Whether you're contemplating adding to your tribe or still on the fence, this episode dives into the heart of this personal and complex decision. She shares her personal insights, from the chaos of early parenting to the love that multiplies with each new child. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re ready to expand your family, this episode will help you reflect on the emotional, practical, and financial factors involved.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 02:00] Intro: Acknowledging Parenthood Choices

• Amber opens the discussion by emphasizing the deeply personal nature of deciding whether to have kids or add more to the family.

• She touches on how society is slowly accepting that not everyone chooses to become a parent, and that's perfectly okay.

[02:01 - 04:00] The Emotions Behind Expanding Your Family

• Amber shares the mixed emotions that come with deciding to have another child—excitement, doubt, and anticipation of more chaos.

• She recounts her own journey as a mom of five and reflects on how her family dynamic evolved with each new child.

[04:01 - 06:00] Navigating Pregnancy and Labor Fears

• Amber discusses how fears of another difficult pregnancy or labor can hold parents back.

• She opens up about her own traumatic labor experience and how it shaped her thoughts on expanding her family.

[06:01 - 08:00] The Impact of Adding Another Child

• How adding another baby can shift the balance within the family, affecting both the parents and older siblings.

• Amber highlights the inevitable life changes and the increase in practical responsibilities, like budgeting for diapers and food.

[08:01 - 10:00] Age Gaps and Energy Levels

• Amber talks about the importance of considering age gaps between children and how they can influence family dynamics.

• She shares her personal preference for having her children close in age, though she acknowledges that every family's situation is unique.

[10:01 - 12:00] Budgeting for More Kids

• Amber discusses the financial implications of having more children and why it’s crucial to budget for diapers, daycare, and other essentials.

• She emphasizes that while kids can be expensive, families don’t need to break the bank to raise happy children.

[12:01 - 14:00] More Love, More Fun, But Also More Stress

• Amber reflects on the balance of having more children: more love, fun, and joy, but also more stress, noise, and mess.

• She shares that despite the challenges, the love multiplies with each child, and the relationships between siblings bring a special kind of joy.

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“We hope to lay a really strong foundation in learning and creating an excitement and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.” - Ms. Amber

“Educators and parents, we have to work closely together because we both want what’s best for your child.” - Ms. Amber

“I always say the faster the drop off the better because when you prolong it, it's confusing.” - Ms. Amber

In this Episode, She takes on a question many families face: Should we have another child? Whether you're contemplating adding to your tribe or still on the fence, this episode dives into the heart of this personal and complex decision. She shares her personal insights, from the chaos of early parenting to the love that multiplies with each new child. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re ready to expand your family, this episode will help you reflect on the emotional, practical, and financial factors involved.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 02:00] Intro: Acknowledging Parenthood Choices

• Amber opens the discussion by emphasizing the deeply personal nature of deciding whether to have kids or add more to the family.

• She touches on how society is slowly accepting that not everyone chooses to become a parent, and that's perfectly okay.

[02:01 - 04:00] The Emotions Behind Expanding Your Family

• Amber shares the mixed emotions that come with deciding to have another child—excitement, doubt, and anticipation of more chaos.

• She recounts her own journey as a mom of five and reflects on how her family dynamic evolved with each new child.

[04:01 - 06:00] Navigating Pregnancy and Labor Fears

• Amber discusses how fears of another difficult pregnancy or labor can hold parents back.

• She opens up about her own traumatic labor experience and how it shaped her thoughts on expanding her family.

[06:01 - 08:00] The Impact of Adding Another Child

• How adding another baby can shift the balance within the family, affecting both the parents and older siblings.

• Amber highlights the inevitable life changes and the increase in practical responsibilities, like budgeting for diapers and food.

[08:01 - 10:00] Age Gaps and Energy Levels

• Amber talks about the importance of considering age gaps between children and how they can influence family dynamics.

• She shares her personal preference for having her children close in age, though she acknowledges that every family's situation is unique.

[10:01 - 12:00] Budgeting for More Kids

• Amber discusses the financial implications of having more children and why it’s crucial to budget for diapers, daycare, and other essentials.

• She emphasizes that while kids can be expensive, families don’t need to break the bank to raise happy children.

[12:01 - 14:00] More Love, More Fun, But Also More Stress

• Amber reflects on the balance of having more children: more love, fun, and joy, but also more stress, noise, and mess.

• She shares that despite the challenges, the love multiplies with each child, and the relationships between siblings bring a special kind of joy.

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“Nobody should ever feel pressure into having another child, period.” - Ms. Amber

“Every child, every little human soul that comes into this world is completely different on their own path.” - Ms. Amber

“The more kids you have, the more love that starts brewing in your heart and soul and you love them all so deeply.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, Miss Amber delves into the heartfelt journey of parenting—balancing responsibilities, nurturing independence, and embracing the inevitable imperfections along the way. Whether you're a new parent, an experienced one, or preparing to start a family, this episode offers invaluable insights into raising confident, capable children.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 02:00] Introduction and Personal Reflection

• Miss Amber opens up about her journey in early childhood education and parenting five kids.
• The overwhelming information overload today versus relying on books in the past.

[02:01 - 03:00] The Weight of Parenting

• Discussing the normality of feeling overwhelmed as a new parent.
• The pressure of raising well-rounded human beings and making inevitable mistakes.

[03:01 - 05:00] Teaching Independence Early

• Miss Amber’s personal experience of teaching her kids to cook from a young age.
• How small responsibilities, like meal planning and cooking, helped her children become more self-sufficient.

[05:01 - 06:30] Embracing the Chaos of a Full House

• Sharing a heartwarming moment with her adult children cooking and interacting, reflecting on their growth.
• The joy of watching them thrive as independent adults.

[06:31 - 07:30] Parenting is Lifelong Learning

• How each phase of parenting—from early childhood to adulthood—is a continuous learning experience.
• Recognizing that every child is different and requires unique approaches.

[07:31 - 08:30] Giving Grace to Yourself and Your Kids

• A reminder to extend grace to yourself and your children when mistakes happen.
• Emphasizing growth, learning, and doing better without striving for perfection.

[08:31 - 10:00] Fostering Confidence and Responsibility

• Encouraging children to take ownership of their needs, from ordering food at a restaurant to taking on age-appropriate chores.
• Promoting independence from a young age, helping children build confidence and life skills.

[10:01 - 11:30] Avoiding Labels and Letting Kids Find Their Own Way

• The importance of not boxing children into specific labels like “smart” or “athletic.”
• Praising effort and character, allowing children to grow into their unique identities.

[11:31 - 13:00] Open Communication and Setting Realistic Expectations

• Encouraging parents to check if their dreams align with their children's passions.
• Keeping communication open to help children express their needs and desires freely.

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“Accept that you want to do better.” – Ms. Amber

“Always learn and always want to do better.” – Ms. Amber

“Part of being a parent is being a teacher, a leader, through grace and kindness for our kids, but leading by example.” – Ms. Amber

“One day it’s gonna so fast. They’re going to fly and it’s my job to teach my kids how to fly.” - Ms. Amber

“Boundaries, love, kindness, respect, nurturing and expectations are really good things for our kids.” – Ms. Amber