Connected Families Podcast

The Mental Load of Motherhood: Releasing What's Not Yours to Carry

Mon, 11 May 2026 05:58:00 +0000

You crawl into bed exhausted, but your brain won’t stop spinning. The to-do list. The moment you wish you’d handled differently. The worry you can’t quite name. There’s a term for what you’re carrying: the mental load of motherhood, and you weren’t meant to carry it alone.

In this conversation, host Stacy Bellward sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Heidi Mortenson to unpack what the mental load actually is, why it’s often rooted in lies rather than tasks, and how inviting Jesus into those quiet, exhausting spaces can change everything.

Heidi shares her personal journey of surrender and how the Holy Spirit transformed her marriage, her work, and her parenting. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, an ordinary Tuesday, or 11 pm and you can’t sleep, this episode is a warm encouragement for every mom carrying more than she was meant to carry.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

What the mental load of motherhood really is, and why it’s often lies, not just tasks
How thoughts fuel feelings and behaviors (and how the Holy Spirit breaks the cycle)
Why speaking God’s truth out loud actually builds new neural pathways
The Numbers 6 picture that changes how you see yourself as a mom
One question to ask when your brain won’t stop spinning

A moment we couldn’t stop thinking about:

“Jesus doesn’t just love you. He likes you.” Let that calm your soul, Mom.

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Heidi Mortenson is a coach and consultant for businesses, leaders, and churches. Having built a mental health practice herself, she understands the ups and downs of balancing personal and business. She is the host of the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast and the author of the book The Brave Encourager. She speaks on various topics such as identity, parenting, mental health, and leadership. She lives with her husband and three children in Minnesota, where they spend a lot of time at the hockey rink. You can find out more about Heidi at www.heidimortenson.com.

Foster Care and Faith: Supporting Foster Families in Your Community

Mon, 04 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000

May is National Foster Care Month! For today’s episode, we’ve invited author Jamie Finn to help us discover how faith and foster care are deeply connected. Jamie Finn opens up about the surprising realities that reshaped her family’s mission. You’ll hear what truly sustains foster families through their hardest seasons. Listen in for practical wisdom that applies whether you foster yourself or simply want to love foster families well.

Key Takeaways:

Trauma reshapes the brain.
Regulated parents create safety for dysregulated children
Foster families thrive when their community refuses to look away
Following Jesus leads us toward discomfort, not away

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Jamie C. Finn is the author of the bestselling book, Foster the Family, as well as Filled: 60 Devotions for the Foster Parent’s Heart, and a new children’s book, God Loves Kids: A Gospel-Centered Book About Foster Care. She is the founder and President of Foster the Family and founder of the Filled Gathering. She uses her social media accounts to offer a glimpse into the real life of a foster parent and provide encouragement to tens of thousands of foster and adoptive parents. Jamie is the mother to 7 children through foster care, adoption, and birth. She lives in Sicklerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Alan.

4 simple messages.
1 simple framework.

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Grumpy Morning? Help Your Child Start Their Day Well

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Does your child often wake up with a grumpy morning attitude — cranky, overwhelmed, or melting down before the day even begins? You’re in the right place. In this audioblog episode, the final installment in our Sensitive & Intense Kids series, you’ll hear practical, sensory-smart strategies rooted in the Connected Families Framework™ for turning a grumpy morning into a calmer start for the whole family. You’ll walk away encouraged to meet your child with grace, compassion, and understanding, even on the hardest mornings.

Key Takeaways:

Morning meltdowns signal sensory overwhelm, not bad behavior.
Simple, playful ideas for how to help your child regulate in the morning
Ways to work with your child’s sensitivity and not against it.

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

You’ve seen what the Connected Families Framework can do. What if you could bring that to other families?

Join us on May 6 at 12:30 pm CTS for a free one-hour informational webinar on becoming a CF Certified Parent Coach. No pressure. Just real information to help you take your next step.

Reserve your spot today!

Can’t make it live? A recording will be available through May 14.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

Emotional Regulation for Kids: Calm Bodies Come Before Big Conversations

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Ever feel stuck when your child’s big emotions take over, and nothing seems to help? In this audioblog episode, host Stacy Bellward adapts one of our most-downloaded blogs for listeners: 50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to Calm. She’ll walk you through the essential difference between self-regulation and emotional regulation for kids. Learn practical sensory strategies, hear real family stories, and discover how to help your child move from meltdown to meaningful conversations. Whether you’re parenting a toddler or a teen, you’ll walk away with fresh confidence and a toolkit of calming activities you can start using today.

Key Takeaways:

Self-regulation calms the body; emotional regulation processes the feelings
Learn how movement helps to use up the fight or flight chemicals in the brain
Modeling calming strategies is a great first step before inviting your child to join
Learn tips for building self-regulation motivation in your child

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

You’ve seen what the Connected Families Framework can do. What if you could bring that to other families?

Join us on May 6 at 12:30 pm CTS for a free one-hour informational webinar on becoming a CF Certified Parent Coach. No pressure. Just real information to help you take your next step.

Reserve your spot today!

Can’t make it live? A recording will be available through May 14.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

Highly Sensitive Kids: A Biblical Approach to Empathy and Connection

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Does your child melt down over clothing tags, loud noises, or unexpected changes? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing as a parent. In this audioblog episode, Stacy continues our four-week series on sensitive and intense kids with a compassionate, research-informed look at what’s really happening beneath the surface of your highly sensitive kids and their big reactions. Learn how you can respond with grace, empathy, and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

Sensitivity is real, measurable, and valid
Curiosity opens doors empathy can walk through
Your calm presence regulates your child’s nervous system
Empathy reflects the heart of Jesus to your child
Intensity today can become purpose tomorrow

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

You’ve seen what the Connected Families Framework can do. What if you could bring that to other families?

Join us on May 6 at 12:30 pm CTS for a free one-hour informational webinar on becoming a CF Certified Parent Coach. No pressure. Just real information to help you take your next step.

Reserve your spot today!

Can’t make it live? A recording will be available through May 14.

Take the course that was made for your family.

Got a child with extra big emotions? We get it. And we want to support and equip you. Raising an intense and sensitive child isn’t easy, but it can be filled with hope.

LEARN MORE

Big Emotions Start Somewhere: The Hidden Stress Your Child Carries

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we unpack the surprising reasons why some children experience the world more intensely than others, and why their big emotions are rarely about what they seem to be about. You’ll discover a reframe that just might change the way you see your child’s most challenging moments, including a simple but powerful analogy that explains why your child can hold it together all day and then completely fall apart the moment they walk through your door.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or just desperate to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface of your child’s behavior, this episode offers the compassionate insight and practical perspective you’ve been looking for.

Key Takeaways:

Anxiety often hides behind anger.
Connection calms a stressed nervous system.
Small triggers carry big invisible weight
Compassion begins with understanding the “why”

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents, encouraging and bringing hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into brain science to equip parents and caregivers better. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy.

Lydia Rex is a registered nurse, wife, and mother of two, and has worked with families in many capacities throughout her career and personal life. She’s been a student of Connected Families since 2014 and continues to find it incredibly life-giving for her own family. Areas of her experience/special interest include foster care and adoption, attachment difficulties, developmental and learning disabilities, including FASD. She brings a trauma-informed perspective to the Connected Families Framework and the desire to see families find peace and healing even in the midst of challenges!

You’ve seen what the Connected Families Framework can do. What if you could bring that to other families?

Join us on May 6 at 12:30 pm CTS for a free one-hour informational webinar on becoming a CF Certified Parent Coach. No pressure. Just real information to help you take your next step.

Reserve your spot today!

Can’t make it live? A recording will be available through May 14.

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

Why Is Parenting So Hard? Finding Grace and Truth in the Struggle

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is parenting so hard?” this episode is for you. In this deeply personal and practical episode, Connected Families co-founder Lynne Jackson opens up about her own journey from organized perfectionist to overwhelmed mom of three. Lynne introduces the foundational layer of the Connected Families Framework, exploring three mental habits that quietly set parents up for toxic, lie-based thinking. Learn how to overcome them and transform your home.

Key Takeaways:

Asking yourself, “What’s going on in me?” can be a helpful question that can transform your parenting
Extreme thinking, perfectionism, and catastrophizing are all unhelpful thought patterns that feed anxiety, not connection
God’s truth transforms families from the inside out

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents, encouraging and bringing hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to equip parents and caregivers better. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy.

From Feeling Like a Bad Mom to Deeply Loved

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What we believe about ourselves shapes how we parent, for better or worse.

In this opening episode of the Grace and Truth for Every Parent series, host Stacy Bellward talks with Connected Families’ Content Manager, Laura Way, about the beliefs that quietly keep parents stuck. Laura shares her own journey, including a pivotal moment with CF co-founder Lynne Jackson that helped her trade a crushing lie for a grace-filled truth that transformed her parenting.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like a bad mom or like you’re just not enough, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

Your weaknesses can become your greatest parenting strength.
Parenting surfaces the beliefs you didn’t know existed.
Receive God’s grace first, then pass it on.
You are loved far beyond your best behavior.

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Laura Way serves as the host for The Table, Connected Families’ monthly donor program, and as the Content Manager. She first found Connected Families as a young discouraged mom, living overseas with her family from 2014-2019. She lives with her husband, Aubrey, and their two vibrant and Sensitive and Intense daughters in Orlando, FL.

Family Meetings for Kids: A Weekly Habit That Builds Family Teamwork

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What if family meetings for kids can be as simple as a weekly gathering with snacks and a game? In this warm and practical episode of the Connected Families podcast, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Certified Parent Coaches Corrie and Alan Thetford to unpack the transformative power of intentional family meetings. Spoiler: no gavel required.

Key Takeaways:

Nagging builds dependence; meetings build responsibility
Fun snacks and games to help connection grow
‘Practice time’ prevents reactive ‘game-time’ chaos
Kids can solve problems better than parents expect

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Alan and Corrie have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches and instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

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How to Motivate Children: What the Research Says

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:05:51 +0000

Every parent knows the feeling: you need the dishes done, the toys picked up, or the laundry folded… and your child is nowhere near motivated to help. What if the key to raising genuinely responsible kids isn’t about enforcing compliance, but about understanding what actually drives motivation from the inside out? In this mini-episode, host Stacy Bellward chats with Katie Wetsell, pediatric nurse turned Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, to explore the brain science and research behind growing responsibility in children. Learn some practical, grace-filled tools you can start using today!

Key Takeaways:

Motivation can be complicated for all of us, because we are human
Learn how building kids up in the short term can help with long-term goals of raising capable, responsible adults
Learn about the three pillars of self-directed motivation

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

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How to Start Family Meetings Your Kids Won't Want to Miss

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Join Connected Families’ Director of Education & Equipping, Chad Hayenga, in this audioblog about Family Meetings. These are two words that might make you cringe or add to your mental “should-do” list. But what if they could actually become the highlight of your week? In this episode, explore how family meetings can be transformed from dreaded obligations into enjoyable, meaningful gatherings that build teamwork, grow responsibility, and deepen your family’s sense of purpose.

Discover ways that family meetings don’t have to be boring
How to start with fun to set a positive tone
Learn how family meetings can help shift ownership of responsibilities to your kids

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

Teaching Kids Responsibility Without Nagging and Frustration

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Why are chores such a struggle in families? Join Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches, Katie Johnson and Marni Love, to unpack why it’s hard, and what to do about it. They discuss the biblical foundation for meaningful work and offer practical strategies for turning daily tasks into opportunities for connection and growth. You’ll be encouraged by their own personal stories as they share grace-filled wisdom for navigating teaching kids responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

Scaffolding chores into small, manageable steps.
Avoid using chores as consequences for misbehavior.
Model and narrate tasks alongside your children.
Celebrate incremental growth, not just perfect results.

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

As a former teacher turned homeschool mom with a sensitive & intense child, Katie Johnson came to Connected Families at the end of her rope. As a CF coach, she now helps struggling families adopt a whole-Bible, whole-brain approach for Christ-centered transformation. She loves providing practical tools to help families apply the CF framework to their unique situations. Katie lives in Madison, WI, with her husband, three young kids, a dog, and three chickens. Katie holds a Master’s in Education and has a special passion for supporting families with toddlers.

Marni Love is a former public school teacher who has been a home educator for 14 years. She is a Homeschool Mentor, a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, and an instructor for CF coaches-in-training. Marni enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their three sons in the beautiful mountains and beaches of Northern California. You can connect with her through her website, marnilove.com.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

A Parent Training Program that Meets You Where You Are

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this special announcement episode, host Stacy Bellward welcomes Chad Hayenga, Connected Families’ Director of Education and Equipping, to introduce an exciting new program: The CF Intensive! This new parent training program is a six-session, small-group experience! It’s designed for parents, caregivers, and ministry leaders who want to move from head knowledge to heart transformation using tools from the Connected Families Framework™. Is this for you? Listen to find out…

Key Takeaways:

The CF Intensive accelerates Framework growth through a hands-on, community deep-dive into Connected Families tools
The CF Intensive is about depth, not crisis intervention
Community transforms learning because growth happens together

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Chad Hayenga joined Connected Families in 2005. He is married to Carma and has three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chad oversees coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide.

Strengthening Families Through the Local Church: A Powerful New Partnership

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Communio! Tune in to hear how Communio is strengthening families through data-informed strategies for local churches. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward and Cindy Wilson, the Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager at Connected Families, sit down with J.P. DeGance, founder and president of Communio and author of Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America. J.P. shares his personal journey into family ministry, the compelling research behind Communio’s approach, and how this partnership will bring Connected Families’ parenting resources into churches across the country, equipping more families with biblical, research-informed tools that transform families for generations.

Key Takeaways:

Announcing the partnership with Communio and Connected Families
Learn about the background of Communio and the research study that reduced divorce rates in Jacksonville, FL
Discover the impact marriage has on multi-generational church attendance
Hear how growing in parenting skills can complement our spiritual growth

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

J.P. De Gance is the founder and president of Communio and co-author of “Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America.” He leads Communio’s work equipping pastors and churches with data-informed strategies to strengthen congregations through relational health. This approach has been proven through a $20 million initiative that reduced the divorce rate among a network of churches in Jacksonville by 24% between 2016 and 2018. Under his leadership, Communio earned the Heritage Foundation’s 2023 Innovation Prize for its groundbreaking research and church partnerships. J.P. is a husband and father, and lives in Virginia with his wife and 8 children.

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The Surprising Reason Kids Laugh When in Trouble

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Today’s audioblog explores what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids laugh when in trouble or get silly during correction. Learn practical ways to use the Connected Families Framework™ to build wisdom instead of shame when kids seem to avoid accountability through humor.

Key Takeaways:

Silliness is often an escape hatch, not disrespect
Check your own heart first
Connect before you correct, try stepping into your child’s shoes with playfulness
Build the value of reconciliation in a way that they feel good about

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

BONUS Episode | Help Your Child Feel Safe Through Scary Events

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this thoughtful conversation, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Certified Parent Coach Katie Wetsell and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Jody Goldie to explore how parents can help their children navigate fear and find security when the world feels uncertain and scary. Drawing from Katie’s personal experience supporting her family through a Nashville school shooting and Jody’s clinical expertise in trauma, this episode offers grace-filled guidance for parents walking alongside children through difficult circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

Starting with calm and security in your own heart first
Create space for your child’s emotions
Learn how curiosity helps when your child feels unsafe
Pointing your kids to faith and hope in God’s plan in the midst of painful sin

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Katie Wetsell is our online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their family with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org.

Jody Goldie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She approaches the therapeutic relationship with warmth and the belief that all people have the ability to heal. She works with clients who have experienced complex trauma, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Her training includes a family systems approach and incorporates that into the understanding of work with individuals and couples. Jody enjoys incorporating spirituality into therapy if that is desired by the client. You can find her at: www.mwtraumacenter.com.

Consecuencias: ¿Castigar o Restaurar?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:40:00 +0000

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de una de las diferentes formas en las que como padres usamos las consecuencias en la crianza. A través de sus historias reales te sentirás inspirado a usar las consecuencias como medio de restauración y vehículo de paz para tu familia.

Temas mencionados en este podcast:

Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza.

¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos!

*Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!*

¿Necesita un recordatorio?

Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios.

Comprar el Imán

Acerca de Esther:

Esther Reich es Asesora de Crianza Certificada por Connected Families. Ella es enfermera profesional especializada en asesoría de lactancia materna y ella y su esposo, Roberto, tienen tres hijos y sirven como misioneros con Serge en Guatemala desde 2018. A través de enfrentar retos en la crianza de sus hijos acudieron a Connected Families para recibir coaching/apoyo. El apoyo que recibieron de Chad Hayenga y de Lynne Jackson les ayudó a ver cambios significativos en ellos mismos y en sus hijos. Todavía hay mucho espacio para crecer como familia, pero la diferencia de antes y después de la intervención de Connected Families es significativa. Además de servir con otros ministerios en Guatemala (Sigo Vivo y Servant Harts), apoyan a padres e iglesias a través de talleres y coaching/apoyo individual para los que enfrentan retos en su crianza de sus hijos incluyendo los que son muy sensibles o intensos. El correo de Esther es esther.e.cummings@gmail.com

Acerca de Luisa:

Luisa Wendt es Asesora de Crianza certificada por Connected Families nació en Bogotá, Colombia y vive en Iowa con su familia. Luisa y su esposo Jarrett tienen seis hijos, tres en el cielo y tres en la tierra. Dos de sus hermosos hijos llegaron a su familia a través de la adopción. Durante un momento muy complejo en la crianza Connected Families los asesoró y continua asesorandolos y guiandolos en el camino de una crianza basada en la gracia de Dios y la confianza y conexión con sus hijos. Jarrett y Luisa tienen un ministerio que se llama Built on Rock Parent Coaching que nació con el gran deseo de compartir esas enseñanzas con tantas familias como sea posible. Te invitamos a seguir su canal de YouTube, donde todos sus videos tienen subtítulos en español: https://www.youtube.com/@builtonrockparentcoaching Para más información acerca de su historia, ministerio y unas lindas fotos de su familia pueden visitar su página de internet: www.builtonrockparentcoaching.org. En este momento toda la información se encuentra en ingles pero si desean contactarlos para más información o asesorías de crianza en español pueden escribirles a jarrettandluisa@builtonrock.org

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

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Moving Beyond Strict Parenting: Balancing Boundaries and Connection

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Strong on correction but struggling to connect? In this third episode of the “Don’t Stay Stuck” series, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach Katie Wetsell take on a challenge many who value strict parenting face: how to soften without losing structure? If you value obedience but want warmer relationships with your kids, this episode offers hope and practical next steps.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the God-given strengths of parents who lean toward the top of the Connected Families Framework™
Rethinking immediate obedience
Living out loud and setting an example for your children
Pitfalls of high-demand and low-compassion parenting
Practical tools for getting unstuck and finding balance in your parenting

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

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Guest Bio:

Dare to dream of peace again.

It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN.

CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH

Kind and Firm: Setting Boundaries with Kids | Ep. 284

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this second week of our Don’t Stay Stuck series, we’re shifting our focus to parents who are “stuck” at the bottom of the Connected Families Framework™. Being naturally bent toward compassion is a God-given superpower, but what happens when parents are consistently overly permissive? Setting boundaries with kids can be challenging at times. Listen in as Stacy chats with Katie Wetsell, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, to encourage you to be kind and firm.

Key Takeaways:

How our parenting defaults can actually come from God-given gifts
What does it look like to get stuck at the bottom of the Framework: Am I too soft?
How balance helps kids build wisdom and resilience in their long-term relationships
Concrete examples you can use to add more firmness to your parenting

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Dare to dream of peace again.

It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN.

CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH

Don’t Stay Stuck: Hopeful Change in Your Default Parenting Habits

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder why you keep defaulting to the same old parenting habits? Stacy Bellward and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Lori Menikheim explore what causes parents to get stuck, and how to find their way forward. Join us as we begin this 3-part series, Don’t Stay Stuck, and gain some practical insights for developing balance in your parenting journey.

Key Takeaways:

Hear stories of what getting stuck looks like
Learn about the 4 messages of the Connected Families Framework and how it helps to move forward
Learn how developing balance transforms the parent-child relationship

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Lori Menikheim is a wife, mom of two strong-willed teenage girls, and Kids Ministry leader with over 15 years of experience. When she discovered Connected Families, she finally found the language, tools, and hope to parent well and lead ministry well. Now she loves connecting with parents and ministry leaders who want to partner with God in reaching the next generation.

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My Child Refuses to Listen: A Compassionate Approach to PDA

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Welcome back to another year of exciting content that we pray will leave you equipped and ready for the unique calling of parenthood you’ve been gifted with this year.

You may be wondering, “What is pathological demand avoidance (PDA)?” When your child refuses to listen, it may not be defiance but rather a dysregulated nervous system. In this most-downloaded episode of 2025, hear from Connected Families Content Manager, Laura Way, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and homeschooling mom, Lydia Rex, as they unpack PDA. Learn how to partner with your child through these challenging moments, using a graceful approach and practical tools from the Connected Families Framework.

Key Takeaways:

How the Connected Families Framework applies to parenting a sensitive or intense child
Simple things you can do now to support your child
Discover ways to shift your perspective and view your experience as a gift

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to the challenges of parenting, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents through the Connected Families Framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books.

Laura Way felt like she was drowning as a young mom overseas. She thinks that God provided Connected Families for her when she needed it most. She’s thrilled to be on the team, offering hope & help to others! Laura and her husband live in Florida with their two elementary-aged daughters. In her free time, Laura loves to read in her hammock or have coffee with friends.

Dare to dream of peace again.

It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN.

CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH

Behind the Scenes: Intentional Parenting in 2026 and Beyond!

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this heartfelt year-end episode, Connected Families team members Stacy Bellward, Chad Hayenga, and Joe Dewey gather to reflect on a transformative year and share exciting plans for 2026 to continue to encourage you on your journey with intentional parenting. Along the way, they open up about their own families’ rhythms for reflecting on the year past and looking ahead. This episode has practical ideas you can try with your own family. Whether you’re curious about what’s next for Connected Families or looking for fresh ways to close out the year together, this episode has something for you.

Key Takeaways:

Ideas for family rhythms for year-end reflection
Connected Families highlights from 2025
Looking forward to 2026

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Joe Dewey is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. He has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and has served in full-time ministry with Cru in Leader Development and Human Resources since 2010. He has been a certified life coach since 2017. These experiences and more have molded him to lead with solutions. Whether it comes to ministry or parenting, he finds clarity in the midst of complexity, providing win-win solutions.

Blessed to Be a Blessing: Marriage, Parenting & Legacy

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

What does it look like to live out the Connected Families Framework? What does it look like to live it out in your own heart and relationships? In this final episode of our 3-part series, Hope for the Long Haul, Jim and Lynne Jackson share how the Framework has shaped their lives over time: from finding their identity in Jesus, to marriage, to navigating the joys and challenges of parenting adult children. If you’re wondering whether this stuff really helps in the long term, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

How and what the Connected Families Framework has looked like in their marriage
Learning that Jesus is our “report card”
What it looks like to keep the connection alive in marriage and in parenting
How gifts gone awry and “Foundation” messages impacted their working careers

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Jim and Lynne Jackson are the Co-Founders of Connected Families in Plymouth, MN. With over 50 combined years of professionally helping families and a love for working in the church, Jim and Lynne have been dedicated to bringing reliable, God-centered, research-based parenting resources to all families since 2002.

Surviving the "Helpful" Advice at Holiday Gatherings

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this audioblog, we take on a topic relevant to holiday gatherings: what to do when you receive unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives? From preparing ahead of time to helping your kids navigate criticisms, today you’ll hear some practical strategies to help you continue to parent confidently in your grace-based approach.

Key Takeaways:

How to have empathetic responses with your family members before redirecting their approaches
Confident responses to practice in advance
How to equip your kids with truth before the gathering

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Loving (and Liking) My Kids for a Lifetime

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Keeping “like” alive is what an enduring connection is all about! This week, Connected Families Co-Founders Jim and Lynne Jackson share more about the importance and benefits of lasting connection over time and why it’s the cornerstone of lasting family relationships. Hear from a long-time friend and Connected Families board member on how the framework has impacted his relationships over time, like a compass redirecting him back to loving his kids well and what’s most important when life gets off center. Learn how connection becomes the pathway toward true discipleship and godly influence.

Key Takeaways:

Staying light even in hard times can transform your love into enduring like
Discover how parents turning their hearts to their children influences generations
How connection grew from an idea to taking root in Dave Scouler’s family over time
Connection is the springboard into authentic discipleship

Mentioned in this Podcast:

The Scouler Family

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Dave Scouler has been married for over 30 years and has two amazing boys who joined their family through adoption from Russia. He has been a champion of Connected Families since its founding. Dave has worked in a diverse set of consulting environments and has over 40 years of experience helping clients respond to changing realities. He has served on multiple non-profit Boards and gets excited when given the chance to think strategically. When he is not working, he enjoys working on projects with his boys, being with his four dogs, swimming, and sailing.

When Parenting Styles Differ: Finding Unity with Your Strong-Willed Child

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re just starting your parenting journey or you’ve hit a rough spot, today’s episode is a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient through it all. Seeing God’s mercy toward us in the midst of challenging family messes (like disagreeing about how to approach parenting a “strong-willed” child) is the hope of the Gospel! Connected Families Co-Founders, Jim and Lynne Jackson, sit down with longtime friends of Connected Families, Jay and Debi Allsup, to encourage families with their experience with their own adult daughters. They remind us that our kids’ biggest challenges now can become their greatest assets when they are older! Yes… even the “strong-willed” child!

Key Takeaways:

What it initially looked like for Jay and Debi to approach parenting with two completely different styles
Learn how Connected Families tools help parents to develop a common parenting language and a path forward to model reconciliation after they have had an imperfect parenting moment
Impact on their daughters in the present
God’s grace grows with your family

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Jay and Debi Allsup are long-time friends of Connected Families and were part of the original board. Jay serves business leaders with his financial acumen and deep Biblical insights, providing a unique perspective to companies and nonprofit organizations that leads them to fiscally responsible decisions and managed growth. Debi works as a Director of HR at a national community-based support services company.

Holiday Family Stress? How to Actually Enjoy Family Gatherings

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

The holidays are definitely a time when many families and children experience overstimulation, picky eating, chaos, and sibling bickering, which can lead to holiday family stress. What if we could experience God as Emmanuel (God With Us) even in the midst of the mess? Hear from Stacy Bellward as she reads one of the Connected Families blog posts, which will prepare you with a plan to set your kids up for success at your next holiday gathering!

Key Takeaways:

Develop empathy for common behavior challenges for kids during the holidays
Uncover the good news in all of the chaos
Learn about the positive behavior and identity-building tool: ABCs of Affirmation

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents to encourage and bring hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to better equip parents and caregivers. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy.

Teaching Kids Their True Identity in Christ with Hosanna Wong

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

There are identity-forming lies all around your kids, at school, on screens, even in their own thoughts. In this powerful episode on identity in Christ, host Stacy Bellward sits down with spoken-word artist and author Hosanna Wong. They discuss her viral poem, “I Have a New Name,” with over 11 million views, and her new children’s book, What God Says About You. The book helps parents equip their children to reject lies and embrace their God-given identity.

Key Takeaways:

How the importance of identity starts at a young age
Learn how recentering on our identity in Christ is central to the Connected Families tool, Trash, Truth, or Treasure
Learn nine biblical names to replace the lies kids (and adults) hear every day about themselves

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist helping everyday people know Jesus for real. Widely known for her spoken-word piece, “I Have A New Name,” Hosanna shares her message in churches, conferences, prisons, and other events around the world, reaching across various denominations, backgrounds, and cultures. Born and raised in an urban ministry on the streets of San Francisco, Hosanna later packed her life into suitcases and traveled to churches and other ministries throughout the United States to share about Jesus through spoken word poetry. Hosanna currently travels and speaks year-round, serving on teaching teams at churches throughout the United States. She and her husband, Guy, serve together in various ministries equipping people with tools to share the gospel of Jesus in today’s world. Hosanna is the best-selling author of How (Not) to Save the World, You Are More Than You’ve Been Told, and her new book, What God Says About You, is her first children’s book.

Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessons

When harsh words hurt your child, what do you say?

This mini-course gives you practical tools to turn these everyday moments into powerful opportunities for spiritual and relational growth. Your kids will learn to discard hurtful lies, discern helpful truth, and anchor themselves in God’s love when things get hard.

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Handling Criticism In A God Honoring Way: A Game-Changing Tool

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Join Stacy Bellward and Lynne Jackson as they chat with Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Kartina Baros about using the “Trash, Truth, or Treasure” tool to help kids process hurtful words and build skills for handling criticism. Katrina shares how she turned this concept into a fun basket-shooting game with her four boys, making it their family’s common language for evaluating words they hear and speak. This conversation highlights how asking thoughtful questions and modeling vulnerability helps kids transform harsh statements into grace-filled responses.

Key Takeaways:

Hear how Katrina used basketball to teach Trash, Truth, Treasure, with no lectures, just fun!
Teaching kids to find the kernel of truth in criticism, without shame, builds humility and resilience.
Discover how this tool gives kids an instant filter to process what they hear and choose what they believe.

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

As a mom of four boys, Katrina Baros discovered the transformative power of grace-based parenting through her own coaching journey. Now, as a certified Connected Families parent coach with 13 years of parenting experience and a degree in early and elementary childhood education, she helps families shift from behavior modification to heart transformation. She walks alongside parents through their challenges, pointing them toward the grace that changes everything.

Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessons

When harsh words hurt your child, what do you say?

LEARN MORE

Teaching Kids to Deal with Mean Words and Hurtful Comments

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

When your child hears something unkind, those words can stick: shaping how they see themselves and the world around them.

In this episode, we’re launching a three-part series on a simple but powerful Connected Families tool: Trash, Truth, & Treasure. This tool helps kids (and adults!) deal with mean words, hurtful thoughts, anger, and anxiety by rooting their identity in God’s truth rather than the lies they hear.

Join Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson, along with therapists and Certified Parent Coaches Vicky Wieben and Marlee Thomsen, as they share the story behind this tool and offer practical ways to use it in your everyday life.

Key Takeaways:

How a simple Bible verse about “fluttering sparrows” became a framework helping thousands of families combat lies and anxiety
Why brain science and biblical truth work together to help kids discern what’s true
Practical ways to teach your child to recognize Hurtful Trash, Helpful Truth, and Heart-Filling Treasure
Real stories from counselors using this tool with families every day

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Marlee Thomsen – Marlee Thomsen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach at Cornerstone Counseling and Wellness. She specializes in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate anxiety and other disorders. She uses a variety of therapies and other evidence-based approaches. Marlee is passionate about involving parents in their child’s healing journey and offers parenting support using the Connected Families Framework to equip families for lasting transformation. Connect with Marlee here.

Vicky Wieben – Vicky Wieben is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who brings 20 years of social services experience to her work with children, adolescents, and families. She co-founded Bright Light Counseling with her husband Matt in 2020, where she uses a compassionate, holistic approach that incorporates multiple therapies. When she’s not in the therapy office, Vicky enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, reading, and connecting with nature. Connect with Vicky on Facebook.

Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessons

When harsh words hurt your child, what do you say?

LEARN MORE

Parenting Adopted Children: Building Safety and Connection After Trauma

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome back to our usual podcast rhythm, listeners! November is National Adoption Month, and many Connected Families listeners have grown their families through adoption and foster care. Adoption often brings unique parenting challenges that prompt families to seek creative, compassionate solutions.

Many adoptive and foster families have discovered that the Connected Families Framework provides exactly what they need to cultivate Christ-like love and deep connection in their homes. The Framework’s emphasis on helping parents grow in self-awareness while responding to their children’s needs with grace and truth has proven especially valuable for families navigating the complexities of adoption.

Join host Stacy Bellward as she chats with Cindy Wilson, Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager at Connected Families, and Sara Wilson Worley from Lifeline Children’s Services about adoption, faith, and building Connected Families.

Key Points:

Adopted/foster children’s brains are wired for hypervigilance due to early trauma
Building attachment can take 1-2 years minimum
Connected Families Framework helps us respond with confidence, even when we can’t pinpoint the exact cause of behaviors

Mentioned in this Podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Sara Wilson Worley is originally from Florence, Alabama. She currently serves as the Regional Program Manager for the Asia Team at Lifeline Children’s Services. Sara attended the University of North Alabama and received her Bachelor’s in social work. She has two Master’s degrees in Church and Community Ministries and Social Work. Sara loves to read and has many hobbies (i.e., kayaking, antiquing, and watching soccer).

Grace-Based Parenting: A Changed Mind

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast:

In this final episode of our October campaign, Matt and Lauren Bishop share how they went from being unconvinced about grace-based parenting to passionate advocates. Listen in to see how God used these biblical principles to change not just their children’s behavior but also the parents’ hearts.

Key Takeaways:

Transformation starts with parents’ hearts first
Parent coaching provides personalized support for lasting change

Mentioned Today:

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In Case You Missed It:

Grandparents raising grandchildren can present unique challenges. Listen to this episode from yesterday that shows the Christ transformation one grandma experienced through showing unconditional love to her grandson: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Story of Grace and Transformation | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!

Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend!

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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Grace and Transformation

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

Today on the Podcast :

In this touching episode, a grandmother’s transformative journey is highlighted. Grandparents raising grandchildren can present unique challenges. Listen as she learns to parent her teenage grandson after suddenly gaining guardianship. With time, she discovers that changing her own perspective from viewing her Grandson as a problem to seeing him through God’s eyes revolutionizes their relationship. Her creative use of a childhood mailbox to communicate affirming messages demonstrates the power of intentional love and grace in healing broken family dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

Before you can effectively communicate “You are safe” and “You are loved” to your child, examine how you view them
Small acts of intentional love matter
Spiritual dependence on God’s grace, wisdom, and help is essential

Mentioned Today:

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In Case You Missed It:

It can take us aback when our children show obvious signs of disrespect. Chad Hayenga offers a new perspective in his reading of “Don’t Settle for Fake Respect,” in yesterday’s podcast: Guiding Disrespectful Kids: Eye Rolling, Door Slamming & Sass | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!

Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend!

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Guiding Disrespectful Kids: Eye Rolling, Door Slamming & Sass

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

Today on the Podcast :

In today’s episode, Chad Hayenga, Connected Families Director of Education and Equipping, joins us to encourage parents to reframe their thinking about disrespectful kids. Instead of demanding compliance, he encourages parents to respond with curiosity, asking what’s really happening in their child’s heart. This grace-filled approach builds genuine respect while still maintaining clear boundaries.

Key Takeaways:

Misbehavior is communication
Respond with curiosity, not control
Address the heart, not just behavior

Mentioned Today:

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?
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In Case You Missed It:

We only have a few days left of our special October campaign. Don’t miss Stacy Bellward’s testimony of how God has helped her move away from fear and control in her parenting in When Your Kids’ Choices Scare You | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!

Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend!

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When Your Kids' Choices Scare You

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast:

Today, we’re talking about the top of the Connected Families Framework, Correct. This level communicates the message: “You are responsible for your actions.” As our kids get older, their choices can sometimes scare us because they could cause long-term damage. Host, Stacy Bellward, tells her story of how wrestling with that fear led her to discover truths about God’s character that freed her from parenting out of anxiety and control. That belief changed her parenting, and you’ll hear that in today’s story.

Key Takeaways:

“My kids are responsible for their own actions, and by His grace, He’s at work in ways I can’t see.”
“I was asking the wrong question: The answer fed fear and harsh reactions. God corrected me.”

Mentioned Today:

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?
Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

In Case You Missed It:

Have you ever wondered how you will find time for calm when there’s always chaos? Check out what Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches, Alan and Corrie Thetford, have to say about that question in: Parenting in the Chaos: When There’s No Time to Be Calm [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!

Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend!

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Parenting in the Chaos: When There's No Time to Be Calm

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

In this Q&A mini-episode, our host Stacy is joined by Connected Families Parent Coaches & Workshop Speakers, Alan and Corrie Thetford, to answer real questions from parents just like you. With four kids of their own, the Thetfords bring both professional expertise and lived experience to two common parenting challenges: managing multiple young children and addressing persistent behaviors.

Key Takeaways:

The Framework works in the chaos, not only after it
Focus on one thing at a time
Consequences are about repair, not punishment

Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community – Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here.

Mentioned Today:

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Parenting with Grace, Modeling Humility, and Transforming Your Family

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Connected Families co-founder, Jim Jackson, is back in this mini-episode, encouraging parents to view parenting from a new perspective! Being a better parent isn’t about getting kids just to behave; it’s about building God’s wisdom in ourselves and in them. Get challenged to embrace your calling as an everyday superhero who models faith, humility, and grace.

Key Takeaways:

Great parenting isn’t about controlling behavior; it’s about building God’s wisdom
Model your own process of calming down
Share your struggles, failures, and growth openly with your children. Model Humility When You Mess Up
Identify Godly strengths your children have learned from watching you, and intentionally do more of what’s already going well

Mentioned Today:

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Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

In Case You Missed It:

Host Stacy Bellward shares a personal story when her daughters were late for a birthday party. Hear how do-overs saved the day in From Morning Chaos to Peaceful Dressing: How It Ended Well | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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From Morning Chaos to Peaceful Dressing: How It Ended Well

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

In this vulnerable episode, host Stacy Bellward shares a real, messy parenting moment from years ago when she had to use do-overs and the Connected Families Framework to reset with one of her daughters. It all started when everybody was late to a birthday party. She shares her story in the spirit of our theme: Not Perfect, Still Super. Every Family a Hero—and she shares it to show you how using the CF parenting framework can look in a real-life messy situation. Parenting transformation isn’t a quick sailboat turn but a long game of being humble and inviting Jesus into the messes.

Key Takeaways:

Keep a Connected Families Framework magnet handy. It never hurts. 🙂
If you have been feeling the nudge to join the mission to equip more families, join the Table Community today!

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In Case You Missed It:

Hear how one family made space for all levels of the Connected Families Framework when they navigated an issue with their teenage daughter’s device in: Device Issue: How God Used it to Draw One Family Closer.

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Device Issue: How God Used it to Draw One Family Closer

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

Today on the Podcast :

When the Caswell family discovered an issue with their daughter’s phone, they faced a choice: react with their first instinct or respond guided by the Connected Families Parenting Framework they’d been learning through the book and video course. With support from a parent coach, they created a safe space for an honest conversation that led to restoration instead of rupture. Hear from both parents AND their daughter in this rare, real-life example of how discipline can connect rather than divide.

Key Takeaways:

Hear what felt safe to Caswell’s daughter.
Hear how Caswell’s parents paused, shifted perspective, and guided their daughter.

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Natural Impacts: Teaching Kids Responsibility Without Nagging

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Discover the transformative difference between a goal of punishment and restoration in this episode featuring Jim and Lynne Jackson from the Discipline That Connects With Your Childs Heart course. Learn how natural impacts like letting a child experience the consequences of forgotten homework without adding parental punishment teach responsibility far more effectively than nagging or arbitrary consequences. This grace-filled, biblical approach shifts the parenting goal from punishing bad behavior to restoring relationships and empowering kids to make things right.

Key Takeaways:

Teach true responsibility through natural impacts
Effective discipline puts responsibility on the child to right their wrongs.
The primary goal is restoration, not punishment.

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In Case You Missed It:

Did you miss it? Last week, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, Laura Zach shares practical wisdom for parents navigating the push-pull dynamic with a kid who asks for help but then resists it. Listen in Why Does My Child Ask for Help Then Get Mad? | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Why Does My Child Ask for Help Then Get Mad?

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Does your child ask for help with homework, sports, or other activities—only to push back or get frustrated when you offer it? You’re not alone! In this Q&A episode, host Stacy Bellward welcomes Connected Families Certified Parent Coach & Workshop Speaker Laura Zach to answer this common parenting challenge.

Laura shares practical wisdom for parents navigating the push-pull dynamic with an 11-year-old who asks for help but then resists it. You’ll learn to identify the “gift gone awry” in your child, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and discover grace-filled approaches to build connection and coach your child toward growth.

Key Takeaways:

How to recognize and affirm your child’s gifts—even when they’re showing up in challenging ways
Why this is a journey, not a quick fix—and how to stay encouraged along the way

Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community – Are you ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here.

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Should You Reward Kids? 9 Wisdom-Filled Guidelines

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Today’s mini episode is the audio version of a blog post we created as a guide to help you think through the question, “Should you reward your kids?” It’s the age-old question: Should I pay the kids to do house chores? Let’s be honest – we’ve all been there, wondering if we’re brilliantly motivating our kids or just straight-up bribing them. Turns out, rewards can actually be effective tools when you’re asking the right question, but they can totally backfire when your kid cares more about earning screen time than actually learning to be helpful. Host Stacy Bellward walks through nine super practical, research-backed tips that’ll help you use rewards in ways that actually build character.

Key Takeaways:

The one question that changes everything: It’s not about compliance – discover what your child is really learning
The “Nathan story”: How one strategic “bribe” transformed a disruptive teen
Creative reward systems that actually build character (not just behavior)

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One Simple Question That Rewires Everyone's Brains Toward Connection

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Discover the transformative power of “Bright Spots!” A simple parenting strategy that shifts your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going partly right. In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Carly, who went from ski slope meltdowns to conquering her fears, plus host Stacy’s personal journey of learning to see what her middle school girls HAD cleaned in the kitchen instead of fixating on the one dirty fork left behind. This shift transformed their relationship and built an “I can do this” attitude in her daughters. Plus, learn how you can become a changemaker this October by equipping struggling families around the world with these life-changing tools.

Key Takeaway:

Asking “What’s going partly right?” when the kitchen only got half clean or during a full meltdown has the power to change your family’s trajectory. (We are not trying to be dramatic here – we have lived it.)

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Ever wonder if it’s too late to connect with your teenage child? It’s not! In Christ, there’s always hope! Listen to one mom tell her story in: Connection with Teens: It’s Never Too Late | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Connection with Teens: It’s Never Too Late

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Ever wonder if you’ve already blown it as a parent? Spoiler alert: you haven’t. In this episode, Lynne Jackson drops truth bombs about how God’s grace for YOU is the secret sauce to raising wise kids (hint: it’s not about being perfect). Then Laura Zach shares her own story of going from daily door-slams and zero conversations with her teen daughter to actually laughing together, yes, really laughing. Whether your kids are in diapers or driving cars, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

Jesus is your report card, not your kid’s behavior. Parent from grace, not guilt.
It’s never too late! Laura discovered Connected Families during a family crisis with teens—and everything changed.

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Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here.

Dirty Dishes and Disrespect: One Mom's Story of Growth and Connection

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

What happens when your child explodes over a simple stack of dishes? For Lydia Rex, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and mom, it became a powerful opportunity to use the parenting framework. Lydia reflected, “Real life is messy. It’s not linear. And that’s okay. God is at work in all of that.”

In this mini-episode of the Connected Families podcast, Lydia shares an honest, messy, and ultimately beautiful story about applying the Connected Families Framework in real time. Her experience reminds us that effective parenting isn’t about following a perfect formula—it’s about walking in God’s grace and truth.

Key Takeaway:

Aim for Wisdom, Not Just Obedience: The goal isn’t raising children who comply when controlled, but cultivating internal values that lead them to choose what’s right on their own.

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In Case You Missed It:

Identifying their child’s God-given gift in misbehavior has transformed many parents’ approach to parenting during challenging behavior moments. Listen to Jim and Lynne teach about the Gift Gone Awry in: Identifying Child Strengths: Finding God’s Gifts in Your Kid | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Identifying Child Strengths: Finding God's Gifts in Your Kid

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

This episode is about identifying child strengths and recognizing the God-given gift hidden in their most frustrating misbehavior. In this teaching from our Discipline That Connects course, Jim and Lynne Jackson introduce the powerful concept of “Gifts Gone Awry,” showing parents how lying can reveal intelligence, arguing can signal courage to speak truth, and defiance often masks courage. When you learn to call out the gift instead of just correcting the behavior, you communicate to your child: “You are Called and Capable.”

Key Takeaways:

Misbehavior has a God-given gift at its core
Calling out the gift changes the relationship – from just managing behavior to building their identity and your connection.

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In Case You Missed It:

Got a strong-willed child? Parent Coach, Tara Prevo, helps parents come alongside their child as a teammate, celebrate creative problem-solving, and guide with empathy in Strong-Willed Child and Unconditional Love? Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Parents | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community
Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here.

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Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend!

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Strong-Willed Child and Unconditional Love? Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Parents

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

In this micro-episode, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach, Tara Prevo, address two common parenting challenges: 1) When a child says “You don’t love me,” and 2) The strong-willed child who rejects offered choices. Tara encourages parents to use misbehavior as an opportunity to demonstrate unconditional love and commit to the long game of grace-filled responses over time. Tara helps parents come alongside their child as a teammate, celebrate creative problem-solving, and guide with empathy.

Key Takeaways:

Misbehavior is an opportunity for unconditional love
Strong-willed children seek safety, not control
Parenting is a long game

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In Case You Missed It:

Connected Families founder Jim Jackson offers parents a powerful glimpse of graceful parenting in yesterday’s soul care message designed specifically for you, moms and dads: What Is Christian Discipline? A Peek At Graceful Parenting | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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What Is Christian Discipline? A Glimpse At Graceful Parenting

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥Ready to be the hero who brings hope to overwhelmed parents in your community? Today, will you join the Table Community, along with six others, and multiply your impact? Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast:

In today’s mini-episode, Jim Jackson is filling in for Stacy and explores a powerful truth: you can only give grace to your kids if you’ve first received it yourself. He invites parents to imagine Jesus offering lavish mercy toward themselves instead of harsh condemnation. Jim reminds parents that the goal isn’t just behavior modification—it’s gentle restoration that transforms homes into places where grace flows freely, mistakes become opportunities for connection, and children experience God’s unconditional love through their parents.

Key Takeaways:

Extending grace to our children comes after we first receive God’s lavish grace for us
Don’t let your approval of your children depend only on their behavior
Pausing to be sure you’re walking in the fruit of the Spirit is helpful before correction

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How to take the trek to the top of peaceful parenting mountain can seem like a mystery most days. Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response in this episode: Brain-Based Strategies: How to Help Kids Calm Down | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Brain-Based Strategies: How to Help Kids Calm Down

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast:

Join host Stacy Bellward in week two of our October series, featuring bite-sized content from the signature Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. In this mini episode, Occupational Therapist Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response. Lynne explains why telling kids to “calm down” often backfires and demonstrates how parents can model effective self-regulation while building trust and connection.

You’ll also hear from parents Viece & Johnny, who share their heart’s desire to be the place their children always want to come home to, even as adults. This episode equips you with tools you can use today while casting vision for the lifelong relationships these strategies can build.

Key Takeaways:

Learn concrete ideas from this podcast about how to help kids calm down
Today’s calming moments build a foundation so your kids will always want to come home

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Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God's Unconditional Love

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

Today on the Podcast :

In today’s episode, Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God’s Unconditional Love, we address the question: Do your kids truly understand that they’re loved unconditionally? As parents, we often take this for granted, assuming our children just understand this fundamental truth. Today’s episode is a powerful story about sixth-grader Mitch and his Corporate Executive Dad. Stacy Bellward, podcast host, reads this resource-filled blog post.

Key Takeaways:

Reasons why unconditional love can transform your children’s lives
Discover how God’s Spirit and supportive community help you love unconditionally

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How to Handle Meltdowns: Grace-Based Approach

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

If your child melts down over seemingly nothing, and you wonder how to handle meltdowns, this episode is for you! Josh shares how he transitioned from frustration to curiosity during a meltdown with his teenage son. After completing our Discipline That Connects course, Josh had new tools he needed when his son got upset over a simple bowl. Instead of reacting with anger, he responded with grace, creating a sense of safety, love, and connection. His story shows the practical, real-world application of the Connected Families Framework in those challenging parenting moments we all face.

We’re working to double the Table Community this month, which means we need six new superhero supporters every day to keep these life-changing resources available for overwhelmed parents everywhere. Josh’s transformation occurred because he had access to biblical, research-informed parenting tools through Discipline That Connects—and when you join The Table at connectedfamilies.org, you receive the same course, plus ongoing support through webinars, devotionals, and community. As Josh discovered, this framework can “so significantly impact your family for generations to come.” Will you join us in making that possible for more families?

Key Takeaways:

Learn just how much a pause and creating a safe space can impact an escalated meltdown
How choosing to say, “I’ve got all kinds of grace for that,” turned into laughter, and prayer together through a tough season

Guest Bio

Josh Keller is a certified Parent Coach through Connected Families and Spiritual Life Director at Community Christian School in Willmar, MN. After two decades in ministry, he’s passionate about helping families discover the transformative Connected Families framework that revolutionized his own parenting. Josh and his wife Rachel, have three kids and co-founded The Freedom Center MN.

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In Case You Missed It:

What if we could share unconditional love even during those challenging moments of discipline? Yesterday, we took a sneak peek at how we can do this in Discipline with Love: Showing Love When Your Child Acts Out.

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Discipline with Love: Showing Love When Your Child Acts Out

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

Today on the Podcast :

In this mini-episode, host Stacy Bellward shares a helpful 7-minute clip from Session 4 of Connected Families’ Discipline That Connects online course, where Jim and Lynne Jackson offer a perspective shift: misbehavior is actually an opportunity for unconditional love. Every parent knows the frustration of dealing with the same challenging behavior over and over—and how easy it is to unintentionally communicate “you’re a problem” when what we really want our kids to hear is “you are LOVED no matter what.” Drawing from Jesus’ example, Jim and Lynne share practical strategies for discipline with love, helping you show up in a way that keeps the connection going.

Key Takeaways:

When kids regularly misbehave, parents can naturally feel frustrated, which can lead to communicating unintentional messages
Including affection and empathy during challenging moments helps to promote unconditional love

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In Case You Missed It:

Whatever you need right now, Jesus is enough—He is your peace in chaos, your strength in weakness, and your wisdom in uncertainty. Last week, we dove right into becoming a safe parent, discovering how one grandparent practices meeting the needs of the moment just as Jesus meets us in ours, in Parent-Child Connection: From Shutdown to Safety.

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Parent Child Connection: From Shutdown to Safety | [Mini-Episode]

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only!💥

What do you do when your child resists eye contact when trying to engage in conversations about their behavior? In this mini-episode, Parent Coach Laurie Shaffer offers some suggestions for navigating parent child connection during these challenging encounters. She shares an honest moment she experienced with her 3-year-old granddaughter. In this episode, you’ll discover how she practiced connection and presence in the moment, ultimately empowering her granddaughter with helpful tools she could use next time.

Key Takeaways:

How deciding to be present can be more powerful than immediate correction
See a real-life example of how connection before correction helps to bring lasting change

Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community

Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here.

Guest Bio

With over 25 years in pastoral ministry alongside her husband, Laurie Shaffer has facilitated parenting classes and mentored moms through MOPS/MomCo groups. After raising three biological children, they began fostering and adopting. Connected Families became the answer to their prayers as they were now parenting children who had experienced trauma. Laurie is a Connected Families Workshop Speaker, based in Michigan.

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In Case You Missed It:

Parenting with Grace is definitely a journey of discovery. Two moms share their journey of how transforming their own responses has impacted their homes in Parenting with Grace: Overcoming Shame and Anger [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Parenting with Grace: Overcoming Shame and Anger | [Mini-Episode]

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

Hear from two moms navigating the challenging parts of parenting. Clare shares her journey of learning to give herself grace and model it for her children. Ami opens up about confronting unexpected anger toward her young child. Through vulnerable storytelling, both moms share how transforming their own responses has become the key to creating lasting change in their families. They have discovered that effective discipline begins with looking inward rather than focusing solely on their kids’ behavior. Through this work, they have gained practical tools to break destructive patterns. Let’s hear their superhero stories!

Key Takeaways

The Modeling factor: How children mirror what they see, not what they hear, only
Explosive moments of anger often come from something deeper, requiring intentional healing

Guest Bio

Ami Wickiser
Ami Atkins Wickiser is a writer and blogs at https://whenmercyfoundme.com/. She began writing about tragedy as a way to process her thoughts after her first husband, Jon, passed away in 2013. Ami is married to her second great love, David, and they have four children. The Wickisers serve at their church in Waterloo, Illinois.

Clare Koens
Clare Koens loves helping ministry parents strengthen their relationships with their children. Originally from the UK as a trained primary teacher, she has spent most of her adult life supporting missionaries and their families in the South Pacific. As a Connected Families Parent Coach, Clare’s cross-cultural family experience, conflict resolution skills, and trauma-informed care provide both personal and professional insights for effective parent coaching. For more information about her coaching, please visit https://ckparenting.weebly.com/.

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As we continue our superhero month, don’t miss Katie Johnson’s real-life story of how a misplaced backpack turned into a moment of connection and growth. Listen here: Positive Discipline Examples: Handling A Lost Backpack | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

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Positive Discipline Examples: How One Mom Handled Her Child's Lost Backpack | [Mini-Episode]

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only!💥

What does a backpack have to do with parenting? Well… Katie Johnson, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, shares how her 6-year-old son’s misplaced camp backpack turned into a moment where the Connected Families parenting framework guided her. In today’s episode, listen in to discover how to intentionally apply this grace-filled approach to everyday moments, providing positive discipline examples that lead to lasting connections and growth in your family.

Key Takeaways

Build a solid foundation over time using the CF parenting framework as your guide
Avoid coming across as “fast, large, and loud”
Use daily moments to practice long-term wisdom-building

Guest Bio

Mentioned Today:

In Case You Missed It:

If you’re still learning the value of safe parenting, you’re not alone, and there’s always grace to learn. Hear how God showed one dad the value of safety in yesterday’s mini-episode: Learning from Parenting Mistakes: How God Taught One Dad the Value of Safety.

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!

Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend!

I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Learning from Parenting Mistakes: How God Taught One Dad the Value of Safety | [Mini-Episode]

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

In today’s episode, Dr. Bo Bryson shares an incredible real-life superhero moment that will inspire every parent! Explore how parenting mistakes can profoundly impact our understanding of what it truly means to be a “safe place” for our children. This practical mini-episode will help you confidently communicate “you are safe with me” to your children at home.

See how Dr. Bo’s commitment to being safe led to beautifully connected relationships years later —love the photo of their thriving family with kids who are now teenagers! Plus, learn why his transformation inspired him & his wife to become long-time monthly supporters, passionate about ensuring more families have access to the same life-changing parenting support they received.

Key Takeaways:

“You’re always welcome home.” – The phrase that changed everything
The best parenting lessons happen when you’re NOT studying parenting
Being “safe” isn’t about agreement—it’s about being heard, understood, valued, and known

Guest Bio:

Dr. Bo Bryson has owned Trinity Chiropractic for over 20 years and authored two books: Create a Trinity Lifestyle and Benefits of the Cross. A cum laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College, he received the Clinical Excellence award and holds a degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University. Dr. Bo lives in Lincoln, NE, with his wife Jennifer and their four children. His life verse is Joshua 1:8.

Mentioned Today:

In Case You Missed It:

Ever wonder why discipline moments spiral out of control so quickly? Yesterday’s mini-episode will help shed some light on why this happens. Don’t miss it: The Neuroscience of Meltdowns: Kids’ Stress Response Explained [Mini-Episode]

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!

Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend!

I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

The Neuroscience of Meltdowns: Kids' Stress Response Explained | [Mini-Episode]

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:00:00 +0000

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table at $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only!💥

Welcome to Superhero Month! We’re launching an exciting series with micro-episodes six days a week, because you are an everyday hero—cape not included! Ever wonder why discipline moments spiral out of control so quickly? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we explore kids stress response and take a sneak peek into the principle that transforms chaotic conflicts into connected conversations: kids learn best when they feel safe. Join Jim and Lynne in an excerpt from the Discipline That Connects online course, as they unpack what true safety looks like and gain practical wisdom along the way.

Key Takeaways:

Why “fast, large, and loud” backfires (even when it seems to work)
The neuroscience behind emotional meltdowns
How to shift from fear-based compliance to heart-level learning
Practical tools to become the safe parent your child needs

Mentioned Today:

Connected Families Framework: A Stewardship Story of Growth and Grace

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

In this special “virtual family time” episode about the Connected Families Framework, you’ll hear Jim and Lynne Jackson join Stacy Bellward (host) for a fun conversation about the incredible growth and impact of Connected Families over the past 20+ years. Using the biblical parable of the talents as their start, Connected Families founders share how they’ve stewarded the ministry’s explosive growth, particularly in the last five years, and cast a vision for the future of grace-filled, Christ-centered parenting resources. Listen in and be a part of our family!

Key Points:

How zero advertising turned to 2.2 million podcast listeners, and more
From prison cells to peaceful homes: one mom’s testimony that changed her family trajectory
Vision casting for 2030

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table Community, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

NEW ON THE PODCAST: Tap “Follow” in your menu so you don’t miss out! Next month, we are dropping 6 mini-episodes every week, all bite-sized pieces of our core content: Discipline That Connects. Each episode is 15 min (or less).

Guest Bio:

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

What Works When "Calm Down!" Doesn't: How to Help Your Angry Child

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder how to help your angry child? Don’t worry, so do many others. This podcast is all about equipping you with practical tools and perspective on dealing with your angry child. Join Stacy Bellward and guest Julie Maas, a certified Connected Families Parent Coach and former RN, as they address the deeper patterns of intense anger, and emphasize the importance of parental compassion. Listen in, because we are all in this together!

Key Points:

Gain perspective about how your kid’s anger can stem from deeper needs and ways to approach those needs
Learn about the brain science behind anger
Why leading with grace and following with truth is a strategy parents can use while dealing with anger
Discover ways to practice skill building during calm moments

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Julie is a Board Certified Nurse Coach and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach with 30 years of nursing experience. As a mother to biological, foster, and adopted children, she specializes in supporting families navigating trauma, ADHD, and complex behaviors through her business, Anchored Parent Coaching.

You can help your child with their anger.

Learn how to break the addictive anger cycle. Get the FREE ebook, Helping Kids With Anger.

Angry Mom Help: Building Emotional Capacity for Out-of-Control Rage

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:08:00 +0000

If you’re searching for angry mom help because you feel like you’re constantly apologizing to your kids for losing your temper, you’re not alone. In this powerful episode, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy, creator of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast, to provide real solutions for mothers who feel out of control.

Key Points:

Discover what’s really underlying your angry outbursts
Learn the powerful phrase Elizabeth uses out loud in front of her kids when chaos hits
How to stop trying to control your kids and redirect toward the one thing you can control—yourself

Mentioned in this podcast:

FREE resource: How to become a patient mom so you stop screaming over spilled milk
Connected Families Anger eBook
Emotionally Healthy Legacy
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

Elizabeth is a mom of four, an anger management coach for Christian moms, and the podcast host of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast. With a deep passion for emotional wellness and mental health in motherhood, she helps stressed Christian moms break free from explosive anger and cultivate peace in their homes. Elizabeth empowers women to respond with patience, calm, and emotional regulation by building a Christ-centered legacy of emotional health for the next generation.

You can help your child with their anger.

Learn how to break the addictive anger cycle. Get the FREE ebook, Helping Kids With Anger.

Game-Changing Family Ministry Ideas for Churches of Any Size

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 03:34:00 +0000

Hear how one Minnesota church partners with Connected Families for family ministry ideas that truly equip and support their families. In this episode about partnerships, Stacy Bellward (host) and Cindy Wilson (Connected Families Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager) are joined by special guests Justie Vavra and Megan Thorp to discover how the transformative Connected Families Framework is available to anyone to bring to their communities. If you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or ministry leader, listen in to learn how you can make an impact in your sphere of influence.

Key Points:

Summer church attendance exploded in Minnesota. What did they do?
How high schoolers are applying the CF Framework with sensitive kids
How one parent can impact the entire church culture

Mentioned in this podcast:

Connected Families Certified Parent Coaching Program
Connected Families Ministry Partnership Program
Book: How to Grow a Connected Family by Jim and Lynne Jackson
Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course
Book: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart by Jim and Lynne Jackson
Sensitive and Intense Kids Online Course
Grace and Truth for Parents Online Course
Discipline That Connects in the Classroom

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

Megan Thorp:
As a parent coach, Megan helps parents gain confidence and create homes where everyone feels valued and connected. She’ll equip you with skills to build lasting relationships with your kids and bring more peace and joy into your family. Megan has a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and is a Certified Parent Coach through Connected Families. She enjoys time with her husband and 3 kids. Connect with Megan at: megan@connectedfamilies.org or here. Connect with Megan at: megan@connectedfamilies.org or here.

Justie Vavra:
Justie Vavra is a devoted mother of three (ages 8, 10, and 11) and has been married to her husband Chris for 15 years. A former elementary school teacher, she now serves as Executive Pastor at Mercy Hill Church, which partners with Connected Families. Justie is passionate about guiding the next generation and nurturing connection and growth within her family and community through God’s grace and truth.

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

El Don Escondido: Una Perspectiva Esperanzadora de la Mala Conducta

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 03:10:00 +0000

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de una de las herramientas para entrenar a tus hijos. Esta herramienta te ayudará a tener ojos de fé en medio del mal comportamiento de tus hijos y encontrar los dones que Dios ha puesto en ellos.

Temas mencionados en este podcast:

Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza.

¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos!

Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!

¿Necesita un recordatorio?

Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios.

Comprar el Imán

Acerca de Esther:

Acerca de Luisa:

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW!

Youth Sports Parents: How to Transform Every Game into a Discipleship Moment

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 03:33:00 +0000

Youth sports are shaping our kids’ lives in profound ways. Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, join us in today’s conversation to explore how parents can transform the youth sports experience into powerful discipleship moments that align with God’s design for our families. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just loves to play for fun, this conversation will equip you with biblical wisdom to help sports strengthen your kid’s character.

Key points:

Discover ways that the sports culture is discipling your kids
Learn a game-changing mindset shift to love faithfully within the youth sports system
Parents, get equipped with ideas for using youth sports as a mission for God

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. His latest book is Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife, Amy, have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio. Ed can be found at: X: @uszynski32 Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3

Brian Smith is the author of several books including his latest Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies from Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids.

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

LEARN MORE

Practical Ideas to Navigate Back-to-School Stress

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 03:01:00 +0000

Back-to-school stress is a real thing! Lynne Jackson sits down with Certified Parent coaches, Jason and Jewelia Jacobs, to encourage us through this back-to-school season. Parents themselves, the Jacobs’ know firsthand the various stressors this season can bring to families. Packed with resources, this episode is one you’ll want to have your pen and paper ready for as they fill us with hope in communicating to our kids: “You are Safe, Loved, Called and Capable, and Responsible!”

Key Takeaways:

The Foundation Shift: How to cast our cares on the Lord and not our children
The brain benefits of sleep and how Proverbs 27 can help us in the morning
Discover how to equip your kids with their purpose during the school day
Learn how to turn grades into character-building tools

Mentioned in this podcast:

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Guest Bio:

Parents of three girls, Jason and Jewelia Jacobs, found Connected Families after trying many other parenting approaches and resources. Jewelia brings a background working with families of children with special needs in both professional and ministry spaces. Jason is experienced in training and working with children, families, and teachers. They both work to bring grace and healing, while helping families lead with confidence and intentionality.

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

LEARN MORE

Back-to-School Transition Tips for Sensitive Children

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 02:48:00 +0000

In today’s podcast we offer many practical tools and back-to-school transition tips for sensitive children. Whether it’s you or one of your kids, we all know someone who has woken up on the “wrong side of the bed.” Hear from Stacy, our host, and Occupational Therapists Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, as you discover how to think through your daily rhythms in unique ways to help balance the sensory needs of your family this back-to-school season.

Key Takeaways:

Practical ideas to meet your kids’ unique morning needs
How your kid’s backpack can become a regulation tool
Ways that code words, chocolate, and swings can help you throughout the day
Learn to navigate picky eating at dinner

Mentioned in this podcast:

Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist (OT) with a background in pediatrics and home health. She is also a homeschooling parent, and her company, Homeschool OT, was established in 2019. She focuses on helping parents make the match between the homeschool and their children’s current skill set, all while working toward what their children specifically need and want to do to occupy their time. She does this by consulting, teaching, building community, and communicating at conferences.

Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents to encourage and bring hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to better equip parents and caregivers. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

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Impact: The Unexpected Global Parenting Movement Changing Lives Worldwide

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:58:00 +0000

In this exciting episode, we explore how Connected Families has evolved from a Minnesota-based ministry into a global parenting resource for families worldwide. Host Stacy Bellward, along with Chad Hayenga, Connected Families Education and Equipping Director, is “visiting” other countries to share with you the impact the Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches are having on a global scale. Listen in to hear the testimony of how grace-centered, gospel-focused parenting translates across cultures.

Key Takeaways:

The story behind an “accidental” global movement of Connected Families
How an Ethiopian workshop drew 450 leaders
Hear how our God is answering Finnish believers’ prayers for revival

Mentioned in this podcast:

Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Chad Hayenga joined Connected Families in 2005. He is married to Carma and has three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chad oversees parent coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide.

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

LEARN MORE

Conflict Resolution for Kids: Take Advantage of Summer to Hone These Priceless Skills

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:12:00 +0000

Everybody needs conflict resolution skills, but it shows up particularly for kids during the summer when they’ve got more free time to hang out with siblings and neighbors. What does conflict resolution for kids look like? Today we’re welcoming back Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Nicole Gillette and Lyssa Stoyko to discuss how to view summer as an ideal opportunity to teach your kids conflict resolution skills. They walk us through the practical, four-step peace process that takes the overwhelm out of conflict. In this episode, you’ll learn how to guide your kids from crazy mountain to reconciliation meadow!

Check out this video preview for what you’ll learn in this podcast.

Key Points:

Sometimes we can have unhelpful beliefs about conflict, and it can be encouraging to shift those beliefs toward viewing conflict as an opportunity for growth.
The peace process helps us move our kids from “Crazy Mountain” to “Reconciliation Meadow.”
Parents are responsible for teaching and guiding children through conflict, but the conflicts are theirs to resolve.
Helping siblings see and focus on the good about each other can be helpful when relationships are in need of connection.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Lyssa Stoyko is a wife, foster, and adoptive mama of three children who are six, six and a half, and seven years old. Her house is active and noisy! She is also a Connected Famlies Certified Coach. Along with her parent coaching company, she hosts the podcast “Moms Take Ten.”

Nicole Gillette is a teacher, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, and founder of the non-profit Raising Wonder, with experience supporting educators, families, and children. After working for over a decade in a wide variety of schools, Nicole now focuses on equipping adults with tools for connection, communication, and confidence as they raise and love the kids in their lives. She is also helping lead a local nonprofit that offers an indoor playspace designed to foster community and play-based learning for young children and their caregivers. Nicole is a mom of two kids! You can also find Raising Wonder on Facebook and Instagram.

Special July Offer

Join The Table this month and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sibling Conflict online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family.

Join Today!

Beyond Summer Boredom: Creating Rhythms With Your Kids In Mind

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:13:00 +0000

Through today’s podcast, feel equipped with parenting ideas that transform chaotic summer days and summer boredom into opportunities for family connection and growth. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward interviews Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Nicole Gillette and Lyssa Stoyko. They share real-world and practical wisdom for summer success with kids at home during the break.

Check out this video preview for what you’ll learn in this podcast!

Key Points:

Acknowledging your beliefs and expectations about summer can mean addressing how it looks different from what you expected, and that’s okay.
Maintaining routines and flexible structure can help kids during the summer
Scheduling activities that intentionally help posture your family for success by balancing what they need and what you are able to provide as a parent
Using questions and narration can be really helpful during challenging times of transition

Mentioned in this podcast:

Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Lyssa Stoyko is a wife, foster, and adoptive mama of three children who are six, six and a half, and seven years old. Her house is active and noisy! Along with her parent coaching company, she hosts the podcast “Moms Take Ten.”

Nicole Gillette is a teacher, Connected Families certified parent coach, and founder of the non-profit Raising Wonder, with experience supporting educators, families, and children. After working for over a decade in a wide variety of schools, Nicole now focuses on equipping adults with tools for connection, communication, and confidence as they raise and love the kids in their lives. She is also helping lead a local nonprofit that offers an indoor playspace designed to foster community and play-based learning for young children and their caregivers. Nicole is a mom of two kids! You can also find Raising Wonder on Facebook and Instagram.

Special July Offer

Join The Table this month and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sibling Conflict online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family.

Join Today!

Move Beyond Homeschool Stress: Practical Ideas That Promote Peace

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Homeschooling can be delightful, beautiful, and an amazing privilege! It can also be hard. You can move beyond homeschool stress and experience peace in your home. Today we’ve got Marni Love and Amy Nyvall, homeschool moms and Connected Families certified parent coaches, here to address the real challenges homeschool families face daily. From sibling conflicts, pushback during lessons, and the toxic beliefs about ourselves and our children, they share vulnerable stories and practical strategies for creating a peaceful learning environment.

This episode serves as an introduction to their upcoming LIVE Homeschooling Webinar “Homeschool Discipline: 4 Ways to Cultivate Calm, Connection, and Confidence“. In the webinar they’ll dive deeper into practical tools for homeschool families seeking to apply the Connected Families Framework.

Key Points:

Common challenges homeschool families face that are different than the ideals in our minds
Replacing toxic beliefs about yourself and your children with grace-filled truths that you review regularly
Practical strategies for handling pushback and emotional moments during lessons
How the concept of “slow, low, and listen” can help families when tensions rise during the day
Creating margin in your school day for connection and conflict resolution

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Amy Nyvall is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who lives near Portland, Oregon, where she homeschools her kids ages 14,11, and 9 and leads a vibrant Charlotte Mason Education Community. Contact Amy at amynyvall@gmail.com or learn more about her here: https://connectedfamilies.org/coaches/amy-nyvall/. Amy is available for coaching and speaking on the Connected Families Framework.

Are math lessons causing meltdowns?
Is your homeschool calendar overwhelming everyone?

Join experienced homeschool moms and Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Amy and Marni for a transformative webinar designed to help you move beyond daily power struggles by fostering genuine connection and nurturing your child’s confidence.

Learn how to connect before you correct, coach your kids toward responsibility, and create a peaceful, joy-filled learning environment.

How to Be the Caring Father You've Always Hoped to Be

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 03:54:00 +0000

In honor of Father’s Day, Jim Jackson and Mike Tobie have a conversation about empathy. Mike Tobie shares his authentic journey in developing grace and empathy with his family. This powerful conversation explores how showing God’s grace and empathy can be applied in equipping our children and how that models Christ to them. In this episode, you’ll discover the transformational healing that can happen when parents move toward their children in a way that connects with their hearts.

Key Points:

Offering understanding helps our children feel safe and supported rather than alone and ashamed
Understanding God’s unconditional grace can deepen our capacity to extend empathy and grace to our children
These principles of empathy can apply to marriages, ministry, and all other relationships as we become “a light of the Gospel.”

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Rate this podcast to help others discover the show easily!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Born and raised in Chicagoland, Mike has been in Sacramento, CA for 10 years. He has been married to Kelly for 9 years, and they have three children, ages 1, 3, and 6. Mike has been in full-time sport ministry for the past 3 years, and is preparing to move to Guatemala this summer to launch a sports ministry. He is currently in Phase 2 of the Connected Families Parent Coach Program.

Parenting is 24/7. Parenting resources and support should be too.

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Join our monthly donor community, The Table, to bring Christ-centered help and hope to families daily.

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Screen Addiction: Prevent & Combat It by Giving a Big YES to Your Kids

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 03:13:00 +0000

Even if your kids aren’t struggling with screen addiction, Connected Families co-founders Jim and Lynne Jackson want to help you shift the conversation away from a big “No” to a big “Yes!” In this episode, you will discover how to apply this transformative approach to managing screen time in your family. Listen in to help your children find their God-given purpose and calling beyond screens!

Key Points:

Jim and Lynne share how their initial parenting approach toward screens escalated with their son, leading them back to the Foundation level of the framework
Mutual accountability with daily screen usage creates trust and open dialogue in a world where screens are here to stay
Helping your children discover real-world activities that align with their God-given gifts

Mentioned in this podcast:

The Mindful Marriage by Ron & Nan Deal and Terry & Sharon Hargrave
Driver’s Training for Social Media Online Course
Screens Webinar with Matt & Jill Reed
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures
1 Corinthians 6:12
Luke 2:52

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

We’re experiencing the biggest communication shift in history—and most of us haven’t had guidance. Until now.

If you want a clear roadmap for today’s digital world, less screen time, more meaningful offline moments, and a media plan that truly works… this course is for you.

Learn More & Register!

How to Talk to Your Kids About Porn

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 03:57:00 +0000

Today we’ve got the author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, Kristen A. Jenson, here with us to help us navigate how to talk to your kids about porn and protect them. Stacy and Kristen discuss how parents can proactively prepare children to recognize and reject pornography in our digital world. Listen in to be equipped to start the conversation with your kids.

Key points:

Start conversations about pornography as soon as children access the internet, even at ages 2-3.
Talking with kids about porn must include 3 key parts: defining, warning and making a plan
Understand the ways pornography can lead to addiction, increase vulnerability to abuse, and distort healthy views of relationships.
Use age-appropriate resources: books and tools make these difficult conversations easier and provide structured language for you to use

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Rate this podcast to help others discover the show easily!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Kristen A. Jenson is the founder of Defend Young Minds and best-selling author of the Good Pictures Bad Pictures series of read-aloud books. She is also the executive producer of the Brain Defense: Digital Safety curriculum and the owner and CEO of Glen Cove Press, LLC. Kristen is a positive voice for raising empowered, resilient, screen-smart kids who know how to reject pornography. Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and her master’s degree in Organizational Communication. She is a mother of three and grandmother of two, and currently lives with her husband and awfully cute dog in Washington State. Connect with Kristen at:

defendyoungminds.com
Facebook: DefendYM
Instagram: @DefendYoungMinds
X: @DefendYM
LinkedIn: @DefendYoungMinds

We’re experiencing the biggest communication shift in history—and most of us haven’t had guidance. Until now.

If you want a clear roadmap for today’s digital world, less screen time, more meaningful offline moments, and a media plan that truly works… this course is for you.

Learn More & Register!

Kids & Technology: How to Navigate the Constantly Shifting Landscape

Mon, 26 May 2025 04:03:00 +0000

Screens cause issues for families everywhere! The full scope of what social media is in today’s world is complex and can be overwhelming. It goes way beyond the typical social media platforms and games we usually hear about. That’s why we’re bringing in Matt & Jill Reed, founders of Know Curtains, who have created an online course for parents to help you parent wisely and put you in the driver’s seat around technology. The Reeds share insights from their “Driver’s Training for Social Media” course, discussing how families can work together to develop healthy digital habits. Matt & Jill emphasize the importance of what we model as parents and creating fun alternatives when it comes to kids & technology.

Key Points:

Parents and kids can work as a team to manage technology, rather than parents simply imposing rules
Kids observe parents’ screen behaviors from a very young age, so your modeling is crucial
Social media is far more than just the popular social networking sites
Intentionally growing your family’s fun and engaging activities without screens

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Know Curtains was founded in 2024 by Matt and Jill Reed. As parents, they saw a huge void in tech resources for families and made it their mission to see past the hype, curate news that keeps tech wizards honest, and produce independent resources to render the public powerful. Tech Insight and Guidance for the Rest of Us. No hype. Know curtains.

In their first online course, “Driver’s Training for Social Media,” you and your family will learn how to navigate the digital world safely, manage screen time, and avoid online traps with a customizable plan you create together. Find it online at training.knowcurtains.com.

Matt & Jill are filmmakers with nearly twenty years of experience in media and communications, plus a rich background in pastoral and volunteer ministry. They have two boys, and they’re based in Minnesota. They love food, travel, history, and sharing adventures on their @wildgooselife YouTube channel.

We’re experiencing the biggest communication shift in history—and most of us haven’t had guidance. Until now.

If you want a clear roadmap for today’s digital world, less screen time, more meaningful offline moments, and a media plan that truly works… this course is for you.

Learn More & Register!

How to Love Your Stepchildren Well with Ron Deal

Tue, 20 May 2025 03:42:00 +0000

In this bonus episode, Jim Jackson and Ron Deal discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of blended families through the lens of the Connected Families Framework. Ron, a bestselling author and host of the Family Life Blended podcast, shares his 30+ years of expertise in step-family dynamics. The conversation explores how step-parents can build emotional safety with children who may be resistant to new relationships. Ron emphasizes that safety must precede love, explaining that children often bristle against a step-parent’s affection due to grief, loyalty conflicts, or simply not being ready for that relationship.

Key insights include:

The importance of “pacing” with children at their readiness level
How step-parents can acknowledge their role without trying to replace biological parents
Practical approaches to discipline and household rules when facing resistance
Building respectful relationships with biological parents in the other household

Mentioned in this podcast:

Galatians 6:1
Romans 12
The Smart Step Family – Ron’s comprehensive book on blended family dynamics
Building Love Together in Blended Families – Ron co-authored with Gary Chapman, integrating love languages with step-family principles
FamilyLife Blended Podcast
The Smart Step Family video curriculum – Email blended@familylife.org for free online access
The Mindful Marriage
Certificate in Blended Family Ministry – online training through FamilyLife

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Ron is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed marriage and family therapist, podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife®. In addition, Ron is one of the most widely read and referenced authors on blended families. His latest #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mindful Marriage, coauthored with his wife Nan and Terry and Sharon Hargrave brings the proven principles of Restoration Therapy to a mass audience. The Deals live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org.

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

LEARN MORE

The Emotionally Distant Marriage: Don't Stay Stuck

Mon, 19 May 2025 03:49:00 +0000

Do you feel like you are in an emotionally distant marriage? In this special episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson interview Ron and Nan Deal about their new book, The Mindful Marriage, which combines biblical foundations with brain science. The authors vulnerably share how their marriage hit a crisis point after 20 years, leading them to seek help from a therapist (who later co-authored the book with them). They explain how our “pain cycles” develop from childhood and manifest in four reactive coping styles: blame, shame, control, and escape. The conversation explores their four-step process for moving from destructive pain cycles to “peace cycles.” This approach isn’t just for marriage but applies to all relationships as it’s fundamentally about discipleship—bringing your best self to relationships by following Jesus.

Key points:

How family-of-origin issues affect marriage
Four reactive coping styles when triggered
Breaking free from destructive pain cycles
Nurturing your marriage “us-ness”

Mentioned in this podcast:

The Mindful Marriage by Ron & Nan Deal and Terry & Sharon Hargrave
FREE: Learn your reactive coping style
Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 7

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

Married since 1986, Ron and Nan Deal are the authors of The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself, as well as popular marriage conference speakers. Ron is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife. Nan retired from teaching after 25 years and currently works for a Christian non-profit ministry. They have three sons, a daughter-in-law, one grandson, and a Golden Retriever and live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org.

Parenting is 24/7. Parenting resources and support should be too.

You’ve experienced the confidence, clarity, and calling of biblical parenting wisdom. Your support makes this transformation possible for others.

Join our monthly donor community, The Table, to bring Christ-centered help and hope to families daily.

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El Poder de la Empatía en la Disciplina

Tue, 13 May 2025 03:10:00 +0000

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de cómo la empatía es la llave al corazón de tus hijos en momentos de mal comportamiento. Y de cómo esta llave te ayudará a guiarlos mejor.

Temas mencionados en esta pódcast:

Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza.

¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos!

*Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!*

¿Necesita un recordatorio?

Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios.

Comprar el Imán

Acerca de Esther:

Acerca de Luisa:

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Navigating Infertility & Loss: A Conversation with Julie Fowler

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Julie Fowler, speaker and bible curriculum writer, joins us for a meaningful conversation about her journey of infertility and the resources she’s created for other couples coping with infertility and loss. Julie shares how scripture helped her in her grief and how she wove her faith into intentional community connections that served as a lifeline during her years of loss and struggle. Whether you’re supporting a friend or infertility is part of your personal story, you’ll find helpful wisdom in this conversation.

Podcast Key Points:

A raw, honest account of one woman’s journey through infertility to parenthood
Practical ways to maintain faith while acknowledging grief during difficult seasons
Specific strategies for building supportive relationships by clearly expressing your needs
Information about valuable resources designed specifically for those navigating infertility

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! *

Guest Bio:

Julie is a curriculum writer, speaker, pastoral care leader, and executive director of Julie Fowler Ministries.

Through her years of infertility, failed adoptions, miscarriages, premature birth and loss of identical twins, Julie became devoted to helping women and couples find hope through the Scriptures and connection with others in the same trial. She founded, wrote curriculum for, and led an infertility and miscarriage ministry for over 20 years that hosted over 50 groups, locally and nationwide.

Author of two Bible Studies, Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Loss, and a husbands’ study, Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope, Julie has spoken for MOPS International and The NEST and on the Don’t Mom Alone and Join the Journey podcasts. She helps churches and lay leaders start infertility ministries that share God’s heart for the hurting.

Julie and her husband reside in Dallas, Texas, and are the parents of three children. They have experienced the blessing of growing their family through both biological and adoptive routes. Connect with Julie at: juliefowlerministries.com. Or on social media at Instagram and Facebook.

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

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The Secret Superpower Every Parent Needs: The Art of Listening

Mon, 05 May 2025 04:41:00 +0000

In this episode, Megan Thorp, MA and Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, joins us to explore why listening is the jet fuel in our relationships with our kids. We examine how effective listening can bridge the disconnect between us and our kids and foster emotional intelligence. We also talk about the importance of being present, understanding underlying beliefs, and the spiritual aspect of listening as a reflection of God’s character. And finally, we share practical tips for improving your listening skills and the hope that it’s never too late to grow in this essential skill.

Key Takeaways:

Listening communicates to kids that they are valued, liked, and that you care about what’s happening inside them
Active listening builds relational influence that becomes crucial during challenging moments
Active listening grows your child’s confidence by showing them they are “called and capable”
God models perfect listening for us – He is fully present, understands our circumstances, and feels what we feel.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

As a parent coach, Megan’s desire is to come alongside parents and help them gain confidence and equip them to lead their families. She will help you create an environment in your home where everyone feels valued and connected, and skills for you to build a relationship with your kids that will last long after they leave your home. She strongly believes that you are the expert on your child, and I would love to walk with you as you bring more peace and joy into your home.

Megan has a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Bethel University and is a Certified Parent Coach and Parent Coach Trainer through Connected Families. She loves to spend time with her husband and 3 kids. Connect with Megan at: megan@connectedfamilies.org or here.

How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini-Course

Struggling with yelling at your kids?

Transform your approach in just 10 minutes a day for four days with this mini-course. Blend brain science, biblical wisdom, and “slow, low, and listen” strategies to foster a safer connection with your children.

Brain Science for Parents: How to Return to Joy When You Feel Like Yelling

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 03:19:00 +0000

We chat with Chris Coursey from THRIVEtoday to discuss “return to joy,” a crucial skill for moving from reactive parenting to thoughtful responses. Chris explains the three-step process of feeling, sharing, and quieting emotions, while offering strategies to increase your emotional capacity during challenging interactions with your kids. The conversation highlights the brain science behind emotional regulation and provides tools to recognize when you’re slipping into “enemy mode” and how to return to your relational self. Plus, learn how you could win a copy of Chris’s latest book, 4 Habits of Joy-Filled People.

Key points:

Discover how you can recover from strong emotions and “return to joy”
Understand how much emotional weight you can carry at any given time
Learn to recognize when you’re in your best, relational state versus when you’ve slipped into a reactive state
The three-step process Chris teaches: Feel your feelings, share your feelings, and calm your feelings

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Take a moment to rate and review the podcast!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

For over 30 years, Chris has been developing and practicing brain-based solutions to train people, families, and communities to make relationships work. Chris started his career specializing in severe trauma and abuse, and also pastored a small congregation in Michigan for several years. Chris is a published author with over ten books in print, including The Joy Switch. He co-authored his most recent book, The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled People. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Jen, and their two sons, Matthew and Andrew. In addition to studying, writing, jogging, and exercising, he enjoys the outdoors and is one of the rare people who actually likes the snow in Michigan.

Website: https://thrivetoday.org/
Podcast: https://thrivetoday.buzzsprout.com/
The 4 Habits Books: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-series/

How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini-Course

Struggling with yelling at your kids?

De la ira a la paz: Cambiando la forma de criar

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 03:05:00 +0000

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de cómo Dios está cambiando a sus familias a través del marco de referencia y la ayuda práctica que trae el primer nivel de “Cimiento.” Podrás escuchar cómo “ir lento, relajar el cuerpo y escuchar” hacen la diferencia en la crianza y te ayudarán a pasar de la ira a la paz.

Temas mencionados en este podcast:

Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza.

¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos!

*Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!*

¿Necesita un recordatorio?

Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios.

Comprar el Imán

Acerca de Esther:

Acerca de Luisa:

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Want to Stop Yelling at Your Kids? Try Slow, Low, & Listen

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:26:00 +0000

Listen in as Jim & Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founders, teach the parenting concept “Slow, Low, & Listen.” This simple tool can help you develop and maintain an emotionally safe presence for your kids. Jim and Lynne will equip you with the understanding you need to apply the concept next time you feel your emotional temperature begin to rise. You’ll learn how shifting from reactive, intimidating responses to kind, firm engagement can dramatically improve your relationship with your child..

Key Points:

Why kids learn best when they feel safe
How to move from “fast, large, & loud” to “slow, low, & listen”
The brain science behind emotional escalation during conflict
How emotions are contagious between parents and children
The fight-or-flight response and its impact on parent-child conflict

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review on your favorite platform.

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest bio:

How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini-Course

Struggling with yelling at your kids?

Attachment Myths Busted: How Your Attachment Style Shapes Everything

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:35:00 +0000

Listen in as we talk with Dr. Nicole Wilke about attachment and its profound impact on family relationships. Dr. Wilke, a researcher, missionary, author, and marriage and family therapist, shares about attachment styles and explains how attachment shapes not just our parent-child relationships but establishes the pattern for how our children will approach all future relationships. Learn how understanding your own attachment style can break unhealthy patterns and create secure connections with your children. Dr. Wilke also shares practical, everyday strategies that can build stronger bonds and transform family dynamics for generations to come.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Dr. Wilke’s Books: Overcoming: What Science and Scripture Say About Resilience and Caleb Koala’s Comeback Ride
Attachment Webinar – Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 12 pm CST. Register Here!

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Help other parents find our show–take a moment to rate and review!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

Nicole Wilke, Ph.D., is a researcher, missionary, author, and marriage and family therapist dedicated to improving care for vulnerable children and families globally. She currently serves as Director of the Christian Alliance for Orphans’ Center on Applied Research for Vulnerable Children and Families, bridging research and practice to improve care for vulnerable children and families around the globe. Her passion for this work stems from her family’s experience with adoption and fostering. Having lived on four continents, Nicole currently resides with her family in Peru, where they work to improve the system for children in alternative care.

How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini Course

None of us feel good about habitually yelling at our kids. Shifting our approach is hard and is the important foundation work needed to communicate, “You are SAFE with me.”
Invest just 10 minutes a day just four days with this mini-course that blends brain science, Biblical insight, and practical “slow, low, and listen” strategies for daily life. Your heart and mind can find a new path to connection with your kids.

Emmanuel in the Ambulance: How God Shows Up in Our Darkest Hours

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:13:00 +0000

In this episode, listen in as Brendon and Naomi Yoder share how they’ve maintained faith through multiple hardships, including the loss of their infant daughter, Taliyah. They describe modeling authentic faith by letting their children witness their reliance on God during difficult times and recount moments how God shows up consistently during their darkest hours. The episode concludes with the Yoder children sharing Bible verses that reveal their understanding of heaven as a real place where their sister awaits them.

Key Points:

How to model authentic faith through life’s challenges
Ways to navigate grief with children
Finding resurrection hope amid family trauma and loss
Experiencing God’s presence in unexpected ways during dark times

Mentioned in this podcast:

Blog post: My Child’s Loved One Died; What Do I Do Now?
Hebrews 4:15-16
John 11:38-43 (story of Lazarus)
John 16:33
Ephesians 4:1-3
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Help other parents find the show–take a moment to rate and review.

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

Brendon and Naomi Yoder are Connected Family Certified Parent Coaches. They are parents to three wonderful kids, ages 12, 10, and 8. They found Connected Families early in their parenting journey. They are missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators, and Naomi is a full-time homeschool mom.

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

LEARN MORE

Retained Primitive Reflexes: Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Development | Ep. 222

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:38:00 +0000

Is your child struggling with emotional regulation, sitting still, or the feel of their clothing? These challenges could be linked to retained primitive reflexes. In this episode, Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founder and occupational therapist, explores this topic with Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Amy Nyvall and Courtney Dewey. They explain how these automatic movement patterns should naturally integrate during infancy but can remain active, causing developmental challenges. They also share their families’ success stories and practical, playful integration strategies. Lynne, Amy, and Courtney mention an abundance of resources to help you learn more and provide reassurance that it’s never too late to address retained primitive reflexes.

Key Points:

What are primitive reflexes, and what purpose do they play in development
The typical timeline for integrating reflexes
How retained reflexes can cause trouble in a child’s everyday functioning
What to do first if you’re wondering if your child has a retained reflex

Mentioned in this podcast:

Sensitive & Intense Kids online course
Connected Families Framework
Reflex Integration Through Play and Exercise
Kokeb McDonald website
Brain Balance Centers
Disconnected Kids by Dr. Robert Melillo
Family Hope Center
Healing Your Child’s Brain by Matthew and Carol Newell
Vision Therapy
Occupationaltherapy.com
Harkla Clinic
Romans 15:13

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Love this episode? Take a moment to rate and leave a review!

Guest Bio:

Amy Nyvall is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who lives near Portland, Oregon, where she homeschools her kids ages 14,11, and 9 and leads a vibrant Charlotte Mason Education Community. Contact Amy at amynyvall@gmail.com or learn more about her here: https://connectedfamilies.org/coaches/amy-nyvall/. Amy is available for coaching and speaking on the Connected Families Framework.

Courtney Dewey, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, combines her knowledge of strengths-based leadership with the Connected Families Framework to help parents recognize the gifts of God in themselves and their children. She helps foster compassionate, connected relationships between struggling parents and children. You can contact her for coaching at coachingwithcourtneyd@gmail.com or here: https://connectedfamilies.org/coaches/joe-and-courtney-2/

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

LEARN MORE

Demand Avoidance: When Is My Child's Pushback Actually Pathological?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 03:56:00 +0000

Have you ever asked your child to do a simple task, only to be met with an explosive reaction? In this episode, we interview Lydia Rex, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Lydia will help you step into your child’s shoes and understand how you may accidentally trigger your child’s nervous system. She also shares insights from her experience as a mom and parent coach on how you can adjust your communication style if your child struggles with demands and the loss of autonomy.

Key points:

What is PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Pervasive Drive for Autonomy), and how it affects children’s nervous systems
How the Connected Families Framework supports children with demand avoidance
Practical tools for parenting children who struggle with demands
The importance of focusing on long-term heart change rather than immediate compliance

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Help other parents find the show–take a moment to rate and review.

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families Framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books.

Laura Way felt like she was drowning as a young mom overseas. She really feels that God provided Connected Families for her when she needed it most. She’s thrilled to be on the team to help offer hope & help to others! Laura and her husband live in Florida with their two elementary-aged daughters. In her free time, Laura loves to read in her hammock or have coffee with friends.

SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH!

Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family.

I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

From Slamming Doors to Peace: How to Calm a Dysregulated Child

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:43:00 +0000

In this episode of the Connected Families podcast, we explore how to calm a dysregulated child with insights from Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches Alan and Corrie Thetford. Together they share how they evolved from demanding immediate calm to modeling self-regulation, creating playful learning opportunities, and viewing emotional outbursts as chances to experience God’s grace.

NOTE: This content is for every parent. Even if your kids don’t seem to fall into the category of sensitive and intense, the concepts that we teach are helpful for all families because everyone encounters big emotions, sensitivities and challenging behavior at some point.

Key points:

Shifting from control to connection
Biblical foundation for parenting
Four-step approach to teaching self-regulation
Reframing conflict as opportunity

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Take a moment to rate and review!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Alan and Corrie have four children and are Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

BONUS: Introducing The Table - A New Path to Transformative Parenting

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:26:00 +0000

In this bonus episode of the Connected Families podcast, host Stacy Bellward and Executive Director Anna Braasch announce the launch of The Table, a new monthly donor community aimed at providing sustaining support for Connected Families resources.

Together they highlight the growing global reach of Connected Families, with more parents engaging with their Christ-centered resources and an increasing number of Certified Parent Coaches worldwide. The episode emphasizes how Connected Families’ tools foster deeper connections with God and within families.

This is your invitation to join The Table. Will you pull up a seat and join us?

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest bio:

Anna Braasch has been with the Connected Families team since 2013 and has served as Executive Director since 2015. She is passionate about expanding the Connected Families’ vision of “turning the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous” (Luke 1:17). You can read more about Anna and the rest of the Connected Families team on our Ministry Team page.

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH!

Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family.

I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

From Quirky to Distressing: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:27:00 +0000

If you’ve got a child who complains about the volume of the microwave or who won’t venture into the living room without turning off the overhead lights, this conversation on sensory sensitivities is for you! Listen in as Stacy Bellward interviews Lynne Jackson (Occupational Therapist and Connected Families Co-Founder) Together they dig into parenting sensitive and intense children, focusing on sensory processing challenges. Lynn emphasizes trusting parental intuition and explains how sensory issues can be potential gifts when managed well.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Take a moment to rate and review!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table and other donors whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

Lynne Jackson, OTR is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents to encourage and bring hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to better equip parents and caregivers. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy.

SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH!

Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family.

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In Your Child's Shoes: Why Is Empathy Important?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 04:39:00 +0000

If you feel like you’ve “tried empathy” and you’re not a fan of the results, tune into this conversation about what empathy is and why you need more of it in your life. In this episode of the Connected Families podcast, where host Stacy Bellward and Heidi Eaton (Podcast Manager) have a transparent conversation about the role of empathy in parenting. Together they explore the challenges parents face in nurturing empathy, acknowledging that it might not always come naturally.

Key points:

Empathy is a skill we can learn, not a talent we’re born with.
A calm brain is essential for true empathy.
Caring about feelings doesn’t mean agreeing with behavior.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Blog post: Why Little (and Not-So-Little) Kids with Big Emotions Benefit From Big Empathy
Podcast: Ep. 193: Agape Love: The Surprising Time Your Child Needs It Most
Video: “Feeling Understood Was All He Needed”
Sensitive & Intense Kids online course
Connected Families Parent Coaching
Romans 12:15
Hebrews 4:15
Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child by Dr. John Gottman

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Heidi Eaton and her family have experienced the transformational power of the Connected Families messages for many years. She loves being on this team and spreading hope and intention to other parents. Heidi and her husband Tim have 3 children and have been married for over 20 years. When Heidi is not managing the podcast, she loves spending time in nature and baking.

SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH!

Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family.

I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Mom Burnout, Tired Dads, & the Soul Care Remedy

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 04:31:00 +0000

*This resource was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

For followers of Jesus, soul care isn’t optional. For burned-out or overwhelmed parents, it offers a rare lifeline. In this podcast, Stacy Bellward chats with Connected Families certified parent coaches Taylor Irby and Amy Nyvall about the vital importance of spiritual self-care while parenting. Through both challenging “valley” seasons and smoother periods, they emphasize that nurturing one’s relationship with God isn’t about fixing problems but creating space to receive His presence. Whether through simple practices like prayer during shower time or scripture reading, maintaining spiritual groundedness is essential – especially when parenting sensitive and intense children.

Key takeaways:

Connecting with Jesus first is key to effective parenting.
Developing practical soul-care habits brings peace amid chaos.
Reframing challenges as growth opportunities deepens reliance on God.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Sensitive & Intense Kids course
Connected Families Parent Coaching
Book reference: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Lectio Divina app (here is one example)

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Take a moment to rate and review!

*This resource was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Amy Nyvall and her husband, Andrew, have been married for 16 years and live among the fir trees outside Portland, Oregon. They enjoy outdoor adventures as much as possible and have a blast homeschooling their three intensely creative, adventurous, and active children. In her spare time, you’ll find Amy encouraging moms and homeschoolers, learning alongside the kids, or slipping away to read from a stack of her own books. Amy is passionate about creating a family culture that equips our children to be prepared to serve the Lord in the days ahead. She is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and has personal experience and knowledge in the sensitive and intense space. You can connect with her for parent coaching at: amynyvall@gmail.com.

Taylor Irby is a mother to 5 kids, and she understands the struggles parents face. Every day she faces ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and adoption trauma. She too has sat in the trenches and searched the world for answers. Taylor read book after book and got excited over methods that were short-lived. That is when she hit the wall of desperation and sought parent coaching through Connected Families. Taylor ultimately became a coach through their training program to help others like her. She has seen a transformation in her home through working with a framework that has changed not only her children’s behavior but their hearts as well. You are not alone on this parenting journey. There is hope, and you can enjoy your children, build that relationship you have wanted, and see behavior change. You can learn more about Taylor at taylorirbycoaching.com and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylor.irby.5 and Instagram @taylorirbycoaching

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

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BONUS: 5 Powerful Reasons to Press Play & Transform Lives

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:03:01 +0000

Have you thought of leading a small group through one of the Connected Families video courses? This episode will answer your questions.

Small groups help combat parental isolation and create supportive communities for lasting family transformation. Host Stacy Bellward discusses the opportunity to lead Connected Families small groups with guests Pam Thompson (Certified Parent Coach) and Jacquie Danz (Small Group Coordinator). Together they discuss the benefits of small groups and answer frequently asked questions.

Key Points:

Leading a group is simplified to facilitating discussion and playing videos
No expertise required – content is provided by Connected Families experts
Cost savings: Individual course is $140 vs. $55 per household in groups
Groups provide accountability and deeper learning through community
Full support provided to leaders through Connected Families resources

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Pam Thompson is a licensed Family and Early Childhood Educator and a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. She is a mom of two young adult children and “like a mom” to two young adults who have experienced extensive trauma. Because of her education and experiences, she especially enjoys encouraging and supporting parents of young children, parents of young adult children, parents of kids from hard places, and teachers.

Jacquie Danz is the Marketing & Small Group Coordinator at Connected Families. She first discovered Connected Families over a decade ago and now enjoys being part of the team sharing Connected Families with everyone. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring coffee shops with her husband, reading anything she can get her hands on, and spending time with her lovely teenage daughters.

Take the course that was made for your family.

Got a child with extra big emotions? We get it. And we want to support and equip you. Raising an intense and sensitive child isn’t easy, but it can be filled with hope.

LEARN MORE

The Science Behind Building Unshakeable Kids

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 04:23:00 +0000

Dr. Nicole Wilke is back in this episode to explore another layer of building resilience in kids–affirming character development. Dr. Wilke shares practical wisdom on speaking healing words to our children and fostering resilience through appropriate levels of challenge and support. In addition, Stacy highlights how you can use the ABC’s of Affirmation tool to practice what the Bible and brain science teach us about resilience.

Key Takeaways:

Creating margin and proper rhythms can help you speak more wisely
Challenges build resilience when paired with appropriate support
Focus on one character trait at a time as a family
Model the character you want to see, including confession when you fall short
Affirm success and help your children understand the “why” behind character development

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate today to keep Christ-centered resources coming your way!

Love what you hear? Take a moment to share this episode with a friend.

Guest Bio:

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Your Marriage Isn't Broken: It's Growing

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:06:00 +0000

Got questions about marriage? Feeling like, “My marriage is broken”? Join Jim and Lynne Jackson as they candidly answer real questions about marriage from parents like you. They touch on everything from balancing time for one another with parenting to avoiding “parenting” your spouse and navigating your differences. Jim and Lynne share share their journey of learning to drop judgments, connect intentionally, and maintain hope through difficult seasons. Listen in for some laughs, encouragement, and wisdom for doing life together.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Blog post: How I Avoided a Full-blown Affair
Blog post: Family Meetings
The On-Purpose Person by Kevin McCarthy
Power of Questions online course
Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart book
Sensitive & Intense Kids online course
Romans 15:13

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Help others discover our podcast–take a second to rate the show and leave a review.

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest bio:

Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

LEARN MORE

Why 'Kids Are Resilient' Is Only Half the Story

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 03:33:39 +0000

**Content warning: this podcast discusses mental health issues, including suicide.**

Whether you’re dealing with tantrums or teen anxiety, you won’t want to miss this honest, down-to-earth conversation with Josh and Rachel Keller (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) as they dive deep into the topic of building resilience in children. As therapists and educators, they share practical wisdom on why kids aren’t naturally resilient and need to learn this essential life skill.

Key takeaways:

Why the common phrase “kids are resilient” can be misleading
How to help children process difficult emotions in healthy ways
Practical strategies for building resilience while maintaining connection
The spiritual component of developing resilience
Why protecting kids from all hardship can backfire

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Become a Connected Families Donor today, and link arms with others who are passionate about building relational and spiritual health in every family and the future body of Christ.

Take a moment to rate the podcast and help other parents discover the Connected Families Framework.

Guest Bio:

Josh and Rachel are a married duo from Central Minnesota. They believe that teenagers are a wonder to behold, not a problem to be fixed. They have been married for 15 years, with three kids, one dog, a bunny, and a bird. After becoming CF Certified Parent Coaches, they launched The Freedom Center MN, a mental health practice in Willmar, MN.

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW!

Words That Shape Hearts: The Art of Blessing Your Kids

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 03:54:00 +0000

You won’t want to miss parent coaches Chad Hayenga and Katie Johnson exploring the meaningful practice of blessing your kids. They unpack what “blessing” meant throughout the Bible and what your heart needs to receive so that you can bless your children. And, of course, they offer plenty of ideas about when and how you can start practicing blessing your kids today.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Become a Connected Families Donor today, and link arms with others who are passionate about building relational and spiritual health in every family and the future body of Christ.

Take a moment to rate the podcast and help other parents discover the Connected Families Framework.

Guest Bio:

Katie Johnson is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach living in Madison, WI, with her family. After receiving her M.Ed. from Valparaiso University, she worked for many years in education and is now on the homeschool journey with her three young children. Find out more about Katie and parent coaching here.

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Power of Affirmation: 3 Ways Your Words are Life-Giving

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 03:11:00 +0000

Does your child get discouraged? Does it feel like your child’s misbehavior seems to drown out the positive things you might notice? There is science behind the power of affirmation. You can learn to shine a bright spot on the small things that go well and begin to unravel this cycle of discouragement in your child. And it will bring encouragement to you as a parent, too! In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) shares a powerful and practical tool she created called the ABC’s of Affirmation.

Mentioned in this podcast:

How have you used the ABC’s of Affirmation with your kids? We’d love to hear your stories! And don’t forget to check out our website for more great resources! Need more encouragement or help? Please contact us; we are here for you!

Guest Bio:

Transform Your Next Group Gathering

What if your next gathering left parents feeling equipped, encouraged, and hopeful? That’s exactly what Connected Families workshops do. Led by CF Certified Parent Coaches, these sessions bring practical, biblical wisdom on topics like discipline and sibling conflict straight to your community. Learn more and book a speaker today.

Bring Hope To Your Community

Rest for the Weary: Simple Spiritual Rhythms for Parents

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 04:17:00 +0000

In this episode, Connected Families staff discuss the scriptures and spiritual practices that have helped them stay connected to God in the past year. They also share their vision for the coming year and their commitment to providing “bite-sized” encouragement to overwhelmed parents. Listen in for a few simple ideas on staying centered on your Good Shepherd as you lead your family with grace.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Lynne’s Scripture Card box

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels the work to transform families. Give a gift to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate the podcast and help others find it.

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

3 Principles to Help Your Child Calm and Regulate

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode on calming for kids, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) talk with Stacy about what role parents play in helping their kids calm down. This conversation especially has sensitive or intense kids in mind, and the principles shared are paired with practical examples and stories from parents who’ve tested the ideas. Plus, we’ve got a free PDF for you: 50 Calming Activities (with ideas for engaging each of the senses).

Mentioned in this podcast:

50 Calming Activities PDF

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Did you find this episode helpful? Share it with a friend, and leave us a review!

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

Beyond Obedience: One Mom's Journey from Desperation to Connection

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 04:22:00 +0000

In this podcast we chat with Danika Delello, who shares how desperate she was for help when dealing with her strong-willed child’s frequent, lengthy tantrums. She talks about switching her parenting mindset from an obedience-focused approach to one based on connection and grace through the Connected Families Framework. Danika relates how this shift allowed her to be present in a loving, affectionate way during her child’s difficult meltdowns and gave her insight into her own relation to God. We know you’ll relate to and feel encouraged by this mom’s journey to joy and connection.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Rate the podcast! It just takes a second and it helps other parents discover the show.

Guest Bio:

Danika Delello and her husband Jared live in central Virginia, where she homeschools their three children. They love hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, playing board games, and reading copious amounts of books. They always seek to become more like Jesus and be a family that exemplifies him to others.

Give Connection this Year

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Unwrapping Regret: Making Peace with a Parenting Fail

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 04:34:00 +0000

If you imagine your most recent parenting fail, do you cringe or just laugh? Do you wallow in shame or regret? Today, we’re talking with Dijea Young about moving beyond regret into hope. She shares experiences as a mom to 8, grandmother, and Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and explains helpful strategies for transforming regrets into opportunities, particularly during the holidays.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Dijea Young is a teacher, mother of eight, and grandma. For over 35 years, she has served children and families in a variety of roles. Now as a Certified Parent Coach, she combines her professional training and personal experience to help parents and grandparents nurture relationships across generations. For more information about Dijea or her services, visit www.Room4HopeCoaching.com or email Room4HopeCoaching@gmail.com

Give Connection this Year

Small connections create lasting love and trust. Your gift supports Christ-centered connection and transformation in families for generations to come.

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Moving to the Same Side of the Table: A Father's Journey

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 04:17:00 +0000

In today’s episode, Connected Families Co-Founder Jim Jackson interviews Stephen Freeman, a father of five, who shares how Connected Families impacted his parenting approach. Through coaching and practical tools, Stephen learned to see challenging behaviors differently and developed a deeper understanding of both parenting and God as Father.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Parent Coaching
Give the gift of connection this Christmas! Give to Connected Families today.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Guest Bio:

Stephen Freeman has been married to his wife Caroline for 13 years, and they have 3 biological kids and 2 bonus kids spanning from 15 to 1. They live in Jacksonville, Florida, and have been helped by the Connected Families framework for the last 5 years. Stephen is the founder of Kairos Digital, a marketing agency that helps good organizations do great things, and is a deacon and teacher at Awaken Church.

Give Connection this Year

Small connections create lasting love and trust. Your gift supports Christ-centered connection and transformation in families for generations to come.

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Better Parenting Starts Here: Reframing Negative Thoughts

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 03:11:00 +0000

If you’re not satisfied with what your parenting looks like today, maybe becoming a better mom or dad is more about reframing what you already do than finding new tips and tricks that “work” with your kids. In this episode, Connected Families Co-founders Jim and Lynne Jackson discuss the powerful practice of transforming discouraging mental “tapes” into grace-filled, constructive thoughts aligned with biblical truth. The Jacksons share practical examples of common negative thoughts like “This is just too much!” or “I shouldn’t have to deal with this!” and offer redemptive reframes that lead to greater connection with your kids and make room for God’s transforming work in your family.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out the Connected Families website for more resources to support your parenting!

Become a Connected Families Donor today, and link arms with others who are passionate about building relational and spiritual health in every family and the future body of Christ.

Take a moment to rate the podcast and help other parents discover the Connected Families Framework.

Guest bio:

Give Connection this Year

Small connections create lasting love and trust. Your gift supports Christ-centered connection and transformation in families for generations to come.

DONATE NOW

Holiday Boundaries & Expectations with Family

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 04:26:00 +0000

Wondering how you can set holiday boundaries and expectations for family gatherings? Are you looking forward to celebrating Christmas with family but dreading unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives? You are not alone. Changes in your daily routines, travel, lack of sleep, and large gatherings set the stage for parenting challenges. Sometimes, other adults in your family may scrutinize these difficult situations. This may lead to comments or questions that don’t feel supportive.

On today’s podcast, Chad Hayenga (Director of Education & Equipping) and Jenna Williams (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about navigating the holidays with relatives. They specifically address how you can respond when grandparents or other family members criticize you (or your children). Role-playing possible scenarios, Jenna and Chad bring humor and practical wisdom to you just in time for holiday gatherings.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

proactive strategies to intentionally prepare your family for upcoming gatherings, including evaluating your own expectations, having conversations with your children, and even having conversations with grandparents about their expectations
roleplays to help you navigate criticism, unhelpful comments, or harsh discipline by grandparents or other relatives
that you can model humility and the value of connection to your parents and kids during holiday gatherings and difficult situations

We hope you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Jenna Williams and her husband, Sam, have been married for ten years. They live in Colorado Springs, CO, and have three amazing children ages 3-7. Jenna is a registered nurse by trade and works in a postpartum unit. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and loves caring for and supporting families! Connected Families has been a true blessing for her and her family, and she is excited to share that blessing with others. You can find her on Instagram @jennawilliams0411.

Give Connection this Year

Small connections create lasting love and trust. Your gift supports Christ-centered connection and transformation in families for generations to come.

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Being an Adoptee: What It’s Like to Grow Up Adopted

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:38:00 +0000

Today we chat with Leah Sutterlin, an adoptee, adoptive mom, and adoption advocate, about being an adoptee. Leah shares how early separation affected her later relationships and attachment style and discusses the identity struggles she experienced growing up. She also explains how her parents’ supportive approach allowed her to openly process grief and embrace her adoption story. Listen in to gain insight to support adoptees in your life!

Mentioned in this podcast:

An Adoptee’s Perspective: What’s It’s Like to Be Adopted & How to Help
Connected Christmas Bundle – New Resource available with your gift of $35 to Connected Families

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Give a gift to Connected Families today and give the gift of connection to families looking for hope.

Rate the podcast–it only takes a second and helps other families find the show!

Guest Bio:

Leah Sutterlin has worked for several organizations in the adoption and foster care space, including the National Council For Adoption and the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). She is an adult adoptee currently residing in Sunnyvale, California, who tries to raise awareness about the value adoption can bring to families.

Give Connection this Year

Small connections create lasting love and trust. Your gift supports Christ-centered connection and transformation in families for generations to come.

DONATE NOW

Sleep Solutions for Tired Families: Expert Advice

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:01:00 +0000

Listen in as Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson and Christina Spaeth-Harrer, pediatric occupational therapist, share their expert insights on improving family sleep. From managing bedtime routines to incorporating sensory-friendly activities, Christina and Lynne offer practical tools for common sleep challenges. They also discuss the importance of emotional connection and integrating faith to build healthy sleep habits. You’ll feel equipped and encouraged to help your family rest well.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles (Sleep Ebook) – Free Download
Psalm 46:10
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

We invite you to join the transforming work God is doing in families across the globe. Donate to Connected Families today!

Got a second? Rate the podcast on your favorite listening platform!

Guest Bio:

Christina Spaeth has over 20 years of experience providing sleep consultation, holistic, sensory integration, developmental, and aquatic occupational therapy. She has worked in a variety of settings, including clinics, schools, group homes, foster care and home care, and private practice with children and adults. Christina lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children. You can learn more about the services she provides on her website.

Practical Classroom Management Strategies That Work

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 03:15:00 +0000

Are you a teacher working to create a nurturing classroom environment while managing behavior well? Whether you teach in a school or volunteer at church, this conversation is for you. Dr. Cindy Wilson, Partnership Program Manager at Connected Families, and Maggie Rocke, a kindergarten teacher, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, join us to explore how to effectively apply the Connected Families Framework in the classroom. Maggie shares practical applications for the classroom while Dr. Wilson explains how the 4 messages of the Framework can build resilience in students and address underlying issues they may experience. We’re excited for you to hear how the Connected Families Framework can transform classrooms.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Give a gift to Connected Families and support transformation in families around the world.

Help others discover the Connected Families Podcast–take a second to rate the show on your favorite platform.

Guest Bio:

Cindy Wilson, PhD., CFLE, is a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and a Certified Family Life Educator with 20+ years in ministry and academia. She helps churches and other organizations integrate the Connected Families Framework into their communities. Cindy lives in Florida with her husband of 31 years. They have three adult children, one son-in-law, one grandson, and a farm full of animals. Cindy’s specialties include leading parenting workshops on the Connected Families Framework and other topics, training children’s ministry volunteers, helping churches integrate trauma-informed practices into their ministries, and organizing church-based foster care ministries. You can find out more at http://www.familylifesolutions.org.

Maggie Rocke is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and teaches kindergarten at a Christian school. This is her 11th year in the classroom, having previously taught kindergarten, special education, and preschool. She loves utilizing the Connected Families Framework in the classroom and encouraging other teachers to do the same. She and her husband have an 8-year-old and a 6-year-old at home.

Overcoming: How Adversity, Challenges & Childhood Trauma Can Shape Our Children in Positive Ways

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:12:00 +0000

Dr. Nicole Wilke joins us to talk about what it takes to raise kids who can overcome everything from daily challenges to childhood trauma. Nicole discusses nurturing resilience by reframing challenges positively and the importance of fostering your child’s connection with God. She emphasizes modeling resilience for your kids and integrating resilience-building moments into your daily conversations and chores. Listen in to grow your understanding and feel equipped to help your kids become “overcomers” ready to face life’s challenges.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience by Dr. Nicole Wilke & Dr. Amanda Hiles Howard
Connected Families Partnership Program
Free webinar: Discipline That Connects in the Classroom

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Were you inspired by this podcast? Donate to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Resilient Children Are Raised, Not Born

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 03:42:00 +0000

Join us for a powerful conversation with Jim and Lynne Jackson about raising resilient children. They encourage you to focus on the process and long-term perspective of building character and identity rather than focusing on the result of the task at hand. Whether you’re dealing with homework struggles or life’s bigger challenges, you’ll feel equipped with hope and purpose to nurture resilience in your children.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Blog post: Know a Child Who Gives Up Easily?
James 1

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Were you encouraged by this podcast? Donate to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW!

BONUS: Exciting Podcast News!

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 03:10:00 +0000

You may have heard our exciting news: The Connected Families podcast has reached an amazing milestone – two million listens! 🎉

We’re touched by how many of you have tuned in from across the US and around the world over the past five years. Thank you for listening and sharing with others who could use a little parenting encouragement.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Were you encouraged by this podcast? Donate to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Ruth Chou Simons: Using Psalm 23 to Communicate God's Presence to Children

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 03:18:00 +0000

Author and artist Ruth Chou Simons chats about life with God, and her first children’s book, Home Is Right Where You Are. Ruth shares insights on pursuing God’s grace daily and passing it on to our children, emphasizing the importance of reminding kids that their true home is with Jesus. She explains how you can have meaningful faith conversations, using her book as a starting point, and encourages you to nurture your heart with God’s grace to guide your children toward their home in God.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Home is Right Where You Are
Foundations – Family devotional by Ruth & Troy Simons
Ephesians 2:8-10

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation makes this podcast possible. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate the show and help others discover The Connected Families podcast!

Guest Bio:

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including her new children’s book, Home is Right Where You Are, Beholding and Becoming, TruthFilled and Now and Not Yet. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through social media, and her online shop at GraceLaced.com, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

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The Flourishing Family: Don't Settle for Merely Surviving

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Jim and Lynn Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, chat with Dr. David and Amanda Erickson from Flourishing Homes and Families about their new book, The Flourishing Family: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Parenting with Peace and Purpose. The Ericksons share their journey of integrating Christ-centered theology with modern neuroscience to provide a holistic approach to parenting. They explore gospel-centered gentle parenting (while addressing common misconceptions) and reframe discipline as discipleship. Practical insights help parents build trust-based relationships with children.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

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Guest Bio:

Dr. David and Amanda Erickson are the founders of Flourishing Homes & Families, a ministry that educates, empowers, and equips Christian parents to lead their families through parenting principles rooted in Jesus’ teachings. With David’s background in theology and Amanda’s love for child development, they’re passionate about helping parents find harmony at the intersection of Jesus-centered theology and modern neuroscience.

David previously served as a pastor and spent fourteen years as a seminary theology professor. In 2023, he became president of Jacksonville College, where he guides the faculty and staff in preparing students to lead Jesus-centered lives that transform churches, communities, and the world. A former foster mom and pastor’s wife, Amanda is an artist with a free spirit and can often be found watercolor painting, sipping coffee on her front porch swing, making up silly songs for her two boys and dogs, and hiking the woods near their home on a little farm in East Texas.

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Give Yourself Grace with the Do-Over

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:12:00 +0000

In this episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson talk with Ruth Wharton about the transformative power of “do-overs.” They unpack how this practice mirrors the gospel by encouraging us to give ourselves grace, seek forgiveness, and mend relationships. They share the simple steps involved and how do-overs grow and evolve as your children do. By modeling grace and humility through do-overs, you can start to transform the culture in your home today.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

We are a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

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Guest Bio:

Based in Malvern, Worcestershire, Ruth Wharton is the first Connected Families Certified Coach in the UK. She is a mum of five and has a background in primary school teaching. She works part-time for a local charity supporting people with autism. Ruth worked alongside her husband for twelve years as they looked after 60 teenage boys in an English boarding school. She is passionate about parenting with grace and unconditional love. The Connected Families Framework has united her and her husband in the challenge of simultaneously raising our teenagers and toddlers. She’s loved seeing the benefits of connected parenting shape each of her children to become more confident, happy, and emotionally secure. You can find out more about coaching with Ruth at: https://connectedfamilies.org/listings/ruth-wharton/.

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Strengths and Weaknesses: What a Child's Misbehavior Tells Us

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 03:20:00 +0000

When faced with your child’s misbehavior, it’s tempting to focus on their weaknesses: poor emotional regulation, lack of self-control, or dishonesty. But what if you could see beneath these struggles to recognize the God-given strengths hidden within? At Connected Families, we affectionately refer to these strengths as “gifts-gone-awry.” Listen in as Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson sits down with 22-year-old Lucy Browning and her parents, Ted and Jill. Together, they share how identifying and nurturing Lucy’s “gifts gone awry” transformed her challenging behaviors into shining strengths that now bless others. Their story will encourage and inspire you.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Lucy’s Graduation Speech – Chaska High School 2020 (speech begins at 21:11)
Luke 16:1-8
Sibling Conflict online course
Parent Coaching

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

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Guest Bio:

Ted and Jill raised their three daughters in Minnesota, where Jill is an elementary school teacher, and Ted is a mechanical engineer. They are adjusting to life as empty nesters this fall. Their eldest daughter, Lucy, graduated from Wheaton College last spring and now lives in the Washington, DC, area. The Brownings are all about road trips and enjoy a good podcast!

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Discipline with Love

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Payoffs & Accidental Rewards: How to Focus on the Right Stuff | Ep. 194

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 03:56:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed bad behavior increasing the more you attempt to quell it in your child? You might be facing a situation of payoffs, accidental rewards or misplaced “focus fertilizer.” In this episode, Chad Hayenga and Jim Jackson unpack how parents often react and unintentionally reward undesired behavior. They demonstrate how shifting from frustrated reactions to genuine engagement can transform challenging moments into opportunities for connection and growth.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

We are a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to share this episode with a friend, or rate the show on your favorite listening platform.

Guest Bio:

Jim and Lynne Jackson are the Co-Founders of Connected Families in Plymouth, MN. With over 50 combined years of professionally helping families and a love for working in the church, Jim and Lynne have been dedicated to bringing reliable, God-centered, research-based parenting resources to all families since 2002.

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

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Discipline with Love

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Agape Love: The Surprising Time Your Child Needs It Most

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:30:39 +0000

Showing love is easy when your child is doing well, but what does it look like to extend selfless agape love to a child who is misbehaving? Listen in as Jim and Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founders, share about receiving God’s unconditional love and effectively passing it on to your child (in the midst of struggles!). This conversation is packed with scripture and practical tools to encourage and equip you.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Help others find the encouragement they need by sharing this episode with a friend or rating the podcast.

Guest Bio:

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

How to Talk to Your Child About Difficult Topics (Part 2)

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:05:00 +0000

Expanding on last week’s episode, Josh and Rachel Keller use role-plays to show how you can engage in a difficult conversation with your child. They offer insights for choosing a time and place that will help foster meaningful dialogue and highlight the importance of listening and empathy as you enter the conversation. If you’re feeling unsure about the weighty or awkward conversations you need to have, this episode will give you a boost in confidence and some practical ideas for a great, connected conversation with your child.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Every donation, whether big or small, empowers another family to parent with confidence and lead with grace. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a second to rate the show or share this episode with a friend. We’re so grateful if you do!

Guest Bio:

Josh and Rachel are a married duo from Central Minnesota. They have been married for 15 years, with three kids, one dog, a bunny, and a bird. After becoming CF Certified Parent Coaches, they launched The Freedom Center MN, a mental health practice in Willmar, MN.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

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How to Talk to Your Child About Difficult Topics [Part 1]

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:43:00 +0000

Whether it’s swearing, sex, racism, or a loved one’s choice, talking about difficult topics is a requirement of parenting. Listen in as Josh and Rachel Keller, MA, LPCC (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches), join us to share practical ideas for approaching difficult conversations with kids of all ages. In their light-hearted and humorous way, they encourage us to reflect, embrace the awkward, and lead with curious questions. You’ll feel encouraged and equipped for your next tough conversation. And don’t miss next week’s episode, where Josh and Rachel roleplay awkward and challenging conversations.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Every donation, whether big or small, empowers another family to parent with confidence and lead with grace. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a second to rate the show or share this episode with a friend. We’re so grateful if you do!

Guest Bio:

Josh and Rachel are a married duo from Central Minnesota. They have been married for 15 years and have three kids, one dog, a bunny, and a bird. After becoming CF Certified Parent Coaches, they launched The Freedom Center MN, a mental health practice in Willmar, MN.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

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Stop Power-Struggle Parenting

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 02:40:00 +0000

Three dads and parent coaches talk about power struggles and how to break the patterns of judgment and defensiveness that get us stuck in power struggles with our kids. Chad Hayenga, Jim Jackson, and Alan Thetford team up to discuss how you can shift from a mindset of control to one of grace and teamwork. Jim shares a personal story about realizing he was a “power-hungry dad,” and the group roleplays how you could shift away from power-struggle parenting in a common interaction about screens and chores.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Help others find our podcast–take a moment to rate the show!

Guest Bio:

Jim Jackson and his wife Lynne co-founded Connected Families in 2002 when they were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the parenting resources available to them as young parents. In addition to raising his three children, Jim has experience working with high-risk teens, parent coaching, and leading parenting workshops.

Alan Thetford and his wife Corrie have four children. They are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches and instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages. You can learn more about them on the podcast they host, “Building Wise Families.” or on their website.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

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How to Stop Arguing With Your Child With One Question

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 03:01:00 +0000

What if you could stop arguments before they started? If you’re curious about how to stop arguing with your child, you’ll want to listen to this podcast.

Stacy Bellward and Sara Paine are passionate that wise questions can stop you from arguing with your child. After all, Stacy even co-authored an online course on it. Today, they discuss one game-changer question in particular and share how this question can transform parent-child interactions by fostering curiosity, empathy, and connection. They also highlight the ways questions can change brain patterns. Through role-plays, they demonstrate how this approach can work with kids of any age, showing how it can diffuse tension and promote cooperation in everyday situations.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to share this episode with a friend or leave a review on your favorite listening platform.

Guest Bio:

Sara Paine is a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and has worked with kids of varying backgrounds for over 15 years. She is a credentialed teacher and a certified wellness coach. As a mom of 3 kids through both birth and adoption, it is her pleasure to tackle the challenges faced by families with young, sensitive, and intense kids. You can find out more about parent coaching with Sara here.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

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What’s Your Story? Join the Week of Sharing

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 03:55:00 +0000

This week, we chat with Joel and Mindy Bolitho, an Australian couple who’ve experienced transformation through the Framework. They talk about significant moments in their journey and how they spread the word about Connected Families in their community. Connected Families’ Director of Development, Adel Irwin, also joins the conversation to highlight the upcoming Week of Sharing (August 1-7) and how you can get involved.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Text the keyword “parenting” to 50155 to give to Connected Families
Become a Volunteer Advocate to spread the word about Connected Families during the Week of Sharing August 1-7
How has Connected Families impacted your family? Share your story here.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Guest Bio:

Joel and Mindy Bolitho live in Australia with their two wonderful daughters, who are in primary school and high school. Mindy recently earned her BS and works as a counselor in the drug and alcohol field, while Joel works as a Disability Support Worker. They also breed miniature schnauzers and have 10 chooks, which keep them busy and delightfully entertained.

Do you find bedtime, screen use, chores, and meals to be sources of frustration instead of connection?

The Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life online courseis designed to help you break free from the chaos and establish predictable daily rhythms that work for your family. With thoughtful, Biblical insights and practical, science-based ideas, you’ll learn how to grow connection, wisdom, and health in your kids.

ENROLL TODAY!

Food Struggles & Mealtime Madness | Ep. 187

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 03:36:00 +0000

Perhaps your child always sits politely at the table and eats their Brussels sprouts, but for the rest of us, especially with a food-sensitive child or two, food struggles in families are real.

Today we talk to Emily Meade, RD, LD, a dietitian who wants to help us recapture some of the connection and joy that can happen in the kitchen and around the table. Emily discusses the importance of teaching children that their bodies are uniquely created by God, and she shares strategies for encouraging kids to try new foods without pressure. She also gives plenty of practical tips for meal planning and involving children in food prep to grow connection, wisdom, and life skills in the kitchen.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation to Connected Families fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Help other parents find our podcast by leaving a quick review on your favorite listening platform.

Guest Bio:

Emily Meade is a wife and mama to three amazing kids, ages 6, 4, and 1-year-old. In addition to being home raising her children, Emily is also able to stay in practice as a Registered Dietitian doing one-on-one nutrition coaching part-time with a company called The Kôr Method. Emily enjoys cooking, gardening, staying active, serving at church, and spending time with her family.

Do you find bedtime, screen use, chores, and meals to be sources of frustration instead of connection?

ENROLL TODAY!

How the Happiness Trifecta Might Transform Chores

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 03:47:00 +0000

What if chores weren’t a constant struggle in your household? Join Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Marni Love and Corrie Thetford as they discuss the Happiness Trifecta and how it can transform the way chores are done at your house. The Happiness Trifecta is a group of brain chemicals you can tap into to make chores more enjoyable for your kids. Corrie, Marni, and our host, Stacy Bellward, share many stories about being playful and working as a team to boost these chemicals in our kids’ brains. They also highlight the need to understand each child’s unique challenges and the importance of celebrating a job well done.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Corrie Thetford and her husband Alan have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages. You can find out more about them at buildingwisefamilies.com.

Do you find bedtime, screen use, chores, and meals to be sources of frustration instead of connection?

ENROLL TODAY!

Screen Time and Kids: How to Say YES More Often, While Kids Have LESS Screen Time

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 03:50:00 +0000

If you’re struggling with screens and boundary setting with your kids, tune into this interview with Brittany and Kevin Hoffman. Their home has transformed as they’ve learned to ask questions, listen, and point to the bigger YES. If you’re not sure what it means to point to the bigger YES, this episode is for you.

Kevin and Brittany share how the Healthy Rhythms course shaped their approach to managing screen time for their five children and the ways they adjusted their own screen habits as a result. They also chat about how they use family meetings to explore the “bigger yes” with their kids. Kevin and Brittany acknowledge that managing screen time is an ongoing process that keeps evolving as kids get older, but their guiding principles stay the same.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review and help other parents find the Connected Families Podcast!

Guest Bio:

Kevin and Brittany met in Vacation Bible School when they were three years old, started dating at fifteen, and have been married for thirteen years. They have five children (ages 10, 10, 8, 6, and 2), one of whom joined their family through foster care. Kevin is a trial attorney, and Brittany finds daily uses for her Master of Education while homeschooling. They are natives of New Jersey by birth and have been permanently transplanted to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where they attend Trinity Church. Connected Families has been a significant influence on their ever-evolving journey through parenting, which they define as the mission field of making disciples at home.

We’re experiencing the biggest communication shift in history—and most of us haven’t had guidance. Until now.

If you want a clear roadmap for today’s digital world, less screen time, more meaningful offline moments, and a media plan that truly works… this course is for you.

Learn More & Register!

Developing a Screen Plan For Your Family | Ep. 132

How to Limit Screen Time with Healthy Habits & a Bigger YES

Let Creation Declare the Glory of God to Your Kids: Tips To Get Your Kids Outside More

What Do You Do with a Minecraft Addiction?

How to Be a Great Grandparent to your Grandkids (and Their Parents!)

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 04:13:00 +0000

Two grandmothers, Dijea Young and Cindy Stonestreet (who also happen to be Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) chat about the role of play in grandparenting and how they’re learning to be great grandmothers. Cindy and Dijea share personal stories about respecting their adult children’s parenting decisions and finding common ground, even in challenging relationships. They emphasize the power of intentional, joyful play in communicating love to their grandchildren and share examples of coaching grandchildren through conflicts. If you know a grandparent who would love to build more connection with their children and grandchildren, consider sharing this conversation with them.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Cindy Stonestreet, a grandmother of five, ages 3-8, has been involved with Connected Families for five years. As a result of seeking a Christ-centered and better way to discipline, she took the Discipline that Connects course, followed by parent coaching, and is a Certified Parent Coach. Cindy and her husband, Steve, are blessed to have full days, 2-3 times a week, with their grandkids. Cindy’s desire is to continually grow, little by little, as she implements the Connected Families Framework with her children, their spouses, and her grandkids. They live in Charleston, West Virginia, where Cindy is a full-time CRNA at Women and Children’s Hospital.

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

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Joyful Kids: What's the Secret?

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 03:23:00 +0000

Chris Coursey, author of 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, joins us to discuss why joyful kids are joyful and what you can do.

Do you feel like you’re often focused on problems and operating out of fear of what may happen? Chris explains how joy can give families the strength to navigate difficulties and overcome fear. He shares a personal story of overcoming fear-based parenting and unpacks the first habit of raising joy-filled kids: attunement. Chris emphasizes that taking care of yourself nurtures your joy and directly benefits the entire family. Listen in and learn how to grow joy in your home!

Mentioned in this podcast:

We’d love to hear from you! Send the podcast a birthday greeting.
Free PDF – Child Led Play and the Framework
4 Habits of Joy-Filled Kids book
Parenting Reminders Bundle – CF stickers, word art, and a magnet

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Jen, and their two sons, Matthew and Andrew. In addition to studying, writing, jogging, and exercising, he enjoys the outdoors and is one of the rare people who actually likes the snow in Michigan.

Website: https://thrivetoday.org/
Podcast: https://thrivetoday.buzzsprout.com/
The 4 Habits Books: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-series/

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

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The God of Play: Joyfully Embrace the Playful Side of God With Your Kids

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 04:29:00 +0000

Today, we talk with Joy Wendling, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and founder of Created to Play, about helping kids come to love God wholeheartedly. Faith can sometimes feel serious or heady, but God is also the God of play, and He created children to learn best through play. Stacy and Joy discuss the significance of modeling a joyful faith. Together, they share ideas for making God relatable through play with your kids. They emphasize how to bring God into everyday moments and ways to use scripture to gently guide and encourage your kids.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Enthusiastic. Passionate. Profound. Joy Wendling is a family pastor, writer, speaker, podcaster, certified parent coach, and founder of Created to Play. She has over 20 years of experience in children, youth, and family ministry and a Master’s degree in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. Her idea of relaxing is gazing at the mountains from her island home with an ice-cold Diet Coke and a good book. Joy lives in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys laughing and playing with her five daughters and husband. Get to know her better at createdtoplay.com and on her Playfully Faithful Parenting podcast.

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW!

How to Play with Kids Like a Therapist Would

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Two therapists chat about the benefits of play and how to incorporate play therapy into your family’s routine. The end goal: More connection with your child and a more regulated child. It’s a win-win!

In this podcast episode, Lynne Jackson, occupational therapist and Co-Founder of Connected Families, interviews Marlee Thomson, a mental health therapist and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. They discuss the brain science behind play and how it can develop connection and trust between you and your child. Marlee explains how you can incorporate “special playtime,” highlighting how your undivided attention and delight can nurture your child’s identity. Incorporating the Connected Families Framework every step of the way, Lynne and Marlee encourage you to begin this practice with the goal of being present rather than striving for perfection.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Free PDF from Marlee
Quote from parent coach Patty Wipfler, “Feelings that are felt fully are feelings that evaporate afterward.”
Psalm 147:11
Psalm 73:21-26
“Fix your face” podcast: Ep. 174 | Want to Connect with Your Teenager?

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Marlee Thomsen is an LCSWA who lives and works as a mental health therapist and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach in Durham, NC. She is working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist and is growing in her love for play therapy. In particular, she is passionate about teaching parents play skills and walking through the Connected Families framework with them to enhance the parent-child relationship. Additionally, she has experienced the impact of the Connected Families framework in her own family as she raises two toddler boys alongside her husband.

Stories of Transformation… from “Fixing” to Connecting

Mon, 27 May 2024 03:47:00 +0000

We chat with Lindsay Fauver, a mom from the Connected Families community, about her parenting journey with a child who experiences anxiety, sensory challenges, and challenging behaviors. Lindsay shares how she has gained new understanding and tools to support her child and stay calm when her daughter escalates. She also emphasizes the persistence required to implement positive changes and the role of scripture in sustaining her. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with parenting, you’ll find plenty of hope and practical ideas in this interview with a mom who’s been there.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Lindsay Fauver is a photographer by trade and a theologian at heart. She is deeply passionate about participating with the great Artist as she works to build a foundation of “belonging and becoming” with her little people, clients, and students. Lindsay loves writing, peonies, Pilates, design, earrings, and anything by the water. She longs for the day when her story of surrender is told in its fullness by the One who will permanently wipe away her tears.

Transform Your Next Group Gathering

Bring Hope To Your Community

How Authentic Community Can Equip Parents to Thrive

Mon, 20 May 2024 03:51:00 +0000

In this meaningful conversation, we talk to dads Matt Norman (author and President & CEO of Norman & Associates) and Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) about their experiences with authentic, vulnerable community. Matt shares his personal journey of seeking more meaningful connections while balancing the demands of marriage, parenting, and his career. He describes the evolution of his small group, which started as a way to socialize and study but grew into a space for supportive and sensitive sharing. Jim emphasizes the power of asking questions and genuinely seeking to understand others, rather than just offering opinions or advice. Both men reflect on the positive impact their authentic community has had on their personal growth, relationships, and even their children’s development.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Grace & Truth for Moms online course – register today!
Equimundo’s 2023 State of American Men survey data
Daniel 3
Galatians 6

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

We’re a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

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Guest Bio:

Matt Norman coaches and advises executives on how to build great people and culture. He is President & CEO of Norman & Associates, which offers custom coaching and consulting in the areas of talent strategy, personal effectiveness, planning, and goal alignment. Norman & Associates is also the largest North American provider of Dale Carnegie learning programs which help people improve how they communicate, lead, influence, and work together. He’s also the award-winning author of Four Patterns of Healthy People, and Lead with Influence: A Proven Process to Lead without Authority. Matt loves being a husband and father of three, enjoying shared activities like skiing, mountain biking, trail running, and music. You can find his articles on personal and organizational effectiveness at http://mattnorman.com.

Transform Your Next Group Gathering

Bring Hope To Your Community

My Co-Parent Sees Things Differently

Mon, 13 May 2024 03:46:00 +0000

What do you do when you disagree with your partner about how to parent? Perhaps it is even causing a rift in your family. You feel strongly about how to parent your kids but feel stuck on knowing how to encourage your co-parent to see things the way you do.

You are not alone! It is a very common struggle for many parents. Whether you are single parenting with an ex-spouse, married, or caring for grandchildren, this can be an emotionally charged topic.

Tensions over different parenting styles and philosophies can create stress in your relationship with your co-parent and affect your kids, too. You and your partner may both have good intentions, but your parenting ideals and how to implement them might be different.

In this podcast, we’re going to tackle this challenging topic. Stacy Bellward is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson (Co-founders of Connected Families) to discuss their experience as parents with very different personalities. You’ll discover how Jim and Lynne navigated their parenting differences, and what kept them connected in the process.

You can create an atmosphere of safety and connection for your co-parent and your children by using the Connected Families Framework, asking curious questions, focusing on your own heart, and looking for the best in each other. Your family environment can be a place where everyone is safe to learn and grow in grace and empathy for one another.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

the power of the Connected Families Framework in your relationship with your partner, or co-parent
questions you can ask your partner that invite conversation, connection, and openness instead of criticism
how to get to a nonjudgmental place where you can see your partner’s underlying strengths as a parent
offering grace and avoiding catastrophizing, knowing that God is working on behalf of your kids no matter the situation

Mentioned in this podcast:

Want to learn more?

You need consequences that work.

Because your kids aren’t perfect. Neither are you. That’s why you need a plan for discipling your kids in the hard moments.

Read the FREE ebook, Consequences That Actually Work.

What Causes You to Micromanage Your Kids?

Mon, 06 May 2024 03:26:00 +0000

Listen in as we talk with Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education and Equipping) about parental anxiety and micromanagement, and how these can negatively impact your relationship with your child. Chad and Stacy (podcast host) discuss common scenarios that trigger anxiety in parents and the resulting cycle that can leave the child feeling discouraged and resentful.

The conversation is filled with practical ideas for moving out of the cycle of anxiety and into new patterns of belief and ways of relating to your child. Whether your child is about to graduate from high school, or just starting to have responsibilities of his own, you’ll find wisdom and encouragement for today in this episode.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate to Connected Families today! Your donation fuels our work.

Did you find this episode helpful? Share it with a friend, or take a moment to rate and review!

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Make-It-Right Consequences for Kids

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 02:38:00 +0000

Start teaching your kids the first steps toward reconciliation and restoration by using “make it right” consequences in their relationships. Parent coach Amy Nyvall shares personal stories illustrating how she has taught her kids to take responsibility for their actions and restore relationships when they’ve done something wrong. Amy emphasizes the importance of creating space for both parents and children to process emotions and think through how to resolve conflicts. Throughout the conversation, Amy and Stacy discuss the Connected Families Framework and how focusing on restoration rather than punishment helps children develop wisdom and strengthen relationships.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Got a minute? Rate and review the podcast.

We are a listener-supported podcast! Donate to Connected Families today.

Guest Bio:

Amy and her husband, Andrew, have been married for 16 years and live among the fir trees outside Portland, Oregon. They enjoy outdoor adventures as much as possible and have a blast homeschooling their three intensely creative, adventurous, and active children. In her spare time, you’ll find Amy encouraging moms and homeschoolers, learning alongside the kids, or slipping away to read from a stack of her own books. Amy is passionate about creating a family culture that equips our children to be prepared to serve the Lord in the days ahead. She is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and has personal experience and knowledge in the sensitive and intense space. You can connect with her for parent coaching at: amynyvall@gmail.com.

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada (parte 2)

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 07:37:00 +0000

¡Escucha este segundo episodio especial del pódcast de Connected Families! Donde Luisa Wendt entrevista a Esther y Roberto Reich acerca del marco de referencia de Connected Families. Los tres son asesores en la crianza certificados por Connected Families y hablarán acerca de los últimos dos principios del marco de referencia (entrenar y corregir) para poder disciplinar a nuestros hijos de una manera que nos acerca a ellos y hace que nuestros vínculos sean más fuertes sin importar su edad. Escucharán ejemplos prácticos e historias cotidianas con las cuales muchos se podrán relacionar.

Esta conversación se desarrolla en dos partes. En el primer episodio hablaron acerca de los primeros dos niveles del marco de referencia de Connected Families para una crianza conectada que son: cimiento y conectar. Si no lo has escuchado te invitamos a hacerlo.

Temas mencionados en este pódcast:

Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza.

¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos!

*Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!*

¿Necesita un recordatorio?

Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios.

Comprar el Imán

Acerca de Esther:

Acerca de Luisa:

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada (parte 1)

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:19:53 +0000

¡Escucha este episodio especial del pódcast de Connected Families! Donde Luisa Wendt entrevista a Esther y Roberto Reich acerca del marco de referencia de Connected Families. Los tres son asesores en la crianza certificados por Connected Families y hablarán acerca de los 4 principios (cimiento, conectar, entrenar y corregir) para poder disciplinar a nuestros hijos de una manera que nos acerca a ellos y hace que nuestros vínculos sean más fuertes sin importar su edad.

Esta conversación se desarrolla en dos partes. En este episodio podrás escuchar la primera parte donde se hablarán de los niveles de cimiento y conexión. Escucharán ejemplos prácticos e historias cotidianas con las cuales muchos se podrán relacionar.

Temas mencionados en este pódcast:

Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza.

¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos!

*Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!*

¿Necesita un recordatorio?

Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios.

Comprar el Imán

Acerca de Esther:

Acerca de Luisa:

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

See Your Child’s Strengths in the Craziness | Ep. 175

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:04:55 +0000

Your kids, with all the wild moments they bring, are fearfully and wonderfully made. That means God gave them gifts and strengths. Listen to us chat with Courtney and Joe Dewey (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) about finding your child’s giftings and celebrating them. They emphasize the value of self-awareness as a parent, recognizing your strengths to be a more effective parent, and helping your children identify and develop their unique gifts.

Courtney and Joe share personal stories of how they have celebrated and leveraged their family’s different strengths, such as assigning chores based on each child’s interests and dividing playtime according to complementary strengths. The conversation highlights the idea that families can thrive by focusing on and cultivating each family member’s God-given strengths.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Guest Bio:

Courtney is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach with over a decade of experience in coaching leaders in ministry. Her mission is to equip the body of Christ to know the gifts God has given them, develop those gifts, and utilize them to bring Him glory and make their best contribution to the Kingdom of Heaven. She combines her ministry experience with 8 years of homeschooling her four kids to help parents identify the gifts in their children and parent them in a way that sets them up to live out Ephesians 2:10 and lean into Connected Families third message of “child, you are called and capable”. You can reach out to her directly at Courtney.Dewey@cru.org. She is certified in EQI, Birkman, Predictive Index, Core Clarity,

Joe is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. He has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and has served in full-time ministry with Cru in Leader Development and Human Resources since 2010. He has been a certified life coach since 2017. These experiences and more have molded him to lead with solutions. Whether it comes to ministry or parenting, he finds clarity in the midst of complexity that provides win-win solutions.

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Want to Connect With Your Teenager?

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:48:00 +0000

How can you continue to connect and maintain a relationship with your kids as they get older? You CAN connect with your teenager. If you’ve got teens, or will have them someday, listen to us chat with Rachel and Josh Keller about connecting to your teens.

In this podcast episode, Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Josh and Rachel (MA, LPCC) Keller share their wealth of experience with teens and offer guidance on nurturing relationships with older kids. They discuss three key ways to rally around your teens: remember, listen, and “yift” (being flexible and adaptable to meet teens where they are emotionally, even if it means letting go of your own agenda).

Together, Josh and Rachel explore teen brain development as well as the importance of active listening. Understanding these things will help parents respond with more patience and less shame. They encourage parents to practice being “unphased listeners” by preparing for potentially shocking statements from their teens. Throughout the conversation, Josh and Rachel offer practical insights, examples, and encouragement to parents, reminding them that they are not alone in the challenges of parenting teens.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Connected Families resources in Spanish
Certified Parent Coaches from around the globe!
Slow, low, listen tool
NEW! Connected Families Quick Guide for Parenting Cards
Power of Questions online course

Has this conversation encouraged you? Take a moment to share it with a friend or rate and review it on your favorite platform.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Become the Self-Aware Parent You Want to Be

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 02:51:00 +0000

Listen in as Chad Hayenga, Jim Jackson, and Alan Thetford talk about being safe for their kids.

Today’s podcast is extra-special! We have three dads who unpack the importance of being an emotionally safe parent, particularly focusing on the role of fathers. Our guest host, Chad Hayenga (Director of Education and Equipping), is joined by Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Alan Thetford (Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and Parent Coach Instructor), who share their personal experience and discuss the biblical foundations of emotional safety. Through their insight, we know you’ll be encouraged to grow safety and connection through everyday interactions in your home.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Has this conversation encouraged you? Take a moment to share this podcast with a friend, or rate and review it on your favorite platform.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Guest Bio:

Jim Jackson and his wife Lynne co-founded Connected Families in 2002 after becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the parenting resources available to young parents. In addition to raising his own three (now adult) children, Jim has experience working with high-risk teens, parent coaching, and leading parenting workshops.

Alan Thetford and his wife Corrie have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages. You can learn more about them on the podcast they host, “Building Wise Families.”
Website http://www.buildingwisefamilies.com/CFCoaching
Podcast https://buildingwisefamilies.com/podcast/

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

The Quick Guide for Parenting

It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace.

GET THE GUIDE

Max Lucado: Just In Case You Ever Feel Alone

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 02:59:00 +0000

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Max Lucado about loneliness and his new children’s book, Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone.

Feelings of isolation and loneliness are increasingly common, and the need for meaningful connection and reassurance is becoming more pressing than ever. In our recent conversation with pastor and author Max Lucado, we shared that 61% of Americans and an overwhelming 80% of those under 18 report experiences of loneliness. This growing epidemic of feeling isolated not only affects our mental health but also touches our spiritual well-being.

In the midst of this reality, in his gentle style, Max offers insights into the nature of loneliness and asks us to consider it from a spiritual perspective. He emphasizes the value of equipping young children with the vocabulary to express this complex emotion. His latest children’s book, Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone, helps children better understand that loneliness is a shared human experience.

Pastor Max encourages people experiencing loneliness to pray using scripture, and he highlights the promises of Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” and Matthew 28:20, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These biblical assurances are not just words but anchors for the soul that offer stability and hope.

To wrap up the conversation, Pastor Max read a passage from his book for our listeners. Through the tender narrative, his words aim to reassure young readers of the comforting presence of their parents and caregivers, as well as God, who is always with them. His words serve as a gentle reminder that no matter how isolated we may feel, we are all continually held in God’s care.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Enter to win Max’s new book and a stuffed bear
Bridge the Gap! Support the work of Connected Families to equip parents today.
Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado
Matthew 28:20
Hebrews 13:5
“Must-Know Loneliness Statistics”
“Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms“

Got a minute? Rate and review our podcast on your favorite platform!

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Guest Bio:

Max Lucado is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with
the heart of a pastor. His trade books all begin as sermon series at Oak Hills Church,
and his sermons all start with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on
Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by
Christianity Today, “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest, and the “Ted
Lasso of Pastors” by the Dallas Morning News. Max Lucado has penned more than 40
works of adult nonfiction, standing alongside dozens and dozens of bestselling
children’s books, gift books, Bible studies, commentaries, and collections. His books
have been published in 56 languages worldwide and regularly appear on bestseller
lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. He has more
than 150 million products in print published in 56 languages worldwide. Learn more at
MaxLucado.com.

“Things began to change when…”

Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families.

DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

Holy Week Activities to Nurture Faith in Kids of All Ages

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:06:00 +0000

In this episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Katie Wetsell (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) offer insights on how to engage children in the Easter story, emphasizing the Resurrection’s significance through traditions and conversation. They provide age-appropriate scripts for explaining Jesus’ sacrifice and suggest inclusive activities like the Resurrection Sunday Rock Hunt to make the concepts of sin and redemption tangible for kids. The key message is that Easter traditions, when intertwined with faith, can deepen everyone’s understanding and foster a sense of community and belonging.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Resurrection Sunday Rock Hunt Guide – Free, downloadable PDF provides a step-by-step guide to a meaningful family activity that helps children understand the significance of Easter.
John 14:1-3
Romans 3:23

Previous episodes featuring Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, Katie Wetsell

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Bridge the Gap! Donate to Connected Families by March 31st to make a meaningful impact for families in the coming year!

Guest Bio:

Katie Wetsell is the Connected Families online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their families with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org, and you can find her on social media @parentwithhopecoach.

Know your strengths.

Your best mom or dad instincts are exactly what your kids need. So identify them. Take the free Parenting Strengths Assessment.

FREE PARENTING STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT

Bonus: Supporting Grieving Families in Your Community

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:41:00 +0000

Join us for this special bonus episode where Stacy invites community members and ministry leaders to explore the delicate and important topic of supporting children and families in times of grief. Stacy is joined by Cindy Wilson, Connected Families Partnership Program Manager, and Stacey Rodenbeck, who shares her personal experience with grief. Together, they offer practical advice and compassionate insights to help ministry leaders (and everyone else) approach these difficult situations with confidence and care.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Was this episode helpful? Consider sharing it with a ministry leader in your life!

Bridge the Gap! Donate to Connected Families by March 31st to make a meaningful impact for families in the coming year!

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Guest Bio:

Cindy Wilson, PhD., CFLE, is a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and a Certified Family Life Educator with 20+ years in ministry and academia. She helps churches and other organizations integrate the Connected Families Framework into their communities. Cindy lives in Florida with her husband of 31 years. They have three adult children, one son-in-law, one grandson, and a farm full of animals. Cindy’s specialties include leading parenting workshops on the Connected Families Framework and other topics, training children’s ministry volunteers, helping churches integrate trauma-informed practices into their ministries, and organizing church-based foster care ministries. You can find out more at http://www.familylifesolutions.org.

Stacey Rodenbeck is the widowed mother of Susan (almost 5) and Chris (3.5). The Rodenbecks live in Central Arkansas, where Stacey is employed as an Associate Professor of Biology at Harding University. Since the death of her husband in 2020, Stacey has focused on developing a robust relationship with her children that positions the three of them to operate as a team. They enjoy cooking and baking together as a family, reading aloud, and hiking, and they have recently delved into playing board games together. (Candyland is the family favorite right now!) Stacey is thankful to God for the new mercies of each new morning as she seeks to guide her children and fully embrace the people God created them to be.

Learn more about the Framework

Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework?
Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

How to Navigate Grief in Children

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 02:50:00 +0000

Children experience grief in all different forms. If you’re walking through grief with your kids, tune in to this grace-filled chat with our guest, Stacey Rodenbeck. Stacey, a widowed mother of two young children, shares her personal experience of grief and how she has used the Connected Families Framework to navigate parenting while grieving. The conversation covers the unique circumstances of parenting grieving children, the importance of safety and connection, and the role of coaching and accountability in parenting. Stacey’s story and insights provide valuable guidance for parents who are navigating grief while raising their children.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Was this conversation helpful to you? Share it with a friend, and rate and review the show on your favorite listening platform!

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Bridge the Gap! Donate to Connected Families by March 31st to make a meaningful impact for families in the coming year!

Guest Bio:

Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles

If bedtime feels like a battle zone, it’s time to change. This short and FREE ebook empowers you to transform the bedtime routine.

Questions & Doubts: When Your Child’s Faith Is Uncertain

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:46:00 +0000

If your child has serious doubts or has walked away from their faith, it can be scary. Together with parent coaches Bonnie Williams and Chad Hayenga, we explore parenting through a child’s spiritual doubts or unbelief. Chad and Bonnie share the importance of fostering open dialogue through thoughtful questions and building a foundation of connection, emotional safety, and unconditional love. Tune in to this heartfelt discussion to equip yourself with the knowledge and encouragement needed to support your child’s faith journey, acknowledging that their doubts or unbelief can be an essential part of developing a resilient and personal faith.

(Note: The use of “they/them” language is related to privacy, not identity.)

Mentioned in this podcast:

Connected Families Partnership Program
Parent Coach Certification Program
Power of Questions online course
Ephesians 3:18-19
Luke 15:17
Bridge the Gap – Donate to support Connected Families today!

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Guest Bio:

Bonnie Williams has a Master of Education in Special Education and is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. She is a wife and the mother of 3 young adults. Bonnie has supported students with learning and behavior challenges for over 25 years, specializing in working with parents with children ages 3 to 15. Helping families apply the Connected Families Framework is what Bonnie is passionate about. By doing this they can learn new strategies to grow in wisdom and help lead them in having peaceful, grace-filled homes. You can reach her by email at newpathways65@gmail.com.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

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Kids’ Arguments: Establish Peace with 4 Steps

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:23:22 +0000

If your kids’ bickering ever drives you bonkers, you’ll want to hear this fresh perspective with our guest and certified parent coach, Megan Thorp. Stacy and Megan unpack the Connected Families’ approach to transform kids’ arguments into opportunities to build lifelong skills. You’ll learn the four-step process to help bring peace to your home and guide your kids toward true reconciliation.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels our work! Make a donation to Connected Families today.

Guest Bio:

Megan is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach as well as an instructor for coaches in training. She and her husband have been married for 18 years and have 3 kids. Megan loves to come alongside parents to help them gain confidence and equip them to lead their families. She is passionate about parents creating an environment in their home where everyone feels valued and connected and equipping parents with skills to build a relationship with their kids that will last long after they leave home. Seeing misbehavior and especially sibling conflict as a golden opportunity to show Christ’s love and disciple her kids has been a game changer for her in her parenting. You can connect with her for coaching at meganlthorp@gmail.com.

Do you want more peace at home?

And for your kids to enjoy each other?

And to reconcile when they hurt each other?

If peace is your goal, take the Sibling Conflict online course.

LEARN MORE

Supporting Your Teen with Empathy and Connection

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 03:16:00 +0000

Dive into the trials and triumphs of parenting teens with CF Certified Parent Coaches, Katie Wetsell and Julia Rupp and our host, Stacy Bellward. They examine teen anxiety, independence, and the art of calm communication. They also unpack ways to stay available and connected through teen struggles, especially with a sensitive or intense child. We know this conversation will encourage you to parent your teens with wisdom and hope. (Note: Stories are shared with permission from their teens, and the use of “they/them” language is related to privacy, not identity.)

Mentioned in this podcast:

Research cited by Katie Wetsell:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Did you find this episode helpful? Share it with a friend! Or take a minute to rate and review our show.

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Guest Bio:

Julia Rupp is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. They experienced a significant breakthrough in their parenting while partnering with a Connected Families coach and utilizing the parenting Framework. Because of the incredible impact that Connected Families made in their lives, Julia now desires to walk alongside other families and equip them with perspective and tools so that they might experience that same change and restored hope. Whether you are struggling with toddler meltdowns or teenage rebellion, she would love to encourage you. You can find her at Always Hope Parent Coaching.

Katie Wetsell is the Connected Families online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their families with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

Tame Your Temper: Calming Strategies for Parents

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 03:38:00 +0000

Listen in as Stacy talks with Julia Rupp and Katie Wetsell (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) about strategies you can use to calm yourself in emotionally charged situations with your kids. Whether you’ve already blown it and need to repair, or you’re trying to proactively remain calm, this conversation offers practical ideas to pause and reset so you can parent with wisdom and grace. The way we show up matters so much, so we’re offering a FREE PDF with all 14 calming strategies you can post as a visual reminder for when you need it most.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Did you find this episode helpful? Share it with a friend! Or take a minute to rate and review our show.

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Guest bio:

Julia Rupp is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. They experienced a significant breakthrough in their parenting while partnering with a Connected Families coach and utilizing the parenting Framework. Because of the incredible impact that Connected Families made in their lives, Julia now desires to walk alongside other families and equip them with perspective and tools so that they might experience that same change and restored hope. Whether you are struggling with toddler meltdowns or teenage rebellion, she would love to encourage you. You can find her at Always Hope Parent Coaching.

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

3 Principles to Help Your Child Calm and Regulate

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:44:00 +0000

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Did you find this episode helpful? Share it with a friend, and leave us a review!

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

Hope & Healing for Your Sensitive or Intense Child

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 03:14:00 +0000

Listen in as Stacy chats with parent coaches Jarrett & Luisa Wendt about the parenting course that has equipped them to understand and help their sensitive children.

In today’s episode, Jarrett & Luisa Wendt (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) talk with our host, Stacy Bellward, about the daily meltdowns, sleep issues, stress, and discouragement their family has experienced. Then, they share how they found hope and healing through the Sensitive & Intense Kids online course. Jarrett & Luisa discuss the tools they’ve learned to help their kids regulate and how they’re sustaining positive progress. If you have a sensitive or intense child, you’ll be encouraged by their story and inspired by their persistence to build a safe, connected family with Christ as the foundation.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Guest Bio:

Jarrett and Luisa Wendt are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches. They have a beautiful family of six children, three in Heaven and three on Earth. Two of their precious children were born into their family through adoption. During a very challenging season, Connected Families led them (and continues to lead them) toward hope, grace, and truth. Together, they have a ministry called Built on Rock Parent Coaching which was born out of the deep desire to pass on that same hope, grace, and truth to as many families as God leads them to! Luisa was joyfully promoted to becoming a stay-at-home Mom after more than a decade of teaching music in the classroom, while Jarrett serves the church in theology and pastoral ministry. For more about their story, ministry, and cute photos, head to their website: www.builtonrockparentcoaching.org

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

Sensitive or Intense Child? Your Questions Answered!

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 03:35:00 +0000

In today’s episode, parent coaches Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex answer questions from parents about sensitive and intense kids.

We’re excited to share another Q & A conversation with you today. The new questions came straight from parents in the CF community, and you’ll likely relate to the scenarios. Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) offer answers and suggestions based on their combined experiences in occupational therapy, nursing, coaching, and parenting their own sensitive and intense kids. You’ll gain insight into your child and find realistic suggestions for challenging situations. And, as always, you’ll receive God’s grace and truth for you and your child.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

Moving From Discouragement to Freedom | Ep. 161

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:13:34 +0000

Listen as parent coach Lydia Rex shares about building hope and strength for parenting when you’re feeling discouraged.

In this episode, Stacy and Lydia discuss current factors that contribute to overwhelm in parents. Lydia goes on to offer strategies that can help you overcome challenges and experience freedom on difficult days or in the midst of trying seasons. We know you’ll find hope and practical ideas as she shares relatable parenting moments from her life as a mom and parent coach.

Today’s conversation is based on a workshop given at a recent Connected Families Parent Summit hosted in our home state of Minnesota. In the next few months, we’ll share content from all of the Parent Summit workshops, so stay tuned!

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.

Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today.

Mentioned in this podcast:

FREE downloadable and printable PDF self-coaching worksheet to help you move from discouragement to freedom.
Ep 158 with Mandy Arioto

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

And the Top Podcast of 2023 is...

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 03:21:00 +0000

Have you ever been perplexed by the intensity of your child’s big emotions or the frequency of their anger? You really want to help your child! But it can feel confusing and overwhelming, and you may even unintentionally spark more anger. It’s likely that your child’s anger is protecting some softer emotions, such as feeling anxious, alone, or discouraged. Listen to this podcast to gain insight and practical tools to help your child understand and work through their anger!

In this podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder and Occupational Therapist) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and RN) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about anger and anxiety in children. Drawing on their experience supporting families, Lynne and Lydia share how you can look beneath your child’s anger to get out of a stress cycle and into a healing pattern.

Other popular Connected Families podcasts in 2023

Episode 121: Teaching Kids the Framework

In this podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss ways parents can model and teach each principle of the Framework: Foundation, Connect, Coach, Correct. This podcast includes a downloadable, 5-session mini curriculum developed by Jim and Lynne to help teach the Framework to children in interactive and hands-on ways.

Episode 122: How To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support

All children go through more challenging developmental seasons, but some children are wired differently altogether, also known as neurodiverse. These kids often benefit from the understanding and support of professionals. In this episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) are joined by Mandy Cuda, MD. Listen in on a profound conversation to help parents navigate the choice to seek a diagnosis or support for a struggling child.

Episode 123: Advocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child

Communicating with teachers, coaches, and other adults about how to support your sensitive or neurodiverse child may feel difficult to navigate, but thankfully, other parents have also walked that journey and have some practical wisdom to share. In this podcast, Marni Love (former public school teacher, home educator, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) and Taylor Irby (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share their experiences about advocating for a sensitive child. Taylor and Marni offer practical ideas to empower you so your child can receive the support they need in any environment.

Episode 124: Empowering Your Differently Wired Child

Do you have a child who is wired differently? You’ve probably felt frustrated or discouraged at times about how to support your child through daily routines or going to school. Knowing what your child needs and offering that at the right time may be challenging. In this podcast episode, Katie Wetsell and Corrie Thetford (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about empowering your uniquely and wonderfully wired child.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

BONUS: Connected Families Future Plus A Story of Transformation

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 03:09:00 +0000

Listen as we wrap up 2023 with Jim Jackson and Anna Braasch chatting about Connected Families’ plans for 2024. Plus, Stacey Rodenbeck shares about the hope she’s found through the Framework.

In today’s bonus episode, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Anna Braasch (Connected Families Executive Director) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share about Connected Families’ year-end goals and the plans for 2024. Stacy also interviews Stacey Rodenbeck, a mom from the Connected Families community, about her transformational journey with the Framework.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

“Things began to change when…”

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Refresh Your Parenting with Prayer

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 04:47:00 +0000

Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Katie Johnson talks with Stacy about how prayer can help transform your parenting.

Have you ever wished you could deepen your prayer life? Or does it feel difficult to find time for meaningful prayer in your day-to-day life with kids? In this episode, Katie Johnson (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) and Stacy Bellward, podcast host, explore prayer from a fresh, practical perspective. Katie shares ideas for prayer that are rooted in scripture and easy for parents to implement.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

Ways to pray using scripture that are accessible at any moment with whatever time you have
How to use the phrases “Thank you,” “Yes,” and “Help” to create prayers from Bible passages
How Scripture can act as a guardrail for your prayers when you are desperate and hurting
Ideas to model prayer for your kids and grow their joy-filled connection with God

Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Katie Johnson is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and lives in Madison, WI, with her family. She worked for many years in education and is now beginning the homeschool journey with her 3 young children. She received her M.Ed. from Valparaiso University and currently serves on the board of Safe Families, Dane County. You can find out more about Katie on our Coaching page.

Give “change” to others

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Stories of Transformation…Finding Hope For Change

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:33:00 +0000

Listen as Stacy chats with two families about the grace-filled changes they’ve experienced through the Connected Families Framework.

Whether it’s your child’s defiant attitude or your angry reaction, your family likely has patterns that you’d like to change. Changing default responses like these isn’t easy, but it is possible. In today’s conversation, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) interviews Katrina Baros and Kate Bakker, two moms from the Connected Families community. These moms candidly share how they began to shift the dynamics in their homes and what they’ve learned along the way.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

How two families began to shift the challenging patterns they experienced
The significance of asking, “What’s going on in me?”
That “do-overs” are for kids and parents too!
Connected Families resources that can support your parenting and help you instigate change in your family
How your support can help other families make change

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Katrina Baros and her husband live in Seattle, WA, with their four sons, ages 5-13. Their family enjoys road-tripping, playing family football games in the yard, and playing board games, especially if snacks are involved.

Kate Bakker and her husband are from Austin, TX. They have two biological children, ages 4 & 6, and a 5-month-old foster son. Their family loves to explore the local hiking trails and enjoy family movie nights.

“Things began to change when…”

Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families.

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What Mom Needs: An Exciting Chat with the CEO of MOPS Int’l

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 03:34:00 +0000

Listen as we talk with Mandy Arioto about what moms need today based on a new study by the Barna Group.

Moms are powerful influencers in their families and communities, yet they often feel exhausted and alone. In this episode, Mandy Arioto, President & CEO of MOPS International, reflects with Stacy Bellward (podcast host) on the Motherhood Today study. She offers insights from the study to help moms build resilience and move from surviving to thriving.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

Why Moms have the strongest impact on nearly every aspect of their family’s life, yet often feel that they’re not making a meaningful contribution to the world
Reflection questions to help you move past “I should do it all” and “I want to be a perfect mom”
That moms with Christian faith have significantly less anxiety about important decisions and less uncertainty about the future than moms who do not have Christian faith
The best way to improve your emotional and spiritual life is to have a confidant aside from your spouse
It’s ok to lower your expectations and have more fun!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Make a year-end gift to Connected Families
Visit Growthechurch.co for a copy of the Motherhood Today study and information about all that Mandy’s doing at Mom Co.

Guest Bio:

Mandy Arioto is the President and CEO of MOPS International and is widely known for her unique takes on evangelism, parenting, and cultural issues. Through MOPS, which every year mobilizes millions of women, and partners with tens of thousands of churches, Mandy serves as the voice of one of the most influential outreach organizations in the U.S. and around the world. Mandy has been featured on MSN, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of radio, TV, and print publications. She is the author of three books, the most recent being Have More Fun: How to be Remarkable, Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Enjoying Life. She is an avid rock climber and adventurer and regularly has harrowing stories to tell about her most recent ascent. Mandy and her husband, Joe, live in Denver, Colorado, with their three awesome kids. You can find out more about MOPS and Mom Co. at:

Website: https://growthechurch.co; https://www.mops.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mops_international/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MOPS.Int/

“Things began to change when…”

Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families.

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Anna’s Story: When Traditional Parenting Just Doesn’t Cut It

How To Make Your Child Feel Lavishly Loved and Unquestionably Valued

Want To Show Grace to Your Kids? Soak In It First | Ep. 151

A Parenting Framework for Adoption and Fostering? Yes!

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 03:20:00 +0000

Listen in as Lynn Beckett, Chad Hayenga, and Stacy unpack a grace-filled lens for navigating parenting and discipline in adoptive and foster care families. These creative and compassionate ideas can benefit any parent!

When families grow through adoption or foster care, they often experience unique and sometimes challenging circumstances. Today’s conversation highlights ways the Connected Families Framework can guide these families toward deeper connection, secure attachment, and attuned correction. Our guest, Lynn Beckett, is a TBRI® Certified, licensed social worker and serves as the Program Manager and a parent coach at Lifeline Children’s Services. She joins Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host and adoptive mom) to share practical ideas and insights for each level of the Connected Families Framework.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

How your attachment style can influence how you view and respond to your child’s behavior, and how your child’s attachment style affects their behavior as well
How the Connected Families Framework can deepen your child’s sense of felt safety
Ways to strengthen your attachment with a child who is avoidant or suspicious
How you can help heal your child’s negative identity messages from the past through the ABCs of affirmation
Ways you may need to adjust discipline and correction as you respond to a child who has experienced trauma

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Lynn Beckett has worked in the area of foster care and adoption since her graduation from
the University of Georgia in 1981. She joined Lifeline staff in 1989. Her role at
Lifeline has included preparing and equipping families for foster care and adoption
and supporting them in the post-placement phase of their journey. She became a
TBRI® Practitioner in 2016 and a Certified Parent Coach through Connected
Families in 2021. While providing post-placement services to adoptive and foster
families, she developed the parent coaching program for Lifeline. Lynn is
committed to the care of vulnerable children and to helping caregivers bring these
children to a place of healing. Lynn is married to Brian, and they live in Birmingham,
Alabama. They have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. Lynn
has found that being a grandparent is the best “do over” ever.

“Things began to change when…”

Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families.

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An Honest Conversation About Adoption | Ep. 81

Blocked Care: Rekindle Compassion in Your Heart | Ep. 155

Does Attachment Style Matter? | Ep. 101

Why Safety Is Crucial for Adoptive Families

Navigating Family Gatherings

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 03:44:00 +0000

With the holidays fast approaching, we are pulling a classic podcast from the archives where Chad Hayenga joins Stacy Bellward to discuss some ideas for navigating family gatherings. Enjoy!

Are you looking forward to celebrating holidays with family but dreading unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives? You are not alone. Changes in your daily routines, travel, lack of sleep, and large gatherings set the stage for parenting challenges. Sometimes these difficult situations may be scrutinized by other adults in your family. This may lead to comments or questions that don’t feel supportive. Navigating family gatherings can be tricky!

On today’s podcast, Chad Hayenga (Director of Education & Equipping) and Jenna Williams (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about navigating the holidays with relatives. Specifically, how you can respond when grandparents or other family members criticize you (or your children). Role-playing possible scenarios, Jenna and Chad bring humor and practical wisdom to you just in time for holiday gatherings.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

proactive strategies to intentionally prepare your family for upcoming gatherings, including evaluating your own expectations, having conversations with your children, and even having conversations with grandparents about their expectations
roleplays to help you navigate criticism, unhelpful comments, or harsh discipline by grandparents or other relatives
that you can model humility and the value of connection to your parents and kids during holiday gatherings and difficult situations

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Spread the “aha” moments of grace

Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace.

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Blocked Care: Rekindle Compassion in Your Heart | Ep. 155

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 03:35:00 +0000

In today’s episode on blocked care, Stacy talks with author Melissa Corkum about her book Reclaim Compassion. “Blocked care (also known as compassion fatigue) is when a parent becomes emotionally unavailable following repeated rejected attempts to support their child. The parent can still meet the child’s physical needs; however, their ability to be attuned and empathetic decreases dramatically.” Blocked care can happen to any parent of a child who is struggling.

November is Adoption Awareness Month, and today we’re highlighting a valuable resource, especially to the adoptive and foster parents in our community and those who support them. Our guest, Melissa Corkum, is an adoptee, adoptive mom, speaker, and coach. She shares how blocked care can affect any caregiving relationship and offers hope for overcoming blocked care.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

the signs of blocked care
how to acknowledge and navigate feelings of shame and grief associated with blocked care
that healing blocked care starts with your own internal work—reclaim compassion for yourself first, then for your child
a process of daily practices to heal and spend more time out of blocked care
steps you can take toward radical compassion

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

As an adoptee and adoptive mom, Melissa Corkum provides insight and resources to parents and professionals through her speaking, coaching, and writing. She is a TED Speaker, Safe and Sound Protocol Practitioner, Cultivate Connection Facilitator, Certified Enneagram Coach, and co-founder of AdoptionWise. Additionally, she co-authored Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parents Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith and Foundations for Overcoming and Preventing Blocked Care: The eight-session program for helping parents reclaim compassion. Melissa and Patrick live in Maryland and have six kids and two grandchildren. You can find all of Melissa‘s resources at https://adoptionwise.org.

Stories of Transformation…One Mom’s Journey

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 10:10:00 +0000

Listen as we chat with Anna Braasch about finding hope through the Connected Families Framework.

Do you remember when a friend introduced you to Connected Families? Or, maybe you are brand new to Connected Families’ resources–we’re so glad you found us. Regardless of when you found us and how familiar you are with the Framework, today’s podcast will likely resonate with you.

Today, Connected Families Executive Director, Anna Braasch, shares her story of finding hope through the Connected Families Framework. Anna candidly talks about her struggles as a young mom and how finding Connected Families’ resources changed her relationship with Christ and her approach to parenting. Anna also shares about Connected Families’ vision for the future and how you can get involved.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

one mom’s journey to hope (there were bumps along the way!)
that transformation in your family may be slow, but it is worth the effort
Connected Families’ three-year vision
how you can join the Donor Team to help support transformation in families

Mentioned in this podcast:

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart book
Parenting Tips emails from Connected Families
Serenity Prayer – Connected Families version – free download
Grace & Truth for Moms online course
2 Corinthians 10:5
Things Began to Change When…. To give a one-time donation
Make a 3-year commitment to support Connected Families’ long-term vision

“Things began to change when…”

Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families.

DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

A Circle of Support: What Does a Mentor Do for Your Child?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 03:45:00 +0000

Here at Connected Families, we often talk about how you can pass your faith on to your kids. Have you thought about how you can help sustain your child’s faith into their adult years? Research reveals that 60 percent of teens who have faith in high school will leave their faith by the time they are 30 years old. Thankfully, this does not have to be the case if you take proactive steps as your children grow.

In today’s podcast, Ben Bevis (Executive Director of Encircled) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share what a mentor can do for a child. Ben introduces resources for parents, youth workers, and even grandparents to support a young person’s faith, purpose, and calling from early childhood through their young adult years. You’ll be encouraged and inspired to support sustaining faith in your family today.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

what mentorship can look like at different ages
how to build a circle of support around your child
the impact that 5 intentional adults can have in the life of a young adult
things you can do at any age to notice and develop your child’s unique giftings
resources to guide you or your community in developing mentor circles

Looking for a transcript?

Want to revisit certain parts of the podcast, or struggling to keep up with the audio? Click the button below to access a written transcript of this podcast episode.

CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT

Mentioned in this podcast:

TreeHouse Hope
Encircled resources (use code CF50 for 50% off!)
The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson
1 Peter 4:10
Ephesians 2:10

Guest Bio:

Ben Bevis is the Executive Director of Encircled and is passionate about getting Mentor Circles around youth! Ben is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Life Coach and has been a youth volunteer at his church for many years. Ben has been married to his wife Sara for 20 years. Together they have 3 wonderful children: Sophia (17), Reid (15), and Sam (12). They live in Minnesota and love to mountain bike, nordic ski, and go on adventures together. Questions about Encircled? You can email Ben directly at Info@encircled.org .

Know your strengths.

Your best mom or dad instincts are exactly what your kids need. So identify them. Take the free Parenting Strengths Assessment.

FREE PARENTING STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT

Feel Safe: How to Cultivate a Sense of Security in an Unsafe World

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 02:59:00 +0000

Children today face threats to their safety that are difficult to discuss. How do you help your kids process a school shooting or other violent attack? How can you hold the fear and anxiety they feel when you’re experiencing the same emotions? The answers aren’t simple, but you can support your child in helpful ways as they process scary situations.

In today’s conversation, Jody Goldie (LMFT at Midwest Trauma Center) and Katie Wetsell (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss feeling safe when the world feels unsafe. Katie shares wisdom from her personal experience navigating a school shooting, and Jody shares her expertise in trauma-related therapy. Together they will offer you grace and confidence as you navigate these situations with your children.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

the importance of processing your own emotions before trying to support your kids
how to be a safe landing place for your kids to process their emotions during traumatic experiences
what you can do when you sense that your child is feeling unsafe (with big or little things)
ways to move past simple reassurances and build confidence and trust
how to draw faith into the conversation as you wrestle with your kid’s toughest questions (it’s okay to not have all the answers!)

Looking for a transcript?

Want to revisit certain parts of the podcast, or struggling to keep up with the audio? Click the button below to access a written transcript of this podcast episode.

CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Dare to dream of peace again.

It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN.

CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH

Help! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at Daycare

Trust Expert Dr. Henry Cloud Chats With Us About Parenting | Ep. 146

Your Child Laughs When in Trouble? How To Build Wisdom, Not Shame

Want To Show Grace to Your Kids? Soak In It First

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 03:41:00 +0000

Self-care is a hot topic, but what about soul-care? How can you open up space in your heart for God to meet you and speak to you in the middle of a busy, chaotic day? Or in the midst of your discouragement or frustration? Today’s conversation will encourage you that God is reaching out to you with His love and grace in the midst of everyday life.

Sharing her personal journey, Lydia Rex (mom of 2 and Connected Families Parent Coach) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for an interview about caring for your soul while parenting. And the best part is that, as you receive God’s grace, you’ll be equipped to show grace to your kids all the more.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how to start paying attention to the ways God speaks to you in small everyday moments
that you can experience God as your co-regulator as you seek to help your child regulate
a fresh perspective on the struggles your family might experience
questions you can ask to be open to hearing from God in the moment
scriptures that offer hope and perspective when you need a lifeline

Looking for a transcript?

Click the button below to access a transcript of this podcast.

CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT

Mentioned in this podcast:

Transform Your Next Group Gathering

Bring Hope To Your Community

How To Explain Grace to a Child in a Creative Way: One Dad’s Story

Is Your Child Intense and Impulsive?

Why Is My Child So Angry? The #1 Unexpected Reason & Practical Steps to Take

Parenting Topics That Will Fill You With Hope

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 03:17:00 +0000

Do you wish you had a strong foundation to guide you through challenging situations with your kids? Or, do you know a little about the Connected Families Framework but want to grow your application of it? The parenting topics in today’s podcast can help build your foundation for parenting and help you apply the Connected Families Framework.

In this episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to touch on several parenting topics that are covered in-depth in the Discipline That Connects online course. Jim and Lynne wrote the course to equip parents to love their kids unconditionally while teaching them to take responsibility for their actions. Each topic includes a statement you can use to remind yourself of your parenting goals.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

key phrases that guide each level of the Connected Families Framework
key parenting statements mentioned in this podcast

Kids learn best when they feel safe.
My child is not my report card.
When kids misbehave, we have a golden opportunity to communicate unconditional love.
I can find and build strengths in my child even in the midst of misbehavior.
Effective discipline puts responsibility on kids to right their wrongs.
how the Discipline That Connects online course can help you discipline effectively and create lasting change for your family

If you’d like to learn more about the parenting topics in this conversation, register today for the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Discipline That Connects online course – Registration ends September 30th!
Psalm 139:23-24
Galatians 6

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

How to Discipline an Explosive Child—With Grace and Firmness

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 02:28:00 +0000

Wondering about disciplining an explosive child? You’re not alone! In fact, what to do with kid’s anger is one of our most frequent inquiries here at Connected Families. Aggressive behavior and explosive anger are intense challenges, and there is hope for change as you and your child build skills.

In today’s episode, Jessica Brandon (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) joins Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss the anger spectrum and practical ideas you can use to help a child with explosive anger. Jessica shares her personal experiences with her intense kids and insights as a parent coach to leave you encouraged about helping your child with anger.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

what’s happening inside your child when they have explosive anger
the spectrum of anger expression (from explosive to indirect to hidden)
ways to build the skill of respectful anger
insights to help a child who refuses to move past anger
proactive skills you can use to help a child with explosive anger
when to “worry” about toddler aggression

Mentioned in this podcast:

Anger spectrum blog post
Ephesians 4:26
Proverbs 12:8
Proverbs 10:18
Ephesians 4:25
Learning Respectful Anger FREE printable PDF for parents to teach kids
Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course – Register Today!

Guest Bio:

Jessica Brandon is a mom to three energetic kiddos. She has a B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Human Development and Family Studies and a Masters Degree in Christian Ministries. She believes one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to parent them with the Father’s heart. The Connected Families Framework captures this so well! She would love to partner with you and empower you with tools to love and connect with your children. You can find her at: jessbrandoncoaching.com and on Instagram @jessbrandon_coaching.

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

Are You or Your Child Addicted to Anger?

Helping Kids with Their Anger

Why Punching a Pillow When Angry Doesn’t Really Help Your Child

Help! My Child Won't Listen

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 03:18:00 +0000

My child won’t listen! Sound familiar? If you’ve had that exasperated thought recently, you’re not alone. Obedience and cooperation are common struggles most families encounter. There may be a disconnect between your good intentions and what your kids experience and believe. That disconnect can fuel these listening troubles.

In today’s conversation, Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share a really practical skill for parents. It’s not a tip or a trick to manipulate behavior, but a fresh way to engage with your kids that invites cooperation. This skill is part of our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course that’s loaded with practical ideas and resources to change the atmosphere in your home. If this conversation is helpful, you’ll love the online course. Registration is open now, and you can start Session 1 today!

In this podcast you’ll discover:

possible underlying struggles for kids who aren’t listening
common disconnects between parents’ good intentions and kids’ experiences
ways that your discipline sends messages that form your child’s identity
how “slow, low, listen” provides a way to engage with your child and receive from the Lord what you need in tough moments
the powerful dynamic shift that can happen with your child when you take the time to be a compassionate team leader

Mentioned in this podcast:

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course-Register Today!
Stickers! Slow, Low, Listen, plus others!
1 Corinthians 10:13

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

Calming Yourself Before Going Into Discipline | Ep.109

Discipline and Your Kids: Your Questions Answered | Ep. 147

Kids Don’t Listen? How to Stop Lecturing and Start Asking Better Questions

Discipline and Your Kids: Your Questions Answered

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Your kids keep growing and changing, and so do your questions about parenting. Today’s podcast might answer a few of your questions and leave you wishing you had your own parent coach. In this Q&A style podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Parent Coach) answer some common parenting questions from people enrolled in our Discipline That Connects online course.

If you’d like to have your parenting questions answered and grow in connection with your kids, register today for the Discipline That Connects online course. During the course, you’ll have several opportunities to submit your questions for Q&A sessions hosted by Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches. The course is also moderated by CF Parent Coach Katie Wetsell, (RN, MSN, SPACE-trained), who will encourage you and host guided check-ins to support you during the course.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

ways you can help two or more of your kids who are struggling at the same time
how you can ignore the behavior but not the child during a tantrum
that your calm presence when your child is struggling grows safety, love, and connection
why a deeper connection with you can help your child obey
how to stay emotionally safe (but intervene quickly and effectively!) when your child does something potentially dangerous

Mentioned in this podcast:

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

Bonus Episode: Exciting News from Connected Families!

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Parenting in the complexity of today’s world is stressful! The level of children’s anxiety and behavior challenges has skyrocketed. It can feel overwhelming and discouraging. But despite those struggles, you are still actively seeking God’s grace and truth for yourself so you can pass it on to your children. Some days you probably do that a lot better than other days. But every day, it helps to know that you are not alone.

All of our efforts here at Connected Families are geared toward equipping you and supporting the work that God is doing in your family. As Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you (or your kids, your family) will bring it to completion… “ God is working on your behalf, and the Connected Families community is here to support you!

Being part of the community means that you may have:

listened to this podcast (we just crossed our 1.5 million listens mark!)
gotten our Thursday Parenting Tips emails
been resourced by one of our many free ebooks
taken at least one of our online courses

DTC registration is launching TODAY!

Whether you are just hearing about the course for the first time or have been thinking about taking it for a while – now is the time!

Once a year, we open up registration for the full, moderated version of the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, and today is the day!

The Connected Families Framework communicates the messages: You are SAFE, LOVED, CALLED and CAPABLE, and RESPONSIBLE for your actions. This course is the foundational curriculum that teaches that framework. There is also a book that Jim and Lynne Jackson wrote with the same name.

Have you already taken the Discipline That Connects online course? If the answer is “Not yet,” then we want to encourage you to go and sign up right now.

Discipline That Connects is for you if you are feeling stuck, old parenting patterns are not changing, or you have thought – yikes, what will the future look like?

Discipline That Connects is for you if you have been listening to the podcast for a while, and the tools we teach, like “Do-overs,” “Slow, Low and Listen,” and “Gifts-Gone-Awry,” are really resonating. If this sounds like you, it’s time to dig into the full version.

Hundreds of alumni come back every year to take the course again because the content is so valuable. They want a refresher and to be part of all the extra resources we add.

What extras does DTC include this year?

Year-round, anyone can get access to the core video content only (basically a stripped-down version of the course) or even lead a small group through the course. But opening the FULL course, like we are right now in September, means that people worldwide are all going through the content at their own pace but are able to interact through comments and questions online. During these couple of months, there are weekly emails, a parent coach to moderate, Question & Answer opportunities, and so much more.

4 things that are new this year:

1. If you register early, you get to pick a free gift! Pick between:

the Parent Bundle, which includes our new stickers! ($18 value!)
DTC Welcome Packet ($15 value!)
the Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life online course which gives specific guidance on sleep issues, picky eating, etc… ($28 value!)

2. We are excited to offer an audio-only option while this cohort runs. You will be able to listen to the content on a walk or in the car just like you are listening to this little bonus podcast. This will be a game-changer!
3. Guided Check-Ins: These 30-minute live check-in groups will boost the application of your learning into your everyday parenting and do it in a supportive environment. (Only 120 spots available.)
4. Soul Care Sessions: (Less than 10 minutes each) Christian faith and biblical foundation are integrated into the whole course. During soul care videos, you will hear from parents about how the content of the course intersects with their faith and what that looks like in the hard times of parenting, tantrums, sleeplessness, and feeling overwhelmed. Soul care sessions will feed your soul and be an encouragement.

When you register, you get access to the entire course right away. Please share it with your friends. We hope you join us for this year’s FULL version of Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart.

A Blessing for Parents

This blessing is taken from Susie Larson’s book, May His Face Shine Upon You:

May you grow to love and accept the you God is making you to be.
May you walk in a new level of grace and gratitude that gives you peace and leaves others encouraged.
May you be more apt to look forward with hope than you are to look back with regret.
May your heart spill over with joy at the very thought of the story God is writing in your life.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Registration for the Discipline That Connects online course!
Philippians 1:6
Sign up for Thursday parenting tips emails
Connected Families Framework
Visit the Connected Families website for more resources on applying the Framework

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

Trust Expert Dr. Henry Cloud Chats With Us About Parenting

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

According to today’s guest and trust expert, Dr. Henry Cloud, trust is fuel for all of life. Humans are hard-wired to trust, yet we still have to earn our children’s trust over and over again. Trust is sometimes a challenge in our other relationships as well.

In today’s show, Dr. Henry Cloud (psychologist and best-selling author) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss his latest book, Trust. Dr. Cloud shares about psychological safety and trust with plenty of real-life stories you’ll relate to.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

why parents have to earn their children’s trust
a nuanced understanding of safety and how it applies to trust in parenting
ways that God is safe and how parents can follow His example
how to build trust even when relationships have challenges
the 5 essentials of trust and how to apply them

Mentioned in this podcast:

Discipline That Connects online course (Registration opens next week!)
Psalm 22:9
Thursday Parenting Tips Emails – Sign up here
Connected Families stickers
Trust by Dr. Henry Cloud
Dr. Henry Cloud’s website

Guest Bio:

Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist, pastor to pastors, and New York Times bestselling author. His 46 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Throughout his storied career as a clinician, he started treatment centers, created breakthrough new models rooted in research, and has been a leading voice on issues of mental health and leadership on a global scale. Dr. Cloud lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Tori, and their two daughters, Olivia and Lucy. You can find all of his resources at drcloud.com and boundaries.me.

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

Connect With Students: A Framework To Connect With & Nurture Responsibility In ALL Students

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 03:53:00 +0000

It’s nearly time to head back to school, and today’s episode is especially for anyone in a teaching role. Have you ever considered bringing the Connected Families Framework principles to your classroom at school or church? No matter what environment you teach in, you’ll learn to increase your students’ feelings of safety and acceptance while building their character and friendship skills. Listen in for ideas on how to better connect with students.

In today’s conversation, Sherry Fiscella (seasoned educator and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share practical ideas for bringing the Connected Families Framework into the classroom. Sherry brings years of experience as a teacher and home educator to show you how you can prepare yourself and set your students up for a great year.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

ideas for applying the Connected Families Framework in a secular setting
ways you can safeguard students from your own stress
insight into a student’s challenging behavior and what might be going on under the surface
how to build a rhythm for affirming your students’ behavior and character
the art of asking effective questions to help students grow instead of just giving directions
ideas for teaching kids how to restore friendships after conflict

Mentioned in this podcast:

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course (Registration opens soon!)
Why Demanding Respect From Kids Doesn’t Work | Episode 48
Meet Juan and Nita from South Africa (couple running a boarding school)
Sign up for Thursday parenting tips emails
Psalm 78:4
Connected Families Framework graphic
Galatians 6:1
Visit the Connected Families website for more resources on applying the Framework (articles, podcasts, ebooks, etc.)

Guest Bio:

Sherry has been married for 28 years, and she and her husband, Troy, have two young adult children who are both married. Sherry is a former classroom teacher, school leader, and homeschooling mom who believes that one of the best ways to help kids is to support their parents. With her background in education, she brings a unique perspective and approach to parent coaching with lots of practical ideas to help moms and dads move toward more peaceful, purposeful, and joy-filled parenting. Sherry is also finishing up her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in December and is thankful to the Lord for all that this new season is bringing… from a new career in coaching and counseling… to grandbabies! https://www.sherryfiscella.com/

Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework?

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

Support Your Child's Mental Health with Dr. Caroline Leaf

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 03:20:00 +0000

Life is messy, and sometimes you probably feel like a mess. Your kids might feel like a mess at times too. It’s okay to be a mess! But what can you do when you or your child feels this way? How can you best support your child’s mental health?

In today’s podcast, Dr. Caroline Leaf (author, communication pathologist, and mother of 4) joins Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss mental health and her new book, How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess. Dr. Leaf shares her understanding of the mind-brain-body network and shares the practical resources she’s developed to support mental health.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

the power of your mind to control your brain, body, and how you show up in life
that even though you can’t change past experiences, you can heal them
what a neurocycle is and how it can help everyone in your family clean up mental messes
the analogy of a tree and how you can use it to think about thoughts and experiences
ways you and your child can clean up mental messes together
why managing mental health is a lifestyle

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Dr. Caroline Leaf has a Master’s and Ph.D. in Communication Pathology and does ongoing research and clinical trials in order to improve mental health interventions. Her passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain, control chaotic thinking, and find mental peace. She is the host of the top-rated podcast, Cleaning Up the Mental Mess. Dr. Leaf is also the author of several bestselling books, including Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, The Perfect You, Think, Learn, Succeed, and many more.

Transform Your Next Group Gathering

Bring Hope To Your Community

Help! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at Daycare

Practical Tips To Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts Into Big Wins

The Genius of Letting Go of Homework Struggles in Two Remarkable Stories

Is Your Child Crying at School or Daycare Drop-Off?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 03:45:00 +0000

Maybe you’ve been there. Your child just doesn’t want to go to school or daycare. You’re not sure if she’s truly anxious and struggling or if she is just being defiant. It’s hard to know what to do, especially if your child is truly distressed and crying while she’s there.

Today’s podcast offers some real hope for you if your child is anxious about school or childcare. Dr. Suzy Youngquist (chiropractor and mom of four) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about kids who are crying at school or daycare. Suzy shares her personal experience with dropping her child off at daycare, and Lynne brings insight and practical tools you can use today.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

what feeds children’s fear of school/childcare dropoff
simple ideas to soothe the fears and address the underlying causes
how to use play to understand what your child experiences
ways to address your own anxiety about dropping off your child
ideas to prep your child’s nervous system for school through connection and play

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Inspired by a real-life story of watching her mom’s life transform through holistic health care, Dr. Suzy Youngquist has a passion to teach and equip others on how to reclaim their lives and well-being. Since opening Revolution’s doors in 2008, Dr. Suzy’s passion for education and equipping has touched thousands of lives through lifestyle education events hosted by her clinic. Dr. Suzy’s journey of motherhood is intimately tied to her heart for full-term, healthy pregnancies and babies, as well as whole families. Today, Suzy is a grateful mom of four incredible kids and wife to her number one cheerleader, Rob! You can find out more about Suzy and her clinic at: revolution-chiropractic.com.

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

Sensitive and Intense Kids: Your Questions Answered

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 03:45:00 +0000

Do you ever wish you had a parent coach in your living room to support you in your biggest parenting dilemmas? Well, we’ve got the next best thing. Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) has developed an all-new, research-based small group curriculum for the Sensitive & Intense Kids online course. When you join a small group, a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach will guide you through the course and offer practical, grace-filled suggestions for your biggest parenting challenges.

Today’s podcast is a little taste of some of the questions parents submitted during a recent Q&A session for the course. The responses come from the course facilitators: Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex, and Katie Wetsell, our course facilitator. This course’s new small group option allows you to create rich connections with other parents of sensitive and intense kids and a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach to answer your questions. Check it out!

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how to discern what type of response your child needs when struggling (connection, coaching, and/or correction)
a fresh perspective on letting your child “off the hook” during tough moments
ideas to support a child who needs creativity to remain regulated throughout the day
how structure and routine can help your child self-regulate
how motivation and wisdom are significant considerations for older kids
ways to weigh risk and reward with your older child

Mentioned in this podcast:

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

3 Unexpected Parenting Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Thrive

Daily Sensory Rhythms To Bring Peace to Your Home | Ep 112

Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?

[BONUS] Conclusion: Teaching Kids Forgiveness is Essential

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:26:00 +0000

This podcast episode is the conclusion of a podcast we released about the power of forgiveness and teaching that to our children. It is full of practical application and deep insight into the profound impact of forgiveness on our physical, spiritual, and mental health. It dives deep into the grace and mercy of Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s forgiveness.

If you have not yet listened to the first part of this podcast, please do that before listening to the conclusion.

LISTEN TO PART 1

How do you teach forgiveness to your kids? Before we can guide our kids toward true forgiveness, we need to check our own understanding of God’s mercy and forgiveness for us. Check out Part 1 of this podcast before you listen to the conclusion for the full benefit.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Do you want more peace at home?

And for your kids to enjoy each other?

And to reconcile when they hurt each other?

If peace is your goal, take the Sibling Conflict online course.

LEARN MORE

Teaching Kids Forgiveness Is Essential: The Why & How

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0000

How do you teach forgiveness to your kids? You probably want to guide them toward the true forgiveness that Christ’s work accomplished. That takes time and intention. Forced apologies can make a conflict blow over quickly, but resentment often lingers. Before we can guide our kids toward true forgiveness, we need to check our own understanding of God’s mercy and forgiveness for us.

In this two-part episode, Melissa Coleman (Senior Principal Counsel and CEO of Coleman Law and Consulting) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to teach forgiveness through a “mercy trial.” Melissa brings her expertise as a lawyer to share her unique perspective while bringing scripture and practical steps to guide you and your kids toward mercy and forgiveness.

In this two-part podcast you’ll discover:

what a “mercy trial” is, and how to conduct one
ways a mercy trial can help you to overcome offenses committed against you
the power of writing out offenses (charges) and then relinquishing them to Christ
prayers for applying Christ’s mercy to those who’ve hurt you
ways applying mercy can help you live free of baggage from the past
how to teach forgiveness and mercy to your children
the importance of developing and protecting a “posture of mercy”
how to apply mercy when your children hurt you
that you can forgive people who hurt your kids

Listen to the conclusion of this podcast

This podcast is in two parts, and we highly encourage you to listen to the full podcast to receive the full benefit. The conclusion of this podcast can be heard by clicking the link below.

LISTEN TO THE CONCLUSION

Mentioned in this podcast:

Teach Forgiveness thru Mercy Prayers from Melissa

Releasing mercy over the perpetrators in my life:

Loving Father and Righteous Judge, I summon [name] to the heavenly courts. [Name] I charge you with [offenses-list them individually]. You are guilty of these charges and deserving of punishment. However, because Jesus chose to extend mercy to me for a debt I could never repay, I choose to extend this same mercy to you for your offenses against me. Jesus, I ask that you not count [name]’s sins against him/her. I hereby break the power of condemnation off of you, [name], and I declare you acquitted, forgiven, and free. I also hereby break every tie I have had with the accuser against [name]. Enemy, you no longer have power over me and no legal right to torment me. I will not be lured back in by you or commit double jeopardy. I break off my relationship with you now against [name] for good. ©Melissa Coleman

Releasing mercy over myself when there’s been prolonged unforgiveness:

Loving Father and Righteous Judge, I put myself in the defendant’s seat in your heavenly court, and I charge myself with the offense of unforgiveness against [name] for [amount] years. Although I am guilty of this sin of unforgiveness and deserving of punishment, I plea the blood of Jesus, and I release Jesus’ mercy over myself, so my sin will not be counted against me. I hereby break off the power of the enemy to accuse and condemn me for this sin. I declare myself acquitted, forgiven, and set free in Jesus’ name. ©Melissa Coleman

Guest Bio:

Melissa Coleman has been practicing law for 25 years and currently serves as the Senior Principal and CEO of Coleman Law & Consulting, a Twin Cities-based firm specializing in serving churches, faith-based organizations, and small to mid-sized businesses. Coleman is recognized for her extensive work in advancing human rights in both domestic and international arenas, as well as for advocating for the rights of citizens to freely exercise their religious beliefs in their public and professional lives. Coleman and a small team of lawyers launched a nonprofit network of faith-based attorneys in her state, and she has served and continues to serve on numerous boards and advocacy teams. Coleman and her husband of 26 years have five fantastic kids (three adults and two teens) and a village of young people in their lives. What Melissa loves most in life is helping people get free and stay free!

Do you want more peace at home?

And for your kids to enjoy each other?

And to reconcile when they hurt each other?

If peace is your goal, take the Sibling Conflict online course.

LEARN MORE

Restoring Relationships: Empower Kids to Want to Reconcile & Heal

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:01:00 +0000

Have you wondered if there is anything you can do to be proactive about the inevitable conflicts in your home? Many parents just want the fighting to stop, but what if you focused instead on restoring relationships? Jesus completed the ultimate restoration through the cross, and as you value this wonderful restoration, you can begin to bring peace and joy to your family.

In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about building the value of restoration in your family. Jim and Lynne are passionate about this topic and use scripture and their own experiences to offer a hope-filled picture of reconciliation for families.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how to develop a mindset of reconciliation that is rooted in Jesus Christ
the importance of modeling restoration in your own relationships
practical ideas you can use in the midst of conflict to show Christ’s gentleness and compassion
why joy is the key difference between solving problems and restoration
ways you can proactively prepare for restoring relationships in the future

Mentioned in this podcast:

Sibling Conflict online course
Contact Us if you’d like to connect about the content of this conversation
Galatians 6:1-2
Matthew 5:23-24

Do you want more peace at home?

And for your kids to enjoy each other?

And to reconcile when they hurt each other?

If peace is your goal, take the Sibling Conflict online course.

LEARN MORE

Help! My Kids Are Constantly Fighting

How To Help Siblings Stop Fighting All the Time | Ep. 139

Why Do Siblings Fight So Much? The Good News and the Bad News

How To Help Siblings Stop Fighting All the Time

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Do you feel like your kids are fighting all the time? They might be bickering, crying, or yelling, and you might feel exasperated and wonder how to turn things around. Conflicts will always be part of family relationships, but you can learn how to help kids stop fighting all the time and bring a richer connection to your family. In today’s conversation, Katie Johnson (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host) give you a taste of Connected Families’ online course: Sibling Conflict: From Bickering to Bonding. They unpack a tool from the course called “The Peace Process” and give examples of how you could use it with your kids today. Mentioned in this podcast: Sibling Conflict Online Course - Register Today! 50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to Calm [Podcast] Why “Calm Down!” Doesn’t Work | Ep. 110

How to Encourage Critical Thinking for Little Ones

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like you have to tell your young child over and over again to do something? Parents often feel the need to tell, yet telling can lead to defensiveness and power struggles. Asking questions, on the other hand, engages your child’s whole brain and can lead to more positive interactions. You can encourage critical thinking, grow responsibility and emotional awareness, as well as build wisdom in your child when you ask instead of tell.

In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder), and Lydia Rex and Pam Thompson (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to encourage critical thinking in kids. These experts share plenty of real-life scenarios and practical questions you can start using today to grow cooperation, connection, and wisdom with your young child.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how Jesus guided His disciples with questions
the importance of keeping a light-hearted attitude when asking questions
situations where you could feel stuck and what might be going on with your child
practical ideas to use with young children who struggle to answer questions
ways you can use “I wonder” statements to engage your child
the purpose and power of “3 Yeahs”

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families Framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books.

Pam Thompson is a Licensed Family and Early Childhood Educator as well as a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. She is a mom of two young adult children and “like a mom” to two young adults who have experienced extensive trauma. Because of her education and experiences, she especially enjoys encouraging and supporting parents of young children, parents of young adult children, parents of kids from hard places, and teachers.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

I Was a Critical Parent: 6 Steps I Took to Find a More Loving Way

Kids Don’t Listen? How to Stop Lecturing and Start Asking Better Questions

Practical Tips To Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts Into Big Wins

My Child Argues About Everything

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:01:00 +0000

“My child argues with everything I say!” Has that thought ever crossed your mind? Whether your child is 5 or 15, you can find yourself wrapped up in the dynamics of arguing, defensiveness, and power struggles. Thankfully, there is hope to break out of this pattern with some curiosity, questions, and a light-hearted attitude.

In today’s episode, Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about kids who love to argue and what parents can do about it. Chad and Stacy co-authored an online course called “The Power of Questions”. They share more about the course and offer practical ideas to change the dynamics of arguing in your home.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

why some kids are prone to argue and where the pattern of defensiveness may begin
that Jesus sets an example for asking questions (over 300 recorded in the Bible!)
the importance of your curiosity and light-hearted attitude
ways you can activate your child’s mind and build wisdom when you switch from “telling” to “asking”
how asking questions can help you let go of managing your child’s behavior and owning their problems
that building wisdom is a journey with your child

Mentioned in this podcast:

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

3 Powerful Questions to Transform Your Parenting | Ep. 136

My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?

Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?

3 Powerful Questions to Transform Your Parenting

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Dads…today’s episode is especially for you. As a father, you probably have a lot of good intentions for your children. Do you ever wonder, though, if your parenting style gets in the way of your good intentions? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. If you find your parenting goals and actions are sometimes out of alignment, there are some practical ideas to help you get back on track.

In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Trevor Thurling (Connected Families Board Member) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation just for dads around some transformational questions for parenting. Trevor shares his journey that changed his parenting, and Jim equips you to bring your good intentions to your child’s heart.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how to show love instead of getting caught up in compliance
three key questions to begin to transform your parenting
the biblical basis for embracing humility and mutual submission
that Jesus models how to create an atmosphere of safety through love
how you can open up conversations with your kids by sharing about your own growth as a parent

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Trevor Thurling is a member of the Connected Families’ Board of Directors. With over 15 years of helping multinational companies, Trevor is a strategic thinker who leverages the power of human connections to build deeper relationships. He is a vocal proponent of the Connected Families Framework, having experienced the impact on his own family firsthand. Trevor and his wife, Stephanie, have three elementary-aged children, and he enjoys attending his kids’ activities and traveling.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

Family Teamwork: How To Meet Together as a Family

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Imagine your family working together to solve problems. Sounds amazing, right? But how do you get there? Busy schedules and personality differences can make “working together” seem like a big challenge. Thankfully, you can develop a practice to pull everyone together, have fun, and build wisdom.

In today’s podcast, Corrie and Alan Thetford (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the positive impacts of family meetings. The discussion offers real-life examples and practical steps for family meetings with kids of any age (think toddlers to college students!).

In this podcast you’ll discover:

the many reasons why family meetings are a big win
how to set a light-hearted and fun tone for a family meeting and focus on connection
four steps to solve a problem using family teamwork
that family meetings are a safe, predictable place to practice for real-life situations and scenarios your kids may encounter
wisdom for replacing nagging with curious questions

Mentioned in this podcast:

Power of Questions – Name Your Own Price campaign

Guest Bio:

Corrie and Alan Thetford have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

How to Help Kids See God in Nature

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Let’s get outside! No matter where you live (we have listeners all over the world!), getting outside is so good for so many reasons–for us and our kids. Sometimes getting outside means facing some challenges as well–poor weather, pesky insects, and even bad attitudes. It is possible to harness those challenges to build resilience, character, and memories in and with our kids.

In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the rewards that await when you take your family outside. (You can even get them outside to help them see God in nature!) In Lynne’s words, “It takes resilience on the part of parents and kids to get outside, but the benefits are huge–physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

In this podcast you’ll discover:

the game-changing impact of the phrase, “I want to go outside.”
ways you can model appreciating the outdoors for your kids
creative ideas to help your family be intentional about spending time in nature
that natural conversations about God happen when you are outside and may actually help kids see God in nature
that nature provides ample opportunities to grow resilience and character in our kids (and us!)

Mentioned in this podcast:

60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing

Fun movement helps keep everyone sane!

This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter.

GET THE FREE GUIDE

Ever Feel Like the Not-So-Fun Mom?

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Mama, does your to-do list ever get in the way of having fun with your family? Or is it hard to engage in the activities that your kids enjoy? If you ever feel like a not-so-fun mom, today’s podcast is for you! It is possible to cultivate a light-hearted spirit where fun, joy, and laughter flow more easily.

In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation to encourage you toward light-hearted, joy-filled connections with your family. Lynne and Stacy share ideas and stories from other moms to inspire you toward joy, laughter, and FUN. (Including a giveaway for the book Have More Fun by MOPS CEO Mandy Arioto.)

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how to find “intersections of joy” for your family
that reducing your own stress and shame can nurture a light-hearted spirit in you
ideas to help you lean into your strengths and find your “sweet spot” for fun
the importance of appreciating your own gifts as well as those of your spouse
ideas to inspire joy and fun for you and your family!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Have More Fun book
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing

Fun movement helps keep everyone sane!

This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter.

GET THE FREE GUIDE

Being a Single Mom is Exhausting | Ep. 62

How God Created Us for Community…and Science Agrees!

My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?

Developing a Screen Plan for Your Family

Mon, 08 May 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Are you tired of your kids constantly asking for screen time? Would you like to feel better equipped to navigate the use of media in your home? Perhaps you need tools to help you in developing a screen plan for your family and reset expectations around screen use. You certainly aren’t alone! Many parents in this hyper-digital age feel the same way.

In today’s podcast, Arlene Pellicane, author of Screen Kids, joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about being intentional and wise with technology in your home. You’ll hear the research and the heart behind Arlene’s desire to help parents develop a comprehensive plan for screens.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

the effects of screens on emotional health and brain development in children and young adults
positive ways your family can engage with technology
the difference between digital vegetables and digital candy
how to develop a detailed technology plan for your family
proactive ways to be intentional about tech as your children grow
ideas to consider as you think about allowing your child to have a phone

We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Gabb Wireless Phone for Kids – referral link from Arlene for a $25 coupon
Screen Kids book
Grandparenting Screen Kids
The Social Dilemma documentary
60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing (Free Resource)
Social media contest on Instagram and Facebook
Covenant Eyes web browser
Arlene’s interview with John Foubert about protecting kids from pornography
We are a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation today!

Guest Bio:

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books, including Parents Rising, 31 Days to a Happy Husband, and Screen Kids. Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, and Focus on the Family. Arlene lives in San Diego with her husband, James, and their three children.
To learn more, visit her website at ArlenePellicane.com and check out her masterclasses at HappyHomeUniversity.com

60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing

Fun movement helps keep everyone sane!

This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter.

GET THE FREE GUIDE

7 Activities to Teach Patience to the Child Who Wants It NOW

How to Set Boundaries with Screens | Ep. 66

I Just Can’t Get My Kids Off the Screen!

What Do You Do with a Minecraft Addiction?

How To Guide Your Child To Love Honesty

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:01:00 +0000

There’s nothing like your child telling a blatant lie to trigger a strong reaction in you. You may want to focus your energy on shutting down the deception, but what if you responded with curiosity instead? Or maybe your child is more skilled with lying, and it’s hard to discern whether they are telling the truth. Either way, you are probably wondering about how to guide your child to love honesty.

In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to guide your child to love honesty. With candid stories, Jim and Chad share a fresh perspective and practical ideas to grow a culture of truth-telling in your home.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

reasons kids lie (it’s not always obvious)
ways to engage your child in a curious and compassionate way
how to shift your energy so truthfulness becomes the focus in your home
ideas to grow your child’s identity as a truth-teller
ways to teach the skill of truth-telling in everyday moments
the importance of modeling honesty even when it’s tough (including the story of a mom who killed the family cat!)

Mentioned in this podcast:

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart book or audiobook
John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – talk about God’s commands in everyday life
“I killed the cat” blogpost – modeling truth-telling to your kids
We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate to Connected Families today!

Healthy Mealtimes for Children Who Are Picky | Ep. 130

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Are healthy mealtimes at your house often a place of struggle? Have you ever thought, “My child won’t eat anything but junk food”? So many families experience these issues, and there is hope to move from “picky, picky” to peace around food. The way may be simpler than you expect through consistency, effort, and flexibility.

In today’s episode, Christina Jax (Registered Dietician and Nutritionist) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss mealtimes, food choices, and supporting kids to eat a variety of healthy foods. Christina brings her experience as a mom to a child with sensory issues and her professional background to offer practical ideas for improving a child’s experiences with food.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

factors that may contribute to a child’s selective food choices
the difference between sensory issues and preferences when it comes to food
why consistency and flexibility are effective tools for offering new foods at the table
the importance of involving a child in meal planning and preparation
that an awareness of your own relationship with food can help keep your issues from influencing your child’s experiences with food

Mentioned in this podcast:

Picky Picky ebook – Free Connected Families Resource

Guest Bio:

Christina is the Co-Founder of A4 Health, whose professional mission is fueling fun lives and supporting individuals and organizations to achieve optimized health. Combining 20+ years in behavioral and nutrition science, Christina’s approach is to make healthy “easy” and prove the Return on Investment (ROI) for each individual or group she serves! Christina currently serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She is a team dietitian for the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks. She also has a podcast. Check her out on Spotify and iTunes at Connect the Dots with Christina Jax.
Christina’s website https://www.a4.health/
On Instagram: @‌a4healthcoach

Got a very selective eater in the home? Maybe they only eat the color white, or just can’t sit at the table long enough to eat anything. Whatever the challenge, we want to help you.

Read our FREE ebook, Picky Picky! My Child Won’t Eat Anything But Junk Food.

GET THE BOOK

Are We Raising Animals?

From Power Struggles to Peace at Meals

Struggling at the Family Dinner Table? How to Come Together & Enjoy

Practical Ideas for Parenting the Middle Years

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Do you have a child in the middle years, or are those years just a few steps away? (Keep in mind, puberty can begin as early as nine years old!) The middle years can be a tumultuous time for a child. Their body makes significant changes, and so does their brain! So, what does a child need from their parents during this season, and how do parents guide a child who seems to suddenly have lots of new attitudes and opinions?

In today’s episode, Cynthia Tobias (co-author of Middle School: The Inside Story) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss parenting through the middle years. Cynthia brings her professional and personal experiences to offer practical tools for speaking to, guiding, and supporting a child in the middle years with grace and connection.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

the middle schooler’s biggest fear…and how to help them
how to change your parenting to adapt to your child’s changing needs
ways to shift responsibility and decision-making to the child while still offering accountability and a safety net
why it’s okay and important to let a child fail
how to encourage and connect with the heart of your middle schooler

We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna
Do You Know What I Like About You? YouTube Video by Cynthia
Cynthia’s Facebook page
Cynthia’s website – free PDF about middle school
Donate to Connected Families
CF Facebook
CF Instagram

Guest Bio:

Cynthia Tobias has a successful background that includes over 30 years of private practice, eight years of teaching high school, and six years in law enforcement. She has authored 13 books and is a featured guest on radio and television, a popular presenter for businesses, government agencies, churches, and schools throughout the U.S. and the world. Cynthia received her B.A. at Northwest Nazarene University, her Master’s Degree at Seattle Pacific University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Northwest Nazarene University in 2015. She is the mother of twin sons, now adults, and she and her husband, Jack, live in the Seattle area. Learn more about Cynthia by visiting her website, www.cynthiatobias.com.

Learn more about the Framework

Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework?
Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

5 Powerful Ways to Connect with a Teen Who Lies

What Do Kids Really Need From Us? | Ep. 95

What To Do When You Think Your Child Is Doomed

Is Your Child’s Misbehavior Actually a Gift? | Ep. 128

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:01:00 +0000

What if underneath your child’s misbehavior was a good gift? Sound too good to be true? It’s not! Connected Families teaches this idea as a “Gift Gone Awry.” This gift may not always come out in a helpful way, but it could be shaped and guided to be a blessing to others.

In this podcast, Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the amazing gifts that might be hidden in your child’s misbehavior.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

how your thoughts about your child can become their identity
the biblical basis for seeing gifts in misbehavior, including references
examples of how to find a gift gone awry and coach a child to be a blessing
ways to bring your child’s struggle before God and shift your perspective
that focus is fertilizer–what you pay attention to grows!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Lynne Jackson has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD (including her own kids!), OCD, ODD, and autism spectrum disorders. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim, founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God’s grace in the midst of family life.

Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned TBRI practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books.

Learn more about the Framework

Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework?
Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

Is Your Child Intense and Impulsive?

Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?

What to Do When Your Child Has a Hard Time Losing

Family Activities to Prepare for Easter

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:01:00 +0000

In some Christian traditions, it can feel like Easter sneaks up on you. It can even seem like the holiday doesn’t get the same attention and preparation as Christmas, but it is actually the most important day on the Christian calendar. So, how can you help your family prepare and truly celebrate Christ’s resurrection this year?

In today’s podcast, Laurie Christine (author and podcast host at Redeeming the Chaos) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about discipleship at home and, more specifically, preparing for Easter. Laurie shares her favorite resources and ideas to create engaging discipleship opportunities with your kids and talks about her free Easter resource for families.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

what the Bible says about discipling your children
ideas to overcome challenges you may encounter when you try to connect with God as a family
practical ways to make family discipleship engaging for your kids
ways to change your approach to family times as your children get older
the powerful message of Easter and ways you can share that with your children
a FREE resource to help your family connect and prepare for Easter (also available in the audiobook version)

Mentioned in this podcast:

Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Register Now!
30 Family Bible Stories for Easter by Laurie Christine
Judges 2:10
Psalm 78:4
Nancy Gutherie books
The Very Best Hands On Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions by Tim Shoemaker
Hands-on family activities for different age groups by Kirk Weaver
1 Corinthians 15:17
Philippians 2:13
Laurie’s podcast: Redeeming the Chaos
Laurie’s favorite resources for family devotions and bible study
How to make family devotions more engaging for your kids

Guest Bio:

Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Certified Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four wild, loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her in the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ. Laurie also writes devotionals and Bible stories for middle-grade boys. As a mom of four young boys, she understands how important it is for parents to connect with their children while communicating the truth of God’s Word to them in a way they can understand.

With degrees in Creative Writing, Biblical Studies, and Education, Laurie has more than fourteen years of experience in teaching the Bible to young children as well as writing the Sunday School curriculum for her local church. Laurie also serves as the administrator for the Christian Writers Institute and the producer for the Christian Publishing Show and Novel Marketing Podcasts. You can find her at: www.LaurieChristine.com.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

Four Simple Ways to Teach Your Child About God

The Most Effective Way To Teach Kids To Pray

UPDATED: How To Pray With Your Child | Ep. 113

Why Is My Child So Angry All the Time?

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Are you trying to understand your child’s frequent frustration or angry eruptions? Do you find yourself turning to the internet to ask, “Why is my son so angry with me?” or “Why is my daughter so angry all the time?” The truth is, there is usually more going under the surface of anger. Likely, that anger is protecting some softer emotions, such as feeling anxious, alone, or discouraged, to name a few. You can have compassion and come alongside them with loving support when you seek to understand what is really going on. But how do you get started?

In this podcast you’ll discover:

underlying stress factors that influence angry behavior
the relationship between anger and anxiety
when to use an “I wonder if…” question to help build emotional intelligence and understanding
how you can move to compassion and connection when your child erupts in anger
trauma’s role in anger, including its effects on a child’s developing brain and nervous system
activities to do with your child to grow their emotional awareness and build skills to unpack what’s going on under the surface

Mentioned in this podcast:

Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Register Today!
Paper plate activity
Iceberg illustration for older kids
Proverbs 29:11: Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Guest Bio:

Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned TBRI practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families Framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

I Resent My Child

Why Punching a Pillow When Angry Doesn’t Really Help Your Child

Why Safety Is Crucial for Adoptive Families

You Really Want To Show Loving Discipline? Start With Your Face.

Your Child Receives A Diagnosis...Now What?

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:01:00 +0000

If your child is sensitive or intense, you might ask, “Is it worth getting a diagnosis?” or “Will the information from a diagnosis help or hinder my child and our family?” You may fear that a diagnosis will label your child in a negative way, or you may feel overwhelmed about what happens after a diagnosis.

In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) continue a conversation about diagnoses with Mandy Cuda, MD. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it worth getting an ADHD diagnosis for my child?” or “Is it worth getting an autism spectrum diagnosis?” this podcast is for you. Mandy and Lynne share the insights and support that can come from a diagnosis and discuss the next steps for parents.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

to consider your own feelings after a child’s diagnosis–everything from grief to gratitude
how to talk with your child about a diagnosis at any age
questions you can ask your child to gain insight into their experience and how you can better support them
when the phrase “Tell me more” can open up opportunities with your child and their care providers
how to build a support system for yourself and your child
the importance of the brain-body connection and when to ask, “What might be aggravating this child’s system?”
how to navigate a conversation about medication with your child’s doctor

Mentioned in this podcast:

Sensitive & Intense Kids: Navigating Challenge With Purpose and Hope: Registration is open!
Ep 122: How To Know If Your Child Needs A Diagnosis or Extra Support
Two Powerful Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Thrive (includes sensory checklist)
Sensory Checklist/Questionnaire
James 1:2-4 (verse about trials bringing us to maturity)
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Child Advocacy page by Taylor Irby
Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program

Guest Bio:

Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Cuda is a family physician and Connected Families Parent Coach-in-training. She lives in Washington with her husband, a military pediatric urologist, and four amazing kids. Her connection with Connected Families began more than 20 years ago when, as a new Wheaton college grad, she worked with Jim and Chad in Minnesota. She went on to earn her MD from the Uniformed Services University and an MPH from the University of Washington. She served in the military for most of her healthcare career but has also served in community primary care and virtual care delivery.

Do you have a child with EXTRA needs?

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

LEARN MORE

4 Ideas to Build a Growth Mindset as a Family

Advocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child | Ep. 123

Empowering Your Differently Wired Child | Ep. 124

Morning Sensory Dysregulation

Empowering Your Differently Wired Child

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Do you have a child who is wired differently? You’ve probably felt frustrated or discouraged at times about how to support your child through daily routines or going to school. It may be challenging to know what your child needs and offer that at the right time.

In today’s podcast, Katie Wetsell and Corrie Thetford (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about empowering your uniquely and wonderfully wired child.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

How to evaluate what’s going on in your heart about your child. Do you need to “fix” your child? Or better understand your child?
The opportunity therapy presents for you to learn with your child and as well as keep the momentum from therapy going at home
Ideas for supporting your child in a learning environment at school or home and how to help your child discover and accept what they need to be successful
Ways to talk about and celebrate differences in your family
How one 13-year-old has felt supported and empowered by his parents

We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Corrie Thetford and her husband Alan have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages.

Katie Wetsell is our online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their family with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org.

Rylan Wetsell is Katie’s 13-year-old, bright, witty son who is overcoming the challenges associated with being differently wired to grow in wisdom and courage. He is an advocate, with his mom, for himself and others affected by stuttering, Tourette’s Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and learning disabilities.

Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU.

LEARN MORE

A Simple Way to Teach Kids Perseverance

Advocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child | Ep. 123

Daily Sensory Rhythms To Bring Peace to Your Home | Ep 112

How To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support | Ep. 122

Advocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Maybe you’ve received a message from your child’s teacher about his behavior at school, or you want to set your child up for a good experience as she begins a new activity. Communicating with teachers, coaches, and other adults about how to support your sensitive or neurodiverse child may feel difficult to navigate, but thankfully other parents have also walked that journey and have some practical wisdom to share.

In today’s podcast, Marni Love (former public school teacher, home educator, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) and Taylor Irby (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share their experiences about advocating for a sensitive child. Taylor and Marni offer practical ideas to empower you so your child can receive the support they need in any environment.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

that a diagnosis can unlock the doors to help you understand and advocate for your neurodiverse child
how to flip the script of negative complaints from teachers and other adults to positive feedback
ways to support your child in making and keeping friends
how you can be firm and kind with other adults in order to help your child thrive (and keep your sanity!)
how to create an advocacy sheet about your child for teachers (downloadable link)
where to get a medical diagnosis and how that impacts an IEP/504 plan at school
steps that can help you and your spouse get on the same page
how to gather a professional team and personal support for the journey with your child

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bios:

Marni Love is a former public school teacher and has been a home educator for the past 13 years. She is a Homeschool Mentor and Certified Connected Families Parent Coach. Marni enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their three sons in the beautiful mountains and beaches of Northern California. You can connect with her through her website: marnilove.com

Taylor Irby is a mother to 5 kids, and she understands the struggles parents face. Every day she faces ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and adoption trauma. She, too, has sat in the midst of challenges and searched the world for answers. Taylor read book after book and got excited over methods that were short-lived. That is when she hit the wall of desperation and sought parent coaching through Connected Families. Taylor ultimately became a coach through their training program to help others like her. She has seen transformation in her home through working with a framework that not only has changed her children’s behavior but their hearts as well. You are not alone on this parenting journey. There is hope, and you can enjoy your children, build that relationship you have wanted and see behavior change. You can learn more about Taylor at taylorirbycoaching.com, and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylor.irby.5 and Instagram @taylorirbycoaching

Does your child need help calming down?

Would a free course presenting you 7 sensory strategies to calm your child be useful?

If yes, take our FREE online course 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids.

TELL ME MORE

How To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support | Ep. 122

Is Your Child Exhausted and Cranky After School?

Morning Sensory Dysregulation

How To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:01:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered, “What’s going on with my child? Is this ‘normal’ behavior, or is there something more going on?” If you’ve asked these questions, you may be wondering if it’s worth seeking a diagnosis for your struggling child.

All children go through more challenging developmental seasons, but some children are wired differently altogether, also known as neurodiverse. These kids often benefit from the understanding and support of professionals.

In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) are joined by Mandy Cuda, MD. Listen in on a profound conversation to help parents navigate the choice to seek a diagnosis or support for a child who is struggling.

Through this conversation, you’ll learn:

to reflect on your motivations for seeking a diagnosis
how to know when to seek help and what to do if/when it is time
how you can include your child in the process of seeking support and normalizing differences
the power of your curiosity and observations over time to guide you
that you know your child best
that your child may have incredible potential masked in the struggle
the importance of prioritizing sleep, activity, and nutrition to help find your child’s baseline
current information about genetic and environmental impacts on neurodiversity
about the complexity of overlapping diagnoses in neurodivergent people

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Does your child need help calming down?

Would a free course presenting you 7 sensory strategies to calm your child be useful?

If yes, take our FREE online course 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids.

TELL ME MORE

3 Unexpected Parenting Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Thrive

Morning Sensory Dysregulation

My Child Freaks Out Easily | Ep. 106

Teaching Kids the Framework | Ep. 121

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:01:00 +0000

If you’re reading this, you probably hope to bring more connection, grace, and unconditional love into your parenting this year. And maybe you’re wondering how you can get your whole family on the same page. The Connected Families Framework can help you become the parent you want to be, and teaching the principles to your kids might be simpler than you expect.

On today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss ways parents can model and teach each principle of the Framework: Foundation, Connect, Coach, Correct. This podcast includes a downloadable, 5-session mini curriculum developed by Jim and Lynne to help teach the Framework to children in interactive and hands-on ways.

Get your FREE Family Activity Guide

This 5-session activity guide will help you introduce your kids to the Connected Families Framework in a fun and inviting way!

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

practical ways to model each area of the Framework for your children
how talking out loud about the whys of your parenting can serve as a powerful teacher to your children (and a source of accountability for you!)
ideas for strengthening the connection between your children and supporting their reconnection after conflict
ways you can engage with scripture as a family and help your children learn to listen for what God may be teaching them
how you can guide your family to value reconciliation in all relationships

Mentioned in this podcast:

Learn more about the Framework

Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework?
Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

Consequences vs Punishment: What’s the Difference?

Introduce Your Kids to the Connected Families Framework

Unconditional Love: 15 Reasons to Show Love-No-Matter-What to Your Kids

Our Top Podcast of 2022

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 10:33:00 +0000

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

The Connected Families Podcast continues to encourage and equip parents all over the world. Did you know we recently exceeded 1 million listens? THANK YOU!

As we head into another year of podcasting, we thought it would be fun to share our most listened-to podcast of 2022. If you have already enjoyed our top podcast, we are including links to the next four most popular podcasts of 2022. It’s time to pop in your headphones, grab a few baskets of laundry to fold or take the dog for a long walk.

What podcast most encouraged you in 2022? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you!

Our Top Podcast of 2022

Ep. 101: Does Attachment Style Matter?

Your relationship with your child might feel “off,” but you’re not sure why. Could it be that the way you were parented impacts the way you parent? Your attachment style affects all your most important relationships – from spouse to children to close friends. So, what is “attachment style” anyway? And does attachment style really matter?

On this episode, we welcome guests Milan and Kay Yerkovich, the authors of How We Love. Together we discuss how we bring the attachment style from our parents to our own relationships, especially to our kids.

Four more amazing podcasts from 2022

Ep. 100: Ending the Shame Cycle

Are you hard on yourself as a parent? As a person? It’s so easy to get caught up in what feels like failure to us. We want so much to be good parents! Though it’s unintentional, we can project our own feelings of shame onto our kids. Then we feel even worse. Shame can be so destructive to us and to our relationships. What does ending the shame cycle look like?

If you have ever felt stuck in this kind of a cycle, please listen to this podcast. In this milestone podcast (our 100th episode!) we talk about a prevalent and powerful concept that has resounded with our Connected Families community for nearly 20 years: Moving forward from shame to the freedom of living in God’s grace and truth.

Ep. 102: How To Be a More Playful Parent

Sometimes parenting can feel like one big list of things you have to get done. It can be so hard to switch gears from the many demands of being a parent to having a joyful and playful time with your children! Yet research shows that playfulness brings connection and communicates in a language that helps kids learn!

This podcast, with guest Joy Wendling, has great ideas to help you: calm your child’s brain and yours, provide opportunities to teach skills, enable problem-solving capability, reach kids who are struggling, and communicate to your child, “I enjoy you!”

Ep. 103: Should Dads Demand Respect?

When our “respect buttons” get pushed, it’s tempting to grasp for control and command obedience. But in doing so, we might find ourselves sacrificing connection and true, heartfelt respect with our kids. You want to build connection and respect. So what can you do? How can you respond?

This podcast is a heartfelt conversation about respect. When we engage with our kids in humility and curiosity instead of control, we model what respect looks like and safely earn their respect and trust. Treating our children with respect helps us diffuse a tense situation and paves the way for connection, conversation, and understanding.

Ep 111: Coaching Kids to “Make It Right”

Do you sometimes struggle to think of an appropriate consequence for your child’s misbehavior? Or dole out punishment only to have your child refuse to accept the punishment? Sigh.

Offering consistent and effective discipline can feel like an ongoing and overwhelming challenge. Listen in as the conversation on this podcast explores the messages we send through discipline and how to coach children to be responsible for their actions.

Grandparenting Through a New Lens

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Photo by Phillip Goldsberry on Unsplash

Grandparents, we have something specifically for you today! (If you’re a parent, listen and then consider sharing this episode with a grandparent in your life.) You long to build more connection into your relationships with your grandchildren or to be more supportive of your adult children as they learn to parent. The Connected Families Framework can help you build connection and be the supportive grandparent you long to be.

In today’s episode, two Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches, Cindy Stonestreet (Grandmother and CRNA) and Dijea Young (Grandmother and homeschool mentor), join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for an encouraging conversation. Cindy and Dijea share their hearts about the powerful impact the Connected Families Framework has had in their daily interactions with their grandchildren.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

it’s never too late to change your approach to discipline
practical ways to infuse the interactions with both your adult children and grandchildren with safety, connection, and unconditional love
how you can respond to your grandchild’s meltdown or defiance with a fresh approach
examples of how you can support and respect your adult children in their parenting

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bios:

Cindy Stonestreet is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and grandmother of five lively grandchildren. She has worked as a registered nurse for 39 years: 18 years in the NICU and 15 years as a CRNA at Women and Children’s Hospital. She seeks to guide parents and grandparents to develop skills and wisdom in their children and grandchildren.

Dijea Young has served children and families most of her adult life as a credentialed teacher, homeschool accrediting consultant, and now as a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. For 29 years, she home-educated her own 8 children and now enjoys her ever-growing number of grandchildren…Number 10 is expected any day!

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Navigating Family Gatherings

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Are you looking forward to celebrating Christmas with family but dreading unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives? You are not alone. Changes in your daily routines, travel, lack of sleep, and large gatherings set the stage for parenting challenges. Sometimes these difficult situations may be scrutinized by other adults in your family. This may lead to comments or questions that don’t feel supportive. Navigating family gatherings can be tricky!

On today’s podcast, Chad Hayenga (Director of Education & Equipping) and Jenna Williams (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about navigating the holidays with relatives. Specifically, how you can respond when grandparents or other family members criticize you (or your children). Role-playing possible scenarios, Jenna and Chad bring humor and practical wisdom to you just in time for holiday gatherings.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

proactive strategies to intentionally prepare your family for upcoming gatherings, including evaluating your own expectations, having conversations with your children, and even having conversations with grandparents about their expectations
roleplays to help you navigate criticism, unhelpful comments, or harsh discipline by grandparents or other relatives
that you can model humility and the value of connection to your parents and kids during holiday gatherings and difficult situations

We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio: Jenna Williams and her husband, Sam, have been married for ten years. They live in Colorado Springs, CO, and have three amazing children ages 3-7. Jenna is a registered nurse by trade and works in a postpartum unit. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and loves caring for and supporting families! Connected Families has been a true blessing for her and her family, and she is excited to share that blessing with others. You can find her on Instagram: jennawilliams0411.

Spread the “aha” moments of grace

Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace.

DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

Healthy Conflict Resolution in Adult Relationships

How to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice from Family (4 Grace-Filled Tips)

How to Stop Attention-Seeking Behavior Before It Starts

Gospel in Parenting Part 2

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Today’s podcast is part two of a series on how the gospel informs the Connected Families Framework. Part one explored the gospel in the first three layers of the Framework. Today’s conversation will unpack how the gospel is woven into the final level of the Framework: Correct: “You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions.”

Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Connected Families Co-Founders Jim and Lynne Jackson for a conversation that is rich with scripture and reflection. Together, they dig into the true goal of discipline as you seek to correct your children when they misbehave.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how your approach to correction can have a powerful impact in-the-moment, and a lasting impact on your child’s openness to the Holy Spirit and discipleship to Christ
ideas for modeling restoration and reconciliation in your home
how the fruit of the Spirit can guide you to gently restore your child
ways you can set the example of humility for your family
that correction is ultimately about you becoming more like Jesus in a way that attracts your child to a life with Jesus

We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!

The Gospel in Our Parenting, Part 1 | Ep. 107

Check out the first part of this podcast where we dig into how The Gospel informs the first three levels of the Framework.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Mentioned in this podcast:

Learn more about the Framework

Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework?
Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

Legalism vs Grace: How to Let Go of Perfectionism & Grab Hold of Grace

My Child Doesn’t Care About Consequences

The Gospel in Our Parenting, Part 1 | Ep. 107

The Brain Impact of Gratitude

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:01:00 +0000

As 2022 winds down and we head into the holiday season, we have so much to be grateful for.

You’ve probably heard about the benefits of practicing gratitude, but do you know what goes on inside of your body when you experience gratitude? The brain science and physiological impacts are fascinating. So what exactly IS the impact of gratitude on the brain?

In today’s episode, Dr. Troy Spurrill, DC (Founder & CEO, Synapse Center for Health & Healing) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss the positive impact that practicing gratitude can have on families. Dr. Troy draws on his experiences as a scientist, father, and follower of Jesus to explain how gratitude impacts your heart and health.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how giving and receiving gratitude build your brain
the chemical difference between intentional gratitude and quick, robotic expressions
the powerful connection between receiving God’s grace and gratitude
aspects of daily life that block our ability to express and receive gratitude
practical solutions to support kids (or adults) experiencing anxiety or despair

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Dr. Troy Spurrill is the founder and CEO of Synapse Center for Health and Healing. He started Synapse over 26 years ago with a vision to bring an integrative approach to healthcare through functional medicine, making Synapse an internationally known center for true health.

He received a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Manitoba, and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University. He has extensive training in Functional Neurology, Nutrition, and Applied Kinesiology. Dr. Troy is an author and international lecturer on wellness and brain-based healing.

Dr. Troy and his wife Christine have 10 children together. When he’s not at the clinic, Dr. Troy enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and attending sporting events.

Spread the “aha” moments of grace

Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace.

DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

Give Your Family a THANKS-filled Thanksgiving

Questions to Put the THANKS Back in Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Greetings

The 3 Most Important (and Most Overlooked) Reasons to Be Thankful to God

When Parenting Is Harder Than You Thought It Would Be | Ep. 115

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:04:00 +0000

Before you had children you may have held idealistic visions of what family life and parenting would be like someday. For some parents, as their hopes and expectations meet the realities of daily life, they begin to feel disillusioned. Insecurities and anxiety around parenting may surface, and they may ask, “Am I enough? Am I the right parent for this child?”

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Taylor Irby (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) for a conversation exploring how to move past our own expectations and into the security God has for us as parents. Both Stacy and Taylor have children through birth as well as adoption.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

messages you can use to challenge insecurities you experience in parenting
ways control can show up in your behavior toward yourself and your children
steps to help you move from anxiety and control to Truth in the moment
what happens in our minds, hearts, and behavior when we trust that God is taking care of us

We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Episode 98 – Can you parent well when you’re anxious – Guest Taylor Irby
Connected Families Certified Parent Coach
Connected Families Framework
Sensitive & Intense Kids online course (Coming soon!)
Slow, low, and listen
Romans 5:8

Guest Bio:

Taylor Irby is a mother to 5 kids, and she understands the struggles parents face. Every day she faces ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and adoption trauma. She too has sat in the trenches and searched the world for answers. Taylor read book after book and got excited over methods that were short-lived. That is when she hit the wall of desperation and sought parent coaching through Connected Families. Taylor ultimately became a coach through their training program to help others like her. She has seen transformation in her home through working with a framework that not only has changed her children’s behavior but their hearts as well. You are not alone on this parenting journey. There is hope and you can enjoy your children, build that relationship you have wanted and see behavior change. You can learn more about Taylor at taylorirbycoaching.com, and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylor.irby.5 and Instagram @taylorirbycoaching

Pursuing Kids Who Push Away

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:01:00 +0000

If you’re here, your parenting goal is likely to have a connected family. But what do you do when you have a child who is pulling away from you? A child who does not seem to want connection? Feelings of disconnection from a child can be painful and challenging for a parent. Even in the most “connected” families, this can happen. You are not alone.

In today’s podcast, Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping), and Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) have a conversation about pursuing kids who push away. They share stories from their own parenting journey as they explore practical ideas to pursue a child when connection feels out of reach.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

possible reasons why a child may push away
how a parent’s beliefs and thoughts may influence what’s going on
simple questions that can create opportunities for connection
how to become a student of your child and let them guide you towards connection

Mentioned in this podcast:

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

How To Pray With Your Child

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:41:01 +0000

Prayer is a meaningful faith practice that you probably want to pass on to your kids, but teaching your kids to pray may feel overwhelming. You may feel unsure how to answer your kid’s questions about prayer or how to incorporate regular prayer times with them into your daily life.

In today’s podcast, Stephanie Thurling (author and co-founder of Raising Prayerful Kids) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to talk about teaching children to pray in meaningful ways. Stephanie’s experience working with youth and families inspired her to start her ministry equipping parents to pray with their children.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

practical tools you can use for how to pray with your child
how to create moments of connection through blessing prayers
ways to use the Bible to guide prayer with your kids
common pitfalls parents experience when they try to teach their kids to pray (and what to do about them!)

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Steph Thurling is co-founder of Raising Prayerful Kids, a ministry that equips parents to pray with their kids in meaningful ways. She has her master’s degree in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and worked in youth ministry for several years before deciding to stay home with her kids.

Does your child need help calming down?

Would a free course presenting you 7 sensory strategies to calm your child be useful?

If yes, take our FREE online course 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids.

TELL ME MORE

Daily Sensory Rhythms to Bring Peace to Your Home

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Your child is done with school (or preschool) for the day and instead of relaxing, you’re now navigating meltdown after meltdown. Why do the strategies that worked with one child fall flat with another? Do you find yourself wondering, “Will it always be this way?”

In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Occupational Therapist and Connected Families Co-Founder), and Amy Nyvall (seasoned mom and past coaching client) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share ideas on how daily sensory rhythms can bring down the chaos and cultivate more peace in your home. Through Amy’s story, you’ll learn how daily rhythms that incorporate sensory activities will often help your child avoid meltdowns and reestablish calm in moments of chaos.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

how to find calm and clarity as a parent to guide your family to take the next step
ideas to schedule your day to create a culture of peace in your home
ideas to help equip your family through the challenges of mornings, dinner time, and quiet time
activities to try when everybody feels off (one even includes chocolate!)

Mentioned in this podcast:

Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Coming Early 2023!

7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids-FREE online course (this includes the video of Amy’s husband doing the burrito roll with kids)

Guest Bio:

Amy and her husband Andrew have been married for 16 years and live among the fir trees outside Portland, Oregon. They enjoy outdoor adventures as much as possible and have a blast homeschooling their three intensely creative, adventurous, and active children. In her spare time, you’ll find Amy encouraging moms and homeschoolers, learning alongside the kids, or slipping away to read from a stack of her own books. Amy is passionate about creating a family culture that equips our children to be prepared to serve the Lord in the days ahead.

Take the course that was made for your family.

Got a child with extra big emotions? We get it. And we want to support and equip you. Raising an intense and sensitive child isn’t easy, but it can be filled with hope.

LEARN MORE

Coaching Your Kids to “Make It Right”

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Do you sometimes struggle to think of an appropriate consequence for your child’s misbehavior? Or dole out punishment only to have your child refuse to accept the punishment? Sigh.

Offering consistent and effective discipline can feel like an ongoing and overwhelming challenge.

In today’s episode, Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping), and Katie Wetsell (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss what effective discipline can look like. (It IS possible!) The conversation explores the messages we send through discipline and how to coach children to be responsible for their actions.

In this podcast you’ll discover:

3 key questions to ask in any discipline situation
how to work with your child as a team for more effective discipline
the opportunity in discipline to offer and receive God’s grace and forgiveness
how to help your child see the natural impacts of their behavior
how to guide your child to “make it right”
how “paused privileges” can help motivate a child

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Katie Wetsell is our Discipline That Connects online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their families with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org.

You can help your child with their anger.

Learn how to break the addictive anger cycle. Get the FREE ebook, Helping Kids With Anger.

Why "Calm Down!" Doesn't Work

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:01:00 +0000

In today’s episode, Corrie and Alan Thetford (founders of Building Wise Families and Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss how to help our children want to calm down when they are experiencing big emotions. The conversation explores what’s going on in us as parents when we try to make our child calm down, the role of empathy in supporting our child’s big emotions, and what’s going on beneath the surface of our child’s big outburst.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

what’s happening in your child’s brain and body that makes them not want to calm down
how your good intentions to make your child stop or take a break during a meltdown can actually escalate emotions
empathy’s role in helping your child feel understood and able to move through big emotions so they want to calm
why something small is often the trigger for your child’s cascade of emotion

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Alan and Corrie have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages.

You can help your child with their anger.

Learn how to break the addictive anger cycle. Get the FREE ebook, Helping Kids With Anger.

Calming Yourself Before Going Into Discipline

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:09:00 +0000

“Why are you so mad all the time?” Do you ever hear this from your child? You probably don’t intend to look mad. You may not even be aware of your furrowed brow or irritated expression. And it’s especially hard to keep your cool in the heat of the moment when your child pushes your buttons.

But what message does your expression send to your child? Sure, you could try to put on a happy face and force a polite smile, but it’s not the most effective or long-term solution. So what can you do to keep things truly calm?

In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Co-Founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to dig deep into an important principle of the Connected Families Framework. At the foundation level of the framework, you learn to move from “fast, large, and loud” to “slow, low, and listen.” This helps kids feel safe during discipline.

Often, parents leverage fear and intensity to “change” kids’ behavior. But kids read facial expressions more than anything else. Have you ever noticed your child looking at your face and listening to the tone of your voice to discern if they are truly safe?

So how do you show up safe for your kids?

At Connected Families, we start with the question, “What’s going on in me?” and “What does my child see on my face in times of discipline?” When you are able to do this inner work, your calm demeanor toward your kids can be a true reflection of a peaceful heart, not just a contrived calm. Then you can have the emotional capacity to help your struggling child. This will help guide them toward wisdom, connection, and grace, with true compassion.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

how to work toward becoming truly calm on the inside, not just on the outside
practical tools for the heat of the moment to help you regulate your nervous system (and then help your child regulate too!)
the science of creating brain pathways that can help you respond better in future discipline situations
the transforming power of the principles in the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, and the beautiful testimony of one mom’s parenting journey through the course

We hope that you have been helped by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!

Mentioned in this podcast:

In the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, you’ll learn 4 key messages that all kids long to hear. You’ll be equipped to move into frustrating moments of misbehavior to lead with grace, not fear or anger. Register today! The course begins on October 4th.

4 simple messages.
1 simple framework.

Get the FREE ebook, and start your journey toward better, more connective discipline in your home.

Childhood Wounds: What They Are & How To Free Your Parenting of Them

Kids and Misbehavior: Is It Sin? Or Something Else? | Ep. 108

Power Struggles: Why We Get Stuck In Them & How to Move Toward Problem Solving

Kids and Misbehavior: Sin? Or Something Else?

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Is it sin when my child misbehaves? Or is there something else going on under the surface? What is gentle parenting? What is biblical parenting? This topic is definitely making the rounds right now on social media, in churches, and in our homes. It can be overwhelming and confusing. What is true? What does the Bible really say about all of this? If you are struggling with all the controversy around this topic, you are in good company with so many other parents, and you will not want to miss this episode!

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward is joined by Lynne Jackson (Occupational Therapist and Connected Families Co-Founder) and Amanda Erickson (Co-Founder of Flourishing Homes and Families) to sift through and decipher the many messages we get as parents about the topic of sin and misbehavior. They discuss the importance of understanding underlying issues, being able to connect with your child, and seeing the opportunity to set your child up for success in the moment and for the future.

Our best parenting leaves our kids eager to receive the guidance and conviction of the Holy Spirit, as we model the grace and reconciliation we all receive from Jesus. When you prioritize this kind of connection, you equip your child to grow in wisdom and in their God-given purpose.

In this podcast, you’ll learn about:

teaching the beauty of repentance without the shame, celebrating the growing process, and leaving the job of conviction to the Holy Spirit
Ancient Hebrew culture, and how their understanding of childhood can bring context to the biblical wisdom that informs your parenting
how aspects of brain science align with biblical parenting, and how it can bring a tender perspective to your parenting as you disciple your growing child
practical and biblical ways you can respond with love in misbehavior to help calm and guide your child toward wisdom and connection

Has this podcast been helpful to you today? If so, would you mind taking a minute to share it with other parents who need some encouragement too? You can also subscribe to this podcast. We want to share God’s grace and truth with more parents just like you. Have questions? Please reach out, we are here to help!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest bio:

Amanda Erickson is passionate about helping moms be less stressed and angry so they can flourish in their motherhood. This passion is born out of her own experience with postpartum anxiety, rage, and anger. She delights in linking arms with other mamas so they know that gentle, peaceful, grace-based parenting isn’t only Scripturally sound—it’s actually possible! An artist and free spirit, she is most in her element when she is speaking or creating. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from BMA Theological Seminary. Amanda and her husband David have been married for 17 years, have two boys, and currently reside in East Texas.

Learn more about the Framework

Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework?
Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

The Gospel in Our Parenting

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:01:00 +0000

What difference does the gospel make in our lives? In our parenting?

The message of God’s love communicates the unconditional truth that each of us has been made in the image of God. Our connection with Jesus brings hope and transformation to every area of our lives.

The love and grace of God is the source of everything we do at Connected Families. One of the things that sets us apart is that we work to make scripture practical for parents. The Bible is our sure foundation and the first resource we consider in our teaching.

Today’s podcast is the first of two podcasts about how the gospel informs the Connected Families Framework. Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Connected Families Co-Founders Jim and Lynne Jackson to discuss how being a new creation in Christ can bring change into every part of our lives–including the everyday trials of parenting!

We can live rooted and grounded in Jesus and put our trust in Him instead of the outcomes we’re looking for with our children. We can build our identity as redeemed children of God, bestowed with every spiritual blessing and created for God’s purpose and design. This abundant life in Christ then pours out and blesses those around us, especially our children!

In this podcast:

In today’s podcast, you will discover how the gospel is infused into the first three levels of our Framework:

“You are SAFE with me.” Jesus is there to help you when you feel anxious or overwhelmed. He can help you explore, “What’s going on in me?” In Christ, you have the ability to be ok, even when your kids are not ok, because your identity is in Jesus.
“You are LOVED no matter what.” Neither you nor your child has to do something or change before Jesus loves you. Misbehavior is the golden opportunity to show unconditional love to your kids.
“You are CALLED and CAPABLE.” The deeper you are able to receive God’s grace and truth for yourself, the more peace and confidence you can embrace as you coach your kids. God will partner with you as you help them grow in His purpose for their life.

Stay tuned for the second part of this podcast, “Kids and Misbehavior: Is it sin? Or something else?” as we continue the conversation about the gospel and the Connected Families Framework. You won’t want to miss the eye-opening discussion about the last level of the Framework, “You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions.” In the meantime check out our FREE resources!

Helpful resources mentioned in this podcast:

What are your parenting strengths?

You’ve got them. Knowing your strengths will help you become the best parent you can be. Knowing your parenting challenges is useful information too. Take our FREE ASSESSMENT.

My Child Freaks Out Easily | Ep. 106

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 00:01:00 +0000

“These clothes are itchy!” “I can’t eat this, it’s mushy!” Meltdowns at bedtime. High energy at mealtime. Lots of big feelings about everything! There is usually at least one child like this in every family! If your child freaks out easily and you can relate, it is very possible that you are parenting a sensitive and intense child.

What do we mean by sensitive and intense? It’s not an official medical term or a diagnosis. It’s simply a descriptive way to guide how we look at the kiddos that become easily overwhelmed with everyday life. These kids are more sensitive to the world around them and struggle to become calm and regulated. They often think more deeply, react more loudly, and probably consume a lot of your energy as a parent!

On today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward is joined by Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families and Occupational Therapist) and Lydia Rex (RN and Connected Families Parent Coach) to bring you compelling information that will transform how you see your sensitive and intense kids. You will feel equipped to care for your child by approaching their challenges through the lens of their nervous system, and not just from a behavioral standpoint.

When you meet the sensory needs of your child, it enables you to focus on forming deep bonds of connection instead of just striving for conflict management. Parenting a sensitive and intense child is actually an amazing gift when we see their potential and build their identity around God’s grace and truth in their lives.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

what sensory challenges may look like in your child, and how to look beneath the surface of their misbehavior
the brain science: What is happening in your child’s brain and body when they struggle with sensory overload?
how to cultivate a mindset of connection as you meet your child’s sensory needs
practical strategies (from years of experience!) to help your child regulate their nervous system and feel more calm

Do you have a sensitive and intense child? You are not alone and God’s grace abounds for you and your family. If you need further help we offer Parent Coaching and would love to work with you as you seek to parent in God’s grace and truth.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest bio:

Lydia Rex is a registered nurse, wife, and mother of two and has worked with families in many capacities throughout her career and personal life. She’s been a student of Connected Families since 2014 and continues to find it incredibly life-giving for her own family. Areas of her experience/special interest include foster care and adoption, attachment difficulties, developmental and learning disabilities including FASD. She brings a trauma-informed perspective to the Connected Families framework, and the desire to see families find peace and healing even in the midst of challenges! Use our “Contact Us” form to connect with Lydia. You can also follow Lydia on Instagram @lydia.cfcoach

Do you have one really intense child? Or a couple? Almost every family in the Connected Families community has at least one child who is more sensitive and more intense than most other kids. Often what “worked” for your other kids doesn’t seem to “work” for this intense child! It’s a game-changer when you learn some new skills and can truly understand and empathize with that sensitive and intense child. Check out our newest FREE online mini-course, “7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids.” You’ll be equipped with skills to help your sensitive and intense child navigate life. Register today!

Navigating Compassion Fatigue

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Not all families who have been formed through adoption have experienced what is discussed on this podcast. Regardless of how your family was formed, or the challenges you have in your home, there is a wide range of experiences when it comes to compassion fatigue.

If you’re struggling to feel joy and hope in your relationship with your child you might be feeling compassion fatigue. Especially if, for a variety of reasons, your child needs extra care and support. You love your child so much, but it can be hard to see the needs of your child when you feel emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted from trying to help them. Compassion fatigue is real, and it is more common than you might think.

In our decades of interacting with families, we have seen an increase in parents in need of hope and help in the midst of daily struggles. You can find hope today from a place of faith, instead of gritting, exhausting, self-effort. Whether your child is struggling with trauma, sensory issues, attachment, abuse, shame, or just the daily struggles of life, this episode is for you!

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward is joined by Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) and special guests David and Colleen Little, TBRI practitioners and founders of Imago Hearts. David and Colleen have extensive experience, both in the US and internationally, helping parents who are raising children with histories of abandonment, abuse, and neglect. They dig deep with us today and talk about the importance of understanding attachment, and of doing our own inner work as parents. Then, the grace and mercy of Jesus in our lives can overflow into our relationship with our child in safety, connection, and compassion.

You can experience hope and healing in your own heart, and bring that same hope to your struggling child as well. With God’s grace and help, you can look within to understand how your own history, wounds, and attachment have shown up in your life and in your parenting. Healing those wounds can lead to insight about yourself, and that leads to a deeper capacity to offer mercy and compassion to your child.

In today’s podcast, you’ll discover:

symptoms of compassion fatigue, and why you might be struggling with this
the vital role that attachment plays in the relational stress you’re experiencing with your child
practical steps to work through compassion fatigue and the importance of self-care
how to work through the first level of the Connected Families Framework (“You are SAFE with me.”) to gain insight into your own needs, and then to better meet the needs of your child

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Are you struggling with compassion fatigue? Perhaps feeling isolated? You were never meant to travel this path alone! Please reach out to us and let us know how we can help. We also have Certified Parent Coaches who are ready to help you one-on-one in your parenting journey. We look forward to connecting with you!

Guest Bio:

David and Colleen Little live in Prior Lake, Minnesota. They are qualified practitioner trainers of the Trust-Based Relational Intervention model taught by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Childhood Development at Texas Christian University. David and Colleen are also registered trainers of the Circle of Security Parenting intervention. Colleen has a master’s degree in Speech Therapy from Mankato State and David has a master’s degree in Early Childhood and Infant Mental Health from The University of Minnesota. Their ministry, imago hearts, focuses on helping parents who are raising children with histories of abandonment, abuse, and neglect. In addition to training and coaching parents in Minnesota, they have partnerships with NGOs in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, and Poland. You can find more information about David and Colleen on their website: imagohearts.org.

Do you have one really intense child? Or a couple? Almost every family in the Connected Families community has at least one child who is more sensitive and more intense than most other kids. Often what “worked” for your other kids doesn’t seem to “work” for this intense child! It’s a game-changer when you learn some new skills and can truly understand and empathize with that sensitive and intense child. Check out our newest FREE online mini-course, “7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids”. You’ll be equipped with skills to help your sensitive and intense child navigate life. Register today!

100 Truth Phrases to Keep You Going

Anna’s Story: When Traditional Parenting Just Doesn’t Cut It

Does Attachment Style Matter? | Ep. 101

My Misconceptions About Adoption—And, Well, All Parenting

Parenting Kids from Hard Places with Unique Needs | Ep. 45

Is Your Child a Rule Follower?

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:41:45 +0000

Do you sometimes worry about your child who is a rule follower? Wait, what?! Don’t we want kids who follow the rules?

Parents often express their concerns about their defiant child. But rule-following? That doesn’t seem like a bad thing! And yet, we would suggest that these types of children come with their own set of challenges.

Compliance can be viewed on a scale, from healthy to unhealthy. A child who is “easy” may actually be emotionally unhealthy and struggling to “speak the truth in love“. In this podcast, we are focusing on the more unhealthy end of the spectrum. No matter where your child lands on this scale, you’ll find super helpful guidance here to build connection with your child.

In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) joins our host, Stacy Bellward, to peel back the layers of what might be going on under the surface of our rule-following children. These kids often give us a “break,” which seems to make things easier. But there is the risk of their identity being built around people-pleasing and suppressing their own needs. Over time and into adulthood, they might miss out on how to navigate conflict, and difficult emotions, and struggle with perfectionism as well.

When you get curious and patiently work to draw out your child’s true feelings, you can help them get to the bottom of underlying struggles, and teach them to recognize their own needs and emotions. You can help them find their voice in the world, and communicate to them that they are loved and valued.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

what healthy and unhealthy compliance looks like, and how to get in touch with what is going on under the surface in your child
practical ways to help you draw out your child and help them express their needs in a healthy way
how the Connected Families Framework can help you navigate this process as you consider, “What’s going on in me as a parent?” and “What’s going on in my child?”
the healing power of God’s grace to break cycles and overcome shame-based parenting

Mentioned in this podcast:

Got an Easy-Going, Compliant Child? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Sibling Conflict online course
Discipline That Connects online course
12 Misbehaviors and the Gifts-Gone-Awry Behind Them
Connected Families Framework
Parent Coaching Certification Program

In our online course, Sibling Conflict: From Bickering to Bonding, we teach parents how to teach kids The Peace Process. This process equips kids to work through their arguments without your constant supervision and refereeing. Join us! Your kids will thank you.

Should Dads Demand Respect?

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Should dads demand respect?

Maybe this sounds familiar:

“No, I don’t want to!” “This is dumb, you’re unfair!” “Who cares if my homework isn’t done?!”

Hey dads, have you experienced this kind of pushback from your kids? It can push ALL your buttons when your child is disrespectful. This can make it especially hard to keep calm and respond with calm authority.

Although this is a struggle for almost all parents, it seems to be an especially challenging scenario for dads.

In today’s episode, Jim Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) and Chad Hayenga (Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Parent Coach) have a heartfelt conversation about respect. When we engage with our kids in humility and curiosity instead of control, we model what respect looks like, and safely earn their respect and trust. Treating our children with respect helps us diffuse a tense situation, and paves the way for connection, conversation, and understanding.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

how you can initiate and model respect to your child–even when they are being disrespectful to you
ways you can unintentionally frustrate or exasperate your kids, and how to encourage your child towards true heart change–not just compliance
practical ways to teach respect both in and outside of the moment or situation
the importance of asking foundational questions such as: “What’s going on in me as a parent?” “What lessons are my kids really learning by my actions?”

If you’ve struggled with teaching your child to be respectful we hope you’ve found practical wisdom in this podcast to guide you and your family in God’s grace and truth. Please check out our resources, and as always, your questions and thoughts are important to us. We would love to connect with you!

Mentioned in this podcast:

How to Be a More Playful Parent

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Sometimes parenting can feel like one big list of things you have to get done. It can be so hard to switch gears from the many demands of being a parent to having joyful and playful time with your kiddos!

Yet research shows that playfulness brings connection and communicates in a language that helps kids learn! Playful parenting is an important part of every level of the Connected Families Framework.

Intentional parent/child play can:

calm your child’s brain and yours
provide opportunities to teach skills
enable problem-solving capability
reach kids who are struggling
communicate to your child, “I enjoy you!”

Sounds great, right? So how do we get there?

In this podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families, Occupational Therapist) and Joy Wendling (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) to discuss the vital role that play contributes to a connected relationship between you and your kids. Tune in as they talk about how you can invite your kids to cooperate through play, and keep the long-term goal of connection, while also teaching important skills for the moment.

From both a scientific and a biblical standpoint, play is a vital part of speaking your child’s language. It is a pivotal way kids learn! The language of play creates an atmosphere of emotional safety where you can diffuse conflict and invite joy and connection.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

what the Bible says about play–it might surprise you!
the brain science of why playful parenting creates connection and invites cooperation
practical ways to make it happen in everyday routines (like trying to get your kids out the door!)
how to tune into your family’s unique personalities to discover what playful connection looks like

Has this podcast been helpful to you? If so, could you please rate and review so others can find us more easily? We want to share the message of hope and connection with as many parents as possible!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio

Joy Wendling is a wife, mama to 5 girls ages 1 – 9, and play advocate. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where she has served in children’s, youth, and family ministries and in Christian Early Childhood Education. In 2016, she earned her Master’s in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. Though her primary ministry is to her family now, she loves to serve other families through Connected Families Certified Parent Coaching, and her podcast Playfully Faithful Parenting. You can connect with Joy on her website createdtoplay.com, and on Instagram instagram.com/createdtoplay, and Facebook facebook.com/created2play. Or you can email her at joy@createdtoplay.com.

Does Attachment Style Matter?

Mon, 23 May 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Your relationship with your child might feel “off,” but you’re not sure why. Could it be that the way you were parented impacts the way you parent? Your attachment style affects all your most important relationships – from spouse to children to close friends.

So, what is “attachment style” anyway? And does attachment style really matter?

Attachment tends to be a buzzword in parenting circles. Attachment Theory comes from scientific research about different ways that children securely bond (or lack bonding) with their parents in the child’s early years. Also, it shouldn’t be confused with Attachment Parenting.

In a perfect world, a child experiences secure attachment when the parent-child relationship is built around emotional safety and stability from the parent.

But we don’t live in a perfect world.

Sometimes we (and our children) do not experience this kind of secure attachment. When we explore our family of origin, we learn how our own style of attachment affects how we respond in relationships, and it definitely affects how we parent our children!

On today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Jim Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) welcome guests Milan and Kay Yerkovich. Together, they dive into the significance of, and styles of, attachment and how we model them in our parenting. They are the authors of How We Love, and they discuss how we bring the attachment style from our parents to our own relationships, especially with our kids.

Learning about your attachment style is a key component of the first level of the Connected Families Framework and can help you understand, “What’s going on in me?”. Parents who have not experienced a secure connection — don’t lose hope! The good news is that attachment wounds from your past can be identified, and you can grow along with your kids. You can cultivate a secure, deep connection with your kids and transform your family for generations to come.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

the six attachment styles and how you can identify your own attachment style
how your attachment style passes on to your kids, and affects emotional regulation, sense of safety, and predictability in your home
the specific challenges of cultivating a secure attachment with kids who have experienced trauma, particularly kids who join your family through foster care or adoption
the importance of understanding your own attachment history without shame, and adopting a growth mindset to change the trajectory of your family’s legacy

We are so glad you’re here! Has this podcast been helpful? Could you please take a moment to rate and review this podcast, so others can find us more easily? Here’s what others are saying about our podcast!

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

How We Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich
How We Love Our Kids by Milan and Kay Yerkovich (includes “Seven gifts you can give your kids.”)
What is Your Love Style? Online quiz
Free resources from Milan and Kay Yerkovich: Comfort Circle: Guide for the Listener, Understanding Your Quiz Results
Grace and Truth for Moms online course
Connected Families Framework
ACEs scoring system
Bible verses: Psalm 139, James 1:19, 2 Cor 1:3-7, Psalm 23

Guest bios:

KAY YERKOVICH, M.S., M.F.T.

Kay is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and has been counseling people for over 30 years. She is a popular speaker and lecturer in the areas of parenting and marriage relationships. In her free time, Kay enjoys creative hobbies, ceramics, painting, and sewing. Taking a swim in the ocean is her favorite way to renew her energy.

REV. MILAN YERKOVICH, M.A.

Milan specializes in couples’ marriage counseling and is the founder and president of Relationship 180, a non-profit Christian counseling center specializing in the application of attachment research (www.relationship 1 80.com). He has a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and has worked with marriages and families for over 40 years and is a Bible teacher and lecturer in the areas of relational theology, marriage, family, and parenting. He is a Co-Host of New Life Live! a nationally syndicated counseling show heard on over 180 radio stations, which can be seen on the NRB television network (www.newlife.com). He loves to row crew, swims and is a martial arts instructor.

TOGETHER:

They are the creators of Attachment Core Pattern Therapy (ACPT™), co-authored How We Love, How We Love Workbook, and How We Love Our Kids, and travel and speak extensively on relationships (www.howwelove.com). They were married in 1972 and have four grown children, two daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, and ten grandchildren.

Transform Your Next Group Gathering

Bring Hope To Your Community

Ending the Shame Cycle

Mon, 16 May 2022 00:01:00 +0000

In this episode, Stacy Bellward is joined by Connected Families Co-Founders, Jim and Lynne Jackson. Together, they share the message that has transformed the lives of thousands of parents and families, and has provided the foundation for an enduring parenting framework. Modeling God’s grace and truth to our kids communicates that we are human, and that when we mess up there’s an opportunity to bring God’s very real mercy into any situation.

In this podcast:

Listen in today to learn about how to embrace and incorporate truth phrases into the messiness of daily life. Phrases such as:

“This is a moment for compassion for me, and for my kids.”
“Jesus gives me courage to face adversity and I will grow from this!”
“Everyone is still learning.”
“I can respond without ‘freaking out’.”
“Hope is the fuel for a growth mindset.”

Was there an encouraging statement in this podcast that resonated with you? Do you have your own hopeful-truth statement that has helped you? We’d love to hear it! Post it on your social media and tag us! FB: @ConnectedFamilies Insta: @connectedfams You will encourage other parents too!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Grace and Truth for Moms online course
Connected Families Framework
Bible verses: Psalm 3:3, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 1,2, Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:8, 2 Peter 1:3

100 Truth Phrases To Keep You Going

Want a handy list of Truth Phrases to hang onto when life gets messy? Click HERE for a downloadable/printable PDF!

DOWNLOAD FREE PDF

Transform Your Next Group Gathering

Bring Hope To Your Community

How Can I Identify Anxiety in My Child?

Mon, 02 May 2022 00:01:00 +0000

Do you have a child who struggles with anxiety? It can be really hard to know how to help them! Anxiety can be a powerless feeling for both kids and adults. Kids especially do not have all the same tools or brain development as adults to know how to manage it well. They need help.

Add to this challenge that sometimes anxiety doesn’t even look like anxiety. Anxiety can be masked by a variety of emotions and behaviors. It can even present itself as defiance! What do you do then? As a parent, your heart is for your child. They need your help and you want to help, but what can you do? Listen in, because this episode has insight and helpful tools you can use today.

Today’s episode is the second part in a two-part series about identifying and navigating anxiety. Last week we discussed how to identify anxiety in us as parents. (If you missed it, listen here!) Today we are diving into how to help our kids with their anxiety. Stacy Bellward is again joined by three experienced Connected Families Parent Coaches, Katie Wetsell, Marni Love, and Taylor Irby. Together they talk about the science of anxiety, how to distinguish it from other emotions, and how you can support your child through their anxious feelings.

As adults, we can be advocates and coaches for anxious children whether in our home, school, church, or the community around us. We can get curious about what is going on in kids to determine if they are experiencing anxiety, and come alongside them with empathy, compassion, and helpful tools that bring connection.

In today’s podcast, you’ll discover:

insights to help you discern between your child’s anxiety, defiance, and other difficult emotions
practical ways you can partner with (coach) your kids to bring lasting transformation from a place of safety and connection
a tool called OARS to help you communicate using empathy and support
the importance of your own foundational work as a parent to avoid bringing your own anxiety into tense situations

We are so glad you’re here! Has this podcast been helpful? Could you please take a moment to rate and review this podcast, so others can find us more easily? Simply click on this link, and click “Listen on Apple Podcasts,” then click on “Ratings and Reviews” in the itunes pop-up. Or, use your Apple Podcast app on your phone! We love to bring you practical insights and biblical wisdom to help you in your parenting journey. Let us know how we can help!

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Guest bios:

Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families herself, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach as well. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SP A CE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwit h hope.org, and on Facebook @pa r entwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach

Marni Love is a wife, homeschool mom to three growing boys, tutor, and parenting coach. After teaching in public school for many years she felt called to home educate. She started in preschool and has continued through the high school years. She has a heart for helping families enjoy their journey and parent with grace while also preparing their children for the future God has for them. She has experience with adoption, ADHD, sensory processing, primitive reflex integration and highly sensitive children. It would be her great pleasure to support you in bringing peace and connection to your home. You can connect with Marni at www.marnilove.com and on Instagram @journeywithlovehomeschool

Taylor Irby is a mother to 5 kids, and she understands the struggles parents face. Every day she faces ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays and adoption trauma. She too has sat in the trenches and searched the world for answers. Taylor read book after book and got excited over methods that were short lived. That is where she hit the wall of desperation and sought parent coaching through Connected Families. Taylor ultimately became a coach through their training program to help others like her. She has seen transformation in her home through working with a framework that not only has changed her children’s behavior, but their hearts as well. You are not alone on this parenting journey. There is hope and you can enjoy your children, building that relationship you have wanted and see behavior change. And I’m here to help. You can learn more about Taylor at taylorirbycoaching.com, and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylor.irby.5 and Instagram @taylorirbycoaching

Download our FREE in-depth ebook Helping Kids With Anger. It will provide thoughtful insights and creative ideas to help your struggling child.

5 Lies That Keep Parents Stuck (And the Biblical Truths That Set You Free)

Can You Parent Well When You’re Anxious? | Ep. 98

Classroom Anxiety: It’s Common, and You Can Help | Ep. 73

Painfully Shy: A Promising Story of Facing One Child’s Social Anxiety

Can I Parent Well When I'm Anxious?

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:01:00 +0000

You can feel the rising tension in your shoulders and the knots in your stomach again. So much going on around you, and inside you. There is no shortage of things to feel anxious about in our world right now! Current data reveals a huge spike in anxiety in recent years, for both parents and kids. We all face anxiety at some point and it can cause a range of emotions, from mild frustration to feeling really helpless. But can you parent well when you’re anxious?

Anxiety can show up in big ways in our lives and in our family, but it can also show up in subtle ways that are masked by other emotions and behaviors. This is why it is SO important to routinely pay attention to the most foundational question, “What is going on in ME?”

Today’s podcast episode is absolutely packed with thoughtful and real-life guidance for how we can understand and navigate parental anxiety. Stacy Bellward (podcast host) invites three Connected Families Parent Coaches to an honest and insightful conversation about how they have encountered and managed anxiety in many different forms and situations in their own lives and in their kids’ lives as well:

Marni Love, is a homeschool mom of three boys and a regular guest in our Clubhouse Community. Marni has experience with adoption, ADHD, sensory processing, primitive reflex integration, and highly sensitive children
Taylor Irby, is a speaker, marriage and parenting coach, and mom of five children. Taylor is familiar with the challenges of ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and adoption trauma
Katie Wetsell, is a mom of four kids and a pediatric nurse who has personally navigated issues related to adoption, mental illness, and learning disabilities. Katie is also certified in SPACE Treatment, a parent-based approach for helping children with anxiety, anxiety disorders, and OCD

Join these fellow moms and learn how anxiety can actually be an opportunity to grow in our faith, to better understand ourselves and our kids, and to love each other well as a family. We can be proactive in taking care of ourselves and staying grounded in God’s grace and truth so that we can flourish as God’s dearly beloved children.

What you’ll discover in today’s podcast:

how anxiety might show up in your home masked as different emotions, behavior, and actions
a clinical definition of anxiety, and how it functions to alert us in both healthy and unhealthy ways
the difference between anxiety and fear, and how we can discern and respond
practical strategies and important truths to help you work through anxious feelings

Do you or your kids struggle with anxiety? Is there something in today’s podcast you found helpful? We would really love to hear from you and help you navigate these challenges. We invite you to check out the valuable resources on our website, and share them with a friend who needs them too!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Bible verses: Psalm 23, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Deuteronomy 6:5
Grace and Truth for Moms online course
Trash, Truth, Treasure (podcast)
Hurtful Comments: Teach Your Child How to Process and Grow
Window of Tolerance: Dr. Dan Siegel
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Guest Bios:

Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families herself, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach as well. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach

Marni Love is a wife, homeschool mom to three growing boys, tutor, and parenting coach. After teaching in public school for many years she felt called to home educate. She started in preschool and has continued through the high school years. She has a heart for helping families enjoy their journey and parent with grace while also preparing their children for the future God has for them. She has experience with adoption, ADHD, sensory processing, primitive reflex integration, and highly sensitive children. It would be her great pleasure to support you in bringing peace and connection to your home. You can connect with Marni at www.marnilove.com and on Instagram @journeywithlovehomeschool

Taylor Irby is a mother to 5 kids, and she understands the struggles parents face. Every day she faces ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and adoption trauma. She too has sat in the trenches and searched the world for answers. Taylor read book after book and got excited over methods that were short-lived. That is when she hit the wall of desperation and sought parent coaching through Connected Families. Taylor ultimately became a coach through their training program to help others like her. She has seen transformation in her home through working with a framework that not only has changed her children’s behavior but their hearts as well. You are not alone on this parenting journey. There is hope and you can enjoy your children, building that relationship you have wanted, and see behavior change. And I’m here to help. You can learn more about Taylor at taylorirbycoaching.com, and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylor.irby.5 and Instagram @taylorirbycoaching

Learn more about the Framework

Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework?
Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

Dear Exhausted Mom, Here’s Why You Might Say “Yes” When Your Child Begs You to Play

Grace and Truth for Moms | Ep. 61

Legalism vs Grace: How to Let Go of Perfectionism & Grab Hold of Grace

Teaching Your Child to Navigate "Mean" Kids

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:01:00 +0000

“He called me stupid!” “She said she doesn’t want to play with me!” It’s so hard when your child comes to you feeling hurt by someone else’s words. Words matter. And they hurt! You want to comfort your kids and protect them from bullying and being hurt again, but unfortunately, that isn’t realistic. How can you teach your child to navigate life when kids say things that are mean? Or when there may be bullying involved?

The truth is, we (both our kids and we as parents) are bombarded with all kinds of negative messages that can be hurtful, and bruise our identity and sense of self-worth. Whether it’s from other people, the culture around us, or even our own inner critic, we hear things that hurt. Sometimes it’s hard to work through it all. We can feel tempted to ruminate and rehearse in our mind the unkind or critical words we hear.

So what can we do to help ourselves and our kids?

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward is joined by Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) to share with us a super helpful tool Lynne developed to combat the damage of hurtful words and messages. It’s called Trash, Truth, Treasure, and like all of our Connected Families resources, this tool is grounded in biblical truth and based on brain science.

The principles of Trash, Truth, Treasure can help us in tough moments to discern what we believe about ourselves, about God, and about our kids. It will allow God’s encouragement to flood us with truth and love. Using this tool as a helpful guide, you can learn to untangle negative, critical messages in your own heart, and help your children to do the same.

Download this helpful PDF “Trash, Truth, Treasure”

In today’s podcast, you’ll learn:

practical ways to identify: What messages are coming into my mind, and how are they affecting me and informing my identity?
how you can renew your mind, and do the inner Foundational work by asking, “What’s going on in me?”
the science of how your brain processes negative messages, and what you can do to work through these messages with objectivity and grace
practical examples of how to help both young kids and older ones work through the tool of Trash, Truth, Treasure

How have you applied this tool in your family? Has it been helpful to you? We’d love to hear more about your experience, and how we can come alongside you to help you parent with truth and grace. Please check out and share our resources with a friend, and if you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you!

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Bullying: Challenge or Opportunity?

Know a Child Who Gives Up Easily? Teach Them the Source of Resilience

Raising Overcomers: How to Model Resiliency to Your Kids | Ep. 56

Resilient Children: 15 Little Opportunities to Grow Overcomers at Home

Doctrine of Grace in Parenting | Ep. 96

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:01:00 +0000

What does the Bible really say about parenting? Is there such a thing as a Doctrine of Grace in Parenting? As Christian parents, we depend on the Bible as a necessary guide to help us understand God’s direction in both discipling and disciplining our kids. And yet, there’s not a significant number of verses in the Bible that give specific parenting instructions.

What we do know is that the Bible tells us that God calls us to love our children the way He loves us, to live out the Fruit of the Spirit, and to pour out the same grace to our kids that we receive from Him. God can empower us through His Spirit to parent with the same gentleness and peace He offers to us.

In today’s episode, Jim Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) is joined by Dr. David Erickson to discuss the Doctrine of Grace in Parenting. Or, more specifically, a biblical foundation for gentle, grace-filled parenting. Dr. Erickson is a theology professor, and has also served as a preacher and pastor for over 25 years. He and his wife Amanda are the founders of Flourishing Homes and Families, a ministry dedicated to cultivating peace-filled and healthy homes.

You’ll want to listen in as Dr. Erickson discusses how the work of God in us can produce gentleness and a renewed mind, so that we can love others–especially our children–as God loves us. We can live out Jesus’ grace-filled spirit in all areas of our life, including our parenting.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

how important biblical principles and teachings can apply to your parenting
the big picture goal of obedience, based on trust and connection
the empowering messages of the Connected Families Framework
a clear and powerful pathway of how we can live out the embodied work of Jesus with our children

Want to learn more about grace-filled parenting? Please go to our Connected Families website, and check out great free resources and helpful podcasts with hope-filled wisdom for your parenting journey. Have questions or want to connect? You can contact us, we look forward to hearing from you!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Guest Bio:

Dr. David Erickson is currently a Professor of Theological-Historical Studies, and is passionate about helping people fall radically and deeply in love with God and His word. He also pursued that calling for more than 25 years as a preacher and pastor. David is committed to helping parents understand what God says about parenting and how parenting practices reflect a person’s underlying beliefs about God.

David and Amanda teach parents all over the world through their ministry, Flourishing Homes and Families. With practical parenting advice and regular theology applied to parenting, they are working to equip and empower parents to live out in parenting the very real grace they’ve been given by Jesus. David and Amanda have been married 17 years, have two boys, and currently reside in East Texas.

What Do Kids Really Need From Us?

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 21:59:00 +0000

Sometimes we get anxious about our kids’ challenges and focus more on their behavior, which can cause further strain on the relationship. Consider this: What we see on the surface in our kids and teens doesn’t always reflect what’s really going on in their hearts. Today’s episode is a special and unique conversation. Join Jim Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) as he interviews Michelle Livingston Thorstad (speaker, mentor, and biblical counselor). Learn about Michelle’s work with at-risk youth, the trials in her own parenting, and the hope that gave her a renewed sense of God’s love and grace for her and her kids. This conversation is about the relational transformation that takes place in a connected relationship. Sharing hope with your kids is relational. It’s hearing and understanding what your kids need, whether they express it with or without words. In this episode...you’ll learn about what our kids really need from us. Things like: -relationship over behavior management. You’re more likely to have influence and to be able speak into your kids’ lives when they feel a safe and connected relationship with you. -a safe place to land when they share things with you (body language is important too!). The way you respond can either invite more conversation and influence, or cause hesitancy in your kids about future conversations. -your humility. Your mistakes can be a beautiful opportunity for them to learn that you struggle too. Kids don’t feel so alone when they know they are not the only ones who make mistakes. -your physical presence. Being in physical proximity provides a space where organic, meaningful conversations can happen. Mentioned in this podcast: -Michelle Livingston Thorstad: https://michellelivingston.org/ -TreeHouse -Center for Transformation and Training -Connected Families FREE ebook: Helping Kids with Anger -Ed Stetzer -Proverbs 22:6

Why Do I Feel So Angry?

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 21:30:00 +0000

On today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) to address how parents handle their own anger, and how we can model this in a healthy way to our kids. We discuss brain science relating to anger, a biblical perspective and, as always, practical tools to help you and your kids. You can learn an approach to anger that leaves shame behind, brings connection with your child, and becomes an opportunity for grace and growth. You can break generational cycles of unhealthy anger and bring life and healing to your relationship with your child. In this podcast, you’ll discover: -the brain science of anger as a default reaction and a reactive coping mechanism, and how you can respond in faith instead of fear -triggers and thought patterns that affect behavior, and how anger can sometimes diminish what may be underlying anxiety or even trauma -the importance of knowing your identity as a child of God, and looking beneath the surface of anger by asking, “What’s going on in me?” -the top three things that push parents’ buttons, and some practical ways of responding in these situations Mentioned in this podcast: -Helping Kids with Anger FREE ebook -What It Really Means to Be Triggered (Healthline article) -Connected Families Framework -Bible verses: Matthew 16:22-24, Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 1:4-6, Galatians 5:22-23 Want to learn more? -Helping Kids with Their Anger -Anger: Is it Good, Bad, or Ugly?

Help! Homeschooling is Overwhelming

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 19:49:00 +0000

Do you feel overwhelmed as a homeschool parent? Many parents in the Connected Families community homeschool. That number has grown even more since 2020. Homeschooling can bring some unique parenting challenges! From sibling conflict to curriculum choices to intense learning needs, how do you stay connected to your kids, accomplish schoolwork, and maintain sanity? (Even if you are not currently homeschooling, you’ll find helpful parenting guidance in this episode!) On today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by three homeschooling moms with a wide range of perspectives and experiences. They each share a different story and various challenges they have encountered in their homeschooling journey. They also share the common thread of approaching life through the powerful lens of the Connected Families Framework. In this podcast, you’ll learn about: -what homeschool overwhelm can look like in different situations, and helpful ways you can approach it -how to help kids learn to resolve sibling conflict, especially when they are with each other all day -healthy ways to step back and ask, “What's going on in me? In my child?” and move forward with your child as a team -the joy of embracing your child’s individual gifts and learning interests, and how you can help them grow in these areas Mentioned in this podcast: Helping Kids with Anger (FREE ebook): https://connectedfamilies.org/resources/angry-child-ebook/ Sibling Conflict online course: https://connectedfamilies.org/courses/sibling-conflict/ Join the Connected Families Clubhouse Community! : https://connectedfamilies.org/resources/clubhouse/ Verses mentioned: Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:4-6 Want to learn more? 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing https://connectedfamilies.org/resources/60-ways-moving-laughing/ How to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids https://connectedfamilies.org/how-to-create-a-simple-sensory-diet-for-restless-homebound-kids/

Connecting in Your Marriage

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Building a connected marriage is hard work and it doesn’t always come easily. You want to bring better alignment between you and your spouse and create an environment of love, grace, and emotional safety. But you also might feel stuck in a cycle of negative thinking about your spouse or your marriage. Or maybe you are struggling to find a way to navigate disagreements. Connecting in your marriage can be challenging!

The Connected Families Framework equips parents to become more safe and connected, but this Framework is not just for parenting! There are many similarities in the parenting framework that are a natural crossover in marriage. It’s a framework you can successfully apply to all of your relationships, including marriage.

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by special guests and marriage experts Jeff and Stacy Kemp. Jeff and his wife Stacy are speakers with the Family Life Today Weekend to Remember marriage conference. Jeff is also a former NFL player and author of Facing the Blitz. Join them in this honest and encouraging conversation about the value of celebrating each other’s strengths. You’ll enjoy learning from real life examples what emotional safety in marriage can look like, and the daily living out of the Foundational question, “What’s going on in me?”

When you bring unconditional love and safety to your marriage, you can find the best in each other, receive and offer grace, and find lasting and meaningful connection.*

In this episode, you’ll discover:

practical and powerful ways to apply the Connected Families Framework in your marriage relationship
an approach that helps you focus on the positives and strengths in your spouse, and how it can bring change in your own heart and connection in your marriage
the power of being able to repair relationships after emotionally hurtful conversations
how to create an environment where it is safe to be transparent, so you can share your thoughts, feelings, and hurts with your spouse

*Connected Families believes that commitment to your marriage is an important aspect of emotional safety and connection, but when physical or emotional abuse is present, then help is needed and different options may need to be considered.

Mentioned in this podcast:

How Can I Better Parent My Adult Children?

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 09:20:00 +0000

How do you parent your child who is now an adult? What does parenting look like when your child is preparing to launch into adulthood, living away from home, or getting married? You want to remain connected and continue to build trust, but it can also feel scary to watch your adult children make bigger decisions that might have bigger consequences.

You wonder if you did enough, if you taught them enough. Maybe you are even struggling with regret over what you wish could have been done differently. We get SO many requests to tackle this topic, and we are doing that today! Read on and listen in. You will be equipped with solid guidance and practical tips to help you navigate this changing season of parenting.

Chad Hayenga (Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Parent Coach) and Connected Families Certified Coaches Becky Wood and Dijea Young join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) on today’s podcast. These guests bring years of rich parenting experiences to the conversation, and offer real life insights into the changes, challenges, and blessings of parenting an adult child.

Whether your child is 8, 18, or 28, the Connected Families Framework offers a relevant and thoughtful approach to keep you growing in a connected relationship with your adult child. When you step back and offer a supportive and mentoring role in your adult child’s life, you can communicate enduring messages of emotional safety, unconditional love, and meaningful connection that build strong relationships.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

how to apply the Connected Families Framework and communicate the four messages with adult children
ways to maintain connection with an adult child that nurture their independence while gaining trust and influence (Luke 2:52)
the enduring legacy of the foundational question, “What’s going on in me as a parent?” even through your child’s adult years
how to graciously build trust and connection with your adult child while working through the pain of your own past regrets

Want to learn more?

Connected Families Framework
Keep Calm and Stay Connected (to your teen!) (blog post)
Scared to Launch Your Child Into the “Real World”? (blog post)

We’re so glad you’re here! We would love to continue to reach as many people as possible with the message of God’s love and connection. Would you help us? You can rate this podcast, write a review, and subscribe! You are an integral part of the Connected Families community, and you make this all possible. Need help? Please contact us, we are here to walk alongside you.

Sign up below to receive a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your inbox:

A Powerful New Perspective for Your Parenting

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:01:00 +0000

What do you think of when you hear the word discipline? Maybe it’s just to get your child to behave. Or bring peace to the chaos and gain some control as a parent. This is a totally natural parenting impulse! But what if there is a powerful new perspective for parenting to consider? A different way of viewing your parenting goals during moments of misbehavior that will open the door to connection and wisdom?

Oftentimes, as parents, we want the short-term fix that brings order to the situation. But in doing so, we might actually miss the opportunity to build something deeper and lasting.

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Parent Coach) to share with you a few practical shifts that could change not only your parenting perspective but, ultimately, your relationship with your child.

When you lean into connection and mentoring opportunities during discipline, you can build strength, connection, and respect between you and your child in those difficult moments. You can shift from managing behavior to building something intentional and purposeful for both you and your child. And in every step of the process, Jesus provides the grace and safety that you can receive and then pass on to your child.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

4 main shifts you can make to turn discipline situations into opportunities for growth and connection
how the shift from managing to mentoring empowers your struggling child
why meaningful discipline always begins with the foundation of: “What’s going on in me as a parent?”
practical ways to highlight and nurture your child’s identity, and focus on the gifts God is growing in their life

Mentioned in this podcast:

Scriptures mentioned: Peter’s denial of Jesus, Peter jumping out of the boat, Jesus’ statement to Peter about building the church, Hebrews 12:11
Connected Families Framework
4 Ideas to Build a Growth Mindset as a Family (blog post)
What Is the Goal of Your Discipline? (blog post)
Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course

What are your parenting goals? Did you find something helpful in this podcast? Looking for more great resources to help you with your parenting goals? Check out our blog, it’s packed with great information and parenting tips. As always, feel free to contact us, we’d love to hear from you!

Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages Every Child Longs to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview.

Encourage Kids Who"Just Don't Care!"

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 15:25:41 +0000

Does it feel like your child just doesn’t care? Maybe even saying the words, “I just don’t care!”

Does your child seem unmotivated in school, defensive about doing chores, maybe even withdrawn and depressed? It is so hard to know what to do when your child is discouraged. You may feel frustrated and hopeless. And a kid who doesn’t seem to care can really push all your buttons, which can cause even more anxiety in both you and your child.

You want to know what is going on with your discouraged child! And you especially want to know how you can help (or, let’s be honest, “fix”) them. If this resonates, we have some fresh perspective and direction for you here today.

On today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to help you see this behavior through a different lens. A lens that offers hope, and practical ways to support your struggling child.

Did you know that when your child feels pressure or discouragement, it can surface as misbehavior? But with the power of connection, and a gentle,non-judgmental spirit, this can be an opportunity to help your child grow in resilience and wisdom.

Using the Connected Families Framework, you can help your discouraged child feel loved and understood. You can come alongside them with encouragement and gentle questions to help them feel called and capable, and build an identity of wisdom and responsibility.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

what might be going on under the surface of a kid who doesn’t seem to care
a practical and gentle approach to asking your child the kinds of questions that help them connect to what’s going on inside
the importance of replacing panic about your child’s future with empathy and solution-focused conversations
how to build your child’s God-given identity, and a value for responsibility, by instilling the confidence that God and you are with them, and for them.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Are you struggling to help your discouraged child? What tips from today’s podcast helped you? We’d love to hear your comments! As always, we are here if you need further help. Please contact us, and in the meantime, check out our helpful resources on our new website. We are in this together!

Download our FREE in-depth ebook Helping Kids With Anger. It will provide thoughtful insights and creative ideas to help your struggling child.

Be Intentional in Your Parenting

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 15:56:48 +0000

What do you do when you know you want something to be different in your family this year? Do you ever wonder if there is a more gracious and meaningful way to approach the new year, for you and your kids? How can you be more intentional in your parenting in the new year?

If you are overwhelmed with all that hasn’t worked, and are looking for something different for your family, this is the podcast to help you gently usher in 2022 with hope for real and meaningful growth.

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) share a super practical tool, and a new perspective on creating goals and intentions for the new year. Not just worn-out resolutions, but a broader vision that could transform both you and your family one step and one day at a time. You can help your kids steward their time and their capabilities to create a growth mindset* with gracious questions such as:

What is your goal?
Why is it important to you?
What will it take to achieve your goal?
To achieve your goal, what steps can you control?

You can create a safe and connected atmosphere to have a vision-casting conversation with your kids, and invite God to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine!

*Growth mindset is a term originally coined by Child Psychologist Carol Dweck and popularized by numerous authors. Our use of the term is most closely informed by her work.

In this podcast, you’ll also discover:

how to use a “life/growth wheel” (mentioned by Stacy) in practical ways, with kids of all ages, to coach and support your kids in building wisdom and responsibility
the importance of assessing your (and your child’s) connection to God, to each other, and to your purpose in this world as you explore: What do I want life to look like a year from now?
the power of celebration in connecting with your child and building momentum for their success
helpful steps to avoid the pitfalls that can bring shame and tension in conversations with your kids about their goals

Mentioned in this podcast:

Ephesians 3:14-21
Susie Larson (Author, Speaker)
The Entitlement Fix (online course)
The Power of Questions (online course)
Discipline That Connects (online course)
Is There “Miracle Grow” for Good Behavior? (the ABC’s of Affirmation)

Do you and your family have goals for the new year? What did you find helpful in this podcast? We’d love to hear from you and connect with you as we all start a new year together! Leave a comment and let us know. Or contact us, we are here to help!

What are your parenting strengths?

You’ve got them. Knowing your strengths will help you become the best parent you can be. Knowing your parenting challenges is useful information too. Take our FREE ASSESSMENT.

2022 Year-End Wrap-Up

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:01:00 +0000

As 2021 soon comes to a close, we hope you will find good things–even something seemingly small!–to be grateful for this past year. And we pray you find encouragement and grace for the new year ahead. This year-end wrap-up will give you an exciting vision of what God might have for Connected Families in the future!

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) and Anna Braasch (Connected Families Executive Director) to talk about the many ways God has blessed the Connected Families community this past year. Listen in to hear all the ways God is growing and multiplying the powerful message of Connected Families, and an exciting look at the goals and vision for the future as well.

Standing firm on the foundation of God’s love, and building on the Connected Families Framework, we look forward with anticipation to all the ways our community will continue to bring hope to parents and families around the world. None of this would be possible without you and your dedication to continue sharing the grace-filled message of Connected Families in your community and beyond.

Did you know?

As we reflect on this past year, here are some fascinating things you might not know about us:

Connected Families launched a new website this year, making it even easier to find all the fantastic resources you need to lead your family with confidence and grace!
Connected Families was founded nearly 20 years ago, when Jim and Lynne Jackson realized that parents were in need of a more connected parenting approach.
We are currently building relationships within the Chinese community, and working to make our resources available in this community.
Connected Families began implementing a successful business tool called EOS in 2015. This keeps our ministry running with efficiency and accountability. (We believe this tool is an important part of serving you!)
The Connected Families Framework uniquely combines brain science, child development, and scripture.
We have a coaching certification program, and parent coaches from multiple countries around the globe.

Connected Families is here to bring you God’s grace and truth, so you can pass on God’s grace and truth to your children. Who do you know who needs to hear more about this? Please consider telling your story of how Connected Families has impacted you, and let them know about our helpful resources! In each step of your journey, we are here for you. Contact us and let us know how we can help!

Mentioned in this podcast:

Connected Families website
Connected Families Framework
Become a Parent Coach
Chad Hayenga, head of Connected Families coaching certification program
How to Grow a Connected Family
Discipline That Connects online course
DONATE to Connected Families
EOS: Entrepreneurial Operating System
Joel Swanson: EOS Implementer
Blessings for the Morning by Susie Larson (Isaiah 43:19)

Connected Families Is Building Community in SCHOOLS

Connected Families is Building Community in EXTENDED FAMILIES

Connected Families is Building Community in SMALL GROUPS

Giving Gifts at Christmas: Help Kids Discover the Joy of Giving

Thankful for the Connected Families Community

My Child Never Sleeps

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:01:00 +0000

“My child never sleeps!” Bedtime struggles can feel like a losing battle. Does bedtime leave you feeling completely drained? Your child wants another glass of water or another bedtime story. They’re afraid of the dark. Or overflowing with wound-up energy from the day.

You are exhausted. Frustrated. And if your child is struggling to sleep, you are struggling to sleep!

Sleep is so important! Kids not going to sleep (or staying asleep) is a frequent concern we hear from parents during coaching sessions. If you feel like you have tried everything and wonder why nothing is working, you’re in the same boat as so many other sleep-deprived families!

As parents we sometimes want to push through this time to bring some peace to the end of our day. But what if bedtime could be a way to tap into your child’s heart in a way that makes them feel safe, understood, and loved? What if you change your mindset to see that when your child is struggling to sleep this could be an opportunity for deep connection?

It really can be! You can transform difficult bedtime routines into an opportunity for a deep and lasting connection with your child. How? In this podcast, we’ll introduce you to a unique and holistic approach that gets to the heart of your child. We’ll give practical, science-based tips that you can use today.

Listen in as Stacy Bellward (podcast host) talks with Lynne Jackson, co-founder of Connected Families, Occupational Therapist, and author of Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles. Together they discuss ways to help prepare both you and your child for a peaceful night of rest. This conversation is loaded with brain science and helpful tools and you won’t want to miss it!

This podcast dives deep into:

obstacles that can hinder your kids from a good night’s sleep (some of them might surprise you!)
the science of sleep and specific ways lack of sleep can affect your kids
practical and holistic sleep solutions that really work
ways to calm your child’s body, mind, heart, and spirit to help them sleep
how a connected approach to bedtime can bring peace to your evenings

Mentioned in this podcast:

Transforming Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles by Lynne Jackson, OTR
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhD
The Opposite of Worry by Lawrence Cohen, PhD
Dr. Roberto Olivardia Talks About Kids With ADHD and Sleep Challenges (podcast)
Psalm 4:8
Isaiah 41:13

The sweet bedtime cuddles you dream of deteriorate far too often into mayhem. You’ve got this! Bring peace to your child’s body, mind, heart, and spirit. So they (and you!) can sleep well. Download and read our FREE in-depth ebook Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles.

Dear Exhausted Mom, Here’s Why You Might Say “Yes” When Your Child Begs You to Play

How I Helped My Baby Sleep When Sleep Training Was Not Working

How to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids | Ep. 30

One Way to Turn Bedtime Routines Around

Transform Bedtime Struggles Into Nighttime Snuggles

Want to Build Connection in Your Family?

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:01:00 +0000

As parents we long to build a connected family. Connection. We all long for genuine, connected relationships. It’s how God wired us. It makes sense that, when this element is lacking in our relationships, it can cause us to feel so many difficult and discouraged emotions. Especially in the relationships we value most. You want to feel connected to your kids and to the people you care about, but that can be really hard.

Is there a secret to authentic connection? A tool to help build a connected family? Your family can experience this!

Co-Founders Jim and Lynne Jackson wrestled and prayed about these very questions, and in the process laid an important foundation for the heart of Connected Families. They discovered that connection is intentional and it exists in three key areas:

connection to God
connection to each other
connection to our purpose in this world

In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne join Stacy Belward (podcast host) to uncover what these three areas of connection mean, and how we can live them out with love and intention to build a connected family.

Connection doesn’t come from a magic wand; it happens in intentional and thoughtful relationships as we give and receive in meaningful ways. We connect by knowing, loving, and enjoying God and each other. God created you for connection. His love and grace can pour in and through you to purposefully build a connected family.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

intentional, meaningful, and practical ways to connect to God, each other, and your (and your kids!) purpose in this world
the power of thoughtful and curious questions to connect to your child and help them grow in wisdom
how to help your kids connect with each other as siblings
effective ways to call out your child’s gifting, and help them find ways of using those gifts to be a blessing to others

Mentioned in this podcast:

Looking for ways to connect more with your kids? Check out these fantastic resources to help you feel encouraged and equipped in your parenting! Feeling stuck? As always, please contact us to let us know how we can help you and walk alongside you in your parenting journey. We are here to help!

Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages Every Child Longs to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview.

Christian Discipline: The Story Behind Connected Families Unique Framework for Parenting | Ep. 68

Families on Purpose | Ep. 21

How to Leave a Legacy | Ep. 65

Applying the ABC's of Affirmation

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:01:00 +0000

Does your child get discouraged? Does it feel like your child’s misbehavior seems to drown out the positive things you might notice? And the more you notice misbehavior, the more it seems to happen. We tend to gravitate toward the things we feel need “fixing” in our kids, because our brains prioritize attending to anything wrong or threatening. This is normal!

As a parent you care deeply about your child and want them to grow in wisdom and responsibility, which doesn’t always come naturally! But you can learn to shine a bright spot in a really effective way, on the small things that go well, and begin to unravel this cycle of discouragement in your child. And it will bring encouragement to you as a parent, too!

In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) to share a powerful and practical tool to encourage both you and your child!

Lynne struggled with being hard on herself for being negative and critical. The negative self-talk was spilling over as a critical spirit in her parenting, and it was a challenging but rich journey to become more positive and affirming toward her kids. To speak encouraging truth into her kids Lynne developed a simple, useful, and memorable tool called the ABCs of Affirmation. It’s not a performance based, pat-on-the-back method. But it IS a Spirit-filled, life-giving tool that builds wisdom and affirms your child’s identity as a precious and beloved child of God.

The ABC’s of Affirmation provide a way for you to receive God’s grace, and then to pour out that grace to your children. When your kids see you receive encouragement from God and others, you can model and pass on the power of genuine, loving affirmation to them.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

the ABC’s of Affirmation: What they are, and how to incorporate this tool in everyday life in practical ways
how brain science matches and supports this biblical tool
the negative impacts of too much “shallow” praise for your child
ways to grow momentum (and even boost dopamine!) by encouraging yourself as a parent
how to ask your child thoughtful questions that lead them to self-encourage too!

Mentioned in this podcast:

I Was a Critical Parent: 7 Steps I Took to Find a More Loving Way
Is There “Miracle Grow” for Good Behavior? (The ABC’s of Affirmation)
Grace and Truth For Moms (online course)
Connected Families Framework
How Your Thoughts Change Your Brain, Cells and Genes
Corrie Thetford, Lydia Rex (Certified Connected FamiliesParent Coaches)
Dr. Alan Kazdin
Connected Families Insiders Team
Bible verses in this podcast: Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

How have you used the ABC’s of Affirmation with your kids? We’d love to hear your stories! And don’t forget to check out our new website to encourage yourself and your family with these great resources! Need more encouragement or help? Please contact us, we are here for you!

What are your parenting strengths?

You’ve got them. Knowing your strengths will help you become the best parent you can be. Knowing your parenting challenges is useful information too. Take our FREE ASSESSMENT.

Are You Unintentionally Encouraging Bad Behavior? Here’s How to Switch That

Build Kids Up with Nourishing Affirmation in 30 Seconds

Building the Family Team: A Solution to Chore Wars

Teach Your Child to Have a Growth Mindset with These Four Steps | Ep. 70

Joe and Becky's Story

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:01:00 +0000

Ever feel like you’ve read all the parenting books and yet still feel overwhelmed? Or perhaps you struggle because so much parenting advice out there just doesn’t seem to fit your family situation. And you’ve discovered that traditional parenting just isn’t cutting it!

This can be especially true for parents who have children through adoption or foster care. In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, we bring you another fantastic conversation with a family formed through adoption.

Today’s podcast brings first-hand stories that demonstrate the practical and meaningful way the Connected Families Framework applies to unique family situations across the board. Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) and special parent guests, Joe and Becky. Joe and Becky are the parents of three children through adoption.

When they hit a bumpy patch in their parenting journey, they reached out to Chad for parent coaching. As they learned about and applied the parenting Framework, they found a long-term vision for building solid relationships with their children. Not only did they see a change in their kids, but Joe and Becky experienced a change in themselves as well. You can experience this too!

The Connected Families Framework provides an approach to parenting that is:

gospel-centered
attachment-focused
trauma-informed

Connected Families offers a path to a parent-child connection that reveals and expresses the same safety, love, and connection to our children that God gives to us. With the power of God’s love, we can confront old patterns and ways of thinking about parenting, and embrace a new mindset that builds connected relationships.

In this podcast, you’ll learn about:

overcoming your internal struggles to be a more calm and peaceful parent
how the Framework helps you navigate different parenting styles, and offers both a practical and empathetic approach to parenting
the power of affirmation in your child’s life (and your spouse’s!)
filling the “reservoir of connection” to sustain your family through the tough times of correction

Mentioned in this podcast:

Want to learn more?

Interested in hearing more about Connected Families? Check out our website and these fantastic resources to help you lead your family with confidence and grace. Questions? Need help? Please contact us, we would love to hear from you!

An Honest Conversation About Adoption | Ep. 81

How to Be Safe for Your Kids | Ep. 76

My Misconceptions About Adoption—And, Well, All Parenting

Parenting Kids from Hard Places with Unique Needs | Ep. 45

Dare to dream of peace again.

It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN.

CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH

An Honest Conversation About Adoption

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:01:00 +0000

Many of the families in the Connected Families community were formed through adoption. This month, during National Adoption Awareness Month, we look more closely at how the Connected Families Framework can be applied to children who joined their family through adoption (or foster care).

Whether or not you’ve adopted, you will not want to miss this podcast!

Note: In this podcast we are sharing the perspective of three internationally adopted transracial families. We recognize there are many different ways adoptive families are formed.

Kids who have entered our families through adoption have experienced trauma. This is an honest conversation about adoption, but the truth is that all kids have experienced some level of trauma. The good news is, a trauma-informed approach to parenting is a key element of the Connected Families Framework.

Maybe you have searched and sifted through an overload of parenting advice that has made you even more discouraged. You may have even thought, “Sounds like good advice….for a more ‘normal’ family.” But your family is unique and special, which is exactly how God intended it to be. Be encouraged! You can reach your child in powerful and practical ways.

In today’s podcast, three moms on the Connected Families team join together to have an honest and heart-to-heart conversation about some of the ways adoption and trauma have impacted their parenting. Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Anna Braasch (Executive Director) and Jen Berge (Content Manager) to discuss how the Connected Families Framework provides a profound and gracious approach to trauma-informed parenting.

The Connected Families Framework gives a unique perspective for parenting kids from trauma. It offers the tools to navigate different parenting situations across the board. Our Framework provides an approach to connected parenting that communicates to your child–God can redeem all things!

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

how certain words surrounding adoption can bring hurt or discomfort, and how you can bring words of healing and compassion instead
the science of how trauma affects the body, and how it manifests in a child’s emotions, attachment, and daily living
the vital importance of safety and connection for kids in a chronically heightened state of fight-or-flight, and how your parenting can set the stage for connection in the midst of it
the four levels of the Connected Families Framework, and how they play out both emotionally and practically in trauma-informed parenting

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Bios:

Stacy Bellward is the Connected Families Project Manager. She has been married for over 20 years and is a mom of two daughters: One biological and one through adoption from Ethiopia. Stacy loves to be the cheerleader in the Connected Families online courses. She is also an author, speaker, and certified leadership coach. But most of all, Stacy is soaking up all the moments of motherhood, knowing time passes so quickly.

Jen Berge is the Content Manager for Connected Families. Jen has been married for over twenty years and has six children ranging in ages from 12-21: four biological, and two added through adoption from Haiti. Jen loves her big family and in her not-so-abundant “free time” she enjoys exercising, attending sporting events, and spending time as a family.

Anna Braasch is the Connected Families Executive Director. Anna loves to encourage parents who are struggling. She has experienced infertility, adoption, attachment struggles, and loads of grace and healing. Anna has been married for 25 years and has two kids through adoption from Ethiopia, who are now teenagers. Anna and her family are involved with sports, school events, their church, and the Ethiopian adoption community.

Learn more about the Framework

Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework?
Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

How Do I Support My Friend Who Is Adopting?

My Misconceptions About Adoption—And, Well, All Parenting

Why Safety Is Crucial for Adoptive Families

Why Changing Your Parenting Is So Hard

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:01:00 +0000

Why is changing your parenting just so hard?

You’ve tried everything to get a better result in your parenting: You’ve read the books, watched the seminars, tried new methods. You know that you want a different approach to your parenting, but you just don’t know what to do or how to do it. And it’s hard!

It’s messy to rewire old patterns that have been established over many years. This is true for everyone–you are not alone! We can be tempted to give up when a new strategy doesn’t bring the instant change we think we should be getting. But there is a way forward to lasting change–to a more peaceful and connected relationship with your kids! This podcast will give you the inspiration and the practical tools to navigate the “messy” as you work through new patterns of parenting and become a vessel for God’s grace and truth to your kids.

Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss how you can move toward healthier ways of responding to your kids that will bring connection, teach wisdom, and invite lasting change. In the unfailing love and strength of Jesus, you can create new patterns in your family systems that change the trajectory of your family for generations to come! It’s not easy, but there is so much good on the other side!

In this podcast you’ll learn:

why you hold tight to familiar, unwritten family rules, and how they affect your family dynamics
the key to changing parenting reactions that get the results you want in the moment, but cost you relationally in the long term
how to recognize big emotions and use the Connected Families Framework to ask yourself, “What’s going on in me?”
why kids can become more intense as they learn a new way of connection (even if it’s a good change!) and practical tools to help you navigate the process

Mentioned in this podcast:

Connected Families website
The Key to Unlocking Wisdom and Responsibility in Kids (connection before correction)!
Power of Questions online course
Bible verses: 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2

Give Connection this Year

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Correct With Good Consequences

First-Time Obedience: Should I Require Immediate Obedience from My Child?

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How to Be Safe for Your Kids | Ep. 76

I Lost My Temper With My Child; Can I Make It Better?

Is Mom Guilt Good? | Ep. 79

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:01:00 +0000

Mom guilt is real and it feels so heavy. Moms, do you ever find your thoughts spiraling through these statements?

“I’m such a mess!” “I can’t get it together and my kids don’t like me!” “I’m a bad mom”

Stress, feeling overwhelmed, and lack of sleep can intensify all these feelings. It’s important to know you are not alone in the struggle with guilt and shame. And you don’t have to stay stuck in it. There is always hope!

In today’s podcast, Katie Wetsell (pediatric nurse and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach ) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share her own personal story of how she worked through difficult feelings of mom guilt. Katie shares with us the steps she took to embrace the truth of Jesus’ deep love and grace, and some surprising truths about looking at guilt through the filter of faith.

When viewed through the filter of God’s redemptive love and purpose, guilt can actually provide an opportunity for transformation within the safety of God’s gentleness and grace. And when we receive that gentleness and grace from God, we can in turn pour it out and model it to our children. You don’t have to live in the discouragement of Mom guilt!

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

the difference between guilt and shame and why it matters
why moms often feel intense guilt about their parenting (and how you can navigate this in a healthy way!)
the importance of the first level, Foundation, in the Connected Families Framework ”What’s going on in me?”–to break the cycle of shame
how you can be set free from the lies that keep you stuck in mom guilt through the redemptive and powerful love of Jesus

Mentioned in this podcast:

About Katie Wetsell: Katie has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She is a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families herself, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a certified parent coach as well. She and her husband have 4 children (3 boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. For more information or to contact Katie, visit her website Parent With Hope.

What are your parenting strengths?

You’ve got them. Knowing your strengths will help you become the best parent you can be. Knowing your parenting challenges is useful information too. Take our FREE ASSESSMENT.

How Do I Get My Child to Obey?

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:01:00 +0000

Does God require your kids to obey immediately? Immediate obedience is probably a familiar concept to you. And, to be quite honest, it’s a hot-button topic! If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I get my child to obey?” then this is the podcast for you!

Or maybe you feel like your demands for first-time obedience seem to bring more tension and discouragement for both you and your child? If so, this podcast will bring you clarity and encouragement as you seek to be a more connected parent!

How DO I get my child to obey?

Here at Connected Families, we approach this topic with a unique perspective. In today’s podcast, we dissect and unpack this important and sometimes misunderstood issue. Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) as we continue our series about our Connected Families “special sauce”–what makes us unique!

Obedience is absolutely important to God and to you as a parent. We encourage you view the bigger picture of how God inspires obedience in His children. Control and fear-based parenting can create a toxic relationship, but a deeper and more connected relationship with your child will lead them toward wisdom. The context for obedience is a deep love relationship overflowing with the fullness of God’s grace.

In today’s podcast you’ll learn:

why immediate obedience can be a set-up for frustration for both you and children
what the Bible and the life of Jesus tell us about immediate obedience
the importance of examining your own motives as a parent in order to bring the fullness of God’s love to your kids
the difference between obedience and compliance– and why it matters!
how to let go of demands in order to build wisdom and thoughtful responses in your child’s heart

You will not want to miss this conversation! It may forever change how you connect with your child as you seek to leave a legacy of wisdom and grace for your family. We would love to connect with you about this, or any other questions you may have! We invite you to contact us.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller
Bible verses mentioned in this podcast: John 14:23-24, 1 Joh n 5:3, Isaiah 64:6, Matthew 23:25, Luke 15:11-32, Luk e 1:17, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Colossians 3:21, Ephesians 6:4

Give Connection this Year

Small connections create lasting love and trust. Your gift supports Christ-centered connection and transformation in families for generations to come.

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The Key to Unlocking Wisdom and Responsibility in Kids

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:01:00 +0000

Your child is misbehaving and you just want it to, “Stop!” You want to bring some control to the situation. Emotions escalate. The key to unlocking a Christ-like identity, wisdom, and responsibility in your kids is not a method or a formula. It’s connection.

How to Be Safe for Your Kids | Ep. 76

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:01:00 +0000

It’s normal to feel stuck in the frustration of trying to “fix” your child’s behavior. Despite exploring numerous parenting resources and methods, does your heart still feel unsettled? Like you, many other parents feel the same way. Patterns of control, yelling, blaming, and shaming only seem to bring greater disconnection in your relationship with your child. You want things to be different. You want to be safe for your kids, but the patterns seem too ingrained.

How can you find a better way to discipline; making sure you are safe for your kids while remaining firm?

Today’s podcast gets right to the heart of the Connected Families’ unique and profound biblical Framework for parenting. Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Parent Coach). Together they discuss the deep and lasting impact of the Connected Families Framework in their own families and in the families of those they work with every day.

In this podcast, you’ll learn:

the vital shift from “fix my child” to “fix myself” as you seek to build an environment of emotional safety
how to approach parenting with curious questions instead of judgment as you build safety and wisdom
the toxic thoughts and lies that can keep you stuck in shame as a parent, and how you can identify them and replace them with God’s grace and truth
why humility is the “currency” of connection in discipline

The Connected Families “Secret Sauce” to genuine, heart-level change in parents and children occurs in communicating the most important messages that our kids long to hear: “You are safe with me” and “You are loved no matter what.” In Jesus’ love, you can show up with safety and connection and be the parent YOU long to be. Your own inner work will overflow to your child as you move past shame and despair to love and grace.

Parenting resources mentioned in this podcast:

About Lydia Rex:

Lydia Rex is a registered nurse, wife, and mother of two and has worked with families in many capacities throughout her career and personal life. She’s been a student of Connected Families since 2014, and continues to find it incredibly life-giving for her own family. Areas of her experience/special interest include foster care and adoption, attachment difficulties, developmental and learning disabilities including FASD. She brings a trauma-informed perspective to the Connected Families Framework and the desire to see families find peace and healing – not just on the other side, but in the midst of challenges! Use our “Contact Us” form to connect with Lydia.

Want more information about Connected Families? Check out our website! Feel free to contact us and let us know how we can come alongside you in your parenting journey. We are here to guide you towards God’s grace for you so that you can pass His grace and truth on to your children!

Why It’s Better to Parent in Community | Ep. 75

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Ever feel alone or isolated as a parent? Between navigating your kids’ misbehavior in public, enduring other judgmental parents, and the demands of daily life, staying isolated can often feel easier than attempting social connection and events. Yet parenting without a solid community can bring feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Just like our kids, we as parents need to feel safety and connection in community too. That comes when we parent in community.

What holds us back from parenting in community? And what’s the way forward to more safe, connected, and meaningful parenting relationships?

Join us and our guest Heather MacFadyen, founder of Don’t Mom Alone, to hear how she worked through some rough seasons of isolation, and how she learned to build a life-giving parenting community around her. Heather joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) to discuss her inner healing journey, and several life-changing truths that offered her hope and a new perspective.

Your child’s choices and behavior don’t define you. When you explore what is going on inside of you as a parent in the safety of God’s grace, you can find hope and a new perspective too. You can dispel the shame and fear that keeps you isolated from parenting in community.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

“Isolating ideas” that keep you from interacting with other parents and forming meaningful connection with them
The profound importance of starting with the Foundation of “What’s going on in me?”
How shame can keep us isolated from connecting with other parents
The Connected Families Framework that helps you embrace with grace the humanity of both you and your child

We are here for you in your parenting journey. Do you have a parenting testimony to share or have a parenting concern? If so please reach out to us! We hope you have learned life-giving tips today to help you parent with peace and connection.

About Heather MacFadyen:

Married and a mom to four sons, Heather struggled with the challenges of raising four young boys. She isolated herself from community, fearing embarrassment, rejection, and failure. Slowly she began to reach out to friends again and started to parent in community. Through prayer with friends, God healed wrong identities Heather was holding onto. She started a podcast called “God-Centered Mom” (now Don’t Mom Alone), a show that has been downloaded over 7 million times.

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Heather MacFadyen’s website: https://dontmomalone.com/

Don’t Mom Alone: Growing the Relationships You Need to be the Mom You Want to Be by Heather MacFadyen

The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves by Curt Thompson

Connected Families: Discipline That Connects online course

The Connected Families Framework

Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages All Children Long to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview.

How to Raise a Responsible Student (Who Has a Social Life) | Ep. 74

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 05:01:00 +0000

If you’re like most parents, you want your child to be a responsible student. But you also want them to use their time wisely to they can have an active social life. (Aaaannnnd, it would be great if they were good at athletics, debate, excited about youth group every Wednesday night, AND could get their chores done without complaining. 😊)

Whatever your child’s strengths and challenges are, each school year brings a new set of hopes and dreams. You want your child to be a responsible student, but you also want them to learn life skills that will set them up for success outside of school.

Want a responsible student?

In this podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Bonnie Williams and Corrie Thetford (Connected Families Parent Coaches). This conversation will bring you incredibly practical and thoughtful strategies to guide your child toward responsibility in their schoolwork and beyond.

Coaching your child to be responsible can be an opportunity to build wisdom and connection. Find out how you can create a foundation of safety today that will open your child’s heart to work as a team with you, as you tackle all that life brings this year.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Ways to come alongside with support and encouragement while still holding your child responsible for their schoolwork
How certain expectations, beliefs, and demands can negatively impact your efforts to help your child
Lighthearted curious questions you can ask your child to build wisdom and set them up for success
The importance of discerning what’s under the surface causing anxiety and lack of motivation in your child’s schoolwork battles

Have you found yourself trying to figure out how to raise a responsible student? What strategies have helped you and your child navigate homework challenges? Is there something you would love to hear more about in our podcasts? We’d love to hear from you!

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

About our guests on today’s podcast:

Bonnie Williams has a Master of Education in Special Education. She is a wife and the mother of 3 teenagers. She has supported students with learning and behavior challenges for over 25 years, specializing in working with parents with children ages 3 to 15. Helping families apply the Connected Families Framework is what Bonnie is passionate about. By doing this they can learn new strategies to grow in wisdom and help lead them in having peaceful, grace-filled homes. You can reach her by email at newpathways65@gmail.com.

Corrie Thetford has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling. At some point she and her husband realized that the way they disciplined was driving a wedge between them and their kids. Because of this they sought coaching through Connected Families. Now, as Connected Families Certified Coaches, they work with other families to experience that same change and restored joy that they found through their coaching experience. Together, Corrie and Alan have founded Building Wise Families. You can learn more about them on the Building Wise Families Podcast. You can reach them by email at coaching@buildingwisefamilies.com.

If you are not currently following us on Instagram we encourage you to check it out. Our community is growing there and we’d love to partner with you in your parenting with timely encouragement just for you. Find us @connectedfams for your daily dose of parenting tips.

3 Ways To Help When Your Child Refuses To Do Schoolwork

Asking vs. Telling: What Parents Need to Know About Questions & Learning

Back to School

Classroom Anxiety: It’s Common, and You Can Help | Ep. 73

Whose Life Is It Anyway?

Classroom Anxiety: It’s Common, and You Can Help | Ep. 73

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:41:22 +0000

Is your child struggling with anxiety about going back to school? How do you navigate the uncertainties of a new school year? If you and your child are feeling stressed about all the changes and upheaval surrounding school, you are not alone! Classroom anxiety is more common than you think. We have some super helpful information to get you and your kids on the right track for a more calm and connected school year!

Today’s episode is absolutely packed with essential information and practical application. This podcast will help you better understand and connect with your child in their struggle with anxiety and possibly even trauma. Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) are joined by Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, (Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health) and author of the book Riley the Brave Makes it to School. Using brain science research, Jessica equips parents, teachers, and other professionals to meet the needs of kids who are struggling, and to better incorporate effective trauma-sensitive practices into their interactions with children.

Beneath the surface, a child’s challenging behavior can often be anxiety. Entering into these tough situations with calm and safety are absolutely key in reaching your child. When kids externalize these big feelings, they need a safe place to land, and to work through, what is really going on in their brains and in their hearts. When you can understand their behavior and safely communicate I am for you, you can better help your child heal.

Powerful and practical tools you will gain in this podcast:

The research of what is happening in a child’s brain when they are anxious, and how that behavior may play out in unexpected ways
How to help both you and your child when reacting in the “downstairs brain”
Understanding the “turtle,” “tiger,” and “porcupine” response in your child (and in yourself!)
Practical ways to apply this information to your child’s back-to-school challenges and classroom anxiety
The power of connection within the Connected Families Framework

We’ve compiled a list of great resources for you below, and as always, we are here for you and would love for you to connect with us! (Or check out our parent coaching options.)

Resources from Jessica Sinarski:

Connected Families resources mentioned in this podcast:

Additional resources mentioned:

The Opposite of Worry by Lawrence Cohen
Attachment Play by Aletha Solter
Good News for Little Hearts series (including Buster Tries to Bail)
Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions That Build Success by Jennifer Veenendall
Connection Zoo, a play-based learning tool that helps kids build social and emotional skills
Go Zen, online social and emotional learning programs for kids ages 6-15

Guest bio:

Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, equips parents and professionals to be healers for hurting children. Weaving user-friendly brain science into everything she does, she ignites both passion and know-how in audiences. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician, consultant, and parent educator led her to create the resource and training platform she couldn’t find elsewhere: BraveBrains. Jessica continues to work as a therapist and clinical supervisor at an innovative adoption support agency in Delaware and serves on the board of directors at the largest Head Start provider in the Bronx, NY. She has shared her expertise as a contributor to magazines, blogs, and podcasts. At home, Jessica’s three busy boys will forever keep her laughing and learning.

Are We Hardwired to Connect? Part 2- Ep. 72

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 17:28:40 +0000

What does the Bible say about connection in parenting? How do we work that out practically in everyday family life? Of course theology is important. But theology alone doesn’t always tell you how long your kids should play a video game, or how to specifically respond when your child asks tough questions.

That’s where scientific research comes in! We’ve heard from countless people the reason they continue to access Connected Families resources is because we integrate science and biblical principles. Our goal is to make what can seem lofty into digestible and practical content for parents.

Today’s episode is Part 2 of a discussion about what makes the Connected Families parenting approach so unique–the integration of science and Scripture! Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to continue the conversation about the Connected Families Framework.

In this podcast you’ll hear:

How scientific research is integrated in the last two steps of the Framework (“You are CALLED and CAPABLE.” and “You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions.”)
The importance of listening to your kids without judgment in order to communicate empathy instead of anxiety
The power of calm, light-hearted questions to grow wisdom and responsibility in your child
A more effective way to praise your child (that doesn’t lead to people-pleasing!)

We have a ton of great resources below to help you in your parenting journey. We hope these resources can be a helpful avenue of guidance and support for your family. Please contact us with any questions, we are here to help!

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Hardwired to Connect (2003 Research Report) or check out this link for a summary of the report

Carol Dweck- A Study on Praise and Mindsets (video)

Scripture references: Ephesians 2:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8, Psalm 139, Proverbs 29:5, Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 6:12, Colossians 3:12

Build Kids Up with Nourishing Affirmation in 30 Seconds (The “ABC’s of Affirmation”)

The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom. (online course)

FREE Resources: 4 Messages Every Kid Longs to Hear (ebook) and Perspectives on Spanking (ebook)

If you are not currently following us on Instagram, we encourage you to check it out. Our community is growing there, and we’d love to partner with you in your parenting with timely encouragement just for you. Find us @connectedfams for your daily dose of parenting tips.

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A moment we couldn’t stop thinking about:

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Foster Care and Faith: Supporting Foster Families in Your Community

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Grumpy Morning? Help Your Child Start Their Day Well

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Emotional Regulation for Kids: Calm Bodies Come Before Big Conversations

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Highly Sensitive Kids: A Biblical Approach to Empathy and Connection

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Big Emotions Start Somewhere: The Hidden Stress Your Child Carries

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Why Is Parenting So Hard? Finding Grace and Truth in the Struggle

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From Feeling Like a Bad Mom to Deeply Loved

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Family Meetings for Kids: A Weekly Habit That Builds Family Teamwork

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Less arguing. More wisdom.

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Less arguing. More wisdom.

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Strengthening Families Through the Local Church: A Powerful New Partnership

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The Surprising Reason Kids Laugh When in Trouble

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Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs?

BONUS Episode | Help Your Child Feel Safe Through Scary Events

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Consecuencias: ¿Castigar o Restaurar?

¿Necesita un recordatorio?

Acerca de Esther:

Acerca de Luisa:

Moving Beyond Strict Parenting: Balancing Boundaries and Connection

4 simple messages.
1 simple framework.

Parent with Confidence
Discipline with Love