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.
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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?
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.
How the Happiness Trifecta Might Transform Chores
Jul 15, 2024
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.
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
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Guest Bio:
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.
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?
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.
Screen Time and Kids: How to Say YES More Often, While Kids Have LESS Screen Time
Jul 08, 2024
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.
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!
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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.
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.
How to Be a Great Grandparent to your Grandkids (and Their Parents!)
Jun 24, 2024
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.
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!
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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
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!
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!
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:
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.
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!
The God of Play: Joyfully Embrace the Playful Side of God With Your Kids
Jun 10, 2024
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.
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!
How to Play with Kids Like a Therapist Would
Jun 03, 2024
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.
Sponsor a podcast episode this August! Email Adel at adel@connectedfamilies.org for more information.
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
May 27, 2024
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.
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.
Stop believing lies.
About you. Or your kids.
Learn to approach motherhood with grace and truth. Take the Grace & Truth for Moms small group course.
How Authentic Community Can Equip Parents to Thrive
May 20, 2024
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.
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
We’re a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation to Connected Families today!
Don’t forget to take a moment to rate and review the podcast!
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.
Stop believing lies.
About you. Or your kids.
Learn to approach motherhood with grace and truth. Take the Grace & Truth for Moms small group course.
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
What Causes You to Micromanage Your Kids?
May 06, 2024
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 […]
Make-It-Right Consequences for Kids
Apr 29, 2024
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 […]
Segundo Episodio en Español! Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada, parte 2.
Apr 27, 2024
¡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 […]
Primer Episodio en Español! Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada, parte 1.
Apr 26, 2024
¡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 […]
See Your Child’s Strengths in the Craziness | Ep. 175
Apr 22, 2024
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 […]
Want to Connect With Your Teenager?
Apr 15, 2024
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 […]
Become the Self-Aware Parent You Want to Be
Apr 08, 2024
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 […]
Max Lucado: Just In Case You Ever Feel Alone
Mar 25, 2024
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, […]
Holy Week Activities to Nurture Faith in Kids of All Ages
Mar 18, 2024
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 […]
Bonus: Supporting Grieving Families in Your Community
Mar 12, 2024
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 […]
How to Navigate Grief in Children
Mar 11, 2024
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 […]
Questions & Doubts: When Your Child’s Faith Is Uncertain
Mar 04, 2024
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, […]
Kids’ Arguments: Establish Peace with 4 Steps
Feb 26, 2024
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 […]
Supporting Your Teen with Empathy and Connection
Feb 12, 2024
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 […]
Tame Your Temper: Calming Strategies for Parents
Feb 05, 2024
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 […]
3 Principles to Help Your Child Calm and Regulate
Jan 29, 2024
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 […]
Hope & Healing for Your Sensitive or Intense Child
Jan 22, 2024
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 […]
Sensitive or Intense Child? Your Questions Answered!
Jan 15, 2024
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 […]
Moving From Discouragement to Freedom | Ep. 161
Jan 08, 2024
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 […]
And the Top Podcast of 2023 is...
Jan 01, 2024
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 […]
BONUS: Connected Families Future Plus A Story of Transformation
Dec 22, 2023
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 […]
Refresh Your Parenting with Prayer
Dec 18, 2023
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) […]
Stories of Transformation…Finding Hope For Change
Dec 11, 2023
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 […]
What Mom Needs: An Exciting Chat with the CEO of MOPS Int’l
Dec 04, 2023
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 […]
A Parenting Framework for Adoption and Fostering? Yes!
Nov 27, 2023
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 […]
Navigating Family Gatherings
Nov 20, 2023
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, […]
Blocked Care: Rekindle Compassion in Your Heart | Ep. 155
Nov 13, 2023
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 […]
Stories of Transformation…One Mom’s Journey
Nov 06, 2023
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, […]
A Circle of Support: What Does a Mentor Do for Your Child?
Oct 23, 2023
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 […]
Feel Safe: How to Cultivate a Sense of Security in an Unsafe World
Oct 09, 2023
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 […]
Want To Show Grace to Your Kids? Soak In It First
Oct 02, 2023
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 […]
Parenting Topics That Will Fill You With Hope
Sep 25, 2023
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 […]
How to Discipline an Explosive Child—With Grace and Firmness
Sep 18, 2023
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 […]
Help! My Child Won't Listen
Sep 11, 2023
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 […]
Discipline and Your Kids: Your Questions Answered
Sep 04, 2023
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 […]
Bonus Episode: Exciting News from Connected Families!
Sep 01, 2023
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 […]
Trust Expert Dr. Henry Cloud Chats With Us About Parenting
Aug 28, 2023
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 […]
Connect With Students: A Framework To Connect With & Nurture Responsibility In ALL Students
Aug 21, 2023
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 […]
Support Your Child's Mental Health with Dr. Caroline Leaf
Aug 14, 2023
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 […]
Is Your Child Crying at School or Daycare Drop-Off?
Aug 07, 2023
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 […]
Sensitive and Intense Kids: Your Questions Answered
Jul 31, 2023
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, […]
[BONUS] Conclusion: Teaching Kids Forgiveness is Essential
Jul 24, 2023
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 […]
Teaching Kids Forgiveness Is Essential: The Why & How
Jul 24, 2023
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 […]
Restoring Relationships: Empower Kids to Want to Reconcile & Heal
Jul 17, 2023
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 […]
How To Help Siblings Stop Fighting All the Time
Jul 10, 2023
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 […]
How to Encourage Critical Thinking for Little Ones
Jun 26, 2023
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 […]
My Child Argues About Everything
Jun 19, 2023
“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 […]
3 Powerful Questions to Transform Your Parenting
Jun 12, 2023
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 […]
Family Teamwork: How To Meet Together as a Family
Jun 05, 2023
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 […]
How to Help Kids See God in Nature
May 22, 2023
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, […]
Ever Feel Like the Not-So-Fun Mom?
May 15, 2023
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 […]
Developing a Screen Plan for Your Family
May 08, 2023
a conversation with Arlene Pellicane
How To Guide Your Child To Love Honesty
Apr 24, 2023
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 […]
Healthy Mealtimes for Children Who Are Picky | Ep. 130
Apr 10, 2023
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. […]
Practical Ideas for Parenting the Middle Years
Mar 27, 2023
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 […]
Is Your Child’s Misbehavior Actually a Gift? | Ep. 128
Mar 20, 2023
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, […]
Family Activities to Prepare for Easter
Mar 06, 2023
a conversation with Laurie Christine
Why Is My Child So Angry All the Time?
Feb 27, 2023
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 […]
Your Child Receives A Diagnosis...Now What?
Feb 20, 2023
Is it worth getting a diagnosis?
Empowering Your Differently Wired Child
Feb 13, 2023
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 […]
Advocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child
Jan 30, 2023
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 […]
How To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support
Jan 23, 2023
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, […]
Teaching Kids the Framework | Ep. 121
Jan 16, 2023
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 […]
Our Top Podcast of 2022
Jan 02, 2023
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, […]
Grandparenting Through a New Lens
Dec 19, 2022
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 […]
Navigating Family Gatherings
Dec 12, 2022
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 […]
Gospel in Parenting Part 2
Nov 28, 2022
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 […]
The Brain Impact of Gratitude
Nov 21, 2022
with Dr. Troy Spurrill
When Parenting Is Harder Than You Thought It Would Be | Ep. 115
Nov 14, 2022
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 […]
Pursuing Kids Who Push Away
Oct 24, 2022
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 […]
How To Pray With Your Child
Oct 17, 2022
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 […]
Daily Sensory Rhythms to Bring Peace to Your Home
Oct 10, 2022
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 […]
Coaching Your Kids to “Make It Right”
Sep 26, 2022
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 […]
Why "Calm Down!" Doesn't Work
Sep 19, 2022
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 […]
Calming Yourself Before Going Into Discipline
Sep 12, 2022
“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 […]
Kids and Misbehavior: Sin? Or Something Else?
Aug 29, 2022
[powerpress]
The Gospel in Our Parenting
Aug 22, 2022
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 […]
My Child Freaks Out Easily | Ep. 106
Aug 15, 2022
And what can I do to make it stop?
Navigating Compassion Fatigue
Jul 25, 2022
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 […]
Is Your Child a Rule Follower?
Jul 11, 2022
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 […]
Should Dads Demand Respect?
Jun 20, 2022
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 […]
How to Be a More Playful Parent
Jun 13, 2022
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 […]
Does Attachment Style Matter?
May 23, 2022
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 […]
Ending the Shame Cycle
May 16, 2022
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 […]
How Can I Identify Anxiety in My Child?
May 02, 2022
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. […]
Can I Parent Well When I'm Anxious?
Apr 25, 2022
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 […]
Teaching Your Child to Navigate "Mean" Kids
Apr 18, 2022
“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 being hurt again, but unfortunately that isn’t realistic. How can you teach your […]
Doctrine of Grace in Parenting | Ep. 96
Apr 11, 2022
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 […]
What Do Kids Really Need From Us?
Mar 20, 2022
Sometimes parenting can seem hopeless. What do kids really need from us? Maybe your kids are struggling and you’re not sure how to get through to them. (This can feel especially hard with teens!) You feel frustrated and your relationship can begin to feel tense. You want to understand them, but you don’t know where […]
Why Do I Feel So Angry?
Mar 13, 2022
“WHY do I feel so angry?” “I’m just an angry parent with an angry kid!” Do you ever find yourself saying or thinking these statements? Anger can be a difficult emotion to navigate. We can feel so defeated when we lose control. We don’t want to react this way, and neither do our kids. It […]
Help! Homeschooling is Overwhelming
Mar 06, 2022
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 […]
Connecting in Your Marriage
Feb 20, 2022
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 […]
How Can I Better Parent My Adult Children?
Feb 14, 2022
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 […]
A Powerful New Perspective for Your Parenting
Jan 24, 2022
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 […]
Encourage Kids Who"Just Don't Care!"
Jan 17, 2022
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 […]
Be Intentional in Your Parenting
Jan 10, 2022
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 […]
2022 Year-End Wrap-Up
Dec 20, 2021
What does God have in store for Connected Families in 2022?
My Child Never Sleeps
Dec 13, 2021
Finding peace and connection at bedtime
Want to Build Connection in Your Family?
Dec 06, 2021
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 […]
Applying the ABC's of Affirmation
Nov 29, 2021
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 […]
Joe and Becky's Story
Nov 22, 2021
Creating a culture of safety in your home
An Honest Conversation About Adoption
Nov 15, 2021
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 […]
Why Changing Your Parenting Is So Hard
Oct 25, 2021
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 […]
Is Mom Guilt Good? | Ep. 79
Oct 18, 2021
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 […]
How Do I Get My Child to Obey?
Oct 11, 2021
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 […]
The Key to Unlocking Wisdom and Responsibility in Kids
Sep 27, 2021
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. Parenting is hard! You want to hold your child accountable when they […]
How to Be Safe for Your Kids | Ep. 76
Sep 20, 2021
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 […]
Why It’s Better to Parent in Community | Ep. 75
Sep 13, 2021
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, […]
How to Raise a Responsible Student (Who Has a Social Life) | Ep. 74
Aug 23, 2021
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 […]
Classroom Anxiety: It’s Common, and You Can Help | Ep. 73
Aug 16, 2021
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 […]
Are We Hardwired to Connect? Part 2- Ep. 72
Aug 10, 2021
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 […]
Are We Hardwired to Connect? Part 1-Ep.71
Aug 09, 2021
Are you longing for practical parenting resources that address both the spiritual and the scientific? Why are they both important? God created our souls, brains, and bodies, and He wants us to understand His creation. Research affirms the biblical truth that you and your kids are hardwired to connect. The science of connection combined with […]
Teach Your Child to Have a Growth Mindset with These Four Steps | Ep. 70
Jul 26, 2021
Have you heard the buzz about having a “growth mindset”* versus a “fixed mindset”? How can you teach your child to have a growth mindset? When our kids lack the skills to do what we are asking them to do it can create discouragement in your home. Maybe you’ve even asked yourself the following: “Why […]
Help! My Child Keeps Unbuckling and the Kids are Spitting! | Ep. 69
Jul 19, 2021
Your child keeps unbuckling their seatbelt in a tantrum while you are driving down a busy road. One of your kids spits at his sibling when he gets angry. What do you do when your child has big emotions and actions, and despite your best efforts to implement connection and correction, the behavior doesn’t seem […]
Christian Discipline: The story behind our unique framework for parenting | Ep. 68
Jul 12, 2021
As a parent you might feel overwhelmed with the mountain of resources available to you regarding Christian discipline. From podcasts, to books, to seminars, there is no shortage of available content you could access. But, when you are Christ-follower AND you are tuned into the latest in research and attachment-based parenting, you are looking for […]
My Kid is Looking at Porn
Jun 21, 2021
“My kid is looking at porn! What should I do?” Have you experienced this? Or maybe you are concerned about how to prepare your child for future encounters with something inappropriate. Pornography is highly accessible in today’s culture. Marketers seem to sexualize everything to sell products. In a world where we are unable to shield […]
Setting Boundaries with Screens | Ep. 66
Jun 14, 2021
“My kid is obsessed with gaming! Are they addicted? What should I do?” If you’ve found yourself making these kinds of statements you are not alone. It’s amazing how something small on a screen can have such a big impact. And screens are everywhere. How do you set boundaries when you think your child is […]
How to Leave a Legacy | Ep. 65
Jun 07, 2021
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “legacy”? We feel inspired when we hear stories about the legacy of someone who has made an impact in the world. Hearing these stories may inspire you to want to leave a valuable legacy of your own. OR maybe that idea feels painful to you. […]
Help! My Child is Violent! | Ep. 64
Jun 01, 2021
You ask your child to do something simple and they respond with violence. Your five-year-old comes at you forcefully with a toy and is going to hit you. Maybe your teenager is physically fighting and things are getting out of hand. You start to realize your child is violent. Now what? As a parent in […]
What’s the Best Way To Handle Shared Parenting? | Ep. 63
May 27, 2021
Navigating the challenges of being a single mom or single dad
Being a Single Mom is Exhausting | Ep. 62
May 24, 2021
Being a single mom is exhausting. And when we hear from single moms, they often say things like, “I feel SO alone.” “I don’t know if I can make it.” “Are my kids and I beyond hope?” Maybe you wrestle with thoughts and beliefs like these too. Do you wonder if God is listening, and […]
Grace and Truth for Moms | Ep. 61
May 03, 2021
Does the stress and struggle of parenting leave you feeling unworthy or incapable of being the mom you long to be? Do these statements sound familiar? “I’m a failure as a mom and I have ruined my kids!” “I’m an angry parent with an angry child!” Perhaps it feels like you are parenting from a […]
How Can I Teach My Child to Pray Heartfelt Prayers? | Ep. 60
Apr 26, 2021
Do you struggle to teach your child how to pray? How do you instill something deeper when your child just wants to pray for a new xbox? Like many parents, you likely desire to see your kids engage in a meaningful prayer life. That can be hard! Sometimes kids just get bored when we pray! […]
Help! How do I keep a conversation going with my child? | Ep. 59
Apr 21, 2021
Frequently parents focus on conversation skills when there is conflict. But what about in the normal day-to-day interactions? Do you feel like it is more difficult than it needs to be to have a “normal” conversation with your child? Do you feel like you spend a lot of time telling your child what to do […]
What Should I Do When My Child Is Having a Meltdown in Public? | Ep. 58
Apr 14, 2021
You’re in the grocery store. Or the park. Or at a family gathering. And you sense a major meltdown coming. It’s so embarrassing when your child has a meltdown in public – especially when you know other people are watching! Join Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, as they offer practical and down-to-earth […]
My Child Quits Everything | Ep. 57
Mar 24, 2021
In today’s episode we dig into the second part of our series on raising overcomers! Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) talk about how to help kids develop resilience and, in the process, uncover the unique purpose God has for them. If you feel like your child quits […]
Raising Overcomers: How to Model Resiliency to Your Kids | Ep. 56
Mar 16, 2021
In this raw and candid episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) to discuss both the challenges and the beauty of raising overcomers. When you are in Christ you are an overcomer, and you can graciously raise your child to move beyond feeling overwhelmed to being […]
Kids Struggling to Sleep? Here’s How to Equip Them to Sleep Well | Ep.55
Mar 10, 2021
Do you feel like bedtime struggles are a losing battle? Does bedtime leave you feeling exhausted? Your child wants another glass of water, 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 kids are struggling to sleep, you don’t sleep! We […]
How to Take Advantage of Sibling Rivalry to Explain Emotions and Feelings to a Child
Feb 25, 2021
Few things can be more frustrating as a parent than trying to mediate sibling rivalry. You want your kids to be friends but instead they are fighting, badgering, and teasing each other. It feels like you are getting nowhere! You think, “How do I stop him from hitting others?” or “Why can’t my kids just […]
The Power of Empathy: How to Teach Your Child to “Feel Another’s Feelings” | Ep. 53
Feb 17, 2021
“How do you think that makes your sister feel?” or “You can’t do that to him!” Sound familiar? As a parent you likely want your child to be known as kind, generous, sensitive, and empathetic. These expectations can cause stress and anxiety if we see our child behaving in a way that lacks the power […]
Thinking About How to Fix Your Marriage? Try This. | Ep. 52
Feb 10, 2021
Do you ever feel like you want to try and fix your marriage? Or change something about your spouse? The solution to this challenge might surprise you! In this podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) are hosted by their good friend, Ellie Hope Collins, on her podcast Hope Reclaimed. We are passionate […]
Got a Strong-Willed Child? So Did This Mom. | Ep. 51
Feb 03, 2021
Your strong-willed child is refusing to choose. You are offering two choices, just like you’ve learned. “Give your child some choices,” they said. “It will help them feel some control,” they said. But your child just stamps their foot and refuses to choose. You asked. We answered! Everyday we receive pressing questions about a wide […]
Your Child Struggles to Transition. Here’s What to Do. | Episode 50
Jan 27, 2021
You have work to do and need to move on from playing with your child. They don’t want you to go. And they whine. They fuss. What can you do when your child struggles to transition? You asked. We answered! Everyday we receive pressing questions about a wide range of parenting topics. We consider it […]
The God-Given Gifts in Your Child's Misbehavior
Jan 20, 2021
It takes skill to misbehave! A verbal child often argues with you until you’re exhausted. An emotional child might cry or manipulate. A physical child is more likely to get aggressive or grab something they want. Though it feels frustrating and even counter-intuitive, a shift in attention to your child’s strengths by finding their gift-gone-awry […]
Why Demanding Respect From Kids Doesn’t Work | Ep. 48
Dec 16, 2020
Recently, we introduced you to Juan and Nita from South Africa. Today, we are excited to bring you a more in-depth interview where they share their heart for their two daughters as well as the 196 children who live in LIV village. They are learning that demanding respect from children often doesn’t work in the […]
How to Connect with Your Kids in Any Circumstance | Ep. 47
Dec 09, 2020
As you’re heading into some potentially stressful situations over the next few weeks (changing schedules, relatives who might judge your parenting, or not feeling connected to your kiddos) take some time and listen to this encouraging podcast we pulled out of the archives. (This podcast originally aired in 2015.) Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of […]
What Causes Anger Issues in a Child? | Ep. 46
Nov 11, 2020
What do you do when your child gets angry? What causes anger issues in a child? When kids respond with angry, aggressive behavior, stress and fear are often the underlying emotions. Children who have experienced trauma often react with heightened fear responses. In this podcast episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, continue […]
Parenting Kids from Hard Places with Unique Needs | Ep. 45
Nov 04, 2020
Are you parenting a child through adoption or foster care? Are you struggling with bonding to your child or their attachment to you? Your feelings of isolation and discouragement can be very real and overwhelming. As an adoptive parent, maybe you’ve experienced a heightened sense of grief as you search for answers in unfamiliar parenting […]
Enjoy Your Children the Way You Always Wanted To | Ep. 44
Sep 23, 2020
Are you scrambling to find clarity and help in your parenting? Are you struggling to find practical tools that bring lasting change? Do you wish you enjoyed your children more? Discover the power of connection and the hope of restoring a more peaceful relationship with your child! How one mom learned to enjoy her children […]
Feeling burned out at the end of the day? Does parenting (and discipline) leave you feeling overwhelmed and discouraged? If you are feeling “parenting burnout” there is help and hope. Perhaps you will identify with our guests today, Nate and Amanda. This couple joins us to discuss the burnout parents often face in the discipline process […]
Parenting from a Place of Fear
Sep 09, 2020
“My kids will never grow up to be responsible!” “I am a terrible parent, and my child and I will never get along!” Are you parenting from a place of fear? Even catastrophizing a situation? Do you find yourself replaying negative thoughts in your mind about yourself and your child? You are absolutely not alone! […]
What to Do When Kids Are Scared of the World Around Them | Ep. 41
Jul 29, 2020
Are your kids scared of the world around them? How are you talking about anxiety with your kids these days? In current times coping is harder, and there seems to be more reasons to worry than usual. You may experience tension when your family gathers because everyone views what’s happening in our world through different […]
What to Do About the Things Kids Are Scared of At Home | Ep. 40
Jul 22, 2020
Mealtime battles, bedtime drama, homework struggles… Can you relate to these anxiety triggers in your home? Often there are deeper emotions under the surface, for both parents and children, that contribute to these conflicts. When we acknowledge and validate the emotions that drive our children’s anxiety, we can better equip them to self-regulate. Validating emotions […]
How to Teach Your Child Not to Be Scared | Ep. 39
Jul 15, 2020
How do you teach your child not to be scared? Bedtime, meals, learning at home, performance anxiety, and separation anxiety can all be sources of anxiety for kids. This is especially true for kids who may be highly sensitive. Kids who struggle with anxiety are often more “on alert” than other children, and don’t always […]
My Child is Afraid of Everything | Ep. 38
Jul 08, 2020
Do you feel like your child is afraid of everything? Where does anxiety come from in our kids? This is a huge struggle parents often face, especially when tensions are high in the world around us. A survey Connected Families conducted in spring of 2020 revealed that 70% of families in the CF community have […]
What to Say When Your Child Makes Outrageous Statements | Ep. 37
Jul 01, 2020
Have you ever heard an outrageous statement from your child? Outrageous statements come in all shapes and sizes and can often trigger disbelief or even outrage in parents. Perhaps that’s why they’re called outrageous statements! It’s tempting for us, as parents, to respond to these situations with immediate correction or a lecture. However, this may […]
How to Have a Great Summer Without Pestering Your Kids | Ep. 36
Jun 24, 2020
Are you feeling anxious about this summer? Summer can be a fantastic opportunity to connect with your kids, but it can also present new challenges. You want to have a great summer, but aren’t quite sure how to get there. Uncertainty and disappointment add an extra level of stress, especially with the new reality of […]
Are You Tired of Having to Nag Your Kids? | Ep. 35
Jun 17, 2020
Does it seem like all you do is nag your kids? Are you frustrated because this is the sixth time you have asked your child to take out the garbage? Nagging and arguing can become the frustrating norm in many of families. Parents have good intentions. We want our kids to grow up to be […]
How to Put Screens Back in Their Place | Ep. 34
May 28, 2020
You want to be intentional about screen time with your kids, but you’ve got an uphill battle! The pandemic isn’t making it any easier either. If you’re struggling with how to be intentional about screens, especially when your kids require them more than ever, this is the podcast episode for you. Join Jim and Lynne […]
What To Do When Kids Interrupt Important Conference Calls | Ep. 33
May 19, 2020
Working at home can be challenging! And exasperating. In this difficult season where many parents are juggling kids and working from home, our “new normal” is anything but normal. Parents are asking, “How do I stop kids interrupting conference calls?” It’s hard to know how to respond to the challenges of interrupted conference calls. But […]
Help Your Struggling Child Grieve His Pre-Coronavirus Life | Ep. 31
May 06, 2020
Like many of us, your child might be grieving his pre-coronavirus life. This challenging time can bring strong emotions to the surface in our kids (and in us as parents). These emotions can be signs of a child’s underlying grief. And difficulty in expressing that grief. Read on to learn why it’s important to allow […]
How to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids | Ep. 30
Apr 28, 2020
Are you “walking on eggshells” with restless, homebound kids? Do your kids have a case of “Grumpy Child Syndrome”? Your family may need an extra dose of a healthy sensory diet. What is a sensory diet? Why is it important? And how can you incorporate it in practical ways with your kids? Read on. (This […]
Am I a Bad Parent?
Apr 14, 2020
You are not a bad parent. Start learning how to stop parenting out of guilt or anxiety. This content is also available in an audio version. When we’re in crisis, the voices built most deeply in us come out. Sometimes that can be positive. Other times it turns self-critical. Instead of blaming ourselves, we can […]
“God is Always Up to Something!” | Ep. 27
Apr 08, 2020
NOTE: This content is available as a video, a blog post (below), or a 7-minute podcast. We trust this will serve every situation and learning style well. Here at Connected Families we realize this is a tough time for many in our community and in the world as a whole. In response to the current […]
Guiding Kids to Right Their Wrongs | Ep. 26
Apr 01, 2020
When your kids misbehave, and you need to discipline them, have you considered what they are learning? Are they learning to submit to angry power? Or, perhaps, are they learning how to get better at hiding their misbehavior and sin? Guiding kids to right their wrongs is no easy task. Most families have one child […]
Mentoring Our Kids in Skills, Wisdom and Faith | Ep. 25
Mar 25, 2020
What skills would you like your kids to have when they go out into the world? Should you drop what you’re doing to bring them something they forgot? How can you prepare your kids for conflicts they will certainly encounter in their relationships, family, and work environments later in life? What does it look like […]
Connecting With Your Kids…Especially When They Struggle | Ep. 24
Mar 18, 2020
You may have heard, “Move TOWARD the struggling child.” This phrase might seem counter-intuitive. Often, when our child is struggling, the last thing we want to do is connect with them. When we show love unconditionally, especially when our kids misbehave, they will then genuinely understand that our love cannot be earned. And that our […]
Walking in Peace and Joy with Your Kids | Ep. 23
Mar 11, 2020
We all want a peaceful home where kids feel safe. But sometimes safety is hard to attain, especially when life is stressful. How do we respond during hard parenting moments? How can we do better at walking in peace and joy with our kids? In this podcast Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, […]
Find Your Parenting Balance | Ep. 22
Mar 04, 2020
How do you define yourself as a parent? Do you feel stuck in your parenting and want to explore a new way? In this podcast Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, are excited to introduce you to a structured framework for parenting that can help bring balance to your parenting. You CAN find […]
Families on Purpose | Ep. 21
Feb 05, 2020
The most successful companies usually have clear cut goals and strategies to accomplish those goals. However, most families float through life haphazardly. When families get dangerously off track, parents often say, “I just don’t know how we got here.” A lack of intentionality is often implicated when families’ find themselves sinking or even shipwrecked. In […]
Your kids? They’re watching. ALL the time. | Ep. 20
Jan 29, 2020
In this podcast, Chad Hayenga and Jim Jackson will challenge you to think through what you’re modeling as you parent. They’ll equip you with natural, effective ways to “live your life out loud” in a manner that builds faith and wisdom in your kids. You’ll come away with: practical tips on how to make prayer […]
Honoring Our Imperfect Dads | Ep. 19
Jan 22, 2020
If you’ve struggled in your relationship with one (or both!) of your parents, this podcast can give life-changing insight. Hurt and resentment left to brew under the surface can often perpetuate the effects of sin passing from one generation to another. In this podcast, Jim shares his process of working through very difficult feelings and […]
When Doing My Best Isn’t Good Enough | Ep. 18
Jan 15, 2020
In this podcast episode, Jim and Chad take a deeper dive into the dynamics of dads’ good intentions with their kids. If you sometimes feel like you’re doing your best and it’s just not good enough, be encouraged and equipped by the ideas in this practical podcast. In this podcast you’ll: listen as Jim shares […]
Leading Down a Grace-Filled Path | Ep. 17
Jan 07, 2020
Join Jim Jackson, Connected Families co-founder, and Chad Hayenga, LMFT, Certified Life Coach and parent coach, for this first episode in a 5-part series for dads. Moms, of course you’re welcome to listen! But Jim and Chad will be addressing specific issues unique to dads. Often dads are working outside the home and that can […]
Family Gatherings | Ep. 16
Dec 04, 2019
You’ve just had a family event and might still be recovering from the overt or passive-aggressive comments from extended family about your kids’ behavior and your parenting choices. Family gatherings can be HARD…especially if we sense that external pressure is shifting our parenting style to avoid criticism. On this podcast Jim and Lynne Jackson tackle […]
Discipline That Connects FAQ's
Sep 25, 2019
In this podcast, Jim Jackson interviews Stacy Bellward, online course moderator, in a fun and heartfelt conversation. (Find out what even got Jim a little teary!) You’ll get the real scoop on the Discipline That Connects with Your Child’s Heart online course, so you can know whether or not it’s a fit for you and […]
Teaching Kids to Be Responsible for Their Actions | Ep. 14
Sep 18, 2019
Today, Stacy Bellward interviews Jim and Lynne Jackson as they dive deep into ways to correct kids’ misbehavior with the message, “You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions”. Misbehavior is like the tip of the iceberg. If we make misbehavior our primary focus we miss guiding our children toward lasting change and growth. During this episode, […]
Communicating Love in the Midst of Misbehavior | Ep. 12
Sep 04, 2019
Stacy Bellward is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson to talk about a message that is essential for discipline situations: You are LOVED no matter what! Why is this necessary? Don’t kids already know they are loved? During the frustration of misbehavior, kids can easily internalize a perception that their parents don’t like them. If […]
What Does It Mean to Be an Emotionally Safe Parent? | Ep. 11
Aug 28, 2019
Being an emotionally safe parent is not about being soft or lenient. It’s also not suppressing our anxiety and frustration and trying to look calm when we discipline our kids. If we engage with a heart attitude of “What is wrong with you?!” our kids won’t feel safe with us. The starting place for making […]
My Child Will Not Get Ready for School On Time | Ep. 10
Aug 21, 2019
We’re in back-to-school season, bringing all the joy and anxiety that comes with it. One question we hear when we talk with parents is, “What do I do when my child won’t get ready for school on time?” This week Stacy Bellward and Jim Jackson interview Chad Hayenga, LMFT and parent coach about how to […]
My Child Hits Me | Ep. 9
Aug 14, 2019
Your child is escalating quickly and you have a pretty good idea where this is headed. You know the scenario…the anger turns to screaming, which then becomes a full-blown tantrum. Pretty soon your child hits YOU. In today’s episode Stacy Bellward and Jim Jackson interview Lynne Jackson, OTR as she helps to answer the question: […]
My Tween Wants to Quit Music Lessons | Ep. 8
Aug 06, 2019
“I don’t WANT to practice my trumpet.” “My piano teacher is mean!” “I don’t have time to practice with all this homework. I want to quit!” Sound familiar? In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward and Jim Jackson interview Chad Hayenga, LMFT and parent coach to explore how our parenting framework gives insight into the question: ”What […]
My Child Lies to Me | Ep. 7
Jul 31, 2019
Your child has just told you something you are pretty sure is not truthful. What should you do? Do you call them out on it? Should there a serious consequence? In today’s podcast episode Stacy Bellward and Jim Jackson interview Chad Hayenga, LMFT, and parent coach. Together they tackle the challenging question: “What should I […]
My Child Says, “I Hate You!” | Ep. 6
Jul 24, 2019
Words are powerful. We can so easily take it personally when we hear hurtful words from our children like, “I HATE YOU!” But instead of reacting in frustration and anger, we encourage you to look below the surface. There may be deep reasons why the child might feel anxious, discouraged or ashamed in a way that […]
My Kids Won't Do Chores Without Nagging
Jul 17, 2019
Have you ever wondered, “My child can’t manage to even take the garbage out. How will she ever survive in adulthood?” Or, maybe it sounds more like, “I do so much for these kids. Why can’t they do a few simple things to help out?!” Today’s episode is loaded with tools and will give you […]
My Kids Fight All the Time! | Ep. 4
Jul 10, 2019
It’s summer and the kids are home from school. Is the constant fighting and bickering more than you can take? This week we welcome Lynne Jackson, parent coach and co-founder of Connected Families. She brings stories and practical solutions you can apply (today!) to the sibling conflict in your home. Your big take-away from this […]
I Feel Overwhelmed and Hopeless
Jul 03, 2019
Parenting is hard. It takes everything we have…and then some. What happens when we get to the point of feeling totally overwhelmed and hopeless? On this Connected Families Podcast episode, we discuss these overwhelmed feelings, pull them apart, and ask what we can do about them. Our guest today is parenting coach and Connected Families […]
My Child Won’t Get Off Screens | Ep. 2
Jun 26, 2019
SCREEN TIME!!! It’s a persistent battle in almost every home. And it is one of the questions we receive most frequently. What should you do when your child constantly asks you for screen time? And more screen time? We expand on the following three ideas in this podcast: Get yourself calm. Be clear about expectations, […]
My Child Won’t Calm Down | Ep. 1
Jun 19, 2019
“My child won’t calm down!” Have you ever said these words? Perhaps even this morning? 😉 On this Connected Families Podcast episode we discuss this relevant parenting concern and provide steps that you can take to move forward with grace and connection. Our guest today is parenting expert, and Connected Families co-founder, Lynne Jackson, OTR. […]
Connected Families Podcast
May 21, 2019
Welcome to the Connected Families Podcast! We are committed to bringing you content that will challenge, encourage, and equip you to be the thoughtful and confident parent you long to be. Beginning June 19th, the Connected Families podcast will be coming your way! Season 1 explores the question, “What should I do when…..?” . Subscribe […]
WHAT-EVER!! Ideas for Responding to Sass With Class
Jul 11, 2018
What-EVER! (with an eye roll) You’ve seen it a hundred, maybe even a thousand times. Your child doesn’t like what you’ve said and responds with a head tilt, and eye roll, and the grand pronouncement, “What-EVER!!!!” What do you do when this happens? The tendency is to shut it down, NOW! But your angry response […]