Connected Families Podcast

Latest Episodes:

El Poder de la Empatía en la Disciplina May 13, 2025

Show notes

¡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: 20 Oraciones que Comunican Empatía Primer Episodio 2025 “De la Ira a la Paz: Cambiando la Forma de Criar” Primer Episodio en Español: Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada Segundo Episodio en Español: Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada parte 2 Marco de referencia para una familia conectada See all our Spanish Resources here! 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 © 2025 Connected Families

Navigating Infertility & Loss: A Conversation with Julie Fowler May 12, 2025

Show notes

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: Treasures in the Waiting - Bible Study for Women by Julie Fowler Navigating Infertility & Loss - Bible Study for Men by Julie Fowler Attachment Webinar with Dr. Nicole Wilke - Wednesday, May 14th - Register Here Connected Families' Spanish-language podcast episodes Join the Table - Connected Families' monthly donor community Episode 224 | Attachment Myths Busted: How Your Attachment Style Shapes Everything John 11 Romans 12:15 Job 17:11 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.

The Secret Superpower Every Parent Needs: The Art of Listening May 05, 2025

Show notes

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: New! Slow, Low, Listen 4-Day Mini Course--only $9! Register here! Attachment Webinar with Dr. Nicole Wilke - May 14th–Register here! James 1:19-20 John 11:41 Ep. 167 | Kids' Arguments: Establish Peace with 4 Steps Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program 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. © 2025 Connected Families

Brain Science for Parents: How to Return to Joy When You Feel Like Yelling Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

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: New 4-Day Mini-Course! How to Turn Fast, Large, and Loud Into Slow, Low, and Listen--Register Today for $9 Sign up here to receive weekly Parenting Tips emails Ep. 183 | Joyful Kids: What’s the Secret? 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/ © 2025 Connected Families

De la ira a la paz: Cambiando la forma de criar Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

¡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: Primer Episodio en Español: Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada Segundo Episodio en Español: Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada parte 2 Marco de referencia para una familia conectada See all our Spanish Resources here! 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 © 2025 Connected Families

Want to Stop Yelling at Your Kids? Try Slow, Low, & Listen Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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: New Mini-course! How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen ($9 or free for Table community members) Ep. 222 | Retained Primitive Reflexes: Understanding & Supporting Your Child’s Development Ep. 221| Demand Avoidance: When Is My Child’s Pushback Actually Pathological? Ep.219 | From Quirky to Distressing: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities Join The Table Community Discipline That Connects online course Sensitive & Intense Kids online course James 1:19-20 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: 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 © 2025 Connected Families

Attachment Myths Busted: How Your Attachment Style Shapes Everything Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

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. © 2025 Connected Families

Emmanuel in the Ambulance: How God Shows Up in Our Darkest Hours Apr 07, 2025

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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. © 2025 Connected Families

Retained Primitive Reflexes: Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Development | Ep. 222 Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

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/ © 2025 Connected Families

Demand Avoidance: When Is My Child's Pushback Actually Pathological? Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

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: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course Power of Questions online course Hebrews 4:15 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! © 2025 Connected Families 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.

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