Connected Families Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How to Encourage Critical Thinking for Little Ones Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

Do you ever feel like you have to tell your young child over and over again to do something? Parents often feel the need to tell, yet telling can lead to defensiveness and power struggles. Asking questions, on the other hand, engages your child’s whole brain and can lead to more positive interactions. You can encourage critical thinking, grow responsibility and emotional awareness, as well as build wisdom in your child when you ask instead of tell. In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder), and Lydia Rex and Pam Thompson (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to encourage critical thinking in kids. These experts share plenty of real-life scenarios and practical questions you can start using today to grow cooperation, connection, and wisdom with your young child. In this podcast you’ll discover: how Jesus guided His disciples with questions the importance of keeping a light-hearted attitude when asking questions situations where you could feel stuck and what might be going on with your child practical ideas to use with young children who struggle to answer questions ways you can use “I wonder” statements to engage your child the purpose and power of “3 Yeahs” Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: The Power of Questions online course - Name Your Own Price! Mark 8 Guest Bio: Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families Framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books. Pam Thompson is a Licensed Family and Early Childhood Educator as well as a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. She is a mom of two young adult children and “like a mom” to two young adults who have experienced extensive trauma. Because of her education and experiences, she especially enjoys encouraging and supporting parents of young children, parents of young adult children, parents of kids from hard places, and teachers.

My Child Argues About Everything Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

“My child argues with everything I say!” Has that thought ever crossed your mind? Whether your child is 5 or 15, you can find yourself wrapped up in the dynamics of arguing, defensiveness, and power struggles. Thankfully, there is hope to break out of this pattern with some curiosity, questions, and a light-hearted attitude. In today’s episode, Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about kids who love to argue and what parents can do about it. Chad and Stacy co-authored an online course called “The Power of Questions”. They share more about the course and offer practical ideas to change the dynamics of arguing in your home. In this podcast you’ll discover: why some kids are prone to argue and where the pattern of defensiveness may begin that Jesus sets an example for asking questions (over 300 recorded in the Bible!) the importance of your curiosity and light-hearted attitude ways you can activate your child’s mind and build wisdom when you switch from “telling” to “asking” how asking questions can help you let go of managing your child’s behavior and owning their problems that building wisdom is a journey with your child Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program The Power Questions: Less Arguing, More Wisdom - Name Your Own Price Today! Ephesians 2:10

3 Powerful Questions to Transform Your Parenting Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Dads…today’s episode is especially for you. As a father, you probably have a lot of good intentions for your children. Do you ever wonder, though, if your parenting style gets in the way of your good intentions? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. If you find your parenting goals and actions are sometimes out of alignment, there are some practical ideas to help you get back on track. In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Trevor Thurling (Connected Families Board Member) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation just for dads around some transformational questions for parenting. Trevor shares his journey that changed his parenting, and Jim equips you to bring your good intentions to your child’s heart. In this podcast you’ll discover: how to show love instead of getting caught up in compliance three key questions to begin to transform your parenting the biblical basis for embracing humility and mutual submission that Jesus models how to create an atmosphere of safety through love how you can open up conversations with your kids by sharing about your own growth as a parent Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Submit your own Welcome Message for the Connected Families Podcast Ephesians 5 & 6 Connected Families Parent Coaching Guest Bio: Trevor Thurling is a member of the Connected Families’ Board of Directors. With over 15 years of helping multinational companies, Trevor is a strategic thinker who leverages the power of human connections to build deeper relationships. He is a vocal proponent of the Connected Families Framework, having experienced the impact on his own family firsthand. Trevor and his wife, Stephanie, have three elementary-aged children, and he enjoys attending his kids’ activities and traveling.

Family Teamwork: How To Meet Together as a Family Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

Imagine your family working together to solve problems. Sounds amazing, right? But how do you get there? Busy schedules and personality differences can make “working together” seem like a big challenge. Thankfully, you can develop a practice to pull everyone together, have fun, and build wisdom. In today’s podcast, Corrie and Alan Thetford (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the positive impacts of family meetings. The discussion offers real-life examples and practical steps for family meetings with kids of any age (think toddlers to college students!). In this podcast you’ll discover: the many reasons why family meetings are a big win how to set a light-hearted and fun tone for a family meeting and focus on connection four steps to solve a problem using family teamwork that family meetings are a safe, predictable place to practice for real-life situations and scenarios your kids may encounter wisdom for replacing nagging with curious questions Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Power of Questions - Name Your Own Price campaign Guest Bio: Corrie and Alan Thetford have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages.

How to Help Kids See God in Nature May 22, 2023

Show notes

Let’s get outside! No matter where you live (we have listeners all over the world!), getting outside is so good for so many reasons–for us and our kids. Sometimes getting outside means facing some challenges as well–poor weather, pesky insects, and even bad attitudes. It is possible to harness those challenges to build resilience, character, and memories in and with our kids. In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the rewards that await when you take your family outside. (You can even get them outside to help them see God in nature!) In Lynne’s words, “It takes resilience on the part of parents and kids to get outside, but the benefits are huge–physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” In this podcast you’ll discover: the game-changing impact of the phrase, “I want to go outside.” ways you can model appreciating the outdoors for your kids creative ideas to help your family be intentional about spending time in nature that natural conversations about God happen when you are outside and may actually help kids see God in nature that nature provides ample opportunities to grow resilience and character in our kids (and us!) Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Psalm 8:3-4 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing FREE PDF Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Ever Feel Like the Not-So-Fun Mom? May 15, 2023

Show notes

Mama, does your to-do list ever get in the way of having fun with your family? Or is it hard to engage in the activities that your kids enjoy? If you ever feel like a not-so-fun mom, today’s podcast is for you! It is possible to cultivate a light-hearted spirit where fun, joy, and laughter flow more easily. In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation to encourage you toward light-hearted, joy-filled connections with your family. Lynne and Stacy share ideas and stories from other moms to inspire you toward joy, laughter, and FUN. (Including a giveaway for the book Have More Fun by MOPS CEO Mandy Arioto.) In this podcast you’ll discover: how to find “intersections of joy” for your family that reducing your own stress and shame can nurture a light-hearted spirit in you ideas to help you lean into your strengths and find your “sweet spot” for fun the importance of appreciating your own gifts as well as those of your spouse ideas to inspire joy and fun for you and your family! Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Have More Fun book Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Developing a Screen Plan for Your Family May 08, 2023

Show notes

a conversation with Arlene Pellicane

How To Guide Your Child To Love Honesty Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

There’s nothing like your child telling a blatant lie to trigger a strong reaction in you. You may want to focus your energy on shutting down the deception, but what if you responded with curiosity instead? Or maybe your child is more skilled with lying, and it’s hard to discern whether they are telling the truth. Either way, you are probably wondering about how to guide your child to love honesty. In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to guide your child to love honesty. With candid stories, Jim and Chad share a fresh perspective and practical ideas to grow a culture of truth-telling in your home. In this podcast you’ll discover: reasons kids lie (it’s not always obvious) ways to engage your child in a curious and compassionate way how to shift your energy so truthfulness becomes the focus in your home ideas to grow your child’s identity as a truth-teller ways to teach the skill of truth-telling in everyday moments the importance of modeling honesty even when it’s tough (including the story of a mom who killed the family cat!) We hope you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart book or audiobook John 14:6 - “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - talk about God’s commands in everyday life "I killed the cat" blogpost - modeling truth-telling to your kids We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate to Connected Families today!

Healthy Mealtimes for Children Who Are Picky | Ep. 130 Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

Are healthy mealtimes at your house often a place of struggle? Have you ever thought, “My child won’t eat anything but junk food”? So many families experience these issues, and there is hope to move from "picky, picky" to peace around food. The way may be simpler than you expect through consistency, effort, and flexibility. In today’s episode, Christina Jax (Registered Dietician and Nutritionist) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss mealtimes, food choices, and supporting kids to eat a variety of healthy foods. Christina brings her experience as a mom to a child with sensory issues and her professional background to offer practical ideas for improving a child’s experiences with food. In this podcast, you’ll discover: factors that may contribute to a child’s selective food choices the difference between sensory issues and preferences when it comes to food why consistency and flexibility are effective tools for offering new foods at the table the importance of involving a child in meal planning and preparation that an awareness of your own relationship with food can help keep your issues from influencing your child’s experiences with food We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Picky Picky ebook - Free Connected Families Resource Guest Bio: Christina is the Co-Founder of A4 Health, whose professional mission is fueling fun lives and supporting individuals and organizations to achieve optimized health. Combining 20+ years in behavioral and nutrition science, Christina’s approach is to make healthy “easy” and prove the Return on Investment (ROI) for each individual or group she serves! Christina currently serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She is a team dietitian for the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks. She also has a podcast. Check her out on Spotify and iTunes at Connect the Dots with Christina Jax.Christina’s website https://www.a4.health/On Instagram: @‌a4healthcoach

Practical Ideas for Parenting the Middle Years Mar 27, 2023

Show notes

Do you have a child in the middle years, or are those years just a few steps away? (Keep in mind, puberty can begin as early as nine years old!) The middle years can be a tumultuous time for a child. Their body makes significant changes, and so does their brain! So, what does a child need from their parents during this season, and how do parents guide a child who seems to suddenly have lots of new attitudes and opinions? In today’s episode, Cynthia Tobias (co-author of Middle School: The Inside Story) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss parenting through the middle years. Cynthia brings her professional and personal experiences to offer practical tools for speaking to, guiding, and supporting a child in the middle years with grace and connection. In this podcast, you’ll discover: the middle schooler’s biggest fear…and how to help them how to change your parenting to adapt to your child’s changing needs ways to shift responsibility and decision-making to the child while still offering accountability and a safety net why it’s okay and important to let a child fail how to encourage and connect with the heart of your middle schooler We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna Do You Know What I Like About You? YouTube Video by Cynthia Cynthia's Facebook page Cynthia's website - free PDF about middle school Donate to Connected Families CF Facebook CF Instagram Guest Bio: Cynthia Tobias has a successful background that includes over 30 years of private practice, eight years of teaching high school, and six years in law enforcement. She has authored 13 books and is a featured guest on radio and television, a popular presenter for businesses, government agencies, churches, and schools throughout the U.S. and the world. Cynthia received her B.A. at Northwest Nazarene University, her Master’s Degree at Seattle Pacific University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Northwest Nazarene University in 2015. She is the mother of twin sons, now adults, and she and her husband, Jack, live in the Seattle area. Learn more about Cynthia by visiting her website, www.cynthiatobias.com.

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