Connected Families Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Navigating Family Gatherings Dec 12, 2022

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Are you looking forward to celebrating Christmas with family but dreading unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives? You are not alone. Changes in your daily routines, travel, lack of sleep, and large gatherings set the stage for parenting challenges. Sometimes these difficult situations may be scrutinized by other adults in your family. This may lead to comments or questions that don’t feel supportive. Navigating family gatherings can be tricky! On today’s podcast, Chad Hayenga (Director of Education & Equipping) and Jenna Williams (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about navigating the holidays with relatives. Specifically, how you can respond when grandparents or other family members criticize you (or your children). Role-playing possible scenarios, Jenna and Chad bring humor and practical wisdom to you just in time for holiday gatherings. In this podcast, you’ll discover: proactive strategies to intentionally prepare your family for upcoming gatherings, including evaluating your own expectations, having conversations with your children, and even having conversations with grandparents about their expectations roleplays to help you navigate criticism, unhelpful comments, or harsh discipline by grandparents or other relatives that you can model humility and the value of connection to your parents and kids during holiday gatherings and difficult situations We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families Parent Coaching Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program Connected Families Framework Unsolicited Advice? 4 Ways to Respond (Connected Families PDF) Guest Bio: Jenna Williams and her husband, Sam, have been married for ten years. They live in Colorado Springs, CO, and have three amazing children ages 3-7. Jenna is a registered nurse by trade and works in a postpartum unit. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and loves caring for and supporting families! Connected Families has been a true blessing for her and her family, and she is excited to share that blessing with others. You can find her on Instagram: jennawilliams0411.

Gospel in Parenting Part 2 Nov 28, 2022

Show notes

Today’s podcast is part two of a series on how the gospel informs the Connected Families Framework. Part one explored the gospel in the first three layers of the Framework. Today’s conversation will unpack how the gospel is woven into the final level of the Framework: Correct: “You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions.” Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Connected Families Co-Founders Jim and Lynne Jackson for a conversation that is rich with scripture and reflection. Together, they dig into the true goal of discipline as you seek to correct your children when they misbehave. In this podcast you’ll discover: how your approach to correction can have a powerful impact in-the-moment, and a lasting impact on your child’s openness to the Holy Spirit and discipleship to Christ ideas for modeling restoration and reconciliation in your home how the fruit of the Spirit can guide you to gently restore your child ways you can set the example of humility for your family that correction is ultimately about you becoming more like Jesus in a way that attracts your child to a life with Jesus We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! The Gospel in Our Parenting, Part 1 | Ep. 107 Check out the first part of this podcast where we dig into how The Gospel informs the first three levels of the Framework. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Mentioned in this podcast: The Gospel In Our Parenting, Part 1 - Episode 107 Sensitive & Intense Kids online course (Coming Soon!) Donate to Connected Families Request a meeting with CF Executive Director Romans 6:23 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Galatians 6:1 Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit) Hebrews 12:11 Matthew 5:23-24 Matthew 18 Acts 3:19 2 Corinthians 7:1

The Brain Impact of Gratitude Nov 21, 2022

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with Dr. Troy Spurrill

When Parenting Is Harder Than You Thought It Would Be | Ep. 115 Nov 14, 2022

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Before you had children you may have held idealistic visions of what family life and parenting would be like someday. For some parents, as their hopes and expectations meet the realities of daily life, they begin to feel disillusioned. Insecurities and anxiety around parenting may surface, and they may ask, “Am I enough? Am I the right parent for this child?” In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Taylor Irby (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) for a conversation exploring how to move past our own expectations and into the security God has for us as parents. Both Stacy and Taylor have children through birth as well as adoption. In this podcast you’ll discover: messages you can use to challenge insecurities you experience in parenting ways control can show up in your behavior toward yourself and your children steps to help you move from anxiety and control to Truth in the moment what happens in our minds, hearts, and behavior when we trust that God is taking care of us We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Episode 98 - Can you parent well when you’re anxious - Guest Taylor Irby Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Connected Families Framework Sensitive & Intense Kids online course (Coming soon!) Slow, low, and listen Romans 5:8 Guest Bio: Taylor Irby is a mother to 5 kids, and she understands the struggles parents face. Every day she faces ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and adoption trauma. She too has sat in the trenches and searched the world for answers. Taylor read book after book and got excited over methods that were short-lived. That is when she hit the wall of desperation and sought parent coaching through Connected Families. Taylor ultimately became a coach through their training program to help others like her. She has seen transformation in her home through working with a framework that not only has changed her children’s behavior but their hearts as well. You are not alone on this parenting journey. There is hope and you can enjoy your children, build that relationship you have wanted and see behavior change. You can learn more about Taylor at taylorirbycoaching.com, and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylor.irby.5 and Instagram @taylorirbycoaching

Pursuing Kids Who Push Away Oct 24, 2022

Show notes

If you’re here, your parenting goal is likely to have a connected family. But what do you do when you have a child who is pulling away from you? A child who does not seem to want connection? Feelings of disconnection from a child can be painful and challenging for a parent. Even in the most “connected” families, this can happen. You are not alone. In today’s podcast, Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping), and Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) have a conversation about pursuing kids who push away. They share stories from their own parenting journey as they explore practical ideas to pursue a child when connection feels out of reach. In this podcast you’ll discover: possible reasons why a child may push awayhow a parent’s beliefs and thoughts may influence what’s going on simple questions that can create opportunities for connectionhow to become a student of your child and let them guide you towards connection 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: My Child Wants Nothing To Do With Me. Is There Hope?Matthew 12:342 Corinthians 10:5Ephesians 1Ephesians 2Colossians 3Donate to Connected FamiliesConnected Families Parent Coaching

How To Pray With Your Child Oct 17, 2022

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Prayer is a meaningful faith practice that you probably want to pass on to your kids, but teaching your kids to pray may feel overwhelming. You may feel unsure how to answer your kid’s questions about prayer or how to incorporate regular prayer times with them into your daily life. In today’s podcast, Stephanie Thurling (author and co-founder of Raising Prayerful Kids) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to talk about teaching children to pray in meaningful ways. Stephanie’s experience working with youth and families inspired her to start her ministry equipping parents to pray with their children. In this podcast you’ll discover: practical tools you can use for how to pray with your child how to create moments of connection through blessing prayersways to use the Bible to guide prayer with your kidscommon pitfalls parents experience when they try to teach their kids to pray (and what to do about them!) 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: Connected Families Parenting Strengths AssessmentLectio DivinaRaising Prayerful Kids BookRaising Prayerful Kids Ministry Guest Bio: Steph Thurling is co-founder of Raising Prayerful Kids, a ministry that equips parents to pray with their kids in meaningful ways. She has her master’s degree in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and worked in youth ministry for several years before deciding to stay home with her kids.

Daily Sensory Rhythms to Bring Peace to Your Home Oct 10, 2022

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Your child is done with school (or preschool) for the day and instead of relaxing, you’re now navigating meltdown after meltdown. Why do the strategies that worked with one child fall flat with another? Do you find yourself wondering, “Will it always be this way?” In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Occupational Therapist and Connected Families Co-Founder), and Amy Nyvall (seasoned mom and past coaching client) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share ideas on how daily sensory rhythms can bring down the chaos and cultivate more peace in your home. Through Amy’s story, you’ll learn how daily rhythms that incorporate sensory activities will often help your child avoid meltdowns and reestablish calm in moments of chaos. In this podcast you’ll discover: how to find calm and clarity as a parent to guide your family to take the next step ideas to schedule your day to create a culture of peace in your home ideas to help equip your family through the challenges of mornings, dinner time, and quiet time activities to try when everybody feels off (one even includes chocolate!) 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: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course - Coming Early 2023! 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids-FREE online course (this includes the video of Amy’s husband doing the burrito roll with kids) Guest Bio: Amy and her husband Andrew have been married for 16 years and live among the fir trees outside Portland, Oregon. They enjoy outdoor adventures as much as possible and have a blast homeschooling their three intensely creative, adventurous, and active children. In her spare time, you’ll find Amy encouraging moms and homeschoolers, learning alongside the kids, or slipping away to read from a stack of her own books. Amy is passionate about creating a family culture that equips our children to be prepared to serve the Lord in the days ahead.

Coaching Your Kids to “Make It Right” Sep 26, 2022

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Do you sometimes struggle to think of an appropriate consequence for your child’s misbehavior? Or dole out punishment only to have your child refuse to accept the punishment? Sigh. Offering consistent and effective discipline can feel like an ongoing and overwhelming challenge. In today’s episode, Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping), and Katie Wetsell (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss what effective discipline can look like. (It IS possible!) The conversation explores the messages we send through discipline and how to coach children to be responsible for their actions. In this podcast you’ll discover: 3 key questions to ask in any discipline situationhow to work with your child as a team for more effective disciplinethe opportunity in discipline to offer and receive God’s grace and forgivenesshow to help your child see the natural impacts of their behaviorhow to guide your child to “make it right” how “paused privileges” can help motivate a child 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: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course registration Connected Families Parent Coach CertificationConnected Families Parent CoachingConnected Families PodcastGalatians 6:7 Guest Bio: Katie Wetsell is our Discipline That Connects online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their families with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org.

Why "Calm Down!" Doesn't Work Sep 19, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode, Corrie and Alan Thetford (founders of Building Wise Families and Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss how to help our children want to calm down when they are experiencing big emotions. The conversation explores what’s going on in us as parents when we try to make our child calm down, the role of empathy in supporting our child’s big emotions, and what’s going on beneath the surface of our child’s big outburst. In this podcast, you’ll discover: what’s happening in your child’s brain and body that makes them not want to calm downhow your good intentions to make your child stop or take a break during a meltdown can actually escalate emotionsempathy’s role in helping your child feel understood and able to move through big emotions so they want to calmwhy something small is often the trigger for your child’s cascade of emotion 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: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course Connected Families Parent CoachingConnected Families Coaching Certification programCorrie & Alan Thetford's Podcast - Building Wise Families Guest Bio: Alan and Corrie have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages.

Calming Yourself Before Going Into Discipline Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

“Why are you so mad all the time?” Do you ever hear this from your child? You probably don’t intend to look mad. You may not even be aware of your furrowed brow or irritated expression. And it’s especially hard to keep your cool in the heat of the moment when your child pushes your buttons. But what message does your expression send to your child? Sure, you could try to put on a happy face and force a polite smile, but it’s not the most effective or long-term solution. So what can you do to keep things truly calm? In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Co-Founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to dig deep into an important principle of the Connected Families Framework. At the foundation level of the framework, you learn to move from “fast, large, and loud” to “slow, low, and listen.” This helps kids feel safe during discipline. Often, parents leverage fear and intensity to “change” kids’ behavior. But kids read facial expressions more than anything else. Have you ever noticed your child looking at your face and listening to the tone of your voice to discern if they are truly safe? So how do you show up safe for your kids? At Connected Families, we start with the question, “What’s going on in me?” and “What does my child see on my face in times of discipline?” When you are able to do this inner work, your calm demeanor toward your kids can be a true reflection of a peaceful heart, not just a contrived calm. Then you can have the emotional capacity to help your struggling child. This will help guide them toward wisdom, connection, and grace, with true compassion. In this podcast, you’ll learn: how to work toward becoming truly calm on the inside, not just on the outsidepractical tools for the heat of the moment to help you regulate your nervous system (and then help your child regulate too!)the science of creating brain pathways that can help you respond better in future discipline situationsthe transforming power of the principles in the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, and the beautiful testimony of one mom’s parenting journey through the course We hope that you have been helped by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online courseFramework magnetConnected Families FrameworkMichael McKnightDo-oversBible verses: 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 2:10, Mark 6:34 In the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, you'll learn 4 key messages that all kids long to hear. You'll be equipped to move into frustrating moments of misbehavior to lead with grace, not fear or anger. Register today! The course begins on October 4th.

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