Connected Families Podcast

Latest Episodes:

My Child Quits Everything | Ep. 57 Mar 24, 2021

Show notes

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 everything too soon then this is the podcast for you. Does your child get stuck in defeat? Or have trouble moving forward when things feel too hard? These can be beautiful opportunities to see the gifts beneath their struggling behavior. You can encourage and strengthen your child to do hard things while communicating to them, “I'm with you in this, we're going to do it together.” This podcast explores: Two key ingredients you need to help you and your kids work through challengesHow to model resilience with peace and connection when you feel like your child quits everythingThe gift-gone-awry underneath your child’s struggle with resilienceHow to create an environment that can provide the foundation to teach kids resilienceA mother’s story of how she helped her son tackle a frustrating situation Resiliency resources mentioned in this podcast: The Foundations of the Resiliency Framework by Bonnie Benard Want to learn more? 12 Misbehaviors and the Gifts-Gone-Awry Behind Them: Seeing Strengths even in Struggles Connecting to your child through our Connected Families Framework To learn more, register for our online course The Entitlement Fix: Growing Hard Work and Gratitude In Your Kids! This fast-paced 4-session course is designed to give parents a solid strategy for stamping out entitled attitudes, and moving toward greater meaning in life. You’ll learn to take your kids through a simple process for helping your family have constructive conversations about rights, responsibilities, and privileges in your home. You’ll learn graceful responses for the inevitable conflict that emerges when parents confront selfishness. Most importantly, you’ll learn a perspective that grounds all your efforts in eternal truths from the Bible.

Raising Overcomers: How to Model Resiliency to Your Kids | Ep. 56 Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

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.

Kids Struggling to Sleep? Here’s How to Equip Them to Sleep Well | Ep.55 Mar 10, 2021

Show notes

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 have heard your cries! Kids not going to sleep (or staying asleep) is a fairly frequent concern we hear from parents during coaching sessions. If you feel like you have tried everything and wonder why nothing is working, you’re in the same boat as so many other sleep-deprived families! As parents we sometimes want to push through this time to bring some peace to the end of our day. But what if bedtime could be a way to tap into your child’s heart in a way that makes them feel safe, understood, and loved? What if you change your mindset to see that when your child is struggling to sleep this could be an opportunity for deep connection? It really can be! You can transform difficult bedtime routines into an opportunity for deep and lasting connection with your child. How? In this podcast we’ll introduce you to a unique and holistic approach that gets to the heart of your child. We’ll give practical, science-based, tips that you can use today. Listen in as Stacy Bellward (podcast host) talks with Lynne Jackson, co-founder of Connected Families and author of Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles. (Our newest resource!) Together they discuss ways to help prepare both you and your child for a peaceful night of rest. This podcast dives deep into: Obstacles that can hinder kids from a good night’s sleepPractical sleep solutions that really workCalming your child’s body, mind, heart, and spirit to help them sleepHow a connected approach to bedtime can bring peace to your evenings Sleep and parenting resources mentioned in this podcast: eBook: Transforming Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime SnugglesBook: Why We SleepBook: The Opposite of WorryPsalm 4:8Isaiah 41:13Connected Families FREE Resources Want to learn more? Connected Families FrameworkHow to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids The sweet bedtime cuddles you dream of deteriorate far too often into mayhem. You’ve got this! Bring peace to your child’s body, mind, heart, and spirit. So they (and you!) can sleep well. Download and read our FREE in-depth ebook Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles.

How to Take Advantage of Sibling Rivalry to Explain Emotions and Feelings to a Child Feb 25, 2021

Show notes

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 get along?!” But what if we could use sibling conflict as an opportunity to explain emotions and feelings to a child? You know what the cool thing is? Sibling rivalry is the perfect opportunity for teaching emotional awareness and explaining about feelings and emotions to a child. If you’re looking for an emotional intelligence activity, look no further. Just wait for the next time your kids start arguing—probably some time in the next nine minutes. An opportunity to explain emotions and feelings to a child When kids fight with siblings or playmates, their selfish tendencies can get the best of them. But there is real hope: When you as a parent express empathy, you can unlock your child’s big emotions. You can also teach your kids to have empathy for each other. How? By explaining to your child about feelings and emotions, and giving them the language and skills to identify those feelings in themselves and each other. Today’s episode is the second part in a series about The Power of Empathy. Join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) as they discuss this super common challenge. You’ll learn solid steps and practical strategies to help you walk your kids through conflict in a way that strengthens their relationship. You can help your kids learn to value each other and to feel a lasting connection. This podcast is full of insight, ideas, and brain-science as we talk about feelings and emotions and how we explain these to a child. Listen to the podcast to learn: How to apply empathy to sibling conflictHow to help kids connect physical sensations with emotionsCreative ways to teach emotional intelligence in a fun non-shaming wayThe need to understand ourselves before we can understand or have empathy for others and how that relates to teaching our children about feelings and empathy Emotional intelligence resources mentioned in this podcast: Part 1 of our Empathy Series: The Power of Empathy: How to Teach Your Child to "Feel Another's Feelings" Blog article: Can True Empathy Really Be Taught to Kids?Dr. Dan Siegel: Name It to Tame ItEmotions chartThe “just right challenge”Connected Families "Anger e-book" (FREE!) Want to learn more? Check out our Connected Families Framework In our online course Sibling Conflict: From Bickering to Bonding we teach parents how to teach kids The Peace Process. This process equips kids to work through their own arguments without your constant supervision and refereeing. Join us today so your kids can begin building the relationships you always imagined.

The Power of Empathy: How to Teach Your Child to “Feel Another’s Feelings” | Ep. 53 Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

“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 of empathy. Empathy is a natural skill we are born with, right? Nope. What is natural for kids? To be selfish, egocentric, and not think about the feelings of others. So you might be wondering, "Can empathy be taught to kids?" Absolutely. Today, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) talks with Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families). Together they offer hopeful solutions and practical insights that can graciously guide you and your child toward empathy, using our Connected Families Framework for parenting. It may be a longer journey for some kids than others, but you’ll be equipped with the tools to start them in the right direction! In todays episode, you’ll learn: Practical ways to nurture brain pathways that help develop empathyHow to engage with and teach empathy in sibling conflictThe power of gentle, thoughtful questions to draw out empathy from your childHow Jesus modeled empathy Mentioned in this podcast: Hebrews 4:15-16Video: Brené Brown on Empathy (Kid Friendly!) Video: Brené Brown on EmpathyPrayer of Saint Francis Want to learn more? Can True Empathy Really be Taught to Kids?20 Statement that Communicate Empathy to KidsThe Five Powerful Results of Empathy In our Sibling Conflict online course we teach parents how to teach their kids the four steps of The Peace Process. Whether you have constant sibling battles in your home or you want to lay a strong foundation of reconciliation, enroll in the course! You’ll be helping your kids build a lifetime of healthy conflict resolution.

Thinking About How to Fix Your Marriage? Try This. | Ep. 52 Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

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 about building strong marriages as a vital piece of the parenting puzzle! In honor of Valentine’s Day, we have a special episode for you on emotionally safe marriages. “Our marriage is all built on this strange, quirky, messy foundation of grace, of safety, of identity in Christ.” -Jim Jackson Listen in as Jim, Lynne, and Ellie have a candid, thought-provoking conversation about building a strong foundation of honesty and communication in marriage. Jim and Lynne share how they have successfully applied parts of the Connected Families Framework to their own marriage. This podcast is full of marriage and communication tips you can use today! We trust you will finish feeling encouraged and equipped. In today’s episode, learn more about: how to embrace your spouse’s quirks without letting them drive you crazy!building a solid foundation of safety by asking, “What's going on in me?” getting back to connection after conflict.avoiding the “shame-blame” cycle.the sacred role of God’s grace and mercy while working through marriage struggles. Mentioned in this podcast: Matthew 5:23, 24 Matthew 18 Want to learn more? Fighting for Love--Even When it’s Hard What Could Have Ruined Our Marriage How to Parent Together When You’re Total Opposites Host bio: Giving support to men and women healing from divorce, trauma and betrayal, Ellie Hope Collins is the founder of the ministry Hope Reclaimed. Through podcasts, live and virtual events, and the Healing From Divorce Online Course, she has helped thousands of men and women recognize that healing is available. Ellie hails from St. Paul, Minnesota where she lives with her husband, Austin. *This podcast originally aired in July of 2019

Got a Strong-Willed Child? So Did This Mom. | Ep. 51 Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

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 range of parenting topics. We consider it a privilege to walk this journey with those who are experiencing some of the most challenging aspects of discipline and parent-child connection. And we love to answer listener questions! During the Discipline That Connects with Your Child’s Heart online course, parents ask questions in a moderated format. We wanted to bring some of these questions (and their answers!) to you, our podcast community! Stacy Bellward (moderator for our Discipline That Connects online course) is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families. Jim and Lynne answer some of the most frequently asked listener questions we hear in our online courses and beyond. This is the second episode in a two-part series. You’ll definitely want to hear the answers to these questions! In this episode we answer the questions: “How do I remain patient with my strong-willed and stubborn child refuses to choose? I feel like I am going to lose it!”“Both my 15-month-old and 5-year-old are hitting other kids when they don’t get what they want. How should I respond?”“What are the strengths underneath my child’s misbehavior?”“How do I help my child learn to make it right?” (Coaching kids to think wisely in discipline situations, or when they’ve hurt someone.) It has not been an easy season of parenting. We would love to support you in making the tweaks that will bring lasting change! Join Stacy Bellward and hundreds of other parents from around the world for our upcoming Discipline That Connects online course. This course is offered only twice a year. Join us today! Registration closes on Feb 8th. Mentioned in this podcast: Meet Kara who Lives in Thailand (child struggling with choices mentioned in podcast)Book: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s HeartPhilippians 4:6-7Connected Families Framework for parenting Want to learn more? Register for our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course this winter. Registration closes on February 8th! Download our FREE eBook 4 Messages Every Child Longs to Hear.Check out our Connected Families FrameworkTo get more insight into today’s topic check out: Connecting with Toddler & Teens During Discipline Download our FREE in-depth ebook Helping Kids With Anger. It will provide thoughtful insights and creative ideas to help your struggling child.

Your Child Struggles to Transition. Here’s What to Do. | Episode 50 Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

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 a privilege to walk this journey with those who are experiencing some of the most challenging aspects of discipline and parent-child connection. And we love to answer listener questions! Stacy Bellward (moderator for our Discipline That Connects with Your Child’s Heart online course) is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families. Jim and Lynne answer some of the most frequently asked listener questions we hear in our online courses and beyond. This is the first of a two-part series. You’ll definitely want to hear the answers to these questions! In short: Your greatest opportunity to show unconditional love to your child is during a discipline situation! In this episode we answer the questions: "How can I best calm myself when my child is struggling?""What should I do when my child hits me?""How can I make bedtime go more smoothly?""My child wants to keep playing with me and I have things I have to do. What are some ways I can help them transition?" It has not been an easy season of parenting for many of our listeners, and we would love to support you in making the tweaks that will bring lasting change. Join Stacy Bellward and hundreds of other parents from around the world for our upcoming Discipline That Connects online course. This course is offered only twice a year! (Your kids will thank you!) Mentioned in this podcast: The Connected Families Framework for parentingRomans 5:82 Corinthians 10:5 Want to learn more? Register for our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course.Download our FREE eBook 4 Messages Every Child Longs to Hear.Check out our Connected Families FrameworkTo get more insight into today’s topic check out: Safety First: Creating a Culture of Security and Well-Being in Your Home Want to learn more about these concepts? Download our one hour recording of a Discipline That Connects workshop.

The God-Given Gifts in Your Child's Misbehavior Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

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 can help. Stacy Bellward is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families. Together they talk about the third part of the Connected Families framework: You are CALLED and CAPABLE! They discuss the transformational idea of finding the gifts beneath your child’s misbehavior. The challenge for parents is to identify the “gift” within the misbehavior; what we call a “Gift-Gone-Awry.” In this podcast* Jim and Lynne share: a life-giving vision to reframe your child’s gifts gone awrythe importance of embracing this challenging visionhow Jesus saw and encouraged a gift-gone-awrypractical strategies for identifying, not suppressing, your child’s gifts We also hear from Jessica, an alum from our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. She shares a practical example of looking for the gift-gone-awry in a tough situation with her son. Before taking the course, her approach to discipline unintentionally communicated to her son, “You are a problem!” Now their relationship has been transformed as she is learning to view her son as someone gifted for God’s good purposes! Want to learn more? Register for our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course.Download our FREE eBook Four Messages Every Child Longs to Hear.Check out our Connected Families Framework Get more insight into today’s topic: 12 Misbehaviors and the Gifts-Gone-Awry Behind Them Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages All Children Long to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview. *This podcast originally aired in September of 2019.

Why Demanding Respect From Kids Doesn’t Work | Ep. 48 Dec 16, 2020

Show notes

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 long run. Married for almost 12 years, Juan and Nita are the parents of two children and cross-cultural missionaries in their native South Africa. Listen in as they tell of the exciting work God is doing through the Connected Families’ Discipline That Connect With Your Child’s Heart online course. They have seen transformation not only in their own family, but in the school where they work. Nita cried out to God for help both in their home, and in the school where they work. God answered her prayer through a friend who introduced her to the Connected Families resources. After using these resources, Nita noticed significant positive changes in the way she parented and related to her children. Juan works at LIV Village with orphaned and vulnerable children who have experienced trauma. He has seen remarkable changes in both himself and the kids through the principles learned in the Discipline That Connects online course. In this episode you will: Hear the story of God’s work through Connected Families in cross-cultural situations. Discover the power of the Gospel in how God parents us. And also get ideas for how we can extend that same grace to our children. Learn how the Connected Families Framework is lived out in practical, everyday life. Mentioned in this episode: Discipline That Connects with Your Child's Heart online course The Connected Families Framework Connected Families free resources

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