Connected Families Podcast

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 Connected Families’ year-end goals and the plans for 2024. Stacy also interviews Stacey Rodenbeck, a mom from the Connected Families community, about her transformational journey with the Framework. Mentioned in this podcast: Make Change today with a year-end gift to Connected Families Ep 154 | Stories of Transformation…One Mom’s Journey Guest Bio: Stacey Rodenbeck is the widowed mother of Susan (almost 5) and Chris (3.5). The Rodenbecks live in Central Arkansas, where Stacey is employed as an Associate Professor of Biology at Harding University. Since the death of her husband in 2020, Stacey has focused on developing a robust relationship with her children that positions the three of them to operate as a team. They enjoy cooking and baking together as a family, reading aloud, and hiking, and they have recently delved into playing board games together. (Candyland is the family favorite right now!) Stacey is thankful to God for the new mercies of each new morning as she seeks to guide her children and fully embrace the people God created them to be. .stk-xdyusqe-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-xdyusqe {background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-894693700-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important;}.stk-xdyusqe-container{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-xdyusqe-container:before{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-xdyusqe .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:300px !important;max-width:400px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-xdyusqe {background-position:center right !important;padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:30px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important;}} .stk-a9m66lw .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}“Things began to change when…” .stk-ahf3mbz .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important;}Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. .stk-zvb5gqu .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-zvb5gqu .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-zvb5gqu .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-un24i7z .stk-button{background:#431c3b !important;}.stk-un24i7z .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-un24i7z .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-un24i7z .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-un24i7z .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}DONATE TODAY

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) and Stacy Bellward, podcast host, explore prayer from a fresh, practical perspective. Katie shares ideas for prayer that are rooted in scripture and easy for parents to implement. In this podcast you’ll discover: Ways to pray using scripture that are accessible at any moment with whatever time you have How to use the phrases “Thank you,” “Yes,” and “Help” to create prayers from Bible passages How Scripture can act as a guardrail for your prayers when you are desperate and hurting Ideas to model prayer for your kids and grow their joy-filled connection with God 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: Free PDF – Refresh Your Parenting With Prayer (see below) Psalms Journal Psalm 84:11 James 1:17 Proverbs 18:10 Episode 139: How To Help Siblings Stop Fighting All the Time Guest Bio: Katie Johnson is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and lives in Madison, WI, with her family. She worked for many years in education and is now beginning the homeschool journey with her 3 young children. She received her M.Ed. from Valparaiso University and currently serves on the board of Safe Families, Dane County. You can find out more about Katie on our Coaching page. .stk-d5b7427-container{background-color:#431c3b !important}.stk-d5b7427-container:before{background-color:#431c3b !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-d5b7427 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-7262dee .stk-block-heading__text{color:#ede5ea !important}Give “change” to others .stk-91b0ce6 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace. .stk-7a834f2 .stk-button{background:#ede5ea !important}.stk-7a834f2 .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-7a834f2 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:#160e0d !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-7a834f2 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7a834f2 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

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 host) interviews Katrina Baros and Kate Bakker, two moms from the Connected Families community. These moms candidly share how they began to shift the dynamics in their homes and what they’ve learned along the way. In this podcast you’ll discover: How two families began to shift the challenging patterns they experienced The significance of asking, “What’s going on in me?” That “do-overs” are for kids and parents too! Connected Families resources that can support your parenting and help you instigate change in your family How your support can help other families make change 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: Parent Coaching The Power of Questions online course Sibling Conflict online course Make a donation today to support transformation in families Guest Bio: Katrina Baros and her husband live in Seattle, WA, with their four sons, ages 5-13. Their family enjoys road-tripping, playing family football games in the yard, and playing board games, especially if snacks are involved. Kate Bakker and her husband are from Austin, TX. They have two biological children, ages 4 & 6, and a 5-month-old foster son. Their family loves to explore the local hiking trails and enjoy family movie nights. .stk-n6b4x3q-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-n6b4x3q {background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-894693700-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important;}.stk-n6b4x3q-container{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-n6b4x3q-container:before{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-n6b4x3q .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:300px !important;max-width:400px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-n6b4x3q {background-position:center right !important;padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:30px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important;}} .stk-vxt3ufw .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}“Things began to change when…” .stk-kx6wuqe .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important;}Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. .stk-dr4wvlk .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-dr4wvlk .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-dr4wvlk .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-fb7xogh .stk-button{background:#431c3b !important;}.stk-fb7xogh .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-fb7xogh .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-fb7xogh .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-fb7xogh .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}DONATE TODAY

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 the Motherhood Today study. She offers insights from the study to help moms build resilience and move from surviving to thriving. In this podcast you’ll discover: Why Moms have the strongest impact on nearly every aspect of their family’s life, yet often feel that they’re not making a meaningful contribution to the world Reflection questions to help you move past “I should do it all” and “I want to be a perfect mom” That moms with Christian faith have significantly less anxiety about important decisions and less uncertainty about the future than moms who do not have Christian faith The best way to improve your emotional and spiritual life is to have a confidant aside from your spouse It’s ok to lower your expectations and have more fun! 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: Make a year-end gift to Connected Families Visit Growthechurch.co for a copy of the Motherhood Today study and information about all that Mandy’s doing at Mom Co. Guest Bio: Mandy Arioto is the President and CEO of MOPS International and is widely known for her unique takes on evangelism, parenting, and cultural issues. Through MOPS, which every year mobilizes millions of women, and partners with tens of thousands of churches, Mandy serves as the voice of one of the most influential outreach organizations in the U.S. and around the world. Mandy has been featured on MSN, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of radio, TV, and print publications. She is the author of three books, the most recent being Have More Fun: How to be Remarkable, Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Enjoying Life. She is an avid rock climber and adventurer and regularly has harrowing stories to tell about her most recent ascent. Mandy and her husband, Joe, live in Denver, Colorado, with their three awesome kids. You can find out more about MOPS and Mom Co. at: Website: https://growthechurch.co; https://www.mops.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mops_international/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MOPS.Int/ .stk-kapcw0d-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-kapcw0d{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pexels-aleks-6701757.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-kapcw0d:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;opacity:0.1 !important}.stk-kapcw0d-container{background-color:#00000073 !important}.stk-kapcw0d-container:before{background-color:#00000073 !important}.stk-kapcw0d .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:300px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-kapcw0d{padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:10px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:10px !important}} .stk-k1zo7bs .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}“Things began to change when…” .stk-ugr1bds .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ugr1bds .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. .stk-6ojsxhf .stk-button{background:#431c3b !important}.stk-6ojsxhf .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-6ojsxhf .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-6ojsxhf .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-6ojsxhf .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY! Related PostsAnna’s Story: When Traditional Parenting Just Doesn’t Cut ItHow To Make Your Child Feel Lavishly Loved and Unquestionably ValuedWant To Show Grace to Your Kids? Soak In It First | Ep. 151

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 Families Framework can guide these families toward deeper connection, secure attachment, and attuned correction. Our guest, Lynn Beckett, is a TBRI® Certified, licensed social worker and serves as the Program Manager and a parent coach at Lifeline Children’s Services. She joins Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host and adoptive mom) to share practical ideas and insights for each level of the Connected Families Framework. In this podcast you’ll discover: How your attachment style can influence how you view and respond to your child’s behavior, and how your child’s attachment style affects their behavior as well How the Connected Families Framework can deepen your child’s sense of felt safety Ways to strengthen your attachment with a child who is avoidant or suspicious How you can help heal your child’s negative identity messages from the past through the ABCs of affirmation Ways you may need to adjust discipline and correction as you respond to a child who has experienced trauma 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 Connected Families Framework Episode 101: Does Attachment Style Matter? Childhood Wounds: What They Are and How to Free Your Parenting of Them Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Guest Bio: Lynn Beckett has worked in the area of foster care and adoption since her graduation fromthe University of Georgia in 1981. She joined Lifeline staff in 1989. Her role atLifeline has included preparing and equipping families for foster care and adoptionand supporting them in the post-placement phase of their journey. She became aTBRI® Practitioner in 2016 and a Certified Parent Coach through ConnectedFamilies in 2021. While providing post-placement services to adoptive and fosterfamilies, she developed the parent coaching program for Lifeline. Lynn iscommitted to the care of vulnerable children and to helping caregivers bring thesechildren to a place of healing. Lynn is married to Brian, and they live in Birmingham,Alabama. They have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. Lynnhas found that being a grandparent is the best “do over” ever. .stk-kaxjc0u-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-kaxjc0u {background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-894693700-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important;}.stk-kaxjc0u-container{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-kaxjc0u-container:before{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-kaxjc0u .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:300px !important;max-width:400px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-kaxjc0u {background-position:center right !important;padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:30px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important;}} .stk-cko7udv .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}“Things began to change when…” .stk-c24l40f .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important;}Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. .stk-7rkvj1s .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7rkvj1s .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-7rkvj1s .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-vwdh2cn .stk-button{background:#431c3b !important;}.stk-vwdh2cn .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-vwdh2cn .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-vwdh2cn .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-vwdh2cn .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}DONATE TODAY Related PostsAn Honest Conversation About Adoption | Ep. 81Blocked Care: Rekindle Compassion in Your Heart | Ep. 155Does Attachment Style Matter? | Ep. 101Why Safety Is Crucial for Adoptive Families

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, 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 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 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: mindful_of_the-moment or email her directly: [email protected] .stk-i9673u1-container{background-color:#431c3b !important}.stk-i9673u1-container:before{background-color:#431c3b !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-i9673u1 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-371hrni .stk-block-heading__text{color:#ede5ea !important}Spread the “aha” moments of grace .stk-jhg6t43 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace. .stk-mgfjrtv .stk-button{background:#ede5ea !important}.stk-mgfjrtv .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-mgfjrtv .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:#160e0d !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-mgfjrtv .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-mgfjrtv .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

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 empathetic decreases dramatically.” Blocked care can happen to any parent of a child who is struggling. November is Adoption Awareness Month, and today we’re highlighting a valuable resource, especially to the adoptive and foster parents in our community and those who support them. Our guest, Melissa Corkum, is an adoptee, adoptive mom, speaker, and coach. She shares how blocked care can affect any caregiving relationship and offers hope for overcoming blocked care. In this podcast you’ll discover: the signs of blocked care how to acknowledge and navigate feelings of shame and grief associated with blocked care that healing blocked care starts with your own internal work—reclaim compassion for yourself first, then for your child a process of daily practices to heal and spend more time out of blocked care steps you can take toward radical compassion 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: Reclaim Compassion book Free Blocked Care Assessment Foundations for Overcoming and Preventing Blocked Care – Course How to Help a Spouse with Blocked Care from the AdoptionWise podcast Parent Coaching with Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches What Causes Anger Issues in a Child | Episode 46 with Lisa Qualls and Jim & Lynne Jackson Hebrews 4:15 Guest Bio: As an adoptee and adoptive mom, Melissa Corkum provides insight and resources to parents and professionals through her speaking, coaching, and writing. She is a TED Speaker, Safe and Sound Protocol Practitioner, Cultivate Connection Facilitator, Certified Enneagram Coach, and co-founder of AdoptionWise. Additionally, she co-authored Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parents Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith and Foundations for Overcoming and Preventing Blocked Care: The eight-session program for helping parents reclaim compassion. Melissa and Patrick live in Maryland and have six kids and two grandchildren. You can find all of Melissa‘s resources at https://adoptionwise.org.

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, today’s podcast will likely resonate with you. Today, Connected Families Executive Director, Anna Braasch, shares her story of finding hope through the Connected Families Framework. Anna candidly talks about her struggles as a young mom and how finding Connected Families’ resources changed her relationship with Christ and her approach to parenting. Anna also shares about Connected Families’ vision for the future and how you can get involved. In this podcast you’ll discover: one mom’s journey to hope (there were bumps along the way!) that transformation in your family may be slow, but it is worth the effort Connected Families’ three-year vision how you can join the Donor Team to help support transformation in families 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: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart book Parenting Tips emails from Connected Families Serenity Prayer – Connected Families version – free download Grace & Truth for Moms online course 2 Corinthians 10:5 Things Began to Change When…. To give a one-time donation Make a 3-year commitment to support Connected Families’ long-term vision .stk-31xiew7-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-31xiew7{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pexels-aleks-6701757.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-31xiew7:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;opacity:0.1 !important}.stk-31xiew7-container{background-color:#00000073 !important}.stk-31xiew7-container:before{background-color:#00000073 !important}.stk-31xiew7 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:300px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-31xiew7{padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:10px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:10px !important}} .stk-gi58lp4 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}“Things began to change when…” .stk-xurfzwo .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-xurfzwo .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. .stk-bucms7v .stk-button{background:#431c3b !important}.stk-bucms7v .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-bucms7v .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-bucms7v .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-bucms7v .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

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 are 30 years old. Thankfully, this does not have to be the case if you take proactive steps as your children grow. In today’s podcast, Ben Bevis (Executive Director of Encircled) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share what a mentor can do for a child. Ben introduces resources for parents, youth workers, and even grandparents to support a young person’s faith, purpose, and calling from early childhood through their young adult years. You’ll be encouraged and inspired to support sustaining faith in your family today. In this podcast you’ll discover: what mentorship can look like at different ages how to build a circle of support around your child the impact that 5 intentional adults can have in the life of a young adult things you can do at any age to notice and develop your child’s unique giftings resources to guide you or your community in developing mentor circles 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. .stk-4a76668{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important} Looking for a transcript? Want to revisit certain parts of the podcast, or struggling to keep up with the audio? Click the button below to access a written transcript of this podcast episode. .stk-5725aa8,.stk-5725aa8 .stk-button{width:100% !important}.stk-5725aa8{flex:1 1 0 !important}CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT Mentioned in this podcast: TreeHouse Hope Encircled resources (use code CF50 for 50% off!) The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson 1 Peter 4:10 Ephesians 2:10 Guest Bio: Ben Bevis is the Executive Director of Encircled and is passionate about getting Mentor Circles around youth! Ben is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Life Coach and has been a youth volunteer at his church for many years. Ben has been married to his wife Sara for 20 years. Together they have 3 wonderful children: Sophia (17), Reid (15), and Sam (12). They live in Minnesota and love to mountain bike, nordic ski, and go on adventures together. Questions about Encircled? You can email Ben directly at [email protected] . .stk-brj1lg7-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-brj1lg7{background-color:#FFFFFF !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-brj1lg7:before{background-color:#FFFFFF !important}.stk-brj1lg7-container{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px 0px rgba(30,63,82,0.2) !important}.stk-brj1lg7 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important} .stk-c1uq309{margin-bottom:0px !important} .stk-zefpwl0-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important} .stk-nd66vji .stk-img-wrapper{width:100% !important;height:500px !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-nd66vji .stk-img-wrapper{height:300px !important}} .stk-w71vyi2{align-self:center !important}.stk-w71vyi2-container{max-width:450px !important} .stk-swon782 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}Know your strengths. Your best mom or dad instincts are exactly what your kids need. So identify them. Take the free Parenting Strengths Assessment. .stk-5c6cpha .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-5c6cpha .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-5c6cpha .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-5c6cpha .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}FREE PARENTING STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT

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 as they process scary situations. In today’s conversation, Jody Goldie (LMFT at Midwest Trauma Center) and Katie Wetsell (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss feeling safe when the world feels unsafe. Katie shares wisdom from her personal experience navigating a school shooting, and Jody shares her expertise in trauma-related therapy. Together they will offer you grace and confidence as you navigate these situations with your children. In this podcast you’ll discover: the importance of processing your own emotions before trying to support your kids how to be a safe landing place for your kids to process their emotions during traumatic experiences what you can do when you sense that your child is feeling unsafe (with big or little things) ways to move past simple reassurances and build confidence and trust how to draw faith into the conversation as you wrestle with your kid’s toughest questions (it’s okay to not have all the answers!) 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. .stk-5a249d4{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important} Looking for a transcript? Want to revisit certain parts of the podcast, or struggling to keep up with the audio? Click the button below to access a written transcript of this podcast episode. .stk-5971c11,.stk-5971c11 .stk-button{width:100% !important}.stk-5971c11{flex:1 1 0 !important}CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT Mentioned in this podcast: Episode 124 | Empowering Your Differently-Wired Child Psalm 46:1 Jeremiah 19:5 Parenting Tips Emails – Sign up now! Guest Bio: Katie Wetsell is our 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 family 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. Jody Goldie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She approaches the therapeutic relationship with warmth and the belief that all people have the ability to heal. She works with clients who have experienced complex trauma, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Her training includes a family systems approach and incorporates that into the understanding of work with individuals and couples. Jody enjoys incorporating spirituality into therapy if that is desired by the client. You can find her at: www.mwtraumacenter.com. .stk-nuy02t7-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-nuy02t7{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-kindel-media-7978483-1.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-nuy02t7:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.1 !important}.stk-nuy02t7-container{background-color:rgba(41,50,65,0.5) !important}.stk-nuy02t7-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important}.stk-nuy02t7 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:400px !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important} .stk-10n3h7t .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Dare to dream of peace again. .stk-6k0a7iq .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-6k0a7iq .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN. .stk-k54s60q .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-k54s60q .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-k54s60q .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-k54s60q .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH Related PostsHelp! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at DaycareTrust Expert Dr. Henry Cloud

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 you with His love and grace in the midst of everyday life. Sharing her personal journey, Lydia Rex (mom of 2 and Connected Families Parent Coach) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for an interview about caring for your soul while parenting. And the best part is that, as you receive God’s grace, you’ll be equipped to show grace to your kids all the more. In this podcast you’ll discover: how to start paying attention to the ways God speaks to you in small everyday moments that you can experience God as your co-regulator as you seek to help your child regulate a fresh perspective on the struggles your family might experience questions you can ask to be open to hearing from God in the moment scriptures that offer hope and perspective when you need a lifeline 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. .stk-890b298{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important} Looking for a transcript? Click the button below to access a transcript of this podcast. .stk-c27e4ab,.stk-c27e4ab .stk-button{width:100% !important}.stk-c27e4ab{flex:1 1 0 !important}CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT Mentioned in this podcast: Episode 138 | How to Encourage Critical Thinking for Little Ones Episode 126 | Why Is My Child So Angry All the Time Episode 89 | A Powerful New Perspective for Parenting Sensitive & Intense Kids online course Discipline That Connects online course Parent Coaching All Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches John 21 John 14:26 .stk-9q474tl-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-9q474tl {background-color:#FFFFFF !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-9q474tl:before{background-color:#FFFFFF !important;}.stk-9q474tl .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;} .stk-54rgiv2 {box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;} .stk-5o1bp4t-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;} .stk-qlgj6v0 .stk-img-wrapper{width:100% !important;height:635px !important;}.stk-qlgj6v0 .stk-img-wrapper img{transform:scale(0.96) !important;object-fit:contain !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-qlgj6v0 .stk-img-wrapper{height:300px !important;}} .stk-5wdfae7 {align-self:center !important;}.stk-5wdfae7-container{max-width:549px !important;min-width:auto !important;} .stk-rlvjlec {align-items:flex-start !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;display:flex !important;}.stk-rlvjlec .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:47px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-rlvjlec .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:47px !important;}}Transform Your Next Group Gathering What if your next gathering left parents feeling equipped, encouraged, and hopeful? That’s exactly what Connected Families workshops do. Led by CF Certified Parent Coaches, these sessions bring practical, biblical wisdom on topics like discipline and sibling conflict straight to your community. Learn more and book a speaker today. .stk-di5n3tk .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-di5n3tk .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-di5n3tk .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-di5n3tk .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}Bring Hope To Your Community Related PostsHow To Explain Grace to a Child in a Creative Way: One Dad’s StoryIs Your Child Intense and Impulsive?Why Is My Child So Angry? The #1 Unexpected Reason & Practical Steps to Take

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 Families Framework. In this episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to touch on several parenting topics that are covered in-depth in the Discipline That Connects online course. Jim and Lynne wrote the course to equip parents to love their kids unconditionally while teaching them to take responsibility for their actions. Each topic includes a statement you can use to remind yourself of your parenting goals. In this podcast you’ll discover: key phrases that guide each level of the Connected Families Framework key parenting statements mentioned in this podcast Kids learn best when they feel safe. My child is not my report card. When kids misbehave, we have a golden opportunity to communicate unconditional love. I can find and build strengths in my child even in the midst of misbehavior. Effective discipline puts responsibility on kids to right their wrongs. how the Discipline That Connects online course can help you discipline effectively and create lasting change for your family If you’d like to learn more about the parenting topics in this conversation, register today for the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. 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: Discipline That Connects online course – Registration ends September 30th! Psalm 139:23-24 Galatians 6 Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! .stk-wghdy6r-inner-blocks{row-gap:0px !important}.stk-wghdy6r{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Optimized-Dad-Kissing-Crying-Daughters-Cheek.jpg) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-wghdy6r:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;opacity:0.3 !important}.stk-wghdy6r-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-wghdy6r-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-wghdy6r .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:35% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-wghdy6r .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:259px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-wghdy6r .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:205px !important}} .stk-x3y1muw .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-x3y1muw .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:23px !important}}.stk-x3y1muw.stk-block-heading{white-space:normal !important;overflow-wrap:break-word !important;word-wrap:break-word !important;max-width:100% !important}Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love .stk-ycjnpvz .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ycjnpvz .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . .stk-stdvqfe .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-stdvqfe .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-stdvqfe .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-stdvqfe .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:16px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-stdvqfe .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:14px !important}}REGISTER NOW!

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 Families Certified Parent Coach) joins Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss the anger spectrum and practical ideas you can use to help a child with explosive anger. Jessica shares her personal experiences with her intense kids and insights as a parent coach to leave you encouraged about helping your child with anger. In this podcast you’ll discover: what’s happening inside your child when they have explosive anger the spectrum of anger expression (from explosive to indirect to hidden) ways to build the skill of respectful anger insights to help a child who refuses to move past anger proactive skills you can use to help a child with explosive anger when to “worry” about toddler aggression 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: Anger spectrum blog post Ephesians 4:26 Proverbs 12:8 Proverbs 10:18 Ephesians 4:25 Learning Respectful Anger FREE printable PDF for parents to teach kids Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course – Register Today! Guest Bio: Jessica Brandon is a mom to three energetic kiddos. She has a B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Human Development and Family Studies and a Masters Degree in Christian Ministries. She believes one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to parent them with the Father’s heart. The Connected Families Framework captures this so well! She would love to partner with you and empower you with tools to love and connect with your children. You can find her at: jessbrandoncoaching.com and on Instagram @jessbrandon_coaching. Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! .stk-8ohlx7e-inner-blocks{row-gap:0px !important}.stk-8ohlx7e{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Optimized-Dad-Kissing-Crying-Daughters-Cheek.jpg) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-8ohlx7e:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;opacity:0.3 !important}.stk-8ohlx7e-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-8ohlx7e-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-8ohlx7e .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:35% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-8ohlx7e .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:259px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-8ohlx7e .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:205px !important}} .stk-uvhto3b .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-uvhto3b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:23px !important}}.stk-uvhto3b.stk-block-heading{white-space:normal !important;overflow-wrap:break-word !important;word-wrap:break-word !important;max-width:100% !important}Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love .stk-mg4uify .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-mg4uify .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . .stk-20etew5 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-20etew5 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-20etew5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-20etew5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:16px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-20etew5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:14px !important}}REGISTER NOW! Related PostsAre You or Your Child Addicted to Anger?Helping Kids with Their AngerWhy Punching a Pillow When Angry Doesn’t Really Help Your Child

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 Director of Education & Equipping) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share a really practical skill for parents. It’s not a tip or a trick to manipulate behavior, but a fresh way to engage with your kids that invites cooperation. This skill is part of our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course that’s loaded with practical ideas and resources to change the atmosphere in your home. If this conversation is helpful, you’ll love the online course. Registration is open now, and you can start Session 1 today! In this podcast you’ll discover: possible underlying struggles for kids who aren’t listening common disconnects between parents’ good intentions and kids’ experiences ways that your discipline sends messages that form your child’s identity how “slow, low, listen” provides a way to engage with your child and receive from the Lord what you need in tough moments the powerful dynamic shift that can happen with your child when you take the time to be a compassionate team leader 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: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course-Register Today! Stickers! Slow, Low, Listen, plus others! 1 Corinthians 10:13 Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! .stk-rd703ha-inner-blocks{row-gap:0px !important}.stk-rd703ha{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Optimized-Dad-Kissing-Crying-Daughters-Cheek.jpg) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-rd703ha:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;opacity:0.3 !important}.stk-rd703ha-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-rd703ha-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-rd703ha .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:35% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-rd703ha .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:259px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-rd703ha .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:205px !important}} .stk-jr35ltn .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-jr35ltn .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:23px !important}}.stk-jr35ltn.stk-block-heading{white-space:normal !important;overflow-wrap:break-word !important;word-wrap:break-word !important;max-width:100% !important}Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love .stk-p5ajsic .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-p5ajsic .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . .stk-0ir8osj .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-0ir8osj .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-0ir8osj .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-0ir8osj .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:16px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-0ir8osj .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:14px !important}}REGISTER NOW! Related PostsCalming Yourself Before Going Into Discipline | Ep.109Discipline and Your Kids: Your Questions Answered | Ep. 147Kids Don’t Listen? How to Stop Lecturing and Start Asking Better Questions

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 people enrolled in our Discipline That Connects online course. If you’d like to have your parenting questions answered and grow in connection with your kids, register today for the Discipline That Connects online course. During the course, you’ll have several opportunities to submit your questions for Q&A sessions hosted by Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches. The course is also moderated by CF Parent Coach Katie Wetsell, (RN, MSN, SPACE-trained), who will encourage you and host guided check-ins to support you during the course. In this podcast you’ll discover: ways you can help two or more of your kids who are struggling at the same time how you can ignore the behavior but not the child during a tantrum that your calm presence when your child is struggling grows safety, love, and connection why a deeper connection with you can help your child obey how to stay emotionally safe (but intervene quickly and effectively!) when your child does something potentially dangerous 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: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course Attachment Play (book) Psalm 73 50 Self-Regulation Activities To Empower Your Child To Calm Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! .stk-yfrse57-inner-blocks{row-gap:0px !important}.stk-yfrse57{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Optimized-Dad-Kissing-Crying-Daughters-Cheek.jpg) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-yfrse57:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;opacity:0.3 !important}.stk-yfrse57-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-yfrse57-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-yfrse57 .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:35% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-yfrse57 .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:259px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-yfrse57 .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:205px !important}} .stk-4d3sogu .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-4d3sogu .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:23px !important}}.stk-4d3sogu.stk-block-heading{white-space:normal !important;overflow-wrap:break-word !important;word-wrap:break-word !important;max-width:100% !important}Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love .stk-i5r749s .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-i5r749s .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . .stk-h5cmvn0 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-h5cmvn0 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-h5cmvn0 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-h5cmvn0 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:16px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-h5cmvn0 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:14px !important}}REGISTER NOW!

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 a lot better than other days. But every day, it helps to know that you are not alone. All of our efforts here at Connected Families are geared toward equipping you and supporting the work that God is doing in your family. As Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you (or your kids, your family) will bring it to completion… “ God is working on your behalf, and the Connected Families community is here to support you! Being part of the community means that you may have: listened to this podcast (we just crossed our 1.5 million listens mark!) gotten our Thursday Parenting Tips emails been resourced by one of our many free ebooks taken at least one of our online courses DTC registration is launching TODAY! Whether you are just hearing about the course for the first time or have been thinking about taking it for a while – now is the time! Once a year, we open up registration for the full, moderated version of the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, and today is the day! The Connected Families Framework communicates the messages: You are SAFE, LOVED, CALLED and CAPABLE, and RESPONSIBLE for your actions. This course is the foundational curriculum that teaches that framework. There is also a book that Jim and Lynne Jackson wrote with the same name. Have you already taken the Discipline That Connects online course? If the answer is “Not yet,” then we want to encourage you to go and sign up right now. Discipline That Connects is for you if you are feeling stuck, old parenting patterns are not changing, or you have thought – yikes, what will the future look like? Discipline That Connects is for you if you have been listening to the podcast for a while, and the tools we teach, like “Do-overs,” “Slow, Low and Listen,” and “Gifts-Gone-Awry,” are really resonating. If this sounds like you, it’s time to dig into the full version. Hundreds of alumni come back every year to take the course again because the content is so valuable. They want a refresher and to be part of all the extra resources we add. What extras does DTC include this year? Year-round, anyone can get access to the core video content only (basically a stripped-down version of the course) or even lead a small group through the course. But opening the FULL course, like we are right now in September, means that people worldwide are all going through the content at their own pace but are able to interact through comments and questions online. During these couple of months, there are weekly emails, a parent coach to moderate, Question & Answer opportunities, and so much more. 4 things that are new this year: 1. If you register early, you get to pick a free gift! Pick between: the Parent Bundle, which includes our new stickers! ($18 value!) DTC Welcome Packet ($15 value!) the Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life online course which gives specific guidance on sleep issues, picky eating, etc… ($28 value!) 2. We are excited to offer an audio-only option while this cohort runs. You will be able to listen to the content on a walk or in the car just like you are listening to this little bonus podcast. This will be a game-changer!3. Guided Check-Ins: These 30-minute live check-in groups will boost the application of your learning into your everyday parenting and do it in a supportive environment. (Only 120 spots available.)4. Soul Care Sessions: (Less than 10 minutes each) Christian faith and biblical foundation are integrated into the whole course. During soul care videos, you will hear from parents about how the content of the course intersects with their faith and what that looks like in the hard times of parenting, tantrums, sleeplessness, and feeling overwhelmed. Soul care sessions will feed your soul and be an encouragement. When you register, you get access to the entire course right away. Please share it with your friends. We hope you join us for this year’s FULL version of Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart. A Blessing for Parents This blessing is taken from Susie Larson’s book, May His Face Shine Upon You: May you grow to love and accept the you God is making you to be.May you walk in a new level of grace and gratitude that gives you peace and leaves others encouraged.May you be more apt to look forward with hope than you are to look back with regret.May your heart spill over with joy at the very thought of the story God is writing in your life. 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 l

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 author) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss his latest book, Trust. Dr. Cloud shares about psychological safety and trust with plenty of real-life stories you’ll relate to. In this podcast you’ll discover: why parents have to earn their children’s trust a nuanced understanding of safety and how it applies to trust in parenting ways that God is safe and how parents can follow His example how to build trust even when relationships have challenges the 5 essentials of trust and how to apply them 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: Discipline That Connects online course (Registration opens next week!) Psalm 22:9 Thursday Parenting Tips Emails – Sign up here Connected Families stickers Trust by Dr. Henry Cloud Dr. Henry Cloud’s website Guest Bio: Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist, pastor to pastors, and New York Times bestselling author. His 46 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Throughout his storied career as a clinician, he started treatment centers, created breakthrough new models rooted in research, and has been a leading voice on issues of mental health and leadership on a global scale. Dr. Cloud lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Tori, and their two daughters, Olivia and Lucy. You can find all of his resources at drcloud.com and boundaries.me. Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! .stk-9pgicsr-inner-blocks{row-gap:0px !important}.stk-9pgicsr{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Optimized-Dad-Kissing-Crying-Daughters-Cheek.jpg) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-9pgicsr:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;opacity:0.3 !important}.stk-9pgicsr-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-9pgicsr-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-9pgicsr .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:35% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-9pgicsr .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:259px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-9pgicsr .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:205px !important}} .stk-53g4elv .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-53g4elv .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:23px !important}}.stk-53g4elv.stk-block-heading{white-space:normal !important;overflow-wrap:break-word !important;word-wrap:break-word !important;max-width:100% !important}Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love .stk-2sq2mjj .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-2sq2mjj .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . .stk-7n29grd .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-7n29grd .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-7n29grd .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7n29grd .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:16px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-7n29grd .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:14px !important}}REGISTER NOW!

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 building their character and friendship skills. Listen in for ideas on how to better connect with students. In today’s conversation, Sherry Fiscella (seasoned educator and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share practical ideas for bringing the Connected Families Framework into the classroom. Sherry brings years of experience as a teacher and home educator to show you how you can prepare yourself and set your students up for a great year. In this podcast you’ll discover: ideas for applying the Connected Families Framework in a secular setting ways you can safeguard students from your own stress insight into a student’s challenging behavior and what might be going on under the surface how to build a rhythm for affirming your students’ behavior and character the art of asking effective questions to help students grow instead of just giving directions ideas for teaching kids how to restore friendships after conflict 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: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course (Registration opens soon!) Why Demanding Respect From Kids Doesn’t Work | Episode 48 Meet Juan and Nita from South Africa (couple running a boarding school) Sign up for Thursday parenting tips emails Psalm 78:4 Connected Families Framework graphic Galatians 6:1 Visit the Connected Families website for more resources on applying the Framework (articles, podcasts, ebooks, etc.) Guest Bio: Sherry has been married for 28 years, and she and her husband, Troy, have two young adult children who are both married. Sherry is a former classroom teacher, school leader, and homeschooling mom who believes that one of the best ways to help kids is to support their parents. With her background in education, she brings a unique perspective and approach to parent coaching with lots of practical ideas to help moms and dads move toward more peaceful, purposeful, and joy-filled parenting. Sherry is also finishing up her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in December and is thankful to the Lord for all that this new season is bringing… from a new career in coaching and counseling… to grandbabies! https://www.sherryfiscella.com/ Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! .stk-olpuybm-inner-blocks{row-gap:0px !important}.stk-olpuybm{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Optimized-Dad-Kissing-Crying-Daughters-Cheek.jpg) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-olpuybm:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important;opacity:0.3 !important}.stk-olpuybm-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-olpuybm-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-olpuybm .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:35% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-olpuybm .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:259px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-olpuybm .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:205px !important}} .stk-l2c9vsd .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-l2c9vsd .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:23px !important}}.stk-l2c9vsd.stk-block-heading{white-space:normal !important;overflow-wrap:break-word !important;word-wrap:break-word !important;max-width:100% !important}Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love .stk-g1slp28 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-g1slp28 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . .stk-cqy1u2e .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-cqy1u2e .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-cqy1u2e .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px

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 (author, communication pathologist, and mother of 4) joins Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss mental health and her new book, How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess. Dr. Leaf shares her understanding of the mind-brain-body network and shares the practical resources she’s developed to support mental health. In this podcast you’ll discover: the power of your mind to control your brain, body, and how you show up in life that even though you can’t change past experiences, you can heal them what a neurocycle is and how it can help everyone in your family clean up mental messes the analogy of a tree and how you can use it to think about thoughts and experiences ways you and your child can clean up mental messes together why managing mental health is a lifestyle 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: How To Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess Brainee plush toy Neurocycle App Grace & Truth for Moms online course Dr. Leaf on Instagram Dr. Leaf on Facebook Guest Bio: Dr. Caroline Leaf has a Master’s and Ph.D. in Communication Pathology and does ongoing research and clinical trials in order to improve mental health interventions. Her passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain, control chaotic thinking, and find mental peace. She is the host of the top-rated podcast, Cleaning Up the Mental Mess. Dr. Leaf is also the author of several bestselling books, including Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, The Perfect You, Think, Learn, Succeed, and many more. .stk-nat6zcs-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-nat6zcs {background-color:#FFFFFF !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-nat6zcs:before{background-color:#FFFFFF !important;}.stk-nat6zcs .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;} .stk-rx0ulpm {box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;} .stk-8go8vpw-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;} .stk-bp8e038 .stk-img-wrapper{width:100% !important;height:635px !important;}.stk-bp8e038 .stk-img-wrapper img{transform:scale(0.96) !important;object-fit:contain !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-bp8e038 .stk-img-wrapper{height:300px !important;}} .stk-dpakstu {align-self:center !important;}.stk-dpakstu-container{max-width:549px !important;min-width:auto !important;} .stk-gvgx5ya {align-items:flex-start !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;display:flex !important;}.stk-gvgx5ya .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:47px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-gvgx5ya .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:47px !important;}}Transform Your Next Group Gathering What if your next gathering left parents feeling equipped, encouraged, and hopeful? That’s exactly what Connected Families workshops do. Led by CF Certified Parent Coaches, these sessions bring practical, biblical wisdom on topics like discipline and sibling conflict straight to your community. Learn more and book a speaker today. .stk-p2vod09 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-p2vod09 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-p2vod09 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-p2vod09 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}Bring Hope To Your Community Related PostsHelp! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at DaycarePractical Tips To Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts Into Big WinsThe Genius of Letting Go of Homework Struggles in Two Remarkable Stories

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 hope for you if your child is anxious about school or childcare. Dr. Suzy Youngquist (chiropractor and mom of four) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about kids who are crying at school or daycare. Suzy shares her personal experience with dropping her child off at daycare, and Lynne brings insight and practical tools you can use today. In this podcast you’ll discover: what feeds children’s fear of school/childcare dropoff simple ideas to soothe the fears and address the underlying causes how to use play to understand what your child experiences ways to address your own anxiety about dropping off your child ideas to prep your child’s nervous system for school through connection and play 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: Help! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at Daycare The Invisible String book Sign-up to receive Parenting Tips weekly from Connected Families Guest Bio: Inspired by a real-life story of watching her mom’s life transform through holistic health care, Dr. Suzy Youngquist has a passion to teach and equip others on how to reclaim their lives and well-being. Since opening Revolution’s doors in 2008, Dr. Suzy’s passion for education and equipping has touched thousands of lives through lifestyle education events hosted by her clinic. Dr. Suzy’s journey of motherhood is intimately tied to her heart for full-term, healthy pregnancies and babies, as well as whole families. Today, Suzy is a grateful mom of four incredible kids and wife to her number one cheerleader, Rob! You can find out more about Suzy and her clinic at: revolution-chiropractic.com. .stk-mgbbtj2 {margin-bottom:39px !important;}.stk-mgbbtj2-container{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-mgbbtj2-container:before{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-mgbbtj2-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-mgbbtj2 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important;}} Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs? The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU. .stk-qjouah0 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-qjouah0 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-qjouah0 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-vko2um5 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-vko2um5 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-vko2um5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-vko2um5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE

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, a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach will guide you through the course and offer practical, grace-filled suggestions for your biggest parenting challenges. Today’s podcast is a little taste of some of the questions parents submitted during a recent Q&A session for the course. The responses come from the course facilitators: Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex, and Katie Wetsell, our course facilitator. This course’s new small group option allows you to create rich connections with other parents of sensitive and intense kids and a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach to answer your questions. Check it out! In this podcast you’ll discover: how to discern what type of response your child needs when struggling (connection, coaching, and/or correction) a fresh perspective on letting your child “off the hook” during tough moments ideas to support a child who needs creativity to remain regulated throughout the day how structure and routine can help your child self-regulate how motivation and wisdom are significant considerations for older kids ways to weigh risk and reward with your older 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: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course Small Group Info Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course Daily Sensory Rythyms podcast with Amy Nyvall | Episode 112 .stk-gu3mpny {margin-bottom:39px !important;}.stk-gu3mpny-container{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-gu3mpny-container:before{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-gu3mpny-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-gu3mpny .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important;}} Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs? The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU. .stk-yty9c3k .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-yty9c3k .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-yty9c3k .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-vax7pq0 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-vax7pq0 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-vax7pq0 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-vax7pq0 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE Related Posts3 Unexpected Parenting Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child ThriveDaily Sensory Rhythms To Bring Peace to Your Home | Ep 112Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?

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 and God’s forgiveness. If you have not yet listened to the first part of this podcast, please do that before listening to the conclusion. .stk-cdc6076{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important} LISTEN TO PART 1 How do you teach forgiveness to your kids?  Before we can guide our kids toward true forgiveness, we need to check our own understanding of God’s mercy and forgiveness for us.  Check out Part 1 of this podcast before you listen to the conclusion for the full benefit. .stk-524c43e,.stk-524c43e .stk-button{width:100% !important}.stk-524c43e{flex:1 1 0 !important}LISTEN TO THE PODCAST .stk-dtlfn03{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6978928.jpg) !important}.stk-dtlfn03:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.4 !important} .stk-re1yfg1 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}Do you want more peace at home? .stk-qb1fl13 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}And for your kids to enjoy each other? .stk-eh9kyjq .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}And to reconcile when they hurt each other? .stk-zr2mlvd .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}If peace is your goal, take the Sibling Conflict online course. .stk-56lj0cz .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-56lj0cz .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-56lj0cz .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-56lj0cz .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

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 understanding of God’s mercy and forgiveness for us. In this two-part episode, Melissa Coleman (Senior Principal Counsel and CEO of Coleman Law and Consulting) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to teach forgiveness through a “mercy trial.” Melissa brings her expertise as a lawyer to share her unique perspective while bringing scripture and practical steps to guide you and your kids toward mercy and forgiveness. In this two-part podcast you’ll discover: what a “mercy trial” is, and how to conduct one ways a mercy trial can help you to overcome offenses committed against you the power of writing out offenses (charges) and then relinquishing them to Christ prayers for applying Christ’s mercy to those who’ve hurt you ways applying mercy can help you live free of baggage from the past how to teach forgiveness and mercy to your children the importance of developing and protecting a “posture of mercy” how to apply mercy when your children hurt you that you can forgive people who hurt your kids 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. .stk-fd601e1{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important} Listen to the conclusion of this podcast This podcast is in two parts, and we highly encourage you to listen to the full podcast to receive the full benefit. The conclusion of this podcast can be heard by clicking the link below. .stk-e982fb7,.stk-e982fb7 .stk-button{width:100% !important}.stk-e982fb7{flex:1 1 0 !important}LISTEN TO THE CONCLUSION Mentioned in this podcast: Sibling Conflict online course Value of Restoration podcast | Episode 140 Matthew 18 James 2:13 Luke 6:31 Romans 8:1 Teach Forgiveness thru Mercy Prayers from Melissa Releasing mercy over the perpetrators in my life: Loving Father and Righteous Judge, I summon [name] to the heavenly courts. [Name] I charge you with [offenses-list them individually]. You are guilty of these charges and deserving of punishment. However, because Jesus chose to extend mercy to me for a debt I could never repay, I choose to extend this same mercy to you for your offenses against me. Jesus, I ask that you not count [name]’s sins against him/her. I hereby break the power of condemnation off of you, [name], and I declare you acquitted, forgiven, and free. I also hereby break every tie I have had with the accuser against [name]. Enemy, you no longer have power over me and no legal right to torment me. I will not be lured back in by you or commit double jeopardy. I break off my relationship with you now against [name] for good. ©Melissa Coleman Releasing mercy over myself when there’s been prolonged unforgiveness: Loving Father and Righteous Judge, I put myself in the defendant’s seat in your heavenly court, and I charge myself with the offense of unforgiveness against [name] for [amount] years. Although I am guilty of this sin of unforgiveness and deserving of punishment, I plea the blood of Jesus, and I release Jesus’ mercy over myself, so my sin will not be counted against me. I hereby break off the power of the enemy to accuse and condemn me for this sin. I declare myself acquitted, forgiven, and set free in Jesus’ name. ©Melissa Coleman Guest Bio: Melissa Coleman has been practicing law for 25 years and currently serves as the Senior Principal and CEO of Coleman Law & Consulting, a Twin Cities-based firm specializing in serving churches, faith-based organizations, and small to mid-sized businesses. Coleman is recognized for her extensive work in advancing human rights in both domestic and international arenas, as well as for advocating for the rights of citizens to freely exercise their religious beliefs in their public and professional lives. Coleman and a small team of lawyers launched a nonprofit network of faith-based attorneys in her state, and she has served and continues to serve on numerous boards and advocacy teams. Coleman and her husband of 26 years have five fantastic kids (three adults and two teens) and a village of young people in their lives. What Melissa loves most in life is helping people get free and stay free! .stk-440e8cl{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6978928.jpg) !important}.stk-440e8cl:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.4 !important} .stk-f9koz1q .stk-block-heading__tex

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 to bring peace and joy to your family. In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about building the value of restoration in your family. Jim and Lynne are passionate about this topic and use scripture and their own experiences to offer a hope-filled picture of reconciliation for families. In this podcast you’ll discover: how to develop a mindset of reconciliation that is rooted in Jesus Christ the importance of modeling restoration in your own relationships practical ideas you can use in the midst of conflict to show Christ’s gentleness and compassion why joy is the key difference between solving problems and restoration ways you can proactively prepare for restoring relationships in the future 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: Sibling Conflict online course Contact Us if you’d like to connect about the content of this conversation Galatians 6:1-2 Matthew 5:23-24 .stk-u8zc6mg{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6978928.jpg) !important}.stk-u8zc6mg:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.4 !important} .stk-gc4k80s .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}Do you want more peace at home? .stk-fvrci76 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}And for your kids to enjoy each other? .stk-869woih .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}And to reconcile when they hurt each other? .stk-a8503hc .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}If peace is your goal, take the Sibling Conflict online course. .stk-oepqcx5 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-oepqcx5 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-oepqcx5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-oepqcx5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE Related PostsHelp! My Kids Are Constantly FightingHow To Help Siblings Stop Fighting All the Time | Ep. 139Why Do Siblings Fight So Much? The Good News and the Bad News

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 connection to your family. In today’s conversation, Katie Johnson (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host) give you a taste of Connected Families’ online course: Sibling Conflict: From Bickering to Bonding. They unpack a tool from the course called “The Peace Process” and give examples of how you could use it with your kids today. In this podcast, you’ll discover: how to help your kids move from “Crazy Mountain” to true reconciliation when conflicts arise practical ideas to help your kids calm down before taking steps to resolve a situation how to stop siblings fighting all the time by building their understanding and value for one another ways to empower your kids to “make it right” with their own ideas the importance of celebrating when a conflict is resolved 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: Sibling Conflict Online Course – Register Today! 50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to Calm [Podcast] Why “Calm Down!” Doesn’t Work | Ep. 110 Guest Bio: Katie Johnson is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and lives in Madison, WI, with her family. She worked for many years in education and is now beginning the homeschool journey with her 3 young children. She received her M.Ed. from Valparaiso University and currently serves on the board of Safe Families, Dane County. You can find out more about Katie on our Coaching page. .stk-i4obfab{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6978928.jpg) !important}.stk-i4obfab:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.4 !important} .stk-klrc9he .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}Do you want more peace at home? .stk-mtuqh8p .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}And for your kids to enjoy each other? .stk-er7obyo .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}And to reconcile when they hurt each other? .stk-lwa0bws .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}If peace is your goal, take the Sibling Conflict online course. .stk-2gw9gk3 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-2gw9gk3 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-2gw9gk3 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-2gw9gk3 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

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. .stk-jvmqkft-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-jvmqkft{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-jvmqkft-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-jvmqkft-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-jvmqkft .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-jvmqkft .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-r72y8k1 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-z6defxv .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-23a55rh .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-23a55rh .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-jv36lr5 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-jv36lr5 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-jv36lr5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-jv36lr5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE Related PostsI Was a Critical Parent: 6 Steps I Took to Find a More Loving WayKids Don’t Listen? How to Stop Lecturing and Start Asking Better QuestionsPractical Tips To Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts Into Big Wins

“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 .stk-rnhi3qe-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-rnhi3qe{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-rnhi3qe-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-rnhi3qe-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-rnhi3qe .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-rnhi3qe .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-a5f7nvp .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-fwh5cdu .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-1khaq6b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-1khaq6b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-7wggoh9 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-7wggoh9 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-7wggoh9 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7wggoh9 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE Related Posts3 Powerful Questions to Transform Your Parenting | Ep. 136My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?

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. .stk-nivrndj-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-nivrndj{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-nivrndj-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-nivrndj-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-nivrndj .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-nivrndj .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-gg8hdn6 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-vl8f9fi .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-ilu7gp9 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ilu7gp9 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-xbrniy7 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-xbrniy7 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-xbrniy7 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-xbrniy7 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

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. .stk-1ae4zki-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-1ae4zki{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-1ae4zki-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-1ae4zki-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-1ae4zki .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-1ae4zki .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-6drfpy7 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-czbnx83 .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-6p18796 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-6p18796 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-ad8s2js .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-ad8s2js .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-ad8s2js .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ad8s2js .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

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! .stk-41d4514-container{border-radius:9px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0px 2px 20px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.2) !important}.stk-41d4514 .stk-block-card__image img{object-position:75% 44% !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-41d4514 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing .stk-e0c1751 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-e0c1751 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}}Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. .stk-bb4d67c .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-bb4d67c .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-bb4d67c .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-bb4d67c .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}GET THE FREE GUIDE

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. .stk-v2s4w70-container{border-radius:9px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0px 2px 20px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.2) !important}.stk-v2s4w70 .stk-block-card__image img{object-position:75% 44% !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-v2s4w70 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing .stk-ft3upi1 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ft3upi1 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}}Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. .stk-7im8b3l .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-7im8b3l .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-7im8b3l .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7im8b3l .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}GET THE FREE GUIDE Related PostsBeing a Single Mom is Exhausting | Ep. 62How God Created Us for Community…and Science Agrees!My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?

Are you tired of your kids constantly asking for screen time? Would you like to feel better equipped to navigate the use of media in your home? Perhaps you need tools to help you in developing a screen plan for your family and reset expectations around screen use. You certainly aren’t alone! Many parents in this hyper-digital age feel the same way. In today’s podcast, Arlene Pellicane, author of Screen Kids, joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about being intentional and wise with technology in your home. You’ll hear the research and the heart behind Arlene’s desire to help parents develop a comprehensive plan for screens. In this podcast you’ll discover: the effects of screens on emotional health and brain development in children and young adults positive ways your family can engage with technology the difference between digital vegetables and digital candy how to develop a detailed technology plan for your family proactive ways to be intentional about tech as your children grow ideas to consider as you think about allowing your child to have a phone 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: Gabb Wireless Phone for Kids – referral link from Arlene for a $25 coupon Screen Kids book Grandparenting Screen Kids The Social Dilemma documentary 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing (Free Resource) Social media contest on Instagram and Facebook Covenant Eyes web browser Arlene’s interview with John Foubert about protecting kids from pornography We are a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation today! Guest Bio: Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books, including Parents Rising, 31 Days to a Happy Husband, and Screen Kids. Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, and Focus on the Family. Arlene lives in San Diego with her husband, James, and their three children.To learn more, visit her website at ArlenePellicane.com and check out her masterclasses at HappyHomeUniversity.com .stk-zku9nna-container{border-radius:9px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0px 2px 20px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.2) !important}.stk-zku9nna .stk-block-card__image img{object-position:75% 44% !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-zku9nna .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing .stk-30ohp69 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-30ohp69 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}}Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. .stk-c04x1bs .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-c04x1bs .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-c04x1bs .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-c04x1bs .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}GET THE FREE GUIDE Related Posts7 Activities to Teach Patience to the Child Who Wants It NOWHow to Set Boundaries with Screens | Ep. 66I Just Can’t Get My Kids Off the Screen!What Do You Do with a Minecraft Addiction?

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!

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 .stk-1aa02ee-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}.stk-1aa02ee-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}.stk-1aa02ee-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px rgba(153,153,153,0.2) !important}.stk-1aa02ee .stk-block-card__image img{object-fit:contain !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-1aa02ee .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-0544715 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Got a very selective eater in the home? Maybe they only eat the color white, or just can’t sit at the table long enough to eat anything. Whatever the challenge, we want to help you. .stk-4d223d8 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Read our FREE ebook, Picky Picky! My Child Won’t Eat Anything But Junk Food. .stk-0238d50 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-0238d50 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-0238d50 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}GET THE BOOK Related PostsAre We Raising Animals?From Power Struggles to Peace at MealsStruggling at the Family Dinner Table? How to Come Together & Enjoy

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. .stk-dnt2ri2-container:hover{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;}.stk-dnt2ri2-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;} Learn more about the Framework Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework? Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity. Related Posts5 Powerful Ways to Connect with a Teen Who LiesWhat Do Kids Really Need From Us? | Ep. 95What To Do When You Think Your Child Is Doomed

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, Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the amazing gifts that might be hidden in your child’s misbehavior. In this podcast, you’ll discover: how your thoughts about your child can become their identity the biblical basis for seeing gifts in misbehavior, including references examples of how to find a gift gone awry and coach a child to be a blessing ways to bring your child’s struggle before God and shift your perspective that focus is fertilizer–what you pay attention to grows! 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: John 14:26-27 Ephesians 2:10 Mark 8:32 Luke 16 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 Hebrews 11:1 Acts 20 Weekly Parenting Tips Email…link to share with a friend Nurture Shock book Donate to Connected Families CF Facebook CF Instagram connectedfamilies.org Guest Bio: Lynne Jackson​ has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD (including her own kids!), OCD, ODD, and autism spectrum disorders. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim, founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God’s grace in the midst of family life. .stk-4c52f18{margin-bottom:25px !important}Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned 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. .stk-e19fc8u-container:hover{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;}.stk-e19fc8u-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;} Learn more about the Framework Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework? Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity. Related PostsIs Your Child Intense and Impulsive?Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?What to Do When Your Child Has a Hard Time Losing

In some Christian traditions, it can feel like Easter sneaks up on you. It can even seem like the holiday doesn’t get the same attention and preparation as Christmas, but it is actually the most important day on the Christian calendar. So, how can you help your family prepare and truly celebrate Christ’s resurrection this year? In today’s podcast, Laurie Christine (author and podcast host at Redeeming the Chaos) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about discipleship at home and, more specifically, preparing for Easter. Laurie shares her favorite resources and ideas to create engaging discipleship opportunities with your kids and talks about her free Easter resource for families. In this podcast, you’ll discover: what the Bible says about discipling your children ideas to overcome challenges you may encounter when you try to connect with God as a family practical ways to make family discipleship engaging for your kids ways to change your approach to family times as your children get older the powerful message of Easter and ways you can share that with your children a FREE resource to help your family connect and prepare for Easter (also available in the audiobook version) 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 – Register Now! 30 Family Bible Stories for Easter by Laurie Christine Judges 2:10 Psalm 78:4 Nancy Gutherie books The Very Best Hands On Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions by Tim Shoemaker Hands-on family activities for different age groups by Kirk Weaver 1 Corinthians 15:17 Philippians 2:13 Laurie’s podcast: Redeeming the Chaos Laurie’s favorite resources for family devotions and bible study How to make family devotions more engaging for your kids Guest Bio: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Certified Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four wild, loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her in the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ. Laurie also writes devotionals and Bible stories for middle-grade boys. As a mom of four young boys, she understands how important it is for parents to connect with their children while communicating the truth of God’s Word to them in a way they can understand. With degrees in Creative Writing, Biblical Studies, and Education, Laurie has more than fourteen years of experience in teaching the Bible to young children as well as writing the Sunday School curriculum for her local church. Laurie also serves as the administrator for the Christian Writers Institute and the producer for the Christian Publishing Show and Novel Marketing Podcasts. You can find her at: www.LaurieChristine.com. .stk-fumhkkq{margin-bottom:39px !important}.stk-fumhkkq-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-fumhkkq-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-fumhkkq-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px rgba(153,153,153,0.2) !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-fumhkkq .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-fgj8uqx .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-6,#e4eff5) !important}Do you have a child with EXTRA needs? .stk-ze4exhr{margin-bottom:12px !important}.stk-ze4exhr .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder. .stk-bzj3p8e .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos. .stk-v1d0d9l .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-v1d0d9l .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-v1d0d9l .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-v1d0d9l .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE Related PostsFour Simple Ways to Teach Your Child About GodThe Most Effective Way To Teach Kids To PrayUPDATED: How To Pray With Your Child | Ep. 113

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 anger is protecting some softer emotions, such as feeling anxious, alone, or discouraged, to name a few. You can have compassion and come alongside them with loving support when you seek to understand what is really going on. But how do you get started? In this podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder and Occupational Therapist) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and RN) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about anger and anxiety in children. Drawing on their experience supporting families, Lynne and Lydia share how you can look beneath your child’s anger to get out of a stress cycle and into a healing pattern. In this podcast you’ll discover: underlying stress factors that influence angry behavior the relationship between anger and anxiety when to use an “I wonder if…” question to help build emotional intelligence and understanding how you can move to compassion and connection when your child erupts in anger trauma’s role in anger, including its effects on a child’s developing brain and nervous system activities to do with your child to grow their emotional awareness and build skills to unpack what’s going on under the surface 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 – Register Today! Paper plate activity Iceberg illustration for older kids Proverbs 29:11: Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Guest Bio: Lynne Jackson​ has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD (including her own kids!), OCD, ODD, and autism spectrum disorders. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim, founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God’s grace in the midst of family life. Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned 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. .stk-x4un6a1{margin-bottom:39px !important}.stk-x4un6a1-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-x4un6a1-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-x4un6a1-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px rgba(153,153,153,0.2) !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-x4un6a1 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-4bs8c5x .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-6,#e4eff5) !important}Do you have a child with EXTRA needs? .stk-6zqko3w{margin-bottom:12px !important}.stk-6zqko3w .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder. .stk-k35mcd7 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos. .stk-qv60bga .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-qv60bga .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-qv60bga .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-qv60bga .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE Related PostsI Resent My ChildWhy Punching a Pillow When Angry Doesn’t Really Help Your ChildWhy Safety Is Crucial for Adoptive FamiliesYou Really Want To Show Loving Discipline? Start With Your Face.

If your child is sensitive or intense, you might ask, “Is it worth getting a diagnosis?” or “Will the information from a diagnosis help or hinder my child and our family?” You may fear that a diagnosis will label your child in a negative way, or you may feel overwhelmed about what happens after a diagnosis. In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) continue a conversation about diagnoses with Mandy Cuda, MD. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it worth getting an ADHD diagnosis for my child?” or “Is it worth getting an autism spectrum diagnosis?” this podcast is for you. Mandy and Lynne share the insights and support that can come from a diagnosis and discuss the next steps for parents. In this podcast, you’ll learn: to consider your own feelings after a child’s diagnosis–everything from grief to gratitude how to talk with your child about a diagnosis at any age questions you can ask your child to gain insight into their experience and how you can better support them when the phrase “Tell me more” can open up opportunities with your child and their care providers how to build a support system for yourself and your child the importance of the brain-body connection and when to ask, “What might be aggravating this child’s system?” how to navigate a conversation about medication with your child’s doctor 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: Navigating Challenge With Purpose and Hope: Registration is open! Ep 122: How To Know If Your Child Needs A Diagnosis or Extra Support Two Powerful Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Thrive (includes sensory checklist) Sensory Checklist/Questionnaire James 1:2-4 (verse about trials bringing us to maturity) Ecclesiastes 4:12 Child Advocacy page by Taylor Irby Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program Guest Bio: Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Cuda is a family physician and Connected Families Parent Coach-in-training. She lives in Washington with her husband, a military pediatric urologist, and four amazing kids. Her connection with Connected Families began more than 20 years ago when, as a new Wheaton college grad, she worked with Jim and Chad in Minnesota. She went on to earn her MD from the Uniformed Services University and an MPH from the University of Washington. She served in the military for most of her healthcare career but has also served in community primary care and virtual care delivery. .stk-n84tak3{margin-bottom:39px !important}.stk-n84tak3-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-n84tak3-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-n84tak3-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px rgba(153,153,153,0.2) !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-n84tak3 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-16jykju .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-6,#e4eff5) !important}Do you have a child with EXTRA needs? .stk-ju83yq0{margin-bottom:12px !important}.stk-ju83yq0 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder. .stk-530p3za .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos. .stk-4zlwb0v .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-4zlwb0v .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-4zlwb0v .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-4zlwb0v .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE Related Posts4 Ideas to Build a Growth Mindset as a FamilyAdvocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child | Ep. 123Empowering Your Differently Wired Child | Ep. 124Morning Sensory Dysregulation

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 (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about empowering your uniquely and wonderfully wired child.     In this podcast, you’ll discover: How to evaluate what’s going on in your heart about your child. Do you need to “fix” your child? Or better understand your child?  The opportunity therapy presents for you to learn with your child and as well as keep the momentum from therapy going at home Ideas for supporting your child in a learning environment at school or home and how to help your child discover and accept what they need to be successful Ways to talk about and celebrate differences in your family How one 13-year-old has felt supported and empowered by his parents 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: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Register Now! Treasure Tree: Helping Kids Understand Their Personality by John Trent John 9:1-3 Ecclesiastes 3:11 Guest Bio: 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.   Katie Wetsell is our 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 family 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. Rylan Wetsell is Katie’s 13-year-old, bright, witty son who is overcoming the challenges associated with being differently wired to grow in wisdom and courage. He is an advocate, with his mom, for himself and others affected by stuttering, Tourette’s Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and learning disabilities. .stk-yrx2it6 {margin-bottom:39px !important;}.stk-yrx2it6-container{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-yrx2it6-container:before{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-yrx2it6-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-yrx2it6 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important;}} Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs? The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU. .stk-az0pdrq .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-az0pdrq .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-az0pdrq .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-0heutnq .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-0heutnq .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-0heutnq .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-0heutnq .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE Related PostsA Simple Way to Teach Kids PerseveranceAdvocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child | Ep. 123Daily Sensory Rhythms To Bring Peace to Your Home | Ep 112How To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support | Ep. 122

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 other parents have also walked that journey and have some practical wisdom to share.     In today’s podcast, Marni Love (former public school teacher, home educator, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) and Taylor Irby (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share their experiences about advocating for a sensitive child. Taylor and Marni offer practical ideas to empower you so your child can receive the support they need in any environment. In this podcast, you’ll discover: that a diagnosis can unlock the doors to help you understand and advocate for your neurodiverse child how to flip the script of negative complaints from teachers and other adults to positive feedback ways to support your child in making and keeping friends how you can be firm and kind with other adults in order to help your child thrive (and keep your sanity!) how to create an advocacy sheet about your child for teachers (downloadable link) where to get a medical diagnosis and how that impacts an IEP/504 plan at school steps that can help you and your spouse get on the same page how to gather a professional team and personal support for the journey with your 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: Last week’s podcast: How To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support | Episode 122 Advocacy page by Taylor Irby Sensitive & Intense online course – Register now!  Connected Families Parent Coaching ABC’s of Affirmation Focus is Fertilizer Guest Bios:  Marni Love is a former public school teacher and has been a home educator for the past 13 years.  She is a Homeschool Mentor and Certified Connected Families Parent Coach.  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 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 midst of challenges 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 .stk-02534a6-container{box-shadow:0px 5px 30px -10px rgba(30,63,82,0.3) !important} .stk-bb2f47f .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-bb2f47f .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}Does your child need help calming down? Would a free course presenting you 7 sensory strategies to calm your child be useful? If yes, take our FREE online course 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids. .stk-9295f85 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-9295f85 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}TELL ME MORE Related PostsHow To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support | Ep. 122Is Your Child Exhausted and Cranky After School?Morning Sensory Dysregulation

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, also known as neurodiverse. These kids often benefit from the understanding and support of professionals.   In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) are joined by Mandy Cuda, MD. Listen in on a profound conversation to help parents navigate the choice to seek a diagnosis or support for a child who is struggling.   Through this conversation, you’ll learn: to reflect on your motivations for seeking a diagnosis how to know when to seek help and what to do if/when it is time how you can include your child in the process of seeking support and normalizing differences the power of your curiosity and observations over time to guide you that you know your child best that your child may have incredible potential masked in the struggle the importance of prioritizing sleep, activity, and nutrition to help find your child’s baseline current information about genetic and environmental impacts on neurodiversity about the complexity of overlapping diagnoses in neurodivergent people 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: Submit your own Welcome for the CF podcast Psalm 139 Isaiah 40:25-31 Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program Share the Connected Families Podcast with a friend 7 Calming Strategies free online course Guest Bio:  Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Cuda is a family physician and Connected Families Parent Coach-in-training. She lives in Washington with her husband, a military pediatric urologist, and four amazing kids. Her connection with Connected Families began more than 20 years ago when, as a new Wheaton college grad, she worked with Jim and Chad in Minnesota. She went on to earn her MD from the Uniformed Services University and an MPH from the University of Washington. She served in the military for most of her healthcare career but has also served in community primary care and virtual care delivery. .stk-3frxryq-container{box-shadow:0px 5px 30px -10px rgba(30,63,82,0.3) !important} .stk-9dr6v74 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-9dr6v74 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}Does your child need help calming down? Would a free course presenting you 7 sensory strategies to calm your child be useful? If yes, take our FREE online course 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids. .stk-yv2d87b .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-yv2d87b .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}TELL ME MORE Related Posts3 Unexpected Parenting Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child ThriveMorning Sensory DysregulationMy Child Freaks Out Easily | Ep. 106

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 kids might be simpler than you expect.     On today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss ways parents can model and teach each principle of the Framework: Foundation, Connect, Coach, Correct. This podcast includes a downloadable, 5-session mini curriculum developed by Jim and Lynne to help teach the Framework to children in interactive and hands-on ways.   Get your FREE Family Activity Guide This 5-session activity guide will help you introduce your kids to the Connected Families Framework in a fun and inviting way! In this podcast, you’ll discover: practical ways to model each area of the Framework for your children how talking out loud about the whys of your parenting can serve as a powerful teacher to your children (and a source of accountability for you!)  ideas for strengthening the connection between your children and supporting their reconnection after conflict ways you can engage with scripture as a family and help your children learn to listen for what God may be teaching them how you can guide your family to value reconciliation in all relationships 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: Teaching Kids the Framework PDF – 5-session mini curriculum  Connected Families Framework Podcast Episode 113: How to Pray With Your Child Ephesians 2:10 NIV and ESV CF Certified Parent Coaching Program Sensitive & Intense Kids online course (coming soon!) Affiliate Program .stk-9t52phc-container:hover{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;}.stk-9t52phc-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;} Learn more about the Framework Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework? Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity. Related PostsConsequences vs Punishment: What’s the Difference?Introduce Your Kids to the Connected Families FrameworkUnconditional Love: 15 Reasons to Show Love-No-Matter-What to Your Kids

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash 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, we are including links to the next four most popular podcasts of 2022. It’s time to pop in your headphones, grab a few baskets of laundry to fold or take the dog for a long walk. What podcast most encouraged you in 2022? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you! Our Top Podcast of 2022 Ep. 101: Does Attachment Style Matter? 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 matter? On this episode, we welcome guests Milan and Kay Yerkovich, the authors of How We Love. Together we discuss how we bring the attachment style from our parents to our own relationships, especially to our kids.  Four more amazing podcasts from 2022 Ep. 100: Ending the Shame Cycle 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 so destructive to us and to our relationships. What does ending the shame cycle look like? If you have ever felt stuck in this kind of a cycle, please listen to this podcast. In this milestone podcast (our 100th episode!) we talk about a prevalent and powerful concept that has resounded with our Connected Families community for nearly 20 years: Moving forward from shame to the freedom of living in God’s grace and truth. Ep. 102: How To Be a More Playful Parent 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 a joyful and playful time with your children! Yet research shows that playfulness brings connection and communicates in a language that helps kids learn! This podcast, with guest Joy Wendling, has great ideas to help you: calm your child’s brain and yours, provide opportunities to teach skills, enable problem-solving capability, reach kids who are struggling, and communicate to your child, “I enjoy you!” Ep. 103: Should Dads Demand Respect? When our “respect buttons” get pushed, it’s tempting to grasp for control and command obedience. But in doing so, we might find ourselves sacrificing connection and true, heartfelt respect with our kids. You want to build connection and respect. So what can you do? How can you respond? This podcast is a heartfelt conversation about respect. When we engage with our kids in humility and curiosity instead of control, we model what respect looks like and safely earn their respect and trust. Treating our children with respect helps us diffuse a tense situation and paves the way for connection, conversation, and understanding. Ep 111: Coaching Kids to “Make It Right” 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. Listen in as the conversation on this podcast explores the messages we send through discipline and how to coach children to be responsible for their actions. .stk-a75b7bf-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-a75b7bf-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-a75b7bf .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;display:flex !important}.stk-a75b7bf .stk-block-hero__content{align-items:center !important} Share your contact info and we’ll send an email each week we release a new podcast.

Photo by Phillip Goldsberry on Unsplash 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 can help you build connection and be the supportive grandparent you long to be.    In today’s episode, two Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches, Cindy Stonestreet (Grandmother and CRNA) and Dijea Young (Grandmother and homeschool mentor), join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for an encouraging conversation. Cindy and Dijea share their hearts about the powerful impact the Connected Families Framework has had in their daily interactions with their grandchildren.   In this podcast, you’ll discover: it’s never too late to change your approach to discipline practical ways to infuse the interactions with both your adult children and grandchildren with safety, connection, and unconditional love   how you can respond to your grandchild’s meltdown or defiance with a fresh approach examples of how you can support and respect your adult children in their parenting  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 Framework  Connected Families Parent Coaching Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program Request a meeting with Connected Families Executive Director, Anna Braasch Give a year-end gift to Connected Families Guest Bios:  Cindy Stonestreet is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and grandmother of five lively grandchildren.  She has worked as a registered nurse for 39 years: 18 years in the NICU and 15 years as a CRNA at Women and Children’s Hospital.  She seeks to guide parents and grandparents to develop skills and wisdom in their children and grandchildren. Dijea Young has served children and families most of her adult life as a credentialed teacher, homeschool accrediting consultant, and now as a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach.  For 29 years, she home-educated her own 8 children and now enjoys her ever-growing number of grandchildren…Number 10 is expected any day! .stk-naf8lsi-container{background-color:#431c3b !important}.stk-naf8lsi-container:before{background-color:#431c3b !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-naf8lsi .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-wmpqgn7 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#ede5ea !important}Spread the “aha” moments of grace .stk-m4pkt7g .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace. .stk-ncb5a3j .stk-button{background:#ede5ea !important}.stk-ncb5a3j .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-ncb5a3j .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:#160e0d !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-ncb5a3j .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ncb5a3j .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

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. .stk-kdca32b-container{background-color:#431c3b !important}.stk-kdca32b-container:before{background-color:#431c3b !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-kdca32b .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-qphg8qs .stk-block-heading__text{color:#ede5ea !important}Spread the “aha” moments of grace .stk-421x8o5 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace. .stk-kqh3b8b .stk-button{background:#ede5ea !important}.stk-kqh3b8b .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-kqh3b8b .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:#160e0d !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-kqh3b8b .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-kqh3b8b .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY! Related PostsHealthy Conflict Resolution in Adult RelationshipsHow to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice from Family (4 Grace-Filled Tips)How to Stop Attention-Seeking Behavior Before It Starts

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. .stk-219f4cc,.stk-219f4cc .stk-button{width:100% !important}.stk-219f4cc{flex:1 1 0 !important}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 .stk-e2wj2u8-container:hover{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;}.stk-e2wj2u8-container:hover:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;} Learn more about the Framework Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework? Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity. Related PostsLegalism vs Grace: How to Let Go of Perfectionism & Grab Hold of GraceMy Child Doesn’t Care About ConsequencesThe Gospel in Our Parenting, Part 1 | Ep. 107

As 2022 winds down and we head into the holiday season, we have so much to be grateful for.   You’ve probably heard about the benefits of practicing gratitude, but do you know what goes on inside of your body when you experience gratitude?  The brain science and physiological impacts are fascinating.  So what exactly IS the impact of gratitude on the brain? In today’s episode, Dr. Troy Spurrill, DC (Founder & CEO, Synapse Center for Health & Healing) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss the positive impact that practicing gratitude can have on families. Dr. Troy draws on his experiences as a scientist, father, and follower of Jesus to explain how gratitude impacts your heart and health.    In this podcast you’ll discover: how giving and receiving gratitude build your brain the chemical difference between intentional gratitude and quick, robotic expressions the powerful connection between receiving God’s grace and gratitude aspects of daily life that block our ability to express and receive gratitude practical solutions to support kids (or adults) experiencing anxiety or despair  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 20th Anniversary Celebration Video Sensitive & Intense Kids: Navigating Challenges with Purpose & Hope (coming soon!) Synapse Center for Health & Healing 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Join the Connected Families Donor Team  Guest Bio:  Dr. Troy Spurrill is the founder and CEO of Synapse Center for Health and Healing. He started Synapse over 26 years ago with a vision to bring an integrative approach to healthcare through functional medicine, making Synapse an internationally known center for true health. He received a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Manitoba, and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University. He has extensive training in Functional Neurology, Nutrition, and Applied Kinesiology. Dr. Troy is an author and international lecturer on wellness and brain-based healing. Dr. Troy and his wife Christine have 10 children together. When he’s not at the clinic, Dr. Troy enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and attending sporting events. .stk-yi4m58u-container{background-color:#431c3b !important}.stk-yi4m58u-container:before{background-color:#431c3b !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-yi4m58u .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-nslv94w .stk-block-heading__text{color:#ede5ea !important}Spread the “aha” moments of grace .stk-72icr9p .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace. .stk-qvl5or7 .stk-button{background:#ede5ea !important}.stk-qvl5or7 .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-qvl5or7 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:#160e0d !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-qvl5or7 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-qvl5or7 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY! Related PostsGive Your Family a THANKS-filled ThanksgivingQuestions to Put the THANKS Back in ThanksgivingThanksgiving GreetingsThe 3 Most Important (and Most Overlooked) Reasons to Be Thankful to God

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 

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 .stk-hw2ml0o-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-hw2ml0o{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-hw2ml0o-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-hw2ml0o-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-hw2ml0o .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-hw2ml0o .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-v7d8e2t .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-ovex3h7 .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-23k84h9 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-23k84h9 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-fzi9qs0 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-fzi9qs0 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-fzi9qs0 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-fzi9qs0 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE