Connected Families Podcast
A Christ-centered parenting community that is grace-filled, science-based, and trauma-informed. Welcome!
Episodes
Sibling Conflict: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Peacemakers at Home
Bickering. The escalating voices in the next room make you wonder whether to referee or run the other way. If sibling conflict has become the soundtrack of your home, you are so not alone, and this episode is for you!
In week two of our Summertime Conflict series, host Stacy Bellward unpacks the heart of sibling squabbles and offers a refreshing reframe: those arguments happening betw
Helping Siblings Make Up After a “Fight”
What if the goal of your kids’ fighting wasn’t silence, but restored hearts?
Most parents want the bickering to stop. But what if helping siblings make up after a fight was actually an invitation? An opportunity to show your kids a glimpse of the gospel itself, where broken relationships are made new, and joy is rediscovered on the other side of hard moments.
In today’s replay episode
Dads, You’re Not Alone: How to Stay Calm When Parenting is Hard | Ep. 304
Father’s Day can stir up a lot for dads. For some, it’s breakfast in bed and handmade cards. For others, it’s a quiet moment of reflection: Am I really the dad I want to be? In this special Father’s Day episode, guest host and Director of Development, Chad Hayenga, sits down with Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches David Cervenka and Joe Dewey for an honest, encouraging conver
Sibling Competition and Bedtime Chaos: Hear from the cf community
Ever wished you could pull up a chair with seasoned parent coaches and ask your most pressing questions? Whether you’re in the midst of bedtime challenges or working through sibling competition, host Stacy Bellward invites listeners into a real taste of what’s happening inside the new cf community.
Katie Johnson, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and dedicated cf community moderator,
You're Not Parenting Alone: Inside the cf community with Katie Johnson
In this special episode, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Katie Johnson, Connected Families’ new Community Engagement Manager, Certified Parent Coach, and former educator, to unveil something brand new: the cf community! A place where you’re not parenting alone.
After years of watching the Connected Families Framework™ transform households, the team noticed one consistent tr
Parent Ministry That Transforms: A Peek Inside Our Ministry Partnership Program
What if your church’s parent ministry became the place families pointed to and said, “That’s where everything changed for us”?
In this eye-opening episode, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Dr. Cindy Wilson, Connected Families Director of Education, Equipping, and Research, and Joe Dewey, Connected Families Director of Operations, two people who are also living out our
The Mental Load of Motherhood: Releasing What's Not Yours to Carry
You crawl into bed exhausted, but your brain won’t stop spinning. The to-do list. The moment you wish you’d handled differently. The worry you can’t quite name. There’s a term for what you’re carrying: the mental load of motherhood, and you weren’t meant to carry it alone.
In this conversation, host Stacy Bellward sits down with licensed marriage and family
Foster Care and Faith: Supporting Foster Families in Your Community
May is National Foster Care Month! For today’s episode, we’ve invited author Jamie Finn to help us discover how faith and foster care are deeply connected. Jamie Finn opens up about the surprising realities that reshaped her family’s mission. You’ll hear what truly sustains foster families through their hardest seasons. Listen in for practical wisdom that applies whether you foster y
Grumpy Morning? Help Your Child Start Their Day Well
Does your child often wake up with a grumpy morning attitude — cranky, overwhelmed, or melting down before the day even begins? You’re in the right place. In this audioblog episode, the final installment in our Sensitive & Intense Kids series, you’ll hear practical, sensory-smart strategies rooted in the Connected Families Framework™  for turning a grumpy morning into a calmer sta
Emotional Regulation for Kids: Calm Bodies Come Before Big Conversations
Ever feel stuck when your child’s big emotions take over, and nothing seems to help? In this audioblog episode, host Stacy Bellward adapts one of our most-downloaded blogs for listeners: 50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to Calm. She’ll walk you through the essential difference between self-regulation and emotional regulation for kids. Learn practical sensory strategies,
Highly Sensitive Kids: A Biblical Approach to Empathy and Connection
Does your child melt down over clothing tags, loud noises, or unexpected changes? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing as a parent. In this audioblog episode, Stacy continues our four-week series on sensitive and intense kids with a compassionate, research-informed look at what’s really happening beneath the surface of your highly sensitive kids and their big reactions. Lea
Big Emotions Start Somewhere: The Hidden Stress Your Child Carries
In this episode, we unpack the surprising reasons why some children experience the world more intensely than others, and why their big emotions are rarely about what they seem to be about. You’ll discover a reframe that just might change the way you see your child’s most challenging moments, including a simple but powerful analogy that explains why your child can hold it together all
Why Is Parenting So Hard? Finding Grace and Truth in the Struggle
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is parenting so hard?” this episode is for you. In this deeply personal and practical episode, Connected Families co-founder Lynne Jackson opens up about her own journey from organized perfectionist to overwhelmed mom of three. Lynne introduces the foundational layer of the Connected Families Framework, exploring three mental habits that quietly set parents up for t
From Feeling Like a Bad Mom to Deeply Loved
What we believe about ourselves shapes how we parent, for better or worse.
In this opening episode of the Grace and Truth for Every Parent series, host Stacy Bellward talks with Connected Families’ Content Manager, Laura Way, about the beliefs that quietly keep parents stuck. Laura shares her own journey, including a pivotal moment with CF co-founder Lynne Jackson that helped her trade a
Family Meetings for Kids: A Weekly Habit That Builds Family Teamwork
What if family meetings for kids can be as simple as a weekly gathering with snacks and a game? In this warm and practical episode of the Connected Families podcast, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Certified Parent Coaches Corrie and Alan Thetford to unpack the transformative power of intentional family meetings. Spoiler: no gavel required.
Key Takeaways:
Nagging builds dependence; meetin
How to Motivate Children: What the Research Says
Every parent knows the feeling: you need the dishes done, the toys picked up, or the laundry folded… and your child is nowhere near motivated to help. What if the key to raising genuinely responsible kids isn’t about enforcing compliance, but about understanding what actually drives motivation from the inside out? In this mini-episode, host Stacy Bellward chats with Katie Wetsell, pediatric
How to Start Family Meetings Your Kids Won't Want to Miss
Join Connected Families’ Director of Education & Equipping, Chad Hayenga, in this audioblog about Family Meetings. These are two words that might make you cringe or add to your mental “should-do” list. But what if they could actually become the highlight of your week? In this episode, explore how family meetings can be transformed from dreaded obligations into enjoyable, meaningf
Teaching Kids Responsibility Without Nagging and Frustration
Why are chores such a struggle in families? Join Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches, Katie Johnson and Marni Love, to unpack why it’s hard, and what to do about it. They discuss the biblical foundation for meaningful work and offer practical strategies for turning daily tasks into opportunities for connection and growth. You’ll be encouraged by their own personal stories as they share g
A Parent Training Program that Meets You Where You Are
In this special announcement episode, host Stacy Bellward welcomes Chad Hayenga, Connected Families’ Director of Education and Equipping, to introduce an exciting new program: The CF Intensive! This new parent training program is a six-session, small-group experience! It’s designed for parents, caregivers, and ministry leaders who want to move from head knowledge to heart transformation us
Strengthening Families Through the Local Church: A Powerful New Partnership
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Communio! Tune in to hear how Communio is strengthening families through data-informed strategies for local churches. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward and Cindy Wilson, the Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager at Connected Families, sit down with J.P. DeGance, founder and president of Communio and author of Endgame: The Church
The Surprising Reason Kids Laugh When in Trouble
Today’s audioblog explores what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids laugh when in trouble or get silly during correction. Learn practical ways to use the Connected Families Framework™ to build wisdom instead of shame when kids seem to avoid accountability through humor.
Key Takeaways:
Silliness is often an escape hatch, not disrespect
Check your own heart first
Connect bef
BONUS Episode | Help Your Child Feel Safe Through Scary Events
In this thoughtful conversation, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Certified Parent Coach Katie Wetsell and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Jody Goldie to explore how parents can help their children navigate fear and find security when the world feels uncertain and scary. Drawing from Katie’s personal experience supporting her family through a Nashville school shooting and JodyR
Moving Beyond Strict Parenting: Balancing Boundaries and Connection | Ep. 285
Strong on correction but struggling to connect? In this third episode of the “Don’t Stay Stuck” series, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach Katie Wetsell take on a challenge many who value strict parenting face: how to soften without losing structure? If you value obedience but want warmer relationships with your kids, this episode offers hope and practical next step
Kind and Firm: Setting Boundaries with Kids | Ep. 284
In this second week of our Don’t Stay Stuck series, we’re shifting our focus to parents who are “stuck” at the bottom of the Connected Families Framework™. Being naturally bent toward compassion is a God-given superpower, but what happens when parents are consistently overly permissive? Setting boundaries with kids can be challenging at times. Listen in as Stacy chats with Katie Wetsell, a Conne
Don’t Stay Stuck: Hopeful Change in Your Default Parenting Habits
Ever wonder why you keep defaulting to the same old parenting habits? Stacy Bellward and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Lori Menikheim explore what causes parents to get stuck, and how to find their way forward. Join us as we begin this 3-part series, Don’t Stay Stuck, and gain some practical insights for developing balance in your parenting journey.
Key Takeaways:
Hear stories of
My Child Refuses to Listen: A Compassionate Approach to PDA
Happy New Year! Welcome back to another year of exciting content that we pray will leave you equipped and ready for the unique calling of parenthood you’ve been gifted with this year.
You may be wondering, “What is pathological demand avoidance (PDA)?” When your child refuses to listen, it may not be defiance but rather a dysregulated nervous system. In this most-downloaded episode of 2025, he
Behind the Scenes: Intentional Parenting in 2026 and Beyond!
In this heartfelt year-end episode, Connected Families team members Stacy Bellward, Chad Hayenga, and Joe Dewey gather to reflect on a transformative year and share exciting plans for 2026 to continue to encourage you on your journey with intentional parenting. Along the way, they open up about their own families’ rhythms for reflecting on the year past and looking ahead. This episode has
Blessed to Be a Blessing: Marriage, Parenting & Legacy
What does it look like to live out the Connected Families Framework? What does it look like to live it out in your own heart and relationships? In this final episode of our 3-part series, Hope for the Long Haul, Jim and Lynne Jackson share how the Framework has shaped their lives over time: from finding their identity in Jesus, to marriage, to navigating the joys and challenges of parenting adul
Surviving the "Helpful" Advice at Holiday Gatherings
In this audioblog, we take on a topic relevant to holiday gatherings: what to do when you receive unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives? From preparing ahead of time to helping your kids navigate criticisms, today you’ll hear some practical strategies to help you continue to parent confidently in your grace-based approach.
Key Takeaways:
How to have empathetic responses with your fa
Loving (and Liking) My Kids for a Lifetime
Keeping “like” alive is what an enduring connection is all about! This week, Connected Families Co-Founders Jim and Lynne Jackson share more about the importance and benefits of lasting connection over time and why it’s the cornerstone of lasting family relationships. Hear from a long-time friend and Connected Families board member on how the framework has impacted his relation
When Parenting Styles Differ: Finding Unity with Your Strong-Willed Child
Whether you’re just starting your parenting journey or you’ve hit a rough spot, today’s episode is a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient through it all. Seeing God’s mercy toward us in the midst of challenging family messes (like disagreeing about how to approach parenting a “strong-willed” child) is the hope of the Gospel! Connected Families Co-Founders, Jim and Lynne Jackson, sit dow
Holiday Family Stress? How to Actually Enjoy Family Gatherings
The holidays are definitely a time when many families and children experience overstimulation, picky eating, chaos, and sibling bickering, which can lead to holiday family stress. What if we could experience God as Emmanuel (God With Us) even in the midst of the mess? Hear from Stacy Bellward as she reads one of the Connected Families blog posts, which will prepare you with a plan to set your
Teaching Kids Their True Identity in Christ with Hosanna Wong
There are identity-forming lies all around your kids, at school, on screens, even in their own thoughts. In this powerful episode on identity in Christ, host Stacy Bellward sits down with spoken-word artist and author Hosanna Wong. They discuss her viral poem, “I Have a New Name,” with over 11 million views, and her new children’s book, What God Says About You. The book helps p
Handling Criticism In A God Honoring Way: A Game-Changing Tool
Join Stacy Bellward and Lynne Jackson as they chat with Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Kartina Baros about using the “Trash, Truth, or Treasure” tool to help kids process hurtful words and build skills for handling criticism. Katrina shares how she turned this concept into a fun basket-shooting game with her four boys, making it their family’s common language for eva
Teaching Kids to Deal with Mean Words and Hurtful Comments
When your child hears something unkind, those words can stick: shaping how they see themselves and the world around them.
In this episode, we’re launching a three-part series on a simple but powerful Connected Families tool: Trash, Truth, & Treasure. This tool helps kids (and adults!) deal with mean words, hurtful thoughts, anger, and anxiety by rooting their identity in God’s
Parenting Adopted Children: Building Safety and Connection After Trauma
Welcome back to our usual podcast rhythm, listeners! November is National Adoption Month, and many Connected Families listeners have grown their families through adoption and foster care. Adoption often brings unique parenting challenges that prompt families to seek creative, compassionate solutions.
Many adoptive and foster families have discovered that the Connected Families Framework provid
Connected Families Framework: A Stewardship Story of Growth and Grace
In this special “virtual family time” episode about the Connected Families Framework, you’ll hear Jim and Lynne Jackson join Stacy Bellward (host) for a fun conversation about the incredible growth and impact of Connected Families over the past 20+ years. Using the biblical parable of the talents as their start, Connected Families founders share how they’ve stewarded the minist
What Works When "Calm Down!" Doesn't: How to Help Your Angry Child
Ever wonder how to help your angry child? Don’t worry, so do many others. This podcast is all about equipping you with practical tools and perspective on dealing with your angry child. Join Stacy Bellward and guest Julie Maas, a certified Connected Families Parent Coach and former RN, as they address the deeper patterns of intense anger, and emphasize the importance of parental compassion. Liste
Angry Mom Help: Building Emotional Capacity for Out-of-Control Rage
If you’re searching for angry mom help because you feel like you’re constantly apologizing to your kids for losing your temper, you’re not alone. In this powerful episode, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy, creator of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast, to provide real solutions for mothers who feel out of control.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podc
Game-Changing Family Ministry Ideas for Churches of Any Size
Hear how one Minnesota church partners with Connected Families for family ministry ideas that truly equip and support their families. In this episode about partnerships, Stacy Bellward (host) and Cindy Wilson (Connected Families Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager) are joined by special guests Justie Vavra and Megan Thorp to discover how the transformative Connected Families Fram
Youth Sports Parents: How to Transform Every Game into a Discipleship Moment
Youth sports are shaping our kids’ lives in profound ways. Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, join us in today’s conversation to explore how parents can transform the youth sports experience into powerful discipleship moments that align with God’s design for our families. Whether your child is a budding athlete
Practical Ideas to Navigate Back-to-School Stress
Back-to-school stress is a real thing! Lynne Jackson sits down with Certified Parent coaches, Jason and Jewelia Jacobs, to encourage us through this back-to-school season. Parents themselves, the Jacobs’ know firsthand the various stressors this season can bring to families. Packed with resources, this episode is one you’ll want to have your pen and paper ready for as they fill us with hope in co
Back-to-School Transition Tips for Sensitive Children
In today’s podcast we offer many practical tools and back-to-school transition tips for sensitive children. Whether it’s you or one of your kids, we all know someone who has woken up on the “wrong side of the bed.” Hear from Stacy, our host, and Occupational Therapists Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, as you discover how to think through your d
Culturally-Sensitive Biblical Parenting Resources. Is This a Thing?
Five years ago, Connected Families had certified parent coaches in just one country. Today? Connected Families is collaborating with CF Certified Parent Coaches in 20 countries and across four continents to provide culturally-sensitive biblical parenting resources.
As Chad Hayenga reflected on our podcast, “In the early years, we did not know how the Connected Families Framework would tr
Impact: The Unexpected Global Parenting Movement Changing Lives Worldwide
In this exciting episode, we explore how Connected Families has evolved from a Minnesota-based ministry into a global parenting resource for families worldwide. Host Stacy Bellward, along with Chad Hayenga, Connected Families Education and Equipping Director, is “visiting” other countries to share with you the impact the Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches are having on a global scale. L
Conflict Resolution for Kids: Take Advantage of Summer to Hone These Priceless Skills
Everybody needs conflict resolution skills, but it shows up particularly for kids during the summer when they’ve got more free time to hang out with siblings and neighbors. What does conflict resolution for kids look like? Today we’re welcoming back Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Nicole Gillette and Lyssa Stoyko to discuss how to view summer as an ideal opportunity to te
Beyond Summer Boredom: Creating Rhythms With Your Kids In Mind
Through today’s podcast, feel equipped with parenting ideas that transform chaotic summer days and summer boredom into opportunities for family connection and growth. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward interviews Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Nicole Gillette and Lyssa Stoyko. They share real-world and practical wisdom for summer success with kids at home during the break.
Check
Move Beyond Homeschool Stress: Practical Ideas That Promote Peace
Homeschooling can be delightful, beautiful, and an amazing privilege! It can also be hard. You can move beyond homeschool stress and experience peace in your home. Today we’ve got Marni Love and Amy Nyvall, homeschool moms and Connected Families certified parent coaches, here to address the real challenges homeschool families face daily. From sibling conflicts, pushback during lessons, and
How to Be the Caring Father You've Always Hoped to Be
In honor of Father’s Day, Jim Jackson and Mike Tobie have a conversation about empathy. Mike Tobie shares his authentic journey in developing grace and empathy with his family. This powerful conversation explores how showing God’s grace and empathy can be applied in equipping our children and how that models Christ to them. In this episode, you’ll discover the transformational healing that can h
Screen Addiction: Prevent & Combat It by Giving a Big YES to Your Kids
Even if your kids aren’t struggling with screen addiction, Connected Families co-founders Jim and Lynne Jackson want to help you shift the conversation away from a big “No” to a big “Yes!” In this episode, you will discover how to apply this transformative approach to managing screen time in your family. Listen in to help your children find their God-given purpose a
How to Talk to Your Kids About Porn
Today we’ve got the author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, Kristen A. Jenson, here with us to help us navigate how to talk to your kids about porn and protect them. Stacy and Kristen discuss how parents can proactively prepare children to recognize and reject pornography in our digital world. Listen in to be equipped to start the conversation with your kids.
Key points:
Start conversa
Kids & Technology: How to Navigate the Constantly Shifting Landscape
Screens cause issues for families everywhere! The full scope of what social media is in today’s world is complex and can be overwhelming. It goes way beyond the typical social media platforms and games we usually hear about. That’s why we’re bringing in Matt & Jill Reed, founders of Know Curtains, who have created an online course for parents to help you parent wisely and p
How to Love Your Stepchildren Well with Ron Deal
In this bonus episode, Jim Jackson and Ron Deal discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of blended families through the lens of the Connected Families Framework. Ron, a bestselling author and host of the Family Life Blended podcast, shares his 30+ years of expertise in step-family dynamics. The conversation explores how step-parents can build emotional safety with children who may be res
The Emotionally Distant Marriage: Don't Stay Stuck
Do you feel like you are in an emotionally distant marriage? In this special episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson interview Ron and Nan Deal about their new book, The Mindful Marriage, which combines biblical foundations with brain science. The authors vulnerably share how their marriage hit a crisis point after 20 years, leading them to seek help from a therapist (who later co-authored the book with
Navigating Infertility & Loss: A Conversation with Julie Fowler
Julie Fowler, speaker and bible curriculum writer, joins us for a meaningful conversation about her journey of infertility and the resources she’s created for other couples coping with infertility and loss. Julie shares how scripture helped her in her grief and how she wove her faith into intentional community connections that served as a lifeline during her years of loss and struggle. Whe
The Secret Superpower Every Parent Needs: The Art of Listening
In this episode, Megan Thorp, MA and Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, joins us to explore why listening is the jet fuel in our relationships with our kids. We examine how effective listening can bridge the disconnect between us and our kids and foster emotional intelligence. We also talk about the importance of being present, understanding underlying beliefs, and the spiritual aspect o
Brain Science for Parents: How to Return to Joy When You Feel Like Yelling
We chat with Chris Coursey from THRIVEtoday to discuss “return to joy,” a crucial skill for moving from reactive parenting to thoughtful responses. Chris explains the three-step process of feeling, sharing, and quieting emotions, while offering strategies to increase your emotional capacity during challenging interactions with your kids. The conversation highlights the brain science
Want to Stop Yelling at Your Kids? Try Slow, Low, & Listen
Listen in as Jim & Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founders, teach the parenting concept “Slow, Low, & Listen.” This simple tool can help you develop and maintain an emotionally safe presence for your kids. Jim and Lynne will equip you with the understanding you need to apply the concept next time you feel your emotional temperature begin to rise. You’ll learn how shifting from reac
Attachment Myths Busted: How Your Attachment Style Shapes Everything
Listen in as we talk with Dr. Nicole Wilke about attachment and its profound impact on family relationships. Dr. Wilke, a researcher, missionary, author, and marriage and family therapist, shares about attachment styles and explains how attachment shapes not just our parent-child relationships but establishes the pattern for how our children will approach all future relationships. Learn how under
Emmanuel in the Ambulance: How God Shows Up in Our Darkest Hours
In this episode, listen in as Brendon and Naomi Yoder share how they’ve maintained faith through multiple hardships, including the loss of their infant daughter, Taliyah. They describe modeling authentic faith by letting their children witness their reliance on God during difficult times and recount moments how God shows up consistently during their darkest hours. The episode concludes wit
Retained Primitive Reflexes: Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Development | Ep. 222
Is your child struggling with emotional regulation, sitting still, or the feel of their clothing? These challenges could be linked to retained primitive reflexes. In this episode, Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founder and occupational therapist, explores this topic with Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Amy Nyvall and Courtney Dewey. They explain how these automatic movement pat
Demand Avoidance: When Is My Child's Pushback Actually Pathological?
Have you ever asked your child to do a simple task, only to be met with an explosive reaction? In this episode, we interview Lydia Rex, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Lydia will help you step into your child’s shoes and understand how you may accidentally trigger your child’s nervous system. She al
From Slamming Doors to Peace: How to Calm a Dysregulated Child
In this episode of the Connected Families podcast, we explore how to calm a dysregulated child with insights from Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches Alan and Corrie Thetford. Together they share how they evolved from demanding immediate calm to modeling self-regulation, creating playful learning opportunities, and viewing emotional outbursts as chances to experience God’s grace.
BONUS: Introducing The Table - A New Path to Transformative Parenting
In this bonus episode of the Connected Families podcast, host Stacy Bellward and Executive Director Anna Braasch announce the launch of The Table, a new monthly donor community aimed at providing sustaining support for Connected Families resources.
Together they highlight the growing global reach of Connected Families, with more parents engaging with their Christ-centered resources and an incr
From Quirky to Distressing: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities
If you’ve got a child who complains about the volume of the microwave or who won’t venture into the living room without turning off the overhead lights, this conversation on sensory sensitivities is for you! Listen in as Stacy Bellward interviews Lynne Jackson (Occupational Therapist and Connected Families Co-Founder) Together they dig into parenting sensitive and intense children, f
In Your Child's Shoes: Why Is Empathy Important?
If you feel like you’ve “tried empathy” and you’re not a fan of the results, tune into this conversation about what empathy is and why you need more of it in your life. In this episode of the Connected Families podcast, where host Stacy Bellward and Heidi Eaton (Podcast Manager) have a transparent conversation about the role of empathy in parenting. Together they explore
Mom Burnout, Tired Dads, & the Soul Care Remedy
*This resource was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*
For followers of Jesus, soul care isn’t optional. For burned-out or overwhelmed parents, it offers a rare lifeline. In this podcast, Stacy Bellward chats with Connected Families certified parent c
BONUS: 5 Powerful Reasons to Press Play & Transform Lives
Have you thought of leading a small group through one of the Connected Families video courses? This episode will answer your questions.
Small groups help combat parental isolation and create supportive communities for lasting family transformation. Host Stacy Bellward discusses the opportunity to lead Connected Families small groups with guests Pam Thompson (Certified Parent Coach) and Jacquie
The Science Behind Building Unshakeable Kids
Dr. Nicole Wilke is back in this episode to explore another layer of building resilience in kids–affirming character development. Dr. Wilke shares practical wisdom on speaking healing words to our children and fostering resilience through appropriate levels of challenge and support. In addition, Stacy highlights how you can use the ABC’s of Affirmation tool to practice what the Bible and brain s
Your Marriage Isn't Broken: It's Growing
Got questions about marriage? Feeling like, “My marriage is broken”? Join Jim and Lynne Jackson as they candidly answer real questions about marriage from parents like you. They touch on everything from balancing time for one another with parenting to avoiding “parenting” your spouse and navigating your differences. Jim and Lynne share share their journey of learning to d
Why 'Kids Are Resilient' Is Only Half the Story
**Content warning: this podcast discusses mental health issues, including suicide.**
Whether you’re dealing with tantrums or teen anxiety, you won’t want to miss this honest, down-to-earth conversation with Josh and Rachel Keller (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) as they dive deep into the topic of building resilience in children. As therapists and educators, they share practica
Words That Shape Hearts: The Art of Blessing Your Kids
You won’t want to miss parent coaches Chad Hayenga and Katie Johnson exploring the meaningful practice of blessing your kids. They unpack what “blessing” meant throughout the Bible and what your heart needs to receive so that you can bless your children. And, of course, they offer plenty of ideas about when and how you can start practicing blessing your kids today.
Mentioned in this podcast:
The Power of Affirmation: 3 Ways Your Words are Life-Giving
Does your child get discouraged? Does it feel like your child’s misbehavior seems to drown out the positive things you might notice? There is science behind the power of affirmation. You can learn to shine a bright spot on the small things that go well and begin to unravel this cycle of discouragement in your child. And it will bring encouragement to you as a parent, too! In today’s podcast, Lyn
Rest for the Weary: Simple Spiritual Rhythms for Parents
In this episode, Connected Families staff discuss the scriptures and spiritual practices that have helped them stay connected to God in the past year. They also share their vision for the coming year and their commitment to providing “bite-sized” encouragement to overwhelmed parents. Listen in for a few simple ideas on staying centered on your Good Shepherd as you lead your family wi
3 Principles to Help Your Child Calm and Regulate
In this episode on calming for kids, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) talk with Stacy about what role parents play in helping their kids calm down. This conversation especially has sensitive or intense kids in mind, and the principles shared are paired with practical examples and stories from parents who’ve tested the ideas.
Beyond Obedience: One Mom's Journey from Desperation to Connection
In this podcast we chat with Danika Delello, who shares how desperate she was for help when dealing with her strong-willed child’s frequent, lengthy tantrums. She talks about switching her parenting mindset from an obedience-focused approach to one based on connection and grace through the Connected Families Framework. Danika relates how this shift allowed her to be present in a loving, affectio
Unwrapping Regret: Making Peace with a Parenting Fail
If you imagine your most recent parenting fail, do you cringe or just laugh? Do you wallow in shame or regret? Today, we’re talking with Dijea Young about moving beyond regret into hope. She shares experiences as a mom to 8, grandmother, and Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and explains helpful strategies for transforming regrets into opportunities, particularly during the holiday
Moving to the Same Side of the Table: A Father's Journey
In today’s episode, Connected Families Co-Founder Jim Jackson interviews Stephen Freeman, a father of five, who shares how Connected Families impacted his parenting approach. Through coaching and practical tools, Stephen learned to see challenging behaviors differently and developed a deeper understanding of both parenting and God as Father.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Parent Coaching
Give t
Better Parenting Starts Here: Reframing Negative Thoughts
If you’re not satisfied with what your parenting looks like today, maybe becoming a better mom or dad is more about reframing what you already do than finding new tips and tricks that “work” with your kids. In this episode, Connected Families Co-founders Jim and Lynne Jackson discuss the powerful practice of transforming discouraging mental “tapes” into grace-filled
Holiday Boundaries & Expectations with Family
Wondering how you can set holiday boundaries and expectations for family gatherings? 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, other adults in your family may scrutinize th
