Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Connected Families Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Is Parenting So Hard? Finding Grace and Truth in the Struggle | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:22:48 | |
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 toxic, lie-based thinking. Learn how to overcome them and transform your home. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents, encouraging and bringing hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to equip parents and caregivers better. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy. © 2026 Connected Families | |||
| From Feeling Like a Bad Mom to Deeply Loved | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:27:13 | |
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 crushing lie for a grace-filled truth that transformed her parenting. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like a bad mom or like you’re just not enough, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Laura Way serves as the host for The Table, Connected Families’ monthly donor program, and as the Content Manager. She first found Connected Families as a young discouraged mom, living overseas with her family from 2014-2019. She lives with her husband, Aubrey, and their two vibrant and Sensitive and Intense daughters in Orlando, FL. © 2026 Connected Families | |||
| Family Meetings for Kids: A Weekly Habit That Builds Family Teamwork | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:35:13 | |
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:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Alan and Corrie have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches and 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. © 2026 Connected Families Less arguing. More wisdom.That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 https://connectedfamilies.org/courses/questions/ | |||
| How to Motivate Children: What the Research Says | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:13:55 | |
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 nurse turned Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, to explore the brain science and research behind growing responsibility in children. Learn some practical, grace-filled tools you can start using today! Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach © 2026 Connected Families Less arguing. More wisdom.That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 https://connectedfamilies.org/courses/questions/ | |||
| How to Start Family Meetings Your Kids Won't Want to Miss | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:18:58 | |
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, meaningful gatherings that build teamwork, grow responsibility, and deepen your family’s sense of purpose.
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! © 2026 Connected Families Less arguing. More wisdom.That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 https://connectedfamilies.org/courses/questions/ | |||
| Teaching Kids Responsibility Without Nagging and Frustration | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:37:36 | |
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 grace-filled wisdom for navigating teaching kids responsibility. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:As a former teacher turned homeschool mom with a sensitive & intense child, Katie Johnson came to Connected Families at the end of her rope. As a CF coach, she now helps struggling families adopt a whole-Bible, whole-brain approach for Christ-centered transformation. She loves providing practical tools to help families apply the CF framework to their unique situations. Katie lives in Madison, WI, with her husband, three young kids, a dog, and three chickens. Katie holds a Master’s in Education and has a special passion for supporting families with toddlers. Marni Love is a former public school teacher who has been a home educator for 14 years. She is a Homeschool Mentor, a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, and an instructor for CF coaches-in-training. 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. © 2026 Connected Families Less arguing. More wisdom.That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 https://connectedfamilies.org/courses/questions/ | |||
| A Parent Training Program that Meets You Where You Are | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:12:48 | |
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 using tools from the Connected Families Framework™. Is this for you? Listen to find out… Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Chad Hayenga joined Connected Families in 2005. He is married to Carma and has three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chad oversees coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide. © 2026 Connected Families | |||
| Strengthening Families Through the Local Church: A Powerful New Partnership | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:29:04 | |
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’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America. J.P. shares his personal journey into family ministry, the compelling research behind Communio’s approach, and how this partnership will bring Connected Families’ parenting resources into churches across the country, equipping more families with biblical, research-informed tools that transform families for generations. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:J.P. De Gance is the founder and president of Communio and co-author of “Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America.” He leads Communio’s work equipping pastors and churches with data-informed strategies to strengthen congregations through relational health. This approach has been proven through a $20 million initiative that reduced the divorce rate among a network of churches in Jacksonville by 24% between 2016 and 2018. Under his leadership, Communio earned the Heritage Foundation’s 2023 Innovation Prize for its groundbreaking research and church partnerships. J.P. is a husband and father, and lives in Virginia with his wife and 8 children. © 2026 Connected Families Helping Families ThriveOur parenting workshops equip parents in your community with practical tools and biblical wisdom for every stage of parenting. Book a Workshop | |||
| The Surprising Reason Kids Laugh When in Trouble | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:13:47 | |
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:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! © 2026 Connected Families 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. https://connectedfamilies.org/courses/sensitive-intense-kids/ | |||
| BONUS Episode | Help Your Child Feel Safe Through Scary Events | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:43:52 | |
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 Jody’s clinical expertise in trauma, this episode offers grace-filled guidance for parents walking alongside children through difficult circumstances. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! 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. © 2026 Connected Families | |||
| Consecuencias: ¿Castigar o Restaurar? | 02 Feb 2026 | ||
¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de una de las diferentes formas en las que como padres usamos las consecuencias en la crianza. A través de sus historias reales te sentirás inspirado a usar las consecuencias como medio de restauración y vehículo de paz para tu familia. Temas mencionados en este podcast:
Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza. ¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos! *Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!* ¿Necesita un recordatorio?Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios. Comprar el Imán Acerca de Esther:Esther Reich es Asesora de Crianza Certificada por Connected Families. Ella es enfermera profesional especializada en asesoría de lactancia materna y ella y su esposo, Roberto, tienen tres hijos y sirven como misioneros con Serge en Guatemala desde 2018. A través de enfrentar retos en la crianza de sus hijos acudieron a Connected Families para recibir coaching/apoyo. El apoyo que recibieron de Chad Hayenga y de Lynne Jackson les ayudó a ver cambios significativos en ellos mismos y en sus hijos. Todavía hay mucho espacio para crecer como familia, pero la diferencia de antes y después de la intervención de Connected Families es significativa. Además de servir con otros ministerios en Guatemala (Sigo Vivo y Servant Harts), apoyan a padres e iglesias a través de talleres y coaching/apoyo individual para los que enfrentan retos en su crianza de sus hijos incluyendo los que son muy sensibles o intensos. El correo de Esther es esther.e.cummings@gmail.com Acerca de Luisa:Luisa Wendt es Asesora de Crianza certificada por Connected Families nació en Bogotá, Colombia y vive en Iowa con su familia. Luisa y su esposo Jarrett tienen seis hijos, tres en el cielo y tres en la tierra. Dos de sus hermosos hijos llegaron a su familia a través de la adopción. Durante un momento muy complejo en la crianza Connected Families los asesoró y continua asesorandolos y guiandolos en el camino de una crianza basada en la gracia de Dios y la confianza y conexión con sus hijos. Jarrett y Luisa tienen un ministerio que se llama Built on Rock Parent Coaching que nació con el gran deseo de compartir esas enseñanzas con tantas familias como sea posible. Te invitamos a seguir su canal de YouTube, donde todos sus videos tienen subtítulos en español: https://www.youtube.com/@builtonrockparentcoaching Para más información acerca de su historia, ministerio y unas lindas fotos de su familia pueden visitar su página de internet: www.builtonrockparentcoaching.org. En este momento toda la información se encuentra en ingles pero si desean contactarlos para más información o asesorías de crianza en español pueden escribirles a jarrettandluisa@builtonrock.org © 2026 Connected Families Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent! GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW! | |||
| Moving Beyond Strict Parenting: Balancing Boundaries and Connection | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:29:41 | |
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 steps. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach. © 2025 Connected Families Dare to dream of peace again.It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN. CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH | |||
| Kind and Firm: Setting Boundaries with Kids | Ep. 284 | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:31:27 | |
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 Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, to encourage you to be kind and firm. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach. © 2025 Connected Families Dare to dream of peace again.It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN. CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH | |||
| Don’t Stay Stuck: Hopeful Change in Your Default Parenting Habits | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:32:41 | |
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:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Lori Menikheim is a wife, mom of two strong-willed teenage girls, and Kids Ministry leader with over 15 years of experience. When she discovered Connected Families, she finally found the language, tools, and hope to parent well and lead ministry well. Now she loves connecting with parents and ministry leaders who want to partner with God in reaching the next generation. © 2025 Connected Families 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! Parent with ConfidenceDiscipline with Love Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . REGISTER NOW! | |||
| My Child Refuses to Listen: A Compassionate Approach to PDA | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:36:03 | |
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, hear from Connected Families Content Manager, Laura Way, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and homeschooling mom, Lydia Rex, as they unpack PDA. Learn how to partner with your child through these challenging moments, using a graceful approach and practical tools from the Connected Families Framework. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! 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 the challenges of parenting, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents through 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. Laura Way felt like she was drowning as a young mom overseas. She thinks that God provided Connected Families for her when she needed it most. She’s thrilled to be on the team, offering hope & help to others! Laura and her husband live in Florida with their two elementary-aged daughters. In her free time, Laura loves to read in her hammock or have coffee with friends. © 2025 Connected Families Dare to dream of peace again.It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN. CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH | |||
| Behind the Scenes: Intentional Parenting in 2026 and Beyond! | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:32:52 | |
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 practical ideas you can try with your own family. Whether you’re curious about what’s next for Connected Families or looking for fresh ways to close out the year together, this episode has something for you. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Joe Dewey is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. He has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and has served in full-time ministry with Cru in Leader Development and Human Resources since 2010. He has been a certified life coach since 2017. These experiences and more have molded him to lead with solutions. Whether it comes to ministry or parenting, he finds clarity in the midst of complexity, providing win-win solutions. Chad Hayenga joined Connected Families in 2005. He is married to Carma and has three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chad oversees coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide. © 2025 Connected Families | |||
| Blessed to Be a Blessing: Marriage, Parenting & Legacy | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:25:27 | |
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 adult children. If you’re wondering whether this stuff really helps in the long term, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Jim and Lynne Jackson are the Co-Founders of Connected Families in Plymouth, MN. With over 50 combined years of professionally helping families and a love for working in the church, Jim and Lynne have been dedicated to bringing reliable, God-centered, research-based parenting resources to all families since 2002. © 2025 Connected Families | |||
| Surviving the "Helpful" Advice at Holiday Gatherings | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:14:32 | |
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:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! © 2025 Connected Families | |||
| Loving (and Liking) My Kids for a Lifetime | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:28:03 | |
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 relationships over time, like a compass redirecting him back to loving his kids well and what’s most important when life gets off center. Learn how connection becomes the pathway toward true discipleship and godly influence. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Dave Scouler has been married for over 30 years and has two amazing boys who joined their family through adoption from Russia. He has been a champion of Connected Families since its founding. Dave has worked in a diverse set of consulting environments and has over 40 years of experience helping clients respond to changing realities. He has served on multiple non-profit Boards and gets excited when given the chance to think strategically. When he is not working, he enjoys working on projects with his boys, being with his four dogs, swimming, and sailing. © 2025 Connected Families | |||
| When Parenting Styles Differ: Finding Unity with Your Strong-Willed Child | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:30:17 | |
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 down with longtime friends of Connected Families, Jay and Debi Allsup, to encourage families with their experience with their own adult daughters. They remind us that our kids’ biggest challenges now can become their greatest assets when they are older! Yes… even the “strong-willed” child! Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Jay and Debi Allsup are long-time friends of Connected Families and were part of the original board. Jay serves business leaders with his financial acumen and deep Biblical insights, providing a unique perspective to companies and nonprofit organizations that leads them to fiscally responsible decisions and managed growth. Debi works as a Director of HR at a national community-based support services company. © 2025 Connected Families | |||
| Holiday Family Stress? How to Actually Enjoy Family Gatherings | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:13:48 | |
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 kids up for success at your next holiday gathering! Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents to encourage and bring hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to better equip parents and caregivers. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy. © 2025 Connected Families | |||
| Teaching Kids Their True Identity in Christ with Hosanna Wong | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:26:35 | |
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 parents equip their children to reject lies and embrace their God-given identity. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist helping everyday people know Jesus for real. Widely known for her spoken-word piece, “I Have A New Name,” Hosanna shares her message in churches, conferences, prisons, and other events around the world, reaching across various denominations, backgrounds, and cultures. Born and raised in an urban ministry on the streets of San Francisco, Hosanna later packed her life into suitcases and traveled to churches and other ministries throughout the United States to share about Jesus through spoken word poetry. Hosanna currently travels and speaks year-round, serving on teaching teams at churches throughout the United States. She and her husband, Guy, serve together in various ministries equipping people with tools to share the gospel of Jesus in today’s world. Hosanna is the best-selling author of How (Not) to Save the World, You Are More Than You’ve Been Told, and her new book, What God Says About You, is her first children’s book. © 2025 Connected Families Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessonsWhen harsh words hurt your child, what do you say? This mini-course gives you practical tools to turn these everyday moments into powerful opportunities for spiritual and relational growth. Your kids will learn to discard hurtful lies, discern helpful truth, and anchor themselves in God’s love when things get hard. https://community.connectedfamilies.org/product/mean-words-hurt | |||
| Handling Criticism In A God Honoring Way: A Game-Changing Tool | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:24:50 | |
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 evaluating words they hear and speak. This conversation highlights how asking thoughtful questions and modeling vulnerability helps kids transform harsh statements into grace-filled responses. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:As a mom of four boys, Katrina Baros discovered the transformative power of grace-based parenting through her own coaching journey. Now, as a certified Connected Families parent coach with 13 years of parenting experience and a degree in early and elementary childhood education, she helps families shift from behavior modification to heart transformation. She walks alongside parents through their challenges, pointing them toward the grace that changes everything. © 2025 Connected Families Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessonsWhen harsh words hurt your child, what do you say? This mini-course gives you practical tools to turn these everyday moments into powerful opportunities for spiritual and relational growth. Your kids will learn to discard hurtful lies, discern helpful truth, and anchor themselves in God’s love when things get hard. https://community.connectedfamilies.org/product/mean-words-hurt | |||
| Teaching Kids to Deal with Mean Words and Hurtful Comments | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:35:08 | |
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 truth rather than the lies they hear. Join Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson, along with therapists and Certified Parent Coaches Vicky Wieben and Marlee Thomsen, as they share the story behind this tool and offer practical ways to use it in your everyday life. Key Takeaways:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Marlee Thomsen – Marlee Thomsen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach at Cornerstone Counseling and Wellness. She specializes in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate anxiety and other disorders. She uses a variety of therapies and other evidence-based approaches. Marlee is passionate about involving parents in their child’s healing journey and offers parenting support using the Connected Families Framework to equip families for lasting transformation. Connect with Marlee here. Vicky Wieben – Vicky Wieben is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who brings 20 years of social services experience to her work with children, adolescents, and families. She co-founded Bright Light Counseling with her husband Matt in 2020, where she uses a compassionate, holistic approach that incorporates multiple therapies. When she’s not in the therapy office, Vicky enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, reading, and connecting with nature. Connect with Vicky on Facebook. © 2025 Connected Families Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessonsWhen harsh words hurt your child, what do you say? This mini-course gives you practical tools to turn these everyday moments into powerful opportunities for spiritual and relational growth. Your kids will learn to discard hurtful lies, discern helpful truth, and anchor themselves in God’s love when things get hard. https://community.connectedfamilies.org/product/mean-words-hurt | |||
| Parenting Adopted Children: Building Safety and Connection After Trauma | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:31:41 | |
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 provides exactly what they need to cultivate Christ-like love and deep connection in their homes. The Framework’s emphasis on helping parents grow in self-awareness while responding to their children’s needs with grace and truth has proven especially valuable for families navigating the complexities of adoption. Join host Stacy Bellward as she chats with Cindy Wilson, Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager at Connected Families, and Sara Wilson Worley from Lifeline Children’s Services about adoption, faith, and building Connected Families. Key Points:
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast 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! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio:Sara Wilson Worley is originally from Florence, Alabama. She currently serves as the Regional Program Manager for the Asia Team at Lifeline Children’s Services. Sara attended the University of North Alabama and received her Bachelor’s in social work. She has two Master’s degrees in Church and Community Ministries and Social Work. Sara loves to read and has many hobbies (i.e., kayaking, antiquing, and watching soccer). © 2025 Connected Families | |||
| Grace-Based Parenting: A Changed Mind | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:07:29 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast:In this final episode of our October campaign, Matt and Lauren Bishop share how they went from being unconvinced about grace-based parenting to passionate advocates. Listen in to see how God used these biblical principles to change not just their children’s behavior but also the parents’ hearts. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Grandparents raising grandchildren can present unique challenges. Listen to this episode from yesterday that shows the Christ transformation one grandma experienced through showing unconditional love to her grandson: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Story of Grace and Transformation | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Grace and Transformation | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:11:58 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :In this touching episode, a grandmother’s transformative journey is highlighted. Grandparents raising grandchildren can present unique challenges. Listen as she learns to parent her teenage grandson after suddenly gaining guardianship. With time, she discovers that changing her own perspective from viewing her Grandson as a problem to seeing him through God’s eyes revolutionizes their relationship. Her creative use of a childhood mailbox to communicate affirming messages demonstrates the power of intentional love and grace in healing broken family dynamics. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? It can take us aback when our children show obvious signs of disrespect. Chad Hayenga offers a new perspective in his reading of “Don’t Settle for Fake Respect,” in yesterday’s podcast: Guiding Disrespectful Kids: Eye Rolling, Door Slamming & Sass | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Guiding Disrespectful Kids: Eye Rolling, Door Slamming & Sass | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:13:37 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :In today’s episode, Chad Hayenga, Connected Families Director of Education and Equipping, joins us to encourage parents to reframe their thinking about disrespectful kids. Instead of demanding compliance, he encourages parents to respond with curiosity, asking what’s really happening in their child’s heart. This grace-filled approach builds genuine respect while still maintaining clear boundaries. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? We only have a few days left of our special October campaign. Don’t miss Stacy Bellward’s testimony of how God has helped her move away from fear and control in her parenting in When Your Kids’ Choices Scare You | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| When Your Kids' Choices Scare You | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:11:57 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast:Today, we’re talking about the top of the Connected Families Framework, Correct. This level communicates the message: “You are responsible for your actions.” As our kids get older, their choices can sometimes scare us because they could cause long-term damage. Host, Stacy Bellward, tells her story of how wrestling with that fear led her to discover truths about God’s character that freed her from parenting out of anxiety and control. That belief changed her parenting, and you’ll hear that in today’s story. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Have you ever wondered how you will find time for calm when there’s always chaos? Check out what Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches, Alan and Corrie Thetford, have to say about that question in: Parenting in the Chaos: When There’s No Time to Be Calm [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Parenting in the Chaos: When There's No Time to Be Calm | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:14:52 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :In this Q&A mini-episode, our host Stacy is joined by Connected Families Parent Coaches & Workshop Speakers, Alan and Corrie Thetford, to answer real questions from parents just like you. With four kids of their own, the Thetfords bring both professional expertise and lived experience to two common parenting challenges: managing multiple young children and addressing persistent behaviors. Key Takeaways:
Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community – Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here. Mentioned Today:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?
See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Parenting with Grace, Modeling Humility, and Transforming Your Family | 25 Oct 2025 | 00:11:43 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :Connected Families co-founder, Jim Jackson, is back in this mini-episode, encouraging parents to view parenting from a new perspective! Being a better parent isn’t about getting kids just to behave; it’s about building God’s wisdom in ourselves and in them. Get challenged to embrace your calling as an everyday superhero who models faith, humility, and grace. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Host Stacy Bellward shares a personal story when her daughters were late for a birthday party. Hear how do-overs saved the day in From Morning Chaos to Peaceful Dressing: How It Ended Well | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| From Morning Chaos to Peaceful Dressing: How It Ended Well | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:14:07 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :In this vulnerable episode, host Stacy Bellward shares a real, messy parenting moment from years ago when she had to use do-overs and the Connected Families Framework to reset with one of her daughters. It all started when everybody was late to a birthday party. She shares her story in the spirit of our theme: Not Perfect, Still Super. Every Family a Hero—and she shares it to show you how using the CF parenting framework can look in a real-life messy situation. Parenting transformation isn’t a quick sailboat turn but a long game of being humble and inviting Jesus into the messes. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Hear how one family made space for all levels of the Connected Families Framework when they navigated an issue with their teenage daughter’s device in: Device Issue: How God Used it to Draw One Family Closer. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Device Issue: How God Used it to Draw One Family Closer | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:13:22 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :When the Caswell family discovered an issue with their daughter’s phone, they faced a choice: react with their first instinct or respond guided by the Connected Families Parenting Framework they’d been learning through the book and video course. With support from a parent coach, they created a safe space for an honest conversation that led to restoration instead of rupture. Hear from both parents AND their daughter in this rare, real-life example of how discipline can connect rather than divide. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Punishment of natural impact? Learn the difference in Natural Impacts: Teaching Kids Responsibility Without Nagging. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Natural Impacts: Teaching Kids Responsibility Without Nagging | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:14:48 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :Discover the transformative difference between a goal of punishment and restoration in this episode featuring Jim and Lynne Jackson from the Discipline That Connects With Your Childs Heart course. Learn how natural impacts like letting a child experience the consequences of forgotten homework without adding parental punishment teach responsibility far more effectively than nagging or arbitrary consequences. This grace-filled, biblical approach shifts the parenting goal from punishing bad behavior to restoring relationships and empowering kids to make things right. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Did you miss it? Last week, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, Laura Zach shares practical wisdom for parents navigating the push-pull dynamic with a kid who asks for help but then resists it. Listen in Why Does My Child Ask for Help Then Get Mad? | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Why Does My Child Ask for Help Then Get Mad? | 19 Oct 2025 | 00:12:54 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :Does your child ask for help with homework, sports, or other activities—only to push back or get frustrated when you offer it? You’re not alone! In this Q&A episode, host Stacy Bellward welcomes Connected Families Certified Parent Coach & Workshop Speaker Laura Zach to answer this common parenting challenge. Laura shares practical wisdom for parents navigating the push-pull dynamic with an 11-year-old who asks for help but then resists it. You’ll learn to identify the “gift gone awry” in your child, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and discover grace-filled approaches to build connection and coach your child toward growth. Key Takeaways:
Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community – Are you ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here. Mentioned Today:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Did you know that rewarding kids can actually be a helpful tool when you’re asking the right question, learn more about this in: Should You Reward Kids? 9 Wisdom-Filled Guidelines | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Should You Reward Kids? 9 Wisdom-Filled Guidelines | 18 Oct 2025 | 00:15:02 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :Today’s mini episode is the audio version of a blog post we created as a guide to help you think through the question, “Should you reward your kids?” It’s the age-old question: Should I pay the kids to do house chores? Let’s be honest – we’ve all been there, wondering if we’re brilliantly motivating our kids or just straight-up bribing them. Turns out, rewards can actually be effective tools when you’re asking the right question, but they can totally backfire when your kid cares more about earning screen time than actually learning to be helpful. Host Stacy Bellward walks through nine super practical, research-backed tips that’ll help you use rewards in ways that actually build character. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Learn how noticing what’s going partly right can change the entire culture of your home in One Simple Question That Rewires Everyone’s Brains Toward Connection | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| One Simple Question That Rewires Everyone's Brains Toward Connection | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:15:24 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :Discover the transformative power of “Bright Spots!” A simple parenting strategy that shifts your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going partly right. In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Carly, who went from ski slope meltdowns to conquering her fears, plus host Stacy’s personal journey of learning to see what her middle school girls HAD cleaned in the kitchen instead of fixating on the one dirty fork left behind. This shift transformed their relationship and built an “I can do this” attitude in her daughters. Plus, learn how you can become a changemaker this October by equipping struggling families around the world with these life-changing tools. Key Takeaway:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Ever wonder if it’s too late to connect with your teenage child? It’s not! In Christ, there’s always hope! Listen to one mom tell her story in: Connection with Teens: It’s Never Too Late | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Connection with Teens: It’s Never Too Late | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:16:39 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :Ever wonder if you’ve already blown it as a parent? Spoiler alert: you haven’t. In this episode, Lynne Jackson drops truth bombs about how God’s grace for YOU is the secret sauce to raising wise kids (hint: it’s not about being perfect). Then Laura Zach shares her own story of going from daily door-slams and zero conversations with her teen daughter to actually laughing together, yes, really laughing. Whether your kids are in diapers or driving cars, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here. In Case You Missed It:
See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Dirty Dishes and Disrespect: One Mom's Story of Growth and Connection | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:14:25 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :What happens when your child explodes over a simple stack of dishes? For Lydia Rex, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and mom, it became a powerful opportunity to use the parenting framework. Lydia reflected, “Real life is messy. It’s not linear. And that’s okay. God is at work in all of that.” In this mini-episode of the Connected Families podcast, Lydia shares an honest, messy, and ultimately beautiful story about applying the Connected Families Framework in real time. Her experience reminds us that effective parenting isn’t about following a perfect formula—it’s about walking in God’s grace and truth. Key Takeaway:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Identifying their child’s God-given gift in misbehavior has transformed many parents’ approach to parenting during challenging behavior moments. Listen to Jim and Lynne teach about the Gift Gone Awry in: Identifying Child Strengths: Finding God’s Gifts in Your Kid | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Identifying Child Strengths: Finding God's Gifts in Your Kid | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:15:34 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :This episode is about identifying child strengths and recognizing the God-given gift hidden in their most frustrating misbehavior. In this teaching from our Discipline That Connects course, Jim and Lynne Jackson introduce the powerful concept of “Gifts Gone Awry,” showing parents how lying can reveal intelligence, arguing can signal courage to speak truth, and defiance often masks courage. When you learn to call out the gift instead of just correcting the behavior, you communicate to your child: “You are Called and Capable.” Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Got a strong-willed child? Parent Coach, Tara Prevo, helps parents come alongside their child as a teammate, celebrate creative problem-solving, and guide with empathy in Strong-Willed Child and Unconditional Love? Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Parents | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Strong-Willed Child and Unconditional Love? Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Parents | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:12:09 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :In this micro-episode, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach, Tara Prevo, address two common parenting challenges: 1) When a child says “You don’t love me,” and 2) The strong-willed child who rejects offered choices. Tara encourages parents to use misbehavior as an opportunity to demonstrate unconditional love and commit to the long game of grace-filled responses over time. Tara helps parents come alongside their child as a teammate, celebrate creative problem-solving, and guide with empathy. Key Takeaways:
Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community – Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here. Mentioned Today:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Connected Families founder Jim Jackson offers parents a powerful glimpse of graceful parenting in yesterday’s soul care message designed specifically for you, moms and dads: What Is Christian Discipline? A Peek At Graceful Parenting | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| What Is Christian Discipline? A Glimpse At Graceful Parenting | 11 Oct 2025 | 00:14:26 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥Ready to be the hero who brings hope to overwhelmed parents in your community? Today, will you join the Table Community, along with six others, and multiply your impact? Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast:In today’s mini-episode, Jim Jackson is filling in for Stacy and explores a powerful truth: you can only give grace to your kids if you’ve first received it yourself. He invites parents to imagine Jesus offering lavish mercy toward themselves instead of harsh condemnation. Jim reminds parents that the goal isn’t just behavior modification—it’s gentle restoration that transforms homes into places where grace flows freely, mistakes become opportunities for connection, and children experience God’s unconditional love through their parents. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? How to take the trek to the top of peaceful parenting mountain can seem like a mystery most days. Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response in this episode: Brain-Based Strategies: How to Help Kids Calm Down | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Brain-Based Strategies: How to Help Kids Calm Down | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:17:06 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast:Join host Stacy Bellward in week two of our October series, featuring bite-sized content from the signature Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. In this mini episode, Occupational Therapist Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response. Lynne explains why telling kids to “calm down” often backfires and demonstrates how parents can model effective self-regulation while building trust and connection. You’ll also hear from parents Viece & Johnny, who share their heart’s desire to be the place their children always want to come home to, even as adults. This episode equips you with tools you can use today while casting vision for the lifelong relationships these strategies can build. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Unconditional love can be so powerful, hear some ways that it can transform your family in Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God’s Unconditional Love. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God's Unconditional Love | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:12:03 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥Ready to be the hero who brings hope to overwhelmed parents in your community? Today, will you join the Table Community, along with six others, and multiply your impact? Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :In today’s episode, Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God’s Unconditional Love, we address the question: Do your kids truly understand that they’re loved unconditionally? As parents, we often take this for granted, assuming our children just understand this fundamental truth. Today’s episode is a powerful story about sixth-grader Mitch and his Corporate Executive Dad. Stacy Bellward, podcast host, reads this resource-filled blog post. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Leave us a rating, review, or comment and make our day – seriously, we read every single one! In Case You Missed It:Has your child ever had a meltdown over something small? Listen to this dad share his story in How to Handle Meltdowns: Grace-Based Approach. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| How to Handle Meltdowns: Grace-Based Approach | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:13:04 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :If your child melts down over seemingly nothing, and you wonder how to handle meltdowns, this episode is for you! Josh shares how he transitioned from frustration to curiosity during a meltdown with his teenage son. After completing our Discipline That Connects course, Josh had new tools he needed when his son got upset over a simple bowl. Instead of reacting with anger, he responded with grace, creating a sense of safety, love, and connection. His story shows the practical, real-world application of the Connected Families Framework in those challenging parenting moments we all face. We’re working to double the Table Community this month, which means we need six new superhero supporters every day to keep these life-changing resources available for overwhelmed parents everywhere. Josh’s transformation occurred because he had access to biblical, research-informed parenting tools through Discipline That Connects—and when you join The Table at connectedfamilies.org, you receive the same course, plus ongoing support through webinars, devotionals, and community. As Josh discovered, this framework can “so significantly impact your family for generations to come.” Will you join us in making that possible for more families? Key Takeaways:
Josh Keller is a certified Parent Coach through Connected Families and Spiritual Life Director at Community Christian School in Willmar, MN. After two decades in ministry, he’s passionate about helping families discover the transformative Connected Families framework that revolutionized his own parenting. Josh and his wife Rachel, have three kids and co-founded The Freedom Center MN. Mentioned Today:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think! In Case You Missed It:What if we could share unconditional love even during those challenging moments of discipline? Yesterday, we took a sneak peek at how we can do this in Discipline with Love: Showing Love When Your Child Acts Out. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Discipline with Love: Showing Love When Your Child Acts Out | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:12:32 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥Ready to be the hero who brings hope to overwhelmed parents in your community? Today, will you join the Table Community, along with six others, and multiply your impact? Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast :In this mini-episode, host Stacy Bellward shares a helpful 7-minute clip from Session 4 of Connected Families’ Discipline That Connects online course, where Jim and Lynne Jackson offer a perspective shift: misbehavior is actually an opportunity for unconditional love. Every parent knows the frustration of dealing with the same challenging behavior over and over—and how easy it is to unintentionally communicate “you’re a problem” when what we really want our kids to hear is “you are LOVED no matter what.” Drawing from Jesus’ example, Jim and Lynne share practical strategies for discipline with love, helping you show up in a way that keeps the connection going. Key Takeaways:
Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Leave us a rating, review, or comment and make our day – seriously, we read every single one! In Case You Missed It:Whatever you need right now, Jesus is enough—He is your peace in chaos, your strength in weakness, and your wisdom in uncertainty. Last week, we dove right into becoming a safe parent, discovering how one grandparent practices meeting the needs of the moment just as Jesus meets us in ours, in Parent-Child Connection: From Shutdown to Safety. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Parent Child Connection: From Shutdown to Safety | [Mini-Episode] | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:16:25 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only!💥 What do you do when your child resists eye contact when trying to engage in conversations about their behavior? In this mini-episode, Parent Coach Laurie Shaffer offers some suggestions for navigating parent child connection during these challenging encounters. She shares an honest moment she experienced with her 3-year-old granddaughter. In this episode, you’ll discover how she practiced connection and presence in the moment, ultimately empowering her granddaughter with helpful tools she could use next time. Key Takeaways:
Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here. Guest BioWith over 25 years in pastoral ministry alongside her husband, Laurie Shaffer has facilitated parenting classes and mentored moms through MOPS/MomCo groups. After raising three biological children, they began fostering and adopting. Connected Families became the answer to their prayers as they were now parenting children who had experienced trauma. Laurie is a Connected Families Workshop Speaker, based in Michigan. Mentioned Today:
Parenting with Grace is definitely a journey of discovery. Two moms share their journey of how transforming their own responses has impacted their homes in Parenting with Grace: Overcoming Shame and Anger [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Parenting with Grace: Overcoming Shame and Anger | [Mini-Episode] | 04 Oct 2025 | 00:12:39 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only!💥 Hear from two moms navigating the challenging parts of parenting. Clare shares her journey of learning to give herself grace and model it for her children. Ami opens up about confronting unexpected anger toward her young child. Through vulnerable storytelling, both moms share how transforming their own responses has become the key to creating lasting change in their families. They have discovered that effective discipline begins with looking inward rather than focusing solely on their kids’ behavior. Through this work, they have gained practical tools to break destructive patterns. Let’s hear their superhero stories! Key Takeaways
Ami Wickiser Clare Koens
As we continue our superhero month, don’t miss Katie Johnson’s real-life story of how a misplaced backpack turned into a moment of connection and growth. Listen here: Positive Discipline Examples: Handling A Lost Backpack | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Positive Discipline Examples: How One Mom Handled Her Child's Lost Backpack | [Mini-Episode] | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:12:58 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only!💥 What does a backpack have to do with parenting? Well… Katie Johnson, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, shares how her 6-year-old son’s misplaced camp backpack turned into a moment where the Connected Families parenting framework guided her. In today’s episode, listen in to discover how to intentionally apply this grace-filled approach to everyday moments, providing positive discipline examples that lead to lasting connections and growth in your family. Key Takeaways
As a former teacher turned homeschool mom with a sensitive & intense child, Katie Johnson came to Connected Families at the end of her rope. As a CF coach, she now helps struggling families adopt a whole-Bible, whole-brain approach for Christ-centered transformation. She loves providing practical tools to help families apply the CF framework to their unique situations. Katie lives in Madison, WI, with her husband, three young kids, a dog, and three chickens. Katie holds a Master’s in Education and has a special passion for supporting families with toddlers. Mentioned Today:
If you’re still learning the value of safe parenting, you’re not alone, and there’s always grace to learn. Hear how God showed one dad the value of safety in yesterday’s mini-episode: Learning from Parenting Mistakes: How God Taught One Dad the Value of Safety. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||
| Learning from Parenting Mistakes: How God Taught One Dad the Value of Safety | [Mini-Episode] | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:11:00 | |
Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! 💥 In today’s episode, Dr. Bo Bryson shares an incredible real-life superhero moment that will inspire every parent! Explore how parenting mistakes can profoundly impact our understanding of what it truly means to be a “safe place” for our children. This practical mini-episode will help you confidently communicate “you are safe with me” to your children at home. See how Dr. Bo’s commitment to being safe led to beautifully connected relationships years later —love the photo of their thriving family with kids who are now teenagers! Plus, learn why his transformation inspired him & his wife to become long-time monthly supporters, passionate about ensuring more families have access to the same life-changing parenting support they received. Key Takeaways:
Dr. Bo Bryson has owned Trinity Chiropractic for over 20 years and authored two books: Create a Trinity Lifestyle and Benefits of the Cross. A cum laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College, he received the Clinical Excellence award and holds a degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University. Dr. Bo lives in Lincoln, NE, with his wife Jennifer and their four children. His life verse is Joshua 1:8. Mentioned Today:
Ever wonder why discipline moments spiral out of control so quickly? Yesterday’s mini-episode will help shed some light on why this happens. Don’t miss it: The Neuroscience of Meltdowns: Kids’ Stress Response Explained [Mini-Episode] See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free!Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE! | |||