Connected Families Podcast

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 truth: parents grow faster when they’re not parenting alone. The cf community is designed to be that “people in your corner” space. A faith-anchored, research-informed gathering place where parents can slow down, reflect, ask hard questions, and celebrate small wins alongside a coach and like-minded community. Stacy and Katie walk through what’s inside, who it’s for, and the deep biblical why behind this new chapter of the ministry. Whether you’re a grandparent helping raise grandkids, a parent in a particularly hard season, or someone simply hungry to keep growing, this episode is an invitation to find a resting place for your parenting journey. Key Takeaways: Growth happens in community, not isolation.  Learn about what’s inside the cf community! Join others from around the world. <iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscree

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 Ministry Partnership Program inside their own churches. They pull back the curtain on what it really looks like when a church goes “all in” on equipping parents, the surprising cultural shifts that happen, and the simple first steps any ministry leader can take. Whether you’re a parent who wishes your church offered something deeper, a children’s ministry director hungry for trusted resources, or a school administrator searching for a unifying framework, this conversation will give you both the vision and the practical roadmap. Press play and discover how your church or school can become a place where families don’t just survive parenting, they thrive through it. Key Takeaways: Every church needs a parenting champion. Transformation starts with one person willing to step up Consistency beats one-off events The Connected Families Framework™ works across every context. Churches, schools, foster/adoptive agencies, counseling centers, and even equine ther

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 therapist Heidi Mortenson to unpack what the mental load actually is, why it’s often rooted in lies rather than tasks, and how inviting Jesus into those quiet, exhausting spaces can change everything. Heidi shares her personal journey of surrender and how the Holy Spirit transformed her marriage, her work, and her parenting. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, an ordinary Tuesday, or 11 pm and you can’t sleep, this episode is a warm encouragement for every mom carrying more than she was meant to carry. In this episode, you’ll discover: What the mental load of motherhood really is, and why it’s often lies, not just tasks How thoughts fuel feelings and behaviors (and how the Holy Spirit breaks the cycle) Why speaking God’s truth out loud actually builds new neural pathways The Numbers 6 picture that changes how you see yourself as a mom One question to ask when your brain won’t stop spinning <iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" style="width:100%;max-wid

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 yourself or simply want to love foster families well. Key Takeaways: Trauma reshapes the brain. Regulated parents create safety for dysregulated children Foster families thrive when their community refuses to look away Following Jesus leads us toward discomfort, not away Mentioned in this Podcast: Ebook – What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity https://www.instagram.com/fosterthefamilyblog/ https://www.fosterthefamily.org/ https://www.filledretreat.com/ https://www.filledtogether.com/ <a href="https://

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 start for the whole family. You’ll walk away encouraged to meet your child with grace, compassion, and understanding, even on the hardest mornings. Key Takeaways: Morning meltdowns signal sensory overwhelm, not bad behavior. Simple, playful ideas for how to help your child regulate in the morning Ways to work with your child’s sensitivity and not against it. Mentioned in this Podcast:  <a href="https://connectedfamilies.org/morning-sensory-dysregulation/

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, hear real family stories, and discover how to help your child move from meltdown to meaningful conversations. Whether you’re parenting a toddler or a teen, you’ll walk away with fresh confidence and a toolkit of calming activities you can start using today. Key Takeaways: Self-regulation calms the body; emotional regulation processes the feelings Learn how movement helps to use up the fight or flight chemicals in the brain Modeling calming strategies is a great first step before inviting your child to join Learn tips for building self-regulation motivation in your child <h3 class="stk-b

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. Learn how you can respond with grace, empathy, and confidence. Key Takeaways:  Sensitivity is real, measurable, and valid  Curiosity opens doors empathy can walk through  Your calm presence regulates your child’s nervous system  Empathy reflects the heart of Jesus to your child  Intensity today can become purpose tomorrow Mentioned in this Podcast:  Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course <a href="https://connectedfamilies.org/strengths-and-weaknesses-childs-misb

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 day and then completely fall apart the moment they walk through your door. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or just desperate to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface of your child’s behavior, this episode offers the compassionate insight and practical perspective you’ve been looking for. Key Takeaways: Anxiety often hides behind anger. Connection calms a stressed nervous system. Small triggers carry big invisible weight Compassion begins with understanding the “why” Mentioned in this Podcast: Sensitive & I

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: Asking yourself, “What’s going on in me?” can be a helpful question that can transform your parenting Extreme thinking, perfectionism, and catastrophizing are all unhelpful thought patterns that feed anxiety, not connection God’s truth transforms families from the inside out Mentioned in this Podcast: Build what comes next!  Book – Tired of Trying to Measure Up by Jeff VanVonderen <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012%3A34&version=NIV" ta

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: Your weaknesses can become your greatest parenting strength. Parenting surfaces the beliefs you didn’t know existed. Receive God’s grace first, then pass it on. You are loved far beyond your best behavior. Mentioned in this Podcast:  <ul

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; meetings build responsibility Fun snacks and games to help connection grow ‘Practice time’ prevents reactive ‘game-time’ chaos Kids can solve problems better than parents expect Mentioned in this Podcast: The Power of Questions Online Course Free Resource – Family Meeting PDF Connected Families Parent Coaching <a href="https://connectedfamili

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: Motivation can be complicated for all of us, because we are human Learn how building kids up in the short term can help with long-term goals of raising capable, responsible adults  Learn about the three pillars of self-directed motivation Mentioned in this Podcast:  The Power of Questions Online Course The Entitlement Fix Online Course Blog Post – Want to Know Your Child’s Strengths? Blog Post – Help! How On Earth Do I Get My Kids to Do Chores? Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! T

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: Motivation can be complicated for all of us, because we are human Learn how building kids up in the short term can help with long-term goals of raising capable, responsible adults  Learn about the three pillars of self-directed motivation Mentioned in this Podcast:  The Power of Questions Online Course The Entitlement Fix Online Course Blog Post – Want to Know Your Child’s Strengths? Blog Post – Help! How On Earth Do I Get My Kids to Do Chores? <div class="wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-47ab33c" data-block-id

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. Discover ways that family meetings don’t have to be boring How to start with fun to set a positive tone Learn how family meetings can help shift ownership of responsibilities to your kids Mentioned in this Podcast: The Power of Questions Online Course The Table Monthly Giving Program Family Meetings PDF 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</a

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: Scaffolding chores into small, manageable steps. Avoid using chores as consequences for misbehavior. Model and narrate tasks alongside your children. Celebrate incremental growth, not just perfect results. Mentioned in this Podcast: The Power of Questions Online Course <a href="https://community.connectedfamilies.org/product/homeschool-discipline/?_gl=1*13qxnfr*_gcl_au*MTE1MTI5MjQ0Mi4xNzYzNjU1NTczLjE5NzkxODA4MzQuMTc2Nzg5NTI0MC4xNzY3ODk1MjQw*_ga*MTI0ODIwOTI1MC4xNzQ3NjgyMzg3*_ga_0DHR2MLFYS*czE3Nz

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: The CF Intensive accelerates Framework growth through a hands-on, community deep-dive into Connected Families tools The CF Intensive is about depth, not crisis intervention Community transforms learning because growth happens together Mentioned in this Podcast: The CF Intensive – For One Person <a href="https://connected-families.mn.co/plans/1960909?bundle_token=bbd3f18f1eced5f84e000a9cc3e63fd4&utm_source=manual" targe

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: Announcing the partnership with Communio and Connected Families Learn about the background of Communio and the research study that reduced divorce rates in Jacksonville, FL Discover the impact marriage has on multi-generational church attendance Hear how growing in parenting skills can complement our spiritual growth <div class="wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-c708a1a" id="mentioned-in-this-podcast" data-block-id=

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 before you correct, try stepping into your child’s shoes with playfulness  Build the value of reconciliation in a way that they feel good about Mentioned in this Podcast:  The Power of Questions online course Sensitive & Intense Kids online course  Blog Post – Your Child Laughs When in Trouble? How to Build Wisdom, Not Shame <a

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: Starting with calm and security in your own heart first Create space for your child’s emotions Learn how curiosity helps when your child feels unsafe Pointing your kids to faith and hope in God’s plan in the midst of painful sin Mentioned in this Podcast: Episode 124 | Empowering Your Differently-Wired Child Psalm 46:1 Jeremiah 19:5 Thursday Parenting Tips Emails – Sign up now! Check out our website for

¡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: Marco de referencia para una familia conectada Blog Post: 3 señales de consecuencias poco útiles y que hacer al respecto. 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!* .stk-952587e {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}<div class="stk-block-call-to-action__content stk-content-align s

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: Understanding the God-given strengths of parents who lean toward the top of the Connected Families Framework™ Rethinking immediate obedience Living out loud and setting an example for your children Pitfalls of high-demand and low-compassion parenting Practical tools for getting unstuck and finding balance in your parenting Mentioned in this Podcast: Katie Wetsell – Connected Families Certified Parent Coach  Free Parenting Assessment PDF Blog Po

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: How our parenting defaults can actually come from God-given gifts What does it look like to get stuck at the bottom of the Framework: Am I too soft? How balance helps kids build wisdom and resilience in their long-term relationships Concrete examples you can use to add more firmness to your parenting Mentioned in this Podcast: Free Parenting Assessment Helpful Truths and Hurtful Beliefs PDF download <a hr

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 what getting stuck looks like Learn about the 4 messages of the Connected Families Framework and how it helps to move forward Learn how developing balance transforms the parent-child relationship Mentioned in this Podcast:  Free Parenting Assessment  My Child Refuses to Listen: A Compassionate Approach to PDA | Ep. 282 Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program <a href="https://www.bib

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: How the Connected Families Framework applies to parenting a sensitive or intense child Simple things you can do now to support your child Discover ways to shift your perspective and view your experience as a gift Mentioned in this Podcast: <ul cla

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: Ideas for family rhythms for year-end reflection Connected Families highlights from 2025 Looking forward to 2026 Mentioned in this Podcast: The Heart of Jesus, Dan Orland Book Connected Families Impact Stories Donate to Connected Families <li

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: How and what the Connected Families Framework has looked like in their marriage Learning that Jesus is our “report card” What it looks like to keep the connection alive in marriage and in parenting How gifts gone awry and “Foundation” messages impacted their working careers Mentioned in this Podcast: Genesis 12:1-3 Book mentioned – Connecting: Healing Ourselves and Our Relationships by Dr. Larry Crabb</a

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 family members before redirecting their approaches Confident responses to practice in advance How to equip your kids with truth before the gathering Mentioned in this Podcast: Blog – How to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice from Family (4 Grace-Filled Tips) PDF – Scripts for Unsolicited Advice  Holiday Family Stress? How to Actually Enjoy Family Gatherings | Ep.

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: Staying light even in hard times can transform your love into enduring like Discover how parents turning their hearts to their children influences generations How connection grew from an idea to taking root in Dave Scouler’s family over time Connection is the springboard into authentic discipleship Mentioned in this Podcast: When Parenting Styles Differ: Finding Unity with Your Strong-Willed Child | Ep. 277 <a href="h

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: What it initially looked like for Jay and Debi to approach parenting with two completely different styles Learn how Connected Families tools help parents to develop a common parenting language and a path forward to model reconciliation after they have had an imperfect parenting moment Impact on their daughters in the present God’s grace grows with your family Mentioned in this Podcast: <a href="https://community.connectedfamilies.org/product/framework-magnet/?_gl=1*1nosk16*_gcl_au*MTE1MTI5MjQ0Mi4xNzYzNjU1NTcz*_ga*MTI0ODIwOTI1MC4xNzQ3NjgyMzg

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: Develop empathy for common behavior challenges for kids during the holidays Uncover the good news in all of the chaos Learn about the positive behavior and identity-building tool: ABCs of Affirmation Mentioned in this Podcast: Blog Post – 3 Steps to Prepare Kids for Holiday Family Gatherings <a href="https://co

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: How the importance of identity starts at a young age Learn how recentering on our identity in Christ is central to the Connected Families tool, Trash, Truth, or Treasure Learn nine biblical names to replace the lies kids (and adults) hear every day about themselves Mentioned in this Podcast: <a href="https://community.connectedfamilies.org/product/mean-words-hurt/?_gl=1*9kkipf*_gcl_au*MTMyN

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: Hear how Katrina used basketball to teach Trash, Truth, Treasure, with no lectures, just fun! Teaching kids to find the kernel of truth in criticism, without shame, builds humility and resilience. Discover how this tool gives kids an instant filter to process what they hear and choose what they believe. Mentioned in this Podcast: <a href="https://community.connectedfamilies.org/product/mean-words-hurt/?_gl=1*9kkipf*_gcl_au*MTMyNzUzMjkxMy4xNzU1NzkzMTYzLjE5MjM0NTA4MDguMTc2MTI0OTkzNC4xNzYxMjQ5OTM0*_ga*MTI0ODIwOTI1MC4xNzQ3NjgyMzg3*_ga_0D

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: How a simple Bible verse about “fluttering sparrows” became a framework helping thousands of families combat lies and anxiety Why brain science and biblical truth work together to help kids discern what’s true Practical ways to teach your child to recognize Hurtful Trash, Helpful Truth, and Heart-Filling Treasure Real stories from counse

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:

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: Transformation starts with parents’ hearts first

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. <iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px;" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grandparents-raising-grandchildren-grace-and/id1464953082?i=10007

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. <iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px;" sandbox="allow-forms allow-po

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. <div class="wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-head

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 encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidde

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: Great parenting isn’t about controlling behavior; it’s about building God’s wisdom Model your own process of calming down Share your struggles, failures, and growth openly with your children. Model Humility When You Mess Up Identify Godly strengths your children have learned from watching you, and intentionally do more of what’s already going well <iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *;

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: Keep a Connected Families Framework magnet handy. It never hurts. 🙂 If you have been feeling the nudge to join the mission to equip more families, join the Ta

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. <div class="w

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. <iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px;" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podc

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 encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px;" sandbox="allow-forms a

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. <iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px;" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allo

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. <iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px;" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-simple-qu

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. <div class="wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2bd

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. <div class="wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-

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.” <div class="wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-a

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. <div class="wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk