Connected Families Podcast

Hear how one Minnesota church partners with Connected Families for family ministry ideas that truly equip and support their families. In this episode about partnerships, Stacy Bellward (host) and Cindy Wilson (Connected Families Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager) are joined by special guests Justie Vavra and Megan Thorp to discover how the transformative Connected Families Framework is available to anyone to bring to their communities. If you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or ministry leader, listen in to learn how you can make an impact in your sphere of influence. Key Points: Summer church attendance exploded in Minnesota. What did they do? How high schoolers are applying the CF Framework with sensitive kids How one parent can impact the entire church culture Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families Certified Parent Coaching Program Connected Families Ministry Partnership Program Book: How to Grow a Connected Family by Jim and Lynne Jackson Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Book: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart by Jim and Lynne Jackson Sensitive and Intense Kids Online Course Grace and Truth for Parents Online Course Discipline That Connects in the Classroom Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! 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! Guest Bio: Megan Thorp:As a parent coach, Megan helps parents gain confidence and create homes where everyone feels valued and connected. She’ll equip you with skills to build lasting relationships with your kids and bring more peace and joy into your family. Megan has a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and is a Certified Parent Coach through Connected Families. She enjoys time with her husband and 3 kids. Connect with Megan at: megan@connectedfamilies.org or here. Connect with Megan at: megan@connectedfamilies.org or here. Justie Vavra:Justie Vavra is a devoted mother of three (ages 8, 10, and 11) and has been married to her husband Chris for 15 years. A former elementary school teacher, she now serves as Executive Pastor at Mercy Hill Church, which partners with Connected Families. Justie is passionate about guiding the next generation and nurturing connection and growth within her family and community through God’s grace and truth. © 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 Confidence Discipline with Love Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . REGISTER NOW!

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de una de las herramientas para entrenar a tus hijos. Esta herramienta te ayudará a tener ojos de fé en medio del mal comportamiento de tus hijos y encontrar los dones que Dios ha puesto en ellos. Temas mencionados en este podcast:  Marco de referencia para una familia conectada Gifts Gone Awry See all our Spanish Resources here! 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 © 2025 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!

Youth sports are shaping our kids’ lives in profound ways. Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, join us in today’s conversation to explore how parents can transform the youth sports experience into powerful discipleship moments that align with God’s design for our families. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just loves to play for fun, this conversation will equip you with biblical wisdom to help sports strengthen your kid’s character. Key points: Discover ways that the sports culture is discipling your kids Learn a game-changing mindset shift to love faithfully within the youth sports system Parents, get equipped with ideas for using youth sports as a mission for God Mentioned in this podcast: Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports Daniel 1:8-21 NIV Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! *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!* Guest Bio: Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. His latest book is Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife, Amy, have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio. Ed can be found at: X: @uszynski32 Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3 Brian Smith is the author of several books including his latest Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies from Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids. © 2025 Connected Families Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide. Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources. LEARN MORE

Back-to-school stress is a real thing! Lynne Jackson sits down with Certified Parent coaches, Jason and Jewelia Jacobs, to encourage us through this back-to-school season. Parents themselves, the Jacobs’ know firsthand the various stressors this season can bring to families. Packed with resources, this episode is one you’ll want to have your pen and paper ready for as they fill us with hope in communicating to our kids: “You are Safe, Loved, Called and Capable, and Responsible!” Key Takeaways: The Foundation Shift: How to cast our cares on the Lord and not our children The brain benefits of sleep and how Proverbs 27 can help us in the morning Discover how to equip your kids with their purpose during the school day Learn how to turn grades into character-building tools Mentioned in this podcast: Proverbs 27:14 Numbers 6:24-25 Psalm 127:2 Your Amazing Brain Book by Jessica Sinarski Connected Families Sleep Ebook – Transform Bedtime Struggles Into Nighttime Snuggles Episode 193 | Agape Love: The Surprising Time Your Child Needs It Most Podcast Episode Facing Mighty Fears About Being Apart From Parents by Dawn Huebner Blog Post: Help! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off At Daycare Episode 143 | Is your Child Crying at School or Daycare Drop-Off? Episode 239 | Back-to-School Transition Tips for Sensitive Children with Sarah Collins MSOT, OTR/L Children’s Key Information Form *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!* Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Parents of three girls, Jason and Jewelia Jacobs, found Connected Families after trying many other parenting approaches and resources. Jewelia brings a background working with families of children with special needs in both professional and ministry spaces. Jason is experienced in training and working with children, families, and teachers. They both work to bring grace and healing, while helping families lead with confidence and intentionality. © 2025 Connected Families Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide. Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources. LEARN MORE

In today’s podcast we offer many practical tools and back-to-school transition tips for sensitive children. Whether it’s you or one of your kids, we all know someone who has woken up on the “wrong side of the bed.” Hear from Stacy, our host, and Occupational Therapists Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, as you discover how to think through your daily rhythms in unique ways to help balance the sensory needs of your family this back-to-school season. Key Takeaways: Practical ideas to meet your kids’ unique morning needs How your kid’s backpack can become a regulation tool Ways that code words, chocolate, and swings can help you throughout the day Learn to navigate picky eating at dinner Mentioned in this podcast: Back-to-School Sensory Plan PDF Worksheet A Chameleon Tale: A Colorful, Sensory Story Book by Sarah Collins Connected Families Podcast Ep. 219 | From Quirky to Distressing: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities Sensitive & Intense Kids Course Morning Sensory Dysregulation Article Solve That After-School Crabbiness Article Picky, Picky! My Child Won’t Eat Anything But Junk Food Ebook Transform Bedtime Struggles Into Nighttime Snuggles Ebook Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs. Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! *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!* Guest Bio: Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist (OT) with a background in pediatrics and home health. She is also a homeschooling parent, and her company, Homeschool OT, was established in 2019. She focuses on helping parents make the match between the homeschool and their children’s current skill set, all while working toward what their children specifically need and want to do to occupy their time. She does this by consulting, teaching, building community, and communicating at conferences. 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 Do you have a child with EXTRA needs? Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder. The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos. LEARN MORE

In this exciting episode, we explore how Connected Families has evolved from a Minnesota-based ministry into a global parenting resource for families worldwide. Host Stacy Bellward, along with Chad Hayenga, Connected Families Education and Equipping Director, is “visiting” other countries to share with you the impact the Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches are having on a global scale. Listen in to hear the testimony of how grace-centered, gospel-focused parenting translates across cultures. Key Takeaways: The story behind an “accidental” global movement of Connected Families How an Ethiopian workshop drew 450 leaders Hear how our God is answering Finnish believers’ prayers for revival Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families Certified Parent Coaching Program Connected Families Workshop Speakers Connected Families Ministry Partnership Program Blog post: Culturally-Sensitive Biblical Parenting Resources Our Parent Hood podcast (Philippines) Family Life Canada Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs. Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! *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!* 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 parent coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide. © 2025 Connected Families Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide. Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources. LEARN MORE

Everybody needs conflict resolution skills, but it shows up particularly for kids during the summer when they’ve got more free time to hang out with siblings and neighbors. What does conflict resolution for kids look like? Today we’re welcoming back Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Nicole Gillette and Lyssa Stoyko to discuss how to view summer as an ideal opportunity to teach your kids conflict resolution skills. They walk us through the practical, four-step peace process that takes the overwhelm out of conflict. In this episode, you’ll learn how to guide your kids from crazy mountain to reconciliation meadow! Check out this video preview for what you’ll learn in this podcast. Key Points: Sometimes we can have unhelpful beliefs about conflict, and it can be encouraging to shift those beliefs toward viewing conflict as an opportunity for growth. The peace process helps us move our kids from “Crazy Mountain” to “Reconciliation Meadow.” Parents are responsible for teaching and guiding children through conflict, but the conflicts are theirs to resolve. Helping siblings see and focus on the good about each other can be helpful when relationships are in need of connection. Mentioned in this podcast: Beyond Boredom: Creating Rhythms with Your Kids in Mind | Ep. 236 BLOGPOST: Siblings Arguing Again? Here’s 3 Tips to Help You Know When to Step In and Help Your Kids BLOGPOST: Have You Experienced the Benefits of Child-Led Play? Sibling Conflict Online Course Connected Families Certified Parent Coaching Program Calming Strategies from the Connected Families Website Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs. Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! *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!* Guest Bio: Lyssa Stoyko is a wife, foster, and adoptive mama of three children who are six, six and a half, and seven years old. Her house is active and noisy! She is also a Connected Famlies Certified Coach. Along with her parent coaching company, she hosts the podcast “Moms Take Ten.” Nicole Gillette is a teacher, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, and founder of the non-profit Raising Wonder, with experience supporting educators, families, and children. After working for over a decade in a wide variety of schools, Nicole now focuses on equipping adults with tools for connection, communication, and confidence as they raise and love the kids in their lives. She is also helping lead a local nonprofit that offers an indoor playspace designed to foster community and play-based learning for young children and their caregivers. Nicole is a mom of two kids! You can also find Raising Wonder on Facebook and Instagram. © 2025 Connected Families Special July Offer Join The Table this month and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sibling Conflict online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family. Join Today!

Through today’s podcast, feel equipped with parenting ideas that transform chaotic summer days and summer boredom into opportunities for family connection and growth. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward interviews Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Nicole Gillette and Lyssa Stoyko. They share real-world and practical wisdom for summer success with kids at home during the break. Check out this video preview for what you’ll learn in this podcast! Key Points: Acknowledging your beliefs and expectations about summer can mean addressing how it looks different from what you expected, and that’s okay. Maintaining routines and flexible structure can help kids during the summer Scheduling activities that intentionally help posture your family for success by balancing what they need and what you are able to provide as a parent Using questions and narration can be really helpful during challenging times of transition Mentioned in this podcast: The Peace Process Sibling Conflict Online Course (use coupon code: Sibling19 to take the course for $19) Power of Questions Online Course Luke 8:22-25 Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! *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!* Guest Bio: Lyssa Stoyko is a wife, foster, and adoptive mama of three children who are six, six and a half, and seven years old. Her house is active and noisy! Along with her parent coaching company, she hosts the podcast “Moms Take Ten.” Nicole Gillette is a teacher, Connected Families certified parent coach, and founder of the non-profit Raising Wonder, with experience supporting educators, families, and children. After working for over a decade in a wide variety of schools, Nicole now focuses on equipping adults with tools for connection, communication, and confidence as they raise and love the kids in their lives. She is also helping lead a local nonprofit that offers an indoor playspace designed to foster community and play-based learning for young children and their caregivers. Nicole is a mom of two kids! You can also find Raising Wonder on Facebook and Instagram. © 2025 Connected Families Special July Offer Join The Table this month and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sibling Conflict online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family. Join Today!

Homeschooling can be delightful, beautiful, and an amazing privilege! It can also be hard. You can move beyond homeschool stress and experience peace in your home. Today we’ve got Marni Love and Amy Nyvall, homeschool moms and Connected Families certified parent coaches, here to address the real challenges homeschool families face daily. From sibling conflicts, pushback during lessons, and the toxic beliefs about ourselves and our children, they share vulnerable stories and practical strategies for creating a peaceful learning environment. This episode serves as an introduction to their upcoming LIVE Homeschooling Webinar “Homeschool Discipline: 4 Ways to Cultivate Calm, Connection, and Confidence“. In the webinar they’ll dive deeper into practical tools for homeschool families seeking to apply the Connected Families Framework. Key Points: Common challenges homeschool families face that are different than the ideals in our minds Replacing toxic beliefs about yourself and your children with grace-filled truths that you review regularly Practical strategies for handling pushback and emotional moments during lessons How the concept of “slow, low, and listen” can help families when tensions rise during the day Creating margin in your school day for connection and conflict resolution Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families Parent Coach Certification Program Sensitive & Intense Kids online course FREE PDF: Slow/Low/Listen You Lost Your Temper with Your Child: How to Make Things Better Again Marni Love Website Learn more about Amy Nyvall: Coach Profile REGISTER NOW: Homeschool Discipline: 4 Ways to Cultivate Calm, Connection, and Confidence July 16th 10:00am CST Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! *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!* Guest Bio: 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. Amy Nyvall is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who lives near Portland, Oregon, where she homeschools her kids ages 14,11, and 9 and leads a vibrant Charlotte Mason Education Community. Contact Amy at amynyvall@gmail.com or learn more about her here: https://connectedfamilies.org/coaches/amy-nyvall/. Amy is available for coaching and speaking on the Connected Families Framework. © 2025 Connected Families Are math lessons causing meltdowns?Is your homeschool calendar overwhelming everyone? Join experienced homeschool moms and Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Amy and Marni for a transformative webinar designed to help you move beyond daily power struggles by fostering genuine connection and nurturing your child’s confidence. Learn how to connect before you correct, coach your kids toward responsibility, and create a peaceful, joy-filled learning environment. Register Now

In honor of Father’s Day, Jim Jackson and Mike Tobie have a conversation about empathy. Mike Tobie shares his authentic journey in developing grace and empathy with his family. This powerful conversation explores how showing God’s grace and empathy can be applied in equipping our children and how that models Christ to them. In this episode, you’ll discover the transformational healing that can happen when parents move toward their children in a way that connects with their hearts. Key Points: Offering understanding helps our children feel safe and supported rather than alone and ashamed Understanding God’s unconditional grace can deepen our capacity to extend empathy and grace to our children These principles of empathy can apply to marriages, ministry, and all other relationships as we become “a light of the Gospel.” Mentioned in this podcast: Philippians 4:8 Hebrews 4:15 1 Kings 19:11-13 Connected Families Parent Coach Certification Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Rate this podcast to help others discover the show easily! *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!* Guest Bio: Born and raised in Chicagoland, Mike has been in Sacramento, CA for 10 years. He has been married to Kelly for 9 years, and they have three children, ages 1, 3, and 6. Mike has been in full-time sport ministry for the past 3 years, and is preparing to move to Guatemala this summer to launch a sports ministry. He is currently in Phase 2 of the Connected Families Parent Coach Program. © 2025 Connected Families Parenting is 24/7. Parenting resources and support should be too. You’ve experienced the confidence, clarity, and calling of biblical parenting wisdom. Your support makes this transformation possible for others. Join our monthly donor community, The Table, to bring Christ-centered help and hope to families daily. I want to join The Table!