Connected Families Podcast

Let’s get outside! No matter where you live (we have listeners all over the world!), getting outside is so good for so many reasons–for us and our kids. Sometimes getting outside means facing some challenges as well–poor weather, pesky insects, and even bad attitudes. It is possible to harness those challenges to build resilience, character, and memories in and with our kids. In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the rewards that await when you take your family outside. (You can even get them outside to help them see God in nature!) In Lynne’s words, “It takes resilience on the part of parents and kids to get outside, but the benefits are huge–physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” In this podcast you’ll discover: the game-changing impact of the phrase, “I want to go outside.” ways you can model appreciating the outdoors for your kids creative ideas to help your family be intentional about spending time in nature that natural conversations about God happen when you are outside and may actually help kids see God in nature that nature provides ample opportunities to grow resilience and character in our kids (and us!) Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Psalm 8:3-4 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing FREE PDF Make a donation to Connected Families today! 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. GET THE FREE GUIDE

Mama, does your to-do list ever get in the way of having fun with your family? Or is it hard to engage in the activities that your kids enjoy? If you ever feel like a not-so-fun mom, today’s podcast is for you! It is possible to cultivate a light-hearted spirit where fun, joy, and laughter flow more easily. In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation to encourage you toward light-hearted, joy-filled connections with your family. Lynne and Stacy share ideas and stories from other moms to inspire you toward joy, laughter, and FUN. (Including a giveaway for the book Have More Fun by MOPS CEO Mandy Arioto.) In this podcast you’ll discover: how to find “intersections of joy” for your family that reducing your own stress and shame can nurture a light-hearted spirit in you ideas to help you lean into your strengths and find your “sweet spot” for fun the importance of appreciating your own gifts as well as those of your spouse ideas to inspire joy and fun for you and your family! Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Have More Fun book Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. GET THE FREE GUIDE Related PostsBeing a Single Mom is Exhausting | Ep. 62How God Created Us for Community…and Science Agrees!My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?

Are you tired of your kids constantly asking for screen time? Would you like to feel better equipped to navigate the use of media in your home? Perhaps you need tools to help you in developing a screen plan for your family and reset expectations around screen use. You certainly aren’t alone! Many parents in this hyper-digital age feel the same way. In today’s podcast, Arlene Pellicane, author of Screen Kids, joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about being intentional and wise with technology in your home. You’ll hear the research and the heart behind Arlene’s desire to help parents develop a comprehensive plan for screens. In this podcast you’ll discover: the effects of screens on emotional health and brain development in children and young adults positive ways your family can engage with technology the difference between digital vegetables and digital candy how to develop a detailed technology plan for your family proactive ways to be intentional about tech as your children grow ideas to consider as you think about allowing your child to have a phone We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Gabb Wireless Phone for Kids – referral link from Arlene for a $25 coupon Screen Kids book Grandparenting Screen Kids The Social Dilemma documentary 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing (Free Resource) Social media contest on Instagram and Facebook Covenant Eyes web browser Arlene’s interview with John Foubert about protecting kids from pornography We are a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation today! Guest Bio: Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books, including Parents Rising, 31 Days to a Happy Husband, and Screen Kids. Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, and Focus on the Family. Arlene lives in San Diego with her husband, James, and their three children.To learn more, visit her website at ArlenePellicane.com and check out her masterclasses at HappyHomeUniversity.com 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. GET THE FREE GUIDE Related Posts7 Activities to Teach Patience to the Child Who Wants It NOWHow to Set Boundaries with Screens | Ep. 66I Just Can’t Get My Kids Off the Screen!What Do You Do with a Minecraft Addiction?

There’s nothing like your child telling a blatant lie to trigger a strong reaction in you. You may want to focus your energy on shutting down the deception, but what if you responded with curiosity instead? Or maybe your child is more skilled with lying, and it’s hard to discern whether they are telling the truth. Either way, you are probably wondering about how to guide your child to love honesty. In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to guide your child to love honesty. With candid stories, Jim and Chad share a fresh perspective and practical ideas to grow a culture of truth-telling in your home. In this podcast you’ll discover: reasons kids lie (it’s not always obvious) ways to engage your child in a curious and compassionate way how to shift your energy so truthfulness becomes the focus in your home ideas to grow your child’s identity as a truth-teller  ways to teach the skill of truth-telling in everyday moments the importance of modeling honesty even when it’s tough (including the story of a mom who killed the family cat!) We hope you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart book or audiobook John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – talk about God’s commands in everyday life “I killed the cat” blogpost – modeling truth-telling to your kids We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate to Connected Families today!

Are healthy mealtimes at your house often a place of struggle? Have you ever thought, “My child won’t eat anything but junk food”? So many families experience these issues, and there is hope to move from “picky, picky” to peace around food. The way may be simpler than you expect through consistency, effort, and flexibility. In today’s episode, Christina Jax (Registered Dietician and Nutritionist) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss mealtimes, food choices, and supporting kids to eat a variety of healthy foods. Christina brings her experience as a mom to a child with sensory issues and her professional background to offer practical ideas for improving a child’s experiences with food. In this podcast, you’ll discover: factors that may contribute to a child’s selective food choices the difference between sensory issues and preferences when it comes to food why consistency and flexibility are effective tools for offering new foods at the table the importance of involving a child in meal planning and preparation that an awareness of your own relationship with food can help keep your issues from influencing your child’s experiences with food We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Picky Picky ebook – Free Connected Families Resource Guest Bio: Christina is the Co-Founder of A4 Health, whose professional mission is fueling fun lives and supporting individuals and organizations to achieve optimized health. Combining 20+ years in behavioral and nutrition science, Christina’s approach is to make healthy “easy” and prove the Return on Investment (ROI) for each individual or group she serves! Christina currently serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She is a team dietitian for the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks. She also has a podcast. Check her out on Spotify and iTunes at Connect the Dots with Christina Jax.Christina’s website https://www.a4.health/On Instagram: @‌a4healthcoach Got a very selective eater in the home? Maybe they only eat the color white, or just can’t sit at the table long enough to eat anything. Whatever the challenge, we want to help you. Read our FREE ebook, Picky Picky! My Child Won’t Eat Anything But Junk Food. GET THE BOOK Related PostsAre We Raising Animals?From Power Struggles to Peace at MealsStruggling at the Family Dinner Table? How to Come Together & Enjoy

Do you have a child in the middle years, or are those years just a few steps away? (Keep in mind, puberty can begin as early as nine years old!) The middle years can be a tumultuous time for a child. Their body makes significant changes, and so does their brain! So, what does a child need from their parents during this season, and how do parents guide a child who seems to suddenly have lots of new attitudes and opinions?  In today’s episode, Cynthia Tobias (co-author of Middle School: The Inside Story) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss parenting through the middle years. Cynthia brings her professional and personal experiences to offer practical tools for speaking to, guiding, and supporting a child in the middle years with grace and connection. In this podcast, you’ll discover: the middle schooler’s biggest fear…and how to help them how to change your parenting to adapt to your child’s changing needs ways to shift responsibility and decision-making to the child while still offering accountability and a safety net why it’s okay and important to let a child fail how to encourage and connect with the heart of your middle schooler We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna Do You Know What I Like About You? YouTube Video by Cynthia Cynthia’s Facebook page Cynthia’s website – free PDF about middle school Donate to Connected Families CF Facebook CF Instagram Guest Bio: Cynthia Tobias has a successful background that includes over 30 years of private practice, eight years of teaching high school, and six years in law enforcement. She has authored 13 books and is a featured guest on radio and television, a popular presenter for businesses, government agencies, churches, and schools throughout the U.S. and the world. Cynthia received her B.A. at Northwest Nazarene University, her Master’s Degree at Seattle Pacific University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Northwest Nazarene University in 2015. She is the mother of twin sons, now adults, and she and her husband, Jack, live in the Seattle area. Learn more about Cynthia by visiting her website, www.cynthiatobias.com. Learn more about the Framework Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework? Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity. Related Posts5 Powerful Ways to Connect with a Teen Who LiesWhat Do Kids Really Need From Us? | Ep. 95What To Do When You Think Your Child Is Doomed

What if underneath your child’s misbehavior was a good gift? Sound too good to be true? It’s not! Connected Families teaches this idea as a “Gift Gone Awry.” This gift may not always come out in a helpful way, but it could be shaped and guided to be a blessing to others. In this podcast, Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the amazing gifts that might be hidden in your child’s misbehavior. In this podcast, you’ll discover: how your thoughts about your child can become their identity the biblical basis for seeing gifts in misbehavior, including references examples of how to find a gift gone awry and coach a child to be a blessing ways to bring your child’s struggle before God and shift your perspective that focus is fertilizer–what you pay attention to grows! We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: John 14:26-27 Ephesians 2:10 Mark 8:32 Luke 16 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 Hebrews 11:1 Acts 20 Weekly Parenting Tips Email…link to share with a friend Nurture Shock book Donate to Connected Families CF Facebook CF Instagram connectedfamilies.org Guest Bio: Lynne Jackson​ has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD (including her own kids!), OCD, ODD, and autism spectrum disorders. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim, founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God’s grace in the midst of family life. Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned TBRI practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books. Learn more about the Framework Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework? Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity. Related PostsIs Your Child Intense and Impulsive?Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?What to Do When Your Child Has a Hard Time Losing

In some Christian traditions, it can feel like Easter sneaks up on you. It can even seem like the holiday doesn’t get the same attention and preparation as Christmas, but it is actually the most important day on the Christian calendar. So, how can you help your family prepare and truly celebrate Christ’s resurrection this year? In today’s podcast, Laurie Christine (author and podcast host at Redeeming the Chaos) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about discipleship at home and, more specifically, preparing for Easter. Laurie shares her favorite resources and ideas to create engaging discipleship opportunities with your kids and talks about her free Easter resource for families. In this podcast, you’ll discover: what the Bible says about discipling your children ideas to overcome challenges you may encounter when you try to connect with God as a family practical ways to make family discipleship engaging for your kids ways to change your approach to family times as your children get older the powerful message of Easter and ways you can share that with your children a FREE resource to help your family connect and prepare for Easter (also available in the audiobook version) We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Register Now! 30 Family Bible Stories for Easter by Laurie Christine Judges 2:10 Psalm 78:4 Nancy Gutherie books The Very Best Hands On Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions by Tim Shoemaker Hands-on family activities for different age groups by Kirk Weaver 1 Corinthians 15:17 Philippians 2:13 Laurie’s podcast: Redeeming the Chaos Laurie’s favorite resources for family devotions and bible study How to make family devotions more engaging for your kids Guest Bio: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Certified Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four wild, loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her in the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ. Laurie also writes devotionals and Bible stories for middle-grade boys. As a mom of four young boys, she understands how important it is for parents to connect with their children while communicating the truth of God’s Word to them in a way they can understand. With degrees in Creative Writing, Biblical Studies, and Education, Laurie has more than fourteen years of experience in teaching the Bible to young children as well as writing the Sunday School curriculum for her local church. Laurie also serves as the administrator for the Christian Writers Institute and the producer for the Christian Publishing Show and Novel Marketing Podcasts. You can find her at: www.LaurieChristine.com. 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 Related PostsFour Simple Ways to Teach Your Child About GodThe Most Effective Way To Teach Kids To PrayUPDATED: How To Pray With Your Child | Ep. 113

Are you trying to understand your child’s frequent frustration or angry eruptions? Do you find yourself turning to the internet to ask, “Why is my son so angry with me?” or “Why is my daughter so angry all the time?” The truth is, there is usually more going under the surface of anger. Likely, that anger is protecting some softer emotions, such as feeling anxious, alone, or discouraged, to name a few. You can have compassion and come alongside them with loving support when you seek to understand what is really going on. But how do you get started? In this podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder and Occupational Therapist) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and RN) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about anger and anxiety in children. Drawing on their experience supporting families, Lynne and Lydia share how you can look beneath your child’s anger to get out of a stress cycle and into a healing pattern. In this podcast you’ll discover: underlying stress factors that influence angry behavior the relationship between anger and anxiety when to use an “I wonder if…” question to help build emotional intelligence and understanding how you can move to compassion and connection when your child erupts in anger trauma’s role in anger, including its effects on a child’s developing brain and nervous system activities to do with your child to grow their emotional awareness and build skills to unpack what’s going on under the surface We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Register Today! Paper plate activity Iceberg illustration for older kids Proverbs 29:11: Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Guest Bio: Lynne Jackson​ has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD (including her own kids!), OCD, ODD, and autism spectrum disorders. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim, founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God’s grace in the midst of family life. Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned TBRI practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families Framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books. 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 Related PostsI Resent My ChildWhy Punching a Pillow When Angry Doesn’t Really Help Your ChildWhy Safety Is Crucial for Adoptive FamiliesYou Really Want To Show Loving Discipline? Start With Your Face.

If your child is sensitive or intense, you might ask, “Is it worth getting a diagnosis?” or “Will the information from a diagnosis help or hinder my child and our family?” You may fear that a diagnosis will label your child in a negative way, or you may feel overwhelmed about what happens after a diagnosis. In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) continue a conversation about diagnoses with Mandy Cuda, MD. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it worth getting an ADHD diagnosis for my child?” or “Is it worth getting an autism spectrum diagnosis?” this podcast is for you. Mandy and Lynne share the insights and support that can come from a diagnosis and discuss the next steps for parents. In this podcast, you’ll learn: to consider your own feelings after a child’s diagnosis–everything from grief to gratitude how to talk with your child about a diagnosis at any age questions you can ask your child to gain insight into their experience and how you can better support them when the phrase “Tell me more” can open up opportunities with your child and their care providers how to build a support system for yourself and your child the importance of the brain-body connection and when to ask, “What might be aggravating this child’s system?” how to navigate a conversation about medication with your child’s doctor We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids: Navigating Challenge With Purpose and Hope: Registration is open! Ep 122: How To Know If Your Child Needs A Diagnosis or Extra Support Two Powerful Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Thrive (includes sensory checklist) Sensory Checklist/Questionnaire James 1:2-4 (verse about trials bringing us to maturity) Ecclesiastes 4:12 Child Advocacy page by Taylor Irby Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program Guest Bio: Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Cuda is a family physician and Connected Families Parent Coach-in-training. She lives in Washington with her husband, a military pediatric urologist, and four amazing kids. Her connection with Connected Families began more than 20 years ago when, as a new Wheaton college grad, she worked with Jim and Chad in Minnesota. She went on to earn her MD from the Uniformed Services University and an MPH from the University of Washington. She served in the military for most of her healthcare career but has also served in community primary care and virtual care delivery. 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 Related Posts4 Ideas to Build a Growth Mindset as a FamilyAdvocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child | Ep. 123Empowering Your Differently Wired Child | Ep. 124Morning Sensory Dysregulation