Connected Families Podcast

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast : Today’s mini episode is the audio version of a blog post we created as a guide to help you think through the question, “Should you reward your kids?” It’s the age-old question: Should I pay the kids to do house chores? Let’s be honest – we’ve all been there, wondering if we’re brilliantly motivating our kids or just straight-up bribing them. Turns out, rewards can actually be effective tools when you’re asking the right question, but they can totally backfire when your kid cares more about earning screen time than actually learning to be helpful. Host Stacy Bellward walks through nine super practical, research-backed tips that’ll help you use rewards in ways that actually build character. Key Takeaways: The one question that changes everything: It’s not about compliance – discover what your child is really learning The “Nathan story”: How one strategic “bribe” transformed a disruptive teen Creative reward systems that actually build character (not just behavior) Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Rewards for Kids: 9 Wisdom-Filled Guidelines to Get Beyond Bribing – Blog Post Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: Learn how noticing what’s going partly right can change the entire culture of your home in One Simple Question That Rewires Everyone’s Brains Toward Connection | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

In this enlightening discussion, parenting coach Jim Jackson, known for his work in the Discipline That Connects course, shares transformative techniques to strengthen family connections. He introduces the 'bright spots' approach, urging parents to focus on what’s working instead of just fixing problems. Jim presents a single powerful question to reframe challenging behaviors, demonstrating its impact through relatable examples. He highlights how success memories can replace shame in children's minds, fostering resilience and positive identity.

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast : Ever wonder if you’ve already blown it as a parent? Spoiler alert: you haven’t. In this episode, Lynne Jackson drops truth bombs about how God’s grace for YOU is the secret sauce to raising wise kids (hint: it’s not about being perfect). Then Laura Zach shares her own story of going from daily door-slams and zero conversations with her teen daughter to actually laughing together, yes, really laughing. Whether your kids are in diapers or driving cars, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: Jesus is your report card, not your kid’s behavior. Parent from grace, not guilt. It’s never too late! Laura discovered Connected Families during a family crisis with teens—and everything changed. Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Proverbs 1:1-9 Laura Zach – Connected Families Parent Coach Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?  Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here. In Case You Missed It:  What happens when your child explodes over a simple stack of dishes? For Lydia Rex, it became a growth opportunity for connection in Dishes and Disrespect: A Story of Growth and Connection | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast : What happens when your child explodes over a simple stack of dishes? For Lydia Rex, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and mom, it became a powerful opportunity to use the parenting framework. Lydia reflected, “Real life is messy. It’s not linear. And that’s okay. God is at work in all of that.” In this mini-episode of the Connected Families podcast, Lydia shares an honest, messy, and ultimately beautiful story about applying the Connected Families Framework in real time. Her experience reminds us that effective parenting isn’t about following a perfect formula—it’s about walking in God’s grace and truth. Key Takeaway: Aim for Wisdom, Not Just Obedience: The goal isn’t raising children who comply when controlled, but cultivating internal values that lead them to choose what’s right on their own. Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Sensitive and Intense Online Course Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know. In Case You Missed It: Identifying their child’s God-given gift in misbehavior has transformed many parents’ approach to parenting during challenging behavior moments. Listen to Jim and Lynne teach about the Gift Gone Awry in: Identifying Child Strengths: Finding God’s Gifts in Your Kid | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Explore the transformative power of recognizing children's strengths in the face of misbehavior. Hear how personal shifts in parenting can turn discipline into connection. Discover the idea of 'gifts gone awry' and learn to focus on nurturing what's right instead of just correcting wrongs. Inspirational stories illustrate how reframing challenges into gifts can motivate kids. Biblical examples highlight the importance of purpose over perfection, reminding us that every child is made for greatness.

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast : In this micro-episode, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach, Tara Prevo, address two common parenting challenges: 1) When a child says “You don’t love me,” and 2) The strong-willed child who rejects offered choices. Tara encourages parents to use misbehavior as an opportunity to demonstrate unconditional love and commit to the long game of grace-filled responses over time. Tara helps parents come alongside their child as a teammate, celebrate creative problem-solving, and guide with empathy. Key Takeaways: Misbehavior is an opportunity for unconditional love Strong-willed children seek safety, not control Parenting is a long game Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community – Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here. Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Connected Families Workshop Speakers Program Tara Prevo – Workshop Speaker Connected Families Thursday Email Sign Up Power of Questions Online Course Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: Connected Families founder Jim Jackson offers parents a powerful glimpse of graceful parenting in yesterday’s soul care message designed specifically for you, moms and dads: What Is Christian Discipline? A Peek At Graceful Parenting | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥Ready to be the hero who brings hope to overwhelmed parents in your community? Today, will you join the Table Community, along with six others, and multiply your impact? Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast: In today’s mini-episode, Jim Jackson is filling in for Stacy and explores a powerful truth: you can only give grace to your kids if you’ve first received it yourself. He invites parents to imagine Jesus offering lavish mercy toward themselves instead of harsh condemnation. Jim reminds parents that the goal isn’t just behavior modification—it’s gentle restoration that transforms homes into places where grace flows freely, mistakes become opportunities for connection, and children experience God’s unconditional love through their parents. Key Takeaways: Extending grace to our children comes after we first receive God’s lavish grace for us Don’t let your approval of your children depend only on their behavior Pausing to be sure you’re walking in the fruit of the Spirit is helpful before correction Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course 1 John 3:1 Romans 5:8 Romans 8:1 Hebrews 4:15 Titus 3:4-5 Galatians 2:21 Galatians 3 Galatians 5:19-26 Galatians 6:1 Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: How to take the trek to the top of peaceful parenting mountain can seem like a mystery most days. Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response in this episode: Brain-Based Strategies: How to Help Kids Calm Down | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast: Join host Stacy Bellward in week two of our October series, featuring bite-sized content from the signature Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. In this mini episode, Occupational Therapist Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response. Lynne explains why telling kids to “calm down” often backfires and demonstrates how parents can model effective self-regulation while building trust and connection. You’ll also hear from parents Viece & Johnny, who share their heart’s desire to be the place their children always want to come home to, even as adults. This episode equips you with tools you can use today while casting vision for the lifelong relationships these strategies can build. Key Takeaways: Learn concrete ideas from this podcast about how to help kids calm down Today’s calming moments build a foundation so your kids will always want to come home Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Hand Model of the Brain for Kids 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids: The FREE mini online course Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: Unconditional love can be so powerful, hear some ways that it can transform your family in Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God’s Unconditional Love. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Unconditional love can transform children's lives, but do they really know they are loved? A powerful story illustrates a father's journey from strictness to expressing love, changing his child's behavior for the better. The discussion emphasizes the lasting impact of continuously affirming a child's value, regardless of performance. Listeners are encouraged to seek community support and rely on God's Spirit in their parenting journey, highlighting how love during struggles fosters safety and connection.

Navigating teenage meltdowns can be tough. One father shares how he turned frustration into curiosity when his son reacted strongly over a bowl. By choosing grace instead of anger, he created a safe space for emotional honesty and even laughter. The discussion breaks down the Connected Families framework, highlighting practical steps for parents like pausing, praying, and reflecting on feelings. This approach not only fosters connection but also equips families with tools to handle challenges with love and understanding.