Connected Families Podcast

“WHY do I feel so angry?” “I’m just an angry parent with an angry kid!” Do you ever find yourself saying or thinking these statements? Anger can be a difficult emotion to navigate. We can feel so defeated when we lose control. We don’t want to react this way, and neither do our kids. It doesn’t help that our society seems more angry than ever. And our kids feel that!  If you or your child are struggling with anger, you are not alone! A recent Connected Families survey revealed a significant number of parents reported angry feelings affecting their day-to-day life. Like many other parents, you want to be responsible in your reactions and teach your kids to be responsible too.  On today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) to address how parents handle their own anger, and how we can model this in a healthy way to our kids. We discuss brain science relating to anger, a biblical perspective and, as always, practical tools to help you and your kids. You can learn an approach to anger that leaves shame behind, brings connection with your child, and becomes an opportunity for grace and growth. You can break generational cycles of unhealthy anger and bring life and healing to your relationship with your child. In this podcast, you’ll discover: the brain science of anger as a default reaction and a reactive coping mechanism, and how you can respond in faith instead of feartriggers and thought patterns that affect behavior, and how anger can sometimes diminish what may be underlying anxiety or even traumathe importance of knowing your identity as a child of God, and looking beneath the surface of anger by asking, “What’s going on in me?”the top three things that push parents’ buttons, and some practical ways of responding in these situations Mentioned in this podcast: Helping Kids with Anger FREE ebookWhat It Really Means to Be Triggered (Healthline article)Connected Families FrameworkBible verses: Matthew 16:22-24, Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 1:4-6, Galatians 5:22-23 Want to learn more? Helping Kids with Their AngerAnger: Is it Good, Bad, or Ugly? Do you or your kids struggle with anger? We hope you found some encouraging and useful tools on our podcast today. We’d love to hear what helped! And if you or your child are struggling with anger and you feel like you need further help, Connected Families offers certified Parent Coaching. Please reach out and let us know how we can help! Related Posts11 Ideas to Help You Stop Yelling at Your Kids6 Practical Tips to Tame Your TemperEncouraging Kids Who “Just Don’t Care!” | Ep. 88Helping Kids with Their AngerMy Child Doesn’t Care About Consequences

Do you feel overwhelmed as a homeschool parent? Many parents in the Connected Families community homeschool. That number has grown even more since 2020. Homeschooling can bring some unique parenting challenges! From sibling conflict to curriculum choices to intense learning needs, how do you stay connected to your kids, accomplish schoolwork, and maintain sanity? (Even if you are not currently homeschooling, you’ll find helpful parenting guidance in this episode!)  Whether or not you are a homeschool parent, you want to: provide a safe and encouraging learning environment understand each child’s learning needshelp your kids grow in their learning intereststeach your kids to get along with each other That can all feel really heavy! Maybe you also have sensitive and intense kids, or you just feel inadequate as a homeschool parent. If so, you’ll want to listen in, because the moms in this conversation can relate! On today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by three homeschooling moms with a wide range of perspectives and experiences. They each share a different story and various challenges they have encountered in their homeschooling journey. They also share the common thread of approaching life through the powerful lens of the Connected Families Framework. You can face the overwhelm of homeschool challenges (and even help your kids resolve conflict!) when you do the foundational work as a parent of exploring, “What’s going on in me?” You can show up for your kids and your school day as the best parent you can be, with loads of God’s grace for yourself and your kids! In this podcast, you’ll learn about: what homeschool overwhelm can look like in different situations, and helpful ways you can approach ithow to help kids learn to resolve sibling conflict, especially when they are with each other all dayhealthy ways to step back and ask, “What’s going on in me? In my child?” and move forward with your child as a teamthe joy of embracing your child’s individual gifts and learning interests, and how you can help them grow in these areas Mentioned in this podcast:  Helping Kids with Anger (FREE ebook)Sibling Conflict online courseVerses mentioned: Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:4-6 Want to learn more? 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and LaughingHow to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids Guest Bios: Lydia Rex is a registered nurse, wife, and mother of two and has worked with families in many capacities throughout her career and personal life. She’s been a student of Connected Families since 2014 and continues to find it incredibly life-giving for her own family. Areas of her experience/special interest include foster care and adoption, attachment difficulties, developmental and learning disabilities including FASD. She brings a trauma-informed perspective to the Connected Families framework, and the desire to see families find peace and healing – not just on the other side, but in the midst of challenges! Use our “Contact Us” form to connect with Lydia.  Marni Love is a wife, homeschool mom to three growing boys, tutor, and parenting coach. After teaching in public school for many years she felt called to home educate. She started in preschool and has continued through the high school years. She has a heart for helping families enjoy their journey and parent with grace while also preparing their children for the future God has for them. She has experience with adoption, ADHD, sensory processing, primitive reflex integration, and highly sensitive children. It would be her great pleasure to support you in bringing peace and connection to your home. https://www.marnilove.com/ Nichole Summers is a mom to six children, 4 girls, and 2 boys, adopted and biological. She has contributed to one article (“I Aimed for Perfection as a Mom and It Just Slayed Me.”) and one podcast (Communicating Love in the Midst of Misbehavior) for us here at Connected Families. She is a mom who is learning to take God at His word concerning her children and can often be found resting in Romans 8:28. Have you used the Connected Families Framework in your homeschooling journey? We would love to hear about it! Looking for more parenting help? Check out these great resources on our website. And as always, feel free to contact us, we love hearing from you! Download our FREE in-depth ebook Helping Kids With Anger. It will provide thoughtful insights and creative ideas to help your struggling child. Related PostsI Feel Overwhelmed and Hopeless | Ep. 3I Lost My Temper With My Child; Can I Make It Better?My Child Says He Hates Himself: 3 Life-Giving Steps to Change the Shame CycleYour Child’s Grades Don’t Matter (To You)

Building a connected marriage is hard work and it doesn’t always come easily. You want to bring better alignment between you and your spouse and create an environment of love, grace, and emotional safety. But you also might feel stuck in a cycle of negative thinking about your spouse or your marriage. Or maybe you are struggling to find a way to navigate disagreements. Connecting in your marriage can be challenging! The Connected Families Framework equips parents to become more safe and connected, but this Framework is not just for parenting! There are many similarities in the parenting framework that are a natural crossover in marriage. It’s a framework you can successfully apply to all of your relationships, including marriage. In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by special guests and marriage experts Jeff and Stacy Kemp. Jeff and his wife Stacy are speakers with the Family Life Today Weekend to Remember marriage conference. Jeff is also a former NFL player and author of Facing the Blitz. Join them in this honest and encouraging conversation about the value of celebrating each other’s strengths. You’ll enjoy learning from real life examples what emotional safety in marriage can look like, and the daily living out of the Foundational question, “What’s going on in me?” When you bring unconditional love and safety to your marriage, you can find the best in each other, receive and offer grace, and find lasting and meaningful connection.* In this episode, you’ll discover: practical and powerful ways to apply the Connected Families Framework in your marriage relationshipan approach that helps you focus on the positives and strengths in your spouse, and how it can bring change in your own heart and connection in your marriagethe power of being able to repair relationships after emotionally hurtful conversationshow to create an environment where it is safe to be transparent, so you can share your thoughts, feelings, and hurts with your spouse *Connected Families believes that commitment to your marriage is an important aspect of emotional safety and connection, but when physical or emotional abuse is present, then help is needed and different options may need to be considered. Mentioned in this podcast: Jeff Kemp TeamFacing the Blitz by Jeff KempFamily Life–Weekend to Remember

How do you parent your child who is now an adult? What does parenting look like when your child is preparing to launch into adulthood, living away from home, or getting married? You want to remain connected and continue to build trust, but it can also feel scary to watch your adult children make bigger decisions that might have bigger consequences. You wonder if you did enough, if you taught them enough. Maybe you are even struggling with regret over what you wish could have been done differently. We get SO many requests to tackle this topic, and we are doing that today! Read on and listen in. You will be equipped with solid guidance and practical tips to help you navigate this changing season of parenting.  Chad Hayenga (Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Parent Coach) and Connected Families Certified Coaches Becky Wood and Dijea Young join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) on today’s podcast. These guests bring years of rich parenting experiences to the conversation, and offer real life insights into the changes, challenges, and blessings of parenting an adult child.  Whether your child is 8, 18, or 28, the Connected Families Framework offers a relevant and thoughtful approach to keep you growing in a connected relationship with your adult child. When you step back and offer a supportive and mentoring role in your adult child’s life, you can communicate enduring messages of emotional safety, unconditional love, and meaningful connection that build strong relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn:  how to apply the Connected Families Framework and communicate the four messages with adult children ways to maintain connection with an adult child that nurture their independence while gaining trust and influence (Luke 2:52)the enduring legacy of the foundational question, “What’s going on in me as a parent?” even through your child’s adult yearshow to graciously build trust and connection with your adult child while working through the pain of your own past regrets Want to learn more? Connected Families FrameworkKeep Calm and Stay Connected (to your teen!) (blog post)Scared to Launch Your Child Into the “Real World”? (blog post) We’re so glad you’re here! We would love to continue to reach as many people as possible with the message of God’s love and connection. Would you help us? You can rate this podcast, write a review, and subscribe! You are an integral part of the Connected Families community, and you make this all possible. Need help? Please contact us, we are here to walk alongside you. Sign up below to receive a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your inbox:

What do you think of when you hear the word discipline? Maybe it’s just to get your child to behave. Or bring peace to the chaos and gain some control as a parent. This is a totally natural parenting impulse! But what if there is a powerful new perspective for parenting to consider? A different way of viewing your parenting goals during moments of misbehavior that will open the door to connection and wisdom? Oftentimes, as parents, we want the short-term fix that brings order to the situation. But in doing so, we might actually miss the opportunity to build something deeper and lasting. In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Lynne Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Parent Coach) to share with you a few practical shifts that could change not only your parenting perspective but, ultimately, your relationship with your child.  When you lean into connection and mentoring opportunities during discipline, you can build strength, connection, and respect between you and your child in those difficult moments. You can shift from managing behavior to building something intentional and purposeful for both you and your child. And in every step of the process, Jesus provides the grace and safety that you can receive and then pass on to your child. In this podcast, you’ll discover: 4 main shifts you can make to turn discipline situations into opportunities for growth and connectionhow the shift from managing to mentoring empowers your struggling childwhy meaningful discipline always begins with the foundation of: “What’s going on in me as a parent?”practical ways to highlight and nurture your child’s identity, and focus on the gifts God is growing in their life Mentioned in this podcast: Scriptures mentioned: Peter’s denial of Jesus, Peter jumping out of the boat, Jesus’ statement to Peter about building the church, Hebrews 12:11Connected Families Framework4 Ideas to Build a Growth Mindset as a Family (blog post)What Is the Goal of Your Discipline? (blog post)Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course What are your parenting goals? Did you find something helpful in this podcast? Looking for more great resources to help you with your parenting goals? Check out our blog, it’s packed with great information and parenting tips. As always, feel free to contact us, we’d love to hear from you! Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages Every Child Longs to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview.

Does it feel like your child just doesn’t care? Maybe even saying the words, “I just don’t care!” Does your child seem unmotivated in school, defensive about doing chores, maybe even withdrawn and depressed? It is so hard to know what to do when your child is discouraged. You may feel frustrated and hopeless. And a kid who doesn’t seem to care can really push all your buttons, which can cause even more anxiety in both you and your child. You want to know what is going on with your discouraged child! And you especially want to know how you can help (or, let’s be honest, “fix”) them. If this resonates, we have some fresh perspective and direction for you here today. On today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to help you see this behavior through a different lens. A lens that offers hope, and practical ways to support your struggling child.  Did you know that when your child feels pressure or discouragement, it can surface as misbehavior? But with the power of connection, and a gentle,non-judgmental spirit, this can be an opportunity to help your child grow in resilience and wisdom. Using the Connected Families Framework, you can help your discouraged child feel loved and understood. You can come alongside them with encouragement and gentle questions to help them feel called and capable, and build an identity of wisdom and responsibility. In this podcast, you’ll learn: what might be going on under the surface of a kid who doesn’t seem to carea practical and gentle approach to asking your child the kinds of questions that help them connect to what’s going on insidethe importance of replacing panic about your child’s future with empathy and solution-focused conversationshow to build your child’s God-given identity, and a value for responsibility, by instilling the confidence that God and you are with them, and for them.  Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families FrameworkRomans 15:13Applying the ABC’s of AffirmationDiscipline The Connects Online Course Are you struggling to help your discouraged child? What tips from today’s podcast helped you? We’d love to hear your comments! As always, we are here if you need further help. Please contact us, and in the meantime, check out our helpful resources on our new website. We are in this together! Download our FREE in-depth ebook Helping Kids With Anger. It will provide thoughtful insights and creative ideas to help your struggling child.

What do you do when you know you want something to be different in your family this year? Do you ever wonder if there is a more gracious and meaningful way to approach the new year, for you and your kids? How can you be more intentional in your parenting in the new year? If you are overwhelmed with all that hasn’t worked, and are looking for something different for your family, this is the podcast to help you gently usher in 2022 with hope for real and meaningful growth. In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) share a super practical tool, and a new perspective on creating goals and intentions for the new year. Not just worn-out resolutions, but a broader vision that could transform both you and your family one step and one day at a time. You can help your kids steward their time and their capabilities to create a growth mindset* with gracious questions such as:    What is your goal?Why is it important to you?What will it take to achieve your goal?To achieve your goal, what steps can you control?  You can create a safe and connected atmosphere to have a vision-casting conversation with your kids, and invite God to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine! *Growth mindset is a term originally coined by Child Psychologist Carol Dweck and popularized by numerous authors. Our use of the term is most closely informed by her work. In this podcast, you’ll also discover: how to use a “life/growth wheel” (mentioned by Stacy) in practical ways, with kids of all ages, to coach and support your kids in building wisdom and responsibilitythe importance of assessing your (and your child’s) connection to God, to each other, and to your purpose in this world as you explore: What do I want life to look like a year from now?the power of celebration in connecting with your child and building momentum for their successhelpful steps to avoid the pitfalls that can bring shame and tension in conversations with your kids about their goals Mentioned in this podcast: Ephesians 3:14-21Susie Larson (Author, Speaker)The Entitlement Fix (online course)The Power of Questions (online course)Discipline That Connects (online course)Is There “Miracle Grow” for Good Behavior? (the ABC’s of Affirmation) Do you and your family have goals for the new year? What did you find helpful in this podcast? We’d love to hear from you and connect with you as we all start a new year together! Leave a comment and let us know. Or contact us, we are here to help! What are your parenting strengths? You’ve got them. Knowing your strengths will help you become the best parent you can be. Knowing your parenting challenges is useful information too. Take our FREE ASSESSMENT.

As 2021 soon comes to a close, we hope you will find good things–even something seemingly small!–to be grateful for this past year. And we pray you find encouragement and grace for the new year ahead. This year-end wrap-up will give you an exciting vision of what God might have for Connected Families in the future! In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim Jackson (Co-Founder of Connected Families) and Anna Braasch (Connected Families Executive Director) to talk about the many ways God has blessed the Connected Families community this past year. Listen in to hear all the ways God is growing and multiplying the powerful message of Connected Families, and an exciting look at the goals and vision for the future as well. Standing firm on the foundation of God’s love, and building on the Connected Families Framework, we look forward with anticipation to all the ways our community will continue to bring hope to parents and families around the world. None of this would be possible without you and your dedication to continue sharing the grace-filled message of Connected Families in your community and beyond. Did you know? As we reflect on this past year, here are some fascinating things you might not know about us: Connected Families launched a new website this year, making it even easier to find all the fantastic resources you need to lead your family with confidence and grace!Connected Families was founded nearly 20 years ago, when Jim and Lynne Jackson realized that parents were in need of a more connected parenting approach.We are currently building relationships within the Chinese community, and working to make our resources available in this community.Connected Families began implementing a successful business tool called EOS in 2015. This keeps our ministry running with efficiency and accountability. (We believe this tool is an important part of serving you!)The Connected Families Framework uniquely combines brain science, child development, and scripture.We have a coaching certification program, and parent coaches from multiple countries around the globe. Connected Families is here to bring you God’s grace and truth, so you can pass on God’s grace and truth to your children. Who do you know who needs to hear more about this? Please consider telling your story of how Connected Families has impacted you, and let them know about our helpful resources! In each step of your journey, we are here for you. Contact us and let us know how we can help! Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families websiteConnected Families FrameworkBecome a Parent CoachChad Hayenga, head of Connected Families coaching certification programHow to Grow a Connected FamilyDiscipline That Connects online courseDONATE to Connected FamiliesEOS: Entrepreneurial Operating SystemJoel Swanson: EOS ImplementerBlessings for the Morning by Susie Larson (Isaiah 43:19) Sign up below to receive a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your inbox: Related PostsConnected Families Is Building Community in SCHOOLSConnected Families is Building Community in EXTENDED FAMILIESConnected Families is Building Community in SMALL GROUPSGiving Gifts at Christmas: Help Kids Discover the Joy of GivingThankful for the Connected Families Community

“My child never sleeps!” Bedtime struggles can feel like a losing battle. Does bedtime leave you feeling completely drained? Your child wants another glass of water or another bedtime story. They’re afraid of the dark. Or overflowing with wound-up energy from the day.  You are exhausted. Frustrated. And if your child is struggling to sleep, you are struggling to sleep!  Sleep is so important! Kids not going to sleep (or staying asleep) is a frequent concern we hear from parents during coaching sessions. If you feel like you have tried everything and wonder why nothing is working, you’re in the same boat as so many other sleep-deprived families!  As parents we sometimes want to push through this time to bring some peace to the end of our day. But what if bedtime could be a way to tap into your child’s heart in a way that makes them feel safe, understood, and loved? What if you change your mindset to see that when your child is struggling to sleep this could be an opportunity for deep connection? It really can be! You can transform difficult bedtime routines into an opportunity for a deep and lasting connection with your child. How? In this podcast, we’ll introduce you to a unique and holistic approach that gets to the heart of your child. We’ll give practical, science-based tips that you can use today.  Listen in as Stacy Bellward (podcast host) talks with Lynne Jackson, co-founder of Connected Families, Occupational Therapist, and author of Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles. Together they discuss ways to help prepare both you and your child for a peaceful night of rest. This conversation is loaded with brain science and helpful tools and you won’t want to miss it!  This podcast dives deep into: obstacles that can hinder your kids from a good night’s sleep (some of them might surprise you!)the science of sleep and specific ways lack of sleep can affect your kidspractical and holistic sleep solutions that really workways to calm your child’s body, mind, heart, and spirit to help them sleephow a connected approach to bedtime can bring peace to your evenings Mentioned in this podcast: Transforming Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles by Lynne Jackson, OTRWhy We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhDThe Opposite of Worry by Lawrence Cohen, PhDDr. Roberto Olivardia Talks About Kids With ADHD and Sleep Challenges (podcast)Psalm 4:8Isaiah 41:13 The sweet bedtime cuddles you dream of deteriorate far too often into mayhem. You’ve got this! Bring peace to your child’s body, mind, heart, and spirit. So they (and you!) can sleep well. Download and read our FREE in-depth ebook Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles. Related PostsDear Exhausted Mom, Here’s Why You Might Say “Yes” When Your Child Begs You to PlayHow I Helped My Baby Sleep When Sleep Training Was Not WorkingHow to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids | Ep. 30One Way to Turn Bedtime Routines AroundTransform Bedtime Struggles Into Nighttime Snuggles

As parents we long to build a connected family. Connection. We all long for genuine, connected relationships. It’s how God wired us. It makes sense that, when this element is lacking in our relationships, it can cause us to feel so many difficult and discouraged emotions. Especially in the relationships we value most. You want to feel connected to your kids and to the people you care about, but that can be really hard.  Is there a secret to authentic connection? A tool to help build a connected family? Your family can experience this! Co-Founders Jim and Lynne Jackson wrestled and prayed about these very questions, and in the process laid an important foundation for the heart of Connected Families. They discovered that connection is intentional and it exists in three key areas: connection to Godconnection to each otherconnection to our purpose in this world In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne join Stacy Belward (podcast host) to uncover what these three areas of connection mean, and how we can live them out with love and intention to build a connected family.  Connection doesn’t come from a magic wand; it happens in intentional and thoughtful relationships as we give and receive in meaningful ways. We connect by knowing, loving, and enjoying God and each other. God created you for connection. His love and grace can pour in and through you to purposefully build a connected family. In this podcast, you’ll discover: intentional, meaningful, and practical ways to connect to God, each other, and your (and your kids!) purpose in this worldthe power of thoughtful and curious questions to connect to your child and help them grow in wisdomhow to help your kids connect with each other as siblingseffective ways to call out your child’s gifting, and help them find ways of using those gifts to be a blessing to others Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families FrameworkThe Big 5 Bible StudyThe Power of Questions online courseSibling Conflict online courseDonate to Connected FamiliesThe Love Language QuizMatthew 25:34-40 Looking for ways to connect more with your kids? Check out these fantastic resources to help you feel encouraged and equipped in your parenting! Feeling stuck? As always, please contact us to let us know how we can help you and walk alongside you in your parenting journey. We are here to help! Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages Every Child Longs to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview. Related PostsChristian Discipline: The Story Behind Connected Families Unique Framework for Parenting | Ep. 68Families on Purpose | Ep. 21How to Leave a Legacy | Ep. 65