Connected Families Podcast

Is your child struggling with anxiety about going back to school? How do you navigate the uncertainties of a new school year? If you and your child are feeling stressed about all the changes and upheaval surrounding school, you are not alone! Classroom anxiety is more common than you think. We have some super helpful information to get you and your kids on the right track for a more calm and connected school year!    Today’s episode is absolutely packed with essential information and practical application. This podcast will help you better understand and connect with your child in their struggle with anxiety and possibly even trauma. Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) are joined by Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, (Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health) and author of the book Riley the Brave Makes it to School. Using brain science research, Jessica equips parents, teachers, and other professionals to meet the needs of kids who are struggling, and to better incorporate effective trauma-sensitive practices into their interactions with children. Beneath the surface, a child’s challenging behavior can often be anxiety. Entering into these tough situations with calm and safety are absolutely key in reaching your child. When kids externalize these big feelings, they need a safe place to land, and to work through, what is really going on in their brains and in their hearts. When you can understand their behavior and safely communicate I am for you, you can better help your child heal.  Powerful and practical tools you will gain in this podcast: The research of what is happening in a child’s brain when they are anxious, and how that behavior may play out in unexpected waysHow to help both you and your child when reacting in the “downstairs brain”Understanding the “turtle,” “tiger,” and “porcupine” response in your child (and in yourself!)Practical ways to apply this information to your child’s back-to-school challenges and classroom anxietyThe power of connection within the Connected Families Framework  We’ve compiled a list of great resources for you below, and as always, we are here for you and would love for you to connect with us! (Or check out our parent coaching options.) Resources from Jessica Sinarski: Riley the Brave Makes it to School Brave Brains websiteRiley the BraveWhat’s Inside Your Backpack?  Connected Families resources mentioned in this podcast: 4 Messages Every Child Longs to Hear (FREE ebook)Connected Families FrameworkSolve That After-School Crabbiness Additional resources mentioned: The Opposite of Worry by Lawrence CohenAttachment Play by Aletha SolterGood News for Little Hearts series (including Buster Tries to Bail) Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions That Build Success by Jennifer VeenendallConnection Zoo, a play-based learning tool that helps kids build social and emotional skillsGo Zen, online social and emotional learning programs for kids ages 6-15 Guest bio:  Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, equips parents and professionals to be healers for hurting children. Weaving user-friendly brain science into everything she does, she ignites both passion and know-how in audiences. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician, consultant, and parent educator led her to create the resource and training platform she couldn’t find elsewhere: BraveBrains. Jessica continues to work as a therapist and clinical supervisor at an innovative adoption support agency in Delaware and serves on the board of directors at the largest Head Start provider in the Bronx, NY. She has shared her expertise as a contributor to magazines, blogs, and podcasts. At home, Jessica’s three busy boys will forever keep her laughing and learning. If you are not currently following us on Instagram we encourage you to check it out. Our community is growing there and we’d love to partner with you in your parenting with timely encouragement just for you. Find us @connectedfams for your daily dose of parenting tips.

What does the Bible say about connection in parenting? How do we work that out practically in everyday family life? Of course theology is important. But theology alone doesn’t always tell you how long your kids should play a video game, or how to specifically respond when your child asks tough questions.  That’s where scientific research comes in! We’ve heard from countless people the reason they continue to access Connected Families resources is because we integrate science and biblical principles. Our goal is to make what can seem lofty into digestible and practical content for parents.  Today’s episode is Part 2 of a discussion about what makes the Connected Families parenting approach so unique–the integration of science and Scripture! Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to continue the conversation about the Connected Families Framework. In this podcast you’ll hear: How scientific research is integrated in the last two steps of the Framework (“You are CALLED and CAPABLE.” and “You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions.”) The importance of listening to your kids without judgment in order to communicate empathy instead of anxietyThe power of calm, light-hearted questions to grow wisdom and responsibility in your childA more effective way to praise your child (that doesn’t lead to people-pleasing!) We have a ton of great resources below to help you in your parenting journey. We hope these resources can be a helpful avenue of guidance and support for your family. Please contact us with any questions, we are here to help! Resources mentioned in this podcast: Hardwired to Connect (2003 Research Report) or check out this link for a summary of the report Carol Dweck- A Study on Praise and Mindsets (video) Scripture references: Ephesians 2:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8, Psalm 139, Proverbs 29:5, Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 6:12, Colossians 3:12 Build Kids Up with Nourishing Affirmation in 30 Seconds (The “ABC’s of Affirmation”) The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom. (online course) FREE Resources: 4 Messages Every Kid Longs to Hear (ebook) and Perspectives on Spanking (ebook) If you are not currently following us on Instagram, we encourage you to check it out. Our community is growing there, and we’d love to partner with you in your parenting with timely encouragement just for you. Find us @connectedfams for your daily dose of parenting tips.

Are you longing for practical parenting resources that address both the spiritual and the scientific? Why are they both important? God created our souls, brains, and bodies, and He wants us to understand His creation. Research affirms the biblical truth that you and your kids are hardwired to connect. The science of connection combined with the wisdom of God’s Word are the heartbeat of all we do and teach at Connected Families.  You won’t want to miss today’s Connected Families podcast! The Connected Families Framework is compelling and effective. Why? Because of the unique and powerful intersection of science and the Bible. In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families). Together they will discuss how you can be empowered as a parent to form a deep and meaningful connection with your child. Learn to utilize scientific research as you implement biblical truth in your parenting to unlock your child’s heart. Instead of a quick behavior fix, turn your child’s heart toward wisdom built on a foundation of love, safety, and connection.  You’ll be equipped in your parenting as you learn about: How the latest research applies to and is interwoven into, the first two levels of the Connect Families Framework (“You are SAFE with me.” and “You are LOVED no matter what.”)How the science of connection affirms biblical truth in parentingA powerful sequence to address behavior used by the FBI that you can use in your parentingPractical ways you can implement the Connected Families Framework in daily life  Scripture references and resources mentioned in this episode: The 4 Most Important Messages You Can Send Your Kids Connecting: Healing Ourselves and Our Relationships (book by Larry Crabb)Ephesians 1:3, Luke 1:17 , Proverbs 15:1, 1 John 3:1 If you are not currently following us on Instagram, we encourage you to check it out. Our community is growing there, and we’d love to partner with you in your parenting with timely encouragement just for you. Find us @connectedfams for your daily dose of parenting tips.

Have you heard the buzz about having a “growth mindset”* versus a “fixed mindset”? How can you teach your child to have a growth mindset? When our kids lack the skills to do what we are asking them to do it can create discouragement in your home. Maybe you’ve even asked yourself the following:  “Why isn’t my kid motivated to clean their room?”“How many times do I have to show my child how to load the dishwasher?”“What does it take for my child to notice the towel on the bathroom floor?” It would be great if our kids would just do things they are asked without any difficulties, right? Even better if they actually noticed what needed to be done.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t typically happen that way, which leaves everyone feeling frustrated! Growing skills in your kids is important to you, but how do you do that and still communicate safety, love, and connection in your home? In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) share a super practical tool you can use today to help your kids build skills with wisdom and connection. It’s called Motivate. Model. Practice. Praise. This is an intentional process built on the idea that lasting skills are both caught and patiently taught. Modelind and teaching your child to have a growth mindset includes taking the time to learn the underlying emotions they experience while learning new skills. Building wisdom and connection affirms to your child, “You are called and capable of growing and learning new things.” Listen in and you will discover : How to practically use the four steps of Motivate. Model. Practice. Praise.The power of wise questions to help motivate your childThe importance of looking within ourselves to understand and change our own responses to our kidsHow to develop a team concept to get you and your child on the same pageA more effective way to praise your child  Resources to help you grow skills in your kids: Motivate. Model. Practice. Praise. Proactively Grow Skills Without Demands and ThreatsThe Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom. (Online course)Is There a “Miracle Grow” for Good Behavior? The ABC’s of AffirmationConnected Families FrameworkPhilippians 3:13-14 Do you have a comment about something that’s helped you, a question, or something you would like addressed in a future podcast? Contact us, or get in touch with us about our parent coaching options. We’d love to hear from you! *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.  Download our FREE in-depth ebook Helping Kids With Anger. It will provide thoughtful insights and creative ideas to help your struggling child.

Your child keeps unbuckling their seatbelt in a tantrum while you are driving down a busy road. One of your kids spits at his sibling when he gets angry. What do you do when your child has big emotions and actions, and despite your best efforts to implement connection and correction, the behavior doesn’t seem to improve? Maybe you’ve experienced challenging situations like these, and you don’t even know where to start.  In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) to discuss some of the challenging questions parents ask about correction. (Like, “What do I do when my child keep unbuckling?) Using the Connected Families Framework, Jim and Lynne walk through several of these situations, offering unique thoughts about ways to hold your child responsible, but still kindly and firmly communicate, you are safe and loved.  In this episode you’ll discover: The Connected Families Framework, and the power of asking wise questions to impart wisdom (instead of just managing behavior)How to search for the underlying issues (such as sensory) that could be contributing to misbehaviorWhat it means to allow your child to experience the natural impact of their choicesDisarming tense situations in unique waysHow to help kids communicate in ways that honor themselves and others Even when the way forward during correction isn’t clear, you can build a bridge to empathy for your child by helping them connect their strong emotions to empowering words. You can help them find a way to communicate what’s going on under the surface of the misbehavior, and guide them to make wiser choices. Helpful resources mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families FrameworkFREE Parenting Assessment Want to learn more? Connection in Correction (Love No Matter What!)Helping Kids With Anger (ebook)“The habit of connecting first makes the bigger issues of life easier to handle.” Give Connection this Year Small connections create lasting love and trust. Your gift supports Christ-centered connection and transformation in families for generations to come. DONATE NOW Related PostsA Better Way to Respond to TantrumsAvoiding Power Struggles Is Simpler Than You ThinkBut What About My Toddler?Practical Tips to Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts into Big WinsThe Secret to Helping a Child Who is Always Angry

As a parent you might feel overwhelmed with the mountain of resources available to you regarding Christian discipline. From podcasts, to books, to seminars, there is no shortage of available content you could access. But, when you are Christ-follower AND you are tuned into the latest in research and attachment-based parenting, you are looking for something more. Something that combines heart, soul, and body. Connected Families was born from this deeply felt need of parents who were longing for real solutions and a deeper connection with their kids. Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) hosts Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) for a very special interview about the founding roots of Connected Families and their exciting vision for the future. From a 3:00am wake-up call from God to a community of thousands of parents, hear how God has uniquely guided every step of the Connected Families journey with wisdom and purpose.  Join us for today’s podcast to learn more about the past, present, and future of Connected Families!  In this episode you’ll hear: How the intensity of Jim and Lynne’s own family informed Connected Families and moved them forward in their ministry to other parents The impact of the Connected Families Framework for parents, within the organization’s team, and within Jim and Lynne’s work as a married couple serving in ministry together The vital role of Connected Families parent communities and the Insiders Team The compelling future vision for the Connected Families ministry Thank you for partnering with us and being a part of our Connected Families community! As always, please reach out to us and let us know how we can continue to come alongside you in your parenting journey. Connected Families resources and opportunities mentioned in this podcast:  Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart (book) How to Grow a Connected Family  Connected Families Insiders Team Be the grace-filled parent you want. Maybe a refrigerator magnet can’t transform you, but it can remind you of the change you’re working toward. GET MY MAGNET Related PostsAre You Parenting From a Place of Fear? | Ep. 42How to Become an Emotionally Safe ParentLegalism vs Grace: How to Let Go of Perfectionism & Grab Hold of GraceParenting Kids from Hard Places with Unique Needs | Ep. 45The Small Magnet That is Making a BIG Difference

“My kid is looking at porn! What should I do?” Have you experienced this? Or maybe you are concerned about how to prepare your child for future encounters with something inappropriate. Pornography is highly accessible in today’s culture. Marketers seem to sexualize everything to sell products. In a world where we are unable to shield our children from this, how do we respond? Today’s podcast is the third of a three-part series focused on topics that dads often encounter as they seek to lead with grace. Join Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) as they discuss the very sensitive and challenging topic of kids and pornography.  As we seek to impart boundaries and wisdom to our kids regarding pornography, our reactions about this topic can either increase shame or invite connection. When we bring God’s grace and truth into the challenge of kids and porn, we can focus on our kids’ hearts and the parent-child connection that they so desperately need to navigate their struggle.  You’ll learn in this episode:  How to confront a child who has been caught viewing pornographyThe vital importance of connection with your child as you prepare to talk to your kids about pornographyWays in which the Connected Families Framework can empower you to discover: “What is going on in me? What’s it like to be my child?”The ways that shame and secrecy can affect your child’s struggle and your relationship with your child This is not an easy topic to navigate, so please let us know how we can come alongside you, and help bring God’s grace and truth to your family.  Bible verses mentioned in this podcast: Galatians 5:16-26Galatians 6:1-2 Matthew 5:27-30Philippians 1:6Philippians 4:6-7 Want to learn more? What to Do When You Catch Your Child Looking at Porn 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. Related PostsChild Looking at Porn? Here’s Where to Start.How to Limit Screen Time with Healthy Habits & a Bigger YESHow to Set Boundaries with Screens | Ep. 66Should I Punish My Child for Swearing?What Do You Do with a Minecraft Addiction?

“My kid is obsessed with gaming! Are they addicted? What should I do?” If you’ve found yourself making these kinds of statements you are not alone.  It’s amazing how something small on a screen can have such a big impact. And screens are everywhere. How do you set boundaries when you think your child is addicted to screens? There are real solutions and we are going to dig into them. Today’s podcast is the second of a three-part series focused on topics that dads often encounter as they seek to lead with grace. In this episode, Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) tackle the common but difficult topic of screen addictions (especially video gaming).   We’ll dive into important and practical topics such as: How you can use the Connected Families Framework to help your child and yourself have a healthy relationship with screensThe importance of communicating to your child, “You are capable of overcoming this struggle!”How to build wisdom and responsibility in your kids’ video game habits while showing empathy and compassionWays to ask questions and set boundaries with video games that invite conversation and connection with your child Screen addiction is a real thing and it is not easy! Let us know how we can come alongside you as you help your child work through this challenge. We are here to help! Resources mentioned in this episode: Sibling Conflict CourseConnect Families Framework Want to learn more? Why Do Kids Obsess Over Video Games?Healthy Screen Time With Kids–An Oxymoron or Hopeful Possibility?Keep Calm and Stay Connected (to your teen!) Take 15 minutes to learn how to give consequences that teach, rather than simply punish, by downloading our free ebook Consequences That Actually Work. Related Posts3 Secrets to Grow from Screen Time Madness to Gladness This Summer52 Out-of-the-Box Family Bonding ActivitiesHow to Limit Screen Time with Healthy Habits & a Bigger YESHow to Put Screens Back in Their Place | Ep. 34You Don’t Want to Micromanage Your Family: How to Stop Parenting With Anxiety

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “legacy”? We feel inspired when we hear stories about the legacy of someone who has made an impact in the world.  Hearing these stories may inspire you to want to leave a valuable legacy of your own. OR maybe that idea feels painful to you. You might have regrets and wonder if it’s too late to leave the legacy you had hoped for.  Whatever your experience, take heart and be strengthened that today is a new day! This podcast will guide you in taking steps to leave a legacy of faith for future generations.  In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) discuss how to leave a legacy of faith for your kids. During the month of June, in recognition of Father’s Day, we are focusing on topics geared towards issues that dads often encounter, as they seek to lead with grace. (Moms, listen in too! There’s loads of encouragement here for you as well.)  Leaving a legacy is purposefully planting seeds of hope, life, and generosity. It means trusting God’s love to make those seeds grow. It’s never too late to leave a legacy! In this podcast, you’ll learn: Practical and thoughtful ways of leaving a legacy of faith for your childHow to handle shame and past regrets, and leave a new legacy starting todayThe importance of authenticity as a parent, and sharing your own testimony of how God has worked in your lifeThe value of celebrating God’s blessings as a family and sharing those blessings with others Mentioned in this podcast: C.S. Lewis quoteMatthew 6:19-211 Corinthians 3:6-81 Thessalonians 2:11-12Joshua 4:21-22Deut 6:4-9Sibling Conflict Online Course 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. Related PostsAdvice for DadsBuilding True Respect and TeamworkFear-Based Compliance vs. Heartfelt Obedience: How to Avoid One & Inspire the OtherHonoring Our Imperfect Dads | Ep. 19Meet Juan and Nita from South Africa“I will love you simply because you are my son.”

You ask your child to do something simple and they respond with violence. Your five-year-old comes at you forcefully with a toy and is going to hit you. Maybe your teenager is physically fighting and things are getting out of hand. You start to realize your child is violent. Now what? As a parent in this situation, you may feel discouragement, fear, anxiety, or even shame. It’s hard to know what to do when your child is physically aggressive, and it’s natural to feel your own emotions escalate as well. You may be wondering, “How can I bring peace to this toxic situation?”  Defusing a child who is violent In today’s episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss the difficult challenges of parenting a child who struggles with being physically aggressive. Jim and Lynne talk through the Connected Families Framework, and how it can help defuse an angry child in the heat of the moment. Longer term, this podcast will help guide you as a parent to provide love, safety, and connection for your child. In this podcast you’ll learn:  How to create a strong and confident foundation as a parent: What is going on in me when my child is violent?How your child’s underlying anxiety can often be masked as anger: What’s going on in my child when they explode?Practical and loving ways to provide safety and connection to a child who needs restraint The power of empathy and truthful, compassionate, phrases to communicate to your child: “I am for you, you are loved, we’ll get through this together.” As always, we are here to help and you are not alone! Check out some of our resources below, or reach out to us to learn more about how Connected Families can walk alongside you in your parenting journey. Encouraging verses and resources mentioned in this podcast:  James 1:5 Romans 15:13FREE Resources Helping Kids With Anger (FREE ebook)Grace and Truth for Moms (online course)Connected Families Framework Related Posts50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to CalmGot a Strong-Willed Child? So Did This Mom. | Ep. 51Practical Tips To Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts Into Big WinsThe Awesome Thing About Your Kid’s Misbehavior…What Causes Anger Issues in a Child? | Ep. 46 Do you feel stuck in negative patterns? Feeling isolated? Are you anxious about your kids’ successes or failures? Our Grace and Truth for Moms online course will help you identify and hold on to God’s truth about YOU, and equip you to stop believing toxic lies about yourself. This course is created for small groups, so grab a few other moms and be encouraged!