Connected Families Podcast

Feeling burned out at the end of the day? Does parenting (and discipline) leave you feeling overwhelmed and discouraged?  If you are feeling “parenting burnout” there is help and hope. Perhaps you will identify with our guests today, Nate and Amanda. This couple joins us to discuss the burnout parents often face in the discipline process with their kids. What does parenting burnout look like? Like so many couples, Nate and Amanda were enthusiastic and confident before their children were born. They were ready with ideas about how they would parent and connect with their children. Yet, like many of us, they discovered that the reality of parenting did not always match those expectations. They had great intentions, but struggled to put those intentions into action.  As parents, we can get tired and discouraged. Do you feel yourself grasping for control and wanting an immediate fix for your child’s behavior?  Often the desire to get the right behavior from our kids can impede the relationship and cause us to lose opportunities to connect.   What’s going on in me? Amanda and Nate found new hope and perspective after taking the Discipline That Connects online course. They learned to build a foundation of safety for their children by asking themselves, “What is going on in me?” Amanda noticed that her anxiety about her children’s future caused more exhaustion and brought more tension to the situation. By implementing the practical and biblical strategies they learned together in the course, Nate and Amanda began walking a new path to decrease stress and bring energy back to their parenting.  Join Stacy Bellward (DTC course moderator) and Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families), as they talk with Nate and Amanda about the DTC course, and a long term vision for parenting that builds safety and connection. Hear about our unique combination of a biblical framework and a practical science-based approach that can totally shift how you view discipline, and help you build connection with your kids. In this episode you will: Discover how to parent from a place of peace and calm.Learn the value of staying in the moment (and avoid catastrophizing!).Hear practical examples from parents who have been through the course, and how it helped them create more connection with their kids.Learn the power of do-overs and developing new brain pathways to help kids make better choices.Get an overview of the Connected Families framework.  Want to learn more? Jim recorded this 38-minute audio thinking about dads (although moms can listen too!). If your wife has recently been digging into our material and is urging you to “get on board!” this is a great place to start! 

“My kids will never grow up to be responsible!” “I am a terrible parent, and my child and I will never get along!” Are you parenting from a place of fear? Even catastrophizing a situation? Do you find yourself replaying negative thoughts in your mind about yourself and your child? You are absolutely not alone! It’s easy to let fears about our parenting and our kids grip us and cause anxiety. Toxic beliefs can affect our own hearts, and the hearts of our children. These beliefs are like a recording that plays over and over in our head. We hear a voice that says we don’t measure up, or we make negative assumptions about our kids, and we act out on those beliefs. This kind of thinking can cause us to parent from a place of fear. Your intentions are probably good. You want to become more aware of what’s going on inside your heart, and guide your children from a place of calm and peace. One mom’s story of parenting from a place of fear Join Stacy Bellward (DTC course moderator) and Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families), in an honest conversation about why it is so important to identify our toxic beliefs and replace them with grace-filled truth. Learn practical steps you can take to tame these beliefs and lead your family without fear.  Also joining us is Rebecca, a mom who took our Discipline That Connects with Your Child’s Heart online parenting course. Rebecca shares the impact of this course, and how over time it improved her connection with her children. Listen as she shares her struggles with her own fears and toxic beliefs, and how she learned to replace those beliefs with thoughts that encourage safety and connection. In this episode, you will: Gain insight into why we sometimes parent from fear, and wisdom in working toward parenting from joy and peace.Learn to identify toxic beliefs, take those thoughts captive, and replace them with grace-filled truth. Hear practical ways to model self-calming strategies to your kids.Discover more about the Connected Families Framework, and how to build the foundation for connection and safety with your kids. Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages All Children Long to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview.  Related Posts3 Reasons Kids Misbehave & How You Can Respond With Grace and Love4 Simple Ways to Bridge the Mother-Son DivideAm I a Bad Parent? | Ep. 28My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?Sometimes I Cry About My Parenting MistakesThe Parenting Pitfall We All Get Stuck InYou Don’t Want to Micromanage Your Family: How to Stop Parenting With Anxiety

Are your kids scared of the world around them?  How are you talking about anxiety with your kids these days?  In current times coping is harder, and there seems to be more reasons to worry than usual. You may experience tension when your family gathers because everyone views what’s happening in our world through different lenses, and with different opinions. Relationships with some of the most important people in your lives seem at risk. It can be hard to talk about things that concern or upset us.  When we are anxious, our kids are the first to know. Kids have a keen radar that senses when things are off in our world. When their radar picks up anxiety, the anxiety spreads.  In today’s episode, we discuss the anxiety that can come from things we can’t control, the things that happen outside our walls: Social unrest, pandemics, politics,  and school policies and decisions.   We WILL have trouble in this world Jesus promises we will have trouble in this world. In the midst of such trouble, you have a unique opportunity to empower your kids to be thoughtful and compassionate in their relationships with others. Learning to approach your kids with grace and wisdom can help keep your family grounded, and growing in God’s love and purposes, during uncertain times. This podcast is the fourth and final episode in a four-part series about anxiety. Listen in as Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, together with close colleague and marriage and family therapist, Chad Hayenga, discuss this relevant topic from a faith-filled, biblically-oriented perspective. In this episode This episode is packed full of rich conversation and practical insights about tough topics. In this episode you will: Explore habits that keep you grounded and help you “take every thought captive.”Discover how to have honest conversations with your kids with a “Big Picture” perspective.Learn how to communicate to your kids: “You are called and capable of figuring out even these really challenging problems!”Hear practical ways to have conversations about big feelings with respect and kindness.Gain insight in how to teach kids to wrestle well with their fears, listen better, and learn from the perspectives of others. The reign and the rule of Jesus’ kingdom is as present and powerful now more than ever. We are all called to be part of this heavenly kingdom. Whatever trouble you are experiencing, the power and force of God’s goodness and grace are the most potent ways to overcome anxiety. Mentioned in this podcast: John 16:33Colossians 3:12,132 Corinthians 10:5John 18:36Philippians 4:6-8Philippians 4:11Matthew 6:25-34Numbers 6:24-26Family Meetings OverviewIs Your Child Refusing to Do Schoolwork?Free Resources from Connected Families Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily! Want to learn more? This content from this podcast is also available in our blog post called: Teach Your Kids to Trust God…In Times of Unrest and Pandemic. In our online course, The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom., you will learn the art of asking questions that build internal wisdom and character in your kids, and create a culture of teamwork in your family. Join us today! Here is what Mark and Kim had to say after finishing the course: We wish we’d had this training many years ago when starting our parenting journey, but we’ve found that it’s never too late to connect with each other and build up our family team. Changing our perspective and approaching our children (even the ones who are now young adults!) with light-hearted curiosity instead of judgmental lectures is a game-changer. Related PostsHelp! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at DaycareHow to Teach Your Child Not to Be Scared | Ep. 39My Child is Afraid of Everything | Ep. 38Teach Your Kids How to Trust GodWhat to Do About the Things Kids Are Scared of At Home | Ep. 40

Mealtime battles, bedtime drama, homework struggles… Can you relate to these anxiety triggers in your home? Often there are deeper emotions under the surface, for both parents and children, that contribute to these conflicts. When we acknowledge and validate the emotions that drive our children’s anxiety, we can better equip them to self-regulate. Validating emotions also helps us avoid anxiety-producing power struggles. This equips us to approach these struggles in a way that empowers our children to feel safe, loved, and capable. We are excited to bring you episode three in our four-part Anxiety Series. Today Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, together with Chad Hayenga, marriage and family therapist, dig deeper on what some of the anxiety triggers might be in your home. Listen in as they talk about separation anxiety, homework, school, mealtimes, and more. In this episode about anxiety triggers you’ll learn: Practical ideas to reduce power struggles at mealtimeHow to approach homework battles with compassion while encouraging responsibility at the same timeHow to validate your child’s anxious feelings Ways to empower your children to feel safe and speak up for what they need  Mentioned in this podcast: 7 Practical Tips for Picky Eaters Raise a Healthy Child Who Is a Joy to Feed– Ellyn Satter Responding with Compassion When Kids Don’t Make the Grade Practical Help for Families Struggling with Separation Anxiety  Bedtime Struggles  Connected Families FREE Resources Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily! Related PostsDemanding Kids: “I Want 2 Stories, 5 Kisses, and 10 Hugs”Help Your Struggling Child Grieve His Pre-Coronavirus Life | Ep. 31Help! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at DaycareHow to Teach Your Child Not to Be Scared | Ep. 39My Child is Afraid of Everything | Ep. 38Teach Your Kids How to Trust GodWhat to Do About the Things Kids Are Scared of At Home | Ep. 40What to Do When Kids Are Scared of the World Around Them | Ep. 41Your Child Struggles to Transition. Here’s What to Do. | Episode 50 Sign up below to receive a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your inbox:

How do you teach your child not to be scared? Bedtime, meals, learning at home, performance anxiety, and separation anxiety can all be sources of anxiety for kids. This is especially true for kids who may be highly sensitive. Kids who struggle with anxiety are often more “on alert” than other children, and don’t always assess danger well.  Kids who are anxious can also get their cues from parents. The more we try to create an environment that keeps kids out of a highly-alert state, the more sense of peace and calm the child can feel. In our previous podcast episode, we discussed how modeling a calm spirit is a vital part of calming an anxious child.  In this episode, you’ll learn how to empower your children to constructively work through their anxiety, and to experience God’s peace and purpose for their lives.   This podcast is the second in a four-part series about anxiety. Listen in as Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, together with close colleague, and marriage and family therapist, Chad Hayenga, explore some of the best ways to encourage kids when they experience anxiety. Among the many practical tools in this podcast, you’ll learn:  3 “Don’ts” that can add to your child’s anxiety.3 “Do’s” that can equip your kids with confidence-boosting skills to handle anxiety.How to help your kids feel empowered with a teamwork mentality, and in their God-given identity to be brave. Mentioned in this podcast:  Philippians 4:6,7Ephesians 2:10Joshua 1:9The Opposite of Worry: The Playful Parenting Approach to Childhood Anxieties and Fears (includes the “second chicken” story mentioned in today’s podcast episode)Helping Your Highly Sensitive ChildHow to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound KidsBuilding Your Inner Coach-Brett LedbetterDan Siegel: Name it to Tame it Wondering if you have a highly sensitive child? Check out the sister article for this podcast: Helping Your Highly Sensitive Child. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily! Related Posts3 Reasons Kids Misbehave & How You Can Respond With Grace and Love3 Unexpected Parenting Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child ThriveHelp! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at DaycareHow to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids | Ep. 30Teach Your Kids How to Trust GodWhat to Do About the Things Kids Are Scared of At Home | Ep. 40What to Do When Kids Are Scared of the World Around Them | Ep. 41 Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages All Children Long to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview.

Do you feel like your child is afraid of everything? Where does anxiety come from in our kids? This is a huge struggle parents often face, especially when tensions are high in the world around us.  A survey Connected Families conducted in spring of 2020 revealed that 70% of families in the CF community have reported elevated levels of anxiety in recent months. If you are experiencing this, you are not alone! Kids’ struggles and misbehavior can increase everyone’s anxiety and the tension in the home. Our own anxious thoughts about children’s misbehavior can cause us to try harder to control kids, which discourages them and escalates the problem.​ Our own anxious thoughts about this behavior can cause discouragement in our children, and can also cause us to become more controlling. ​ You have good intentions to help your child manage their big emotions. What can you do to wrestle well with this issue of anxiety in the home? Today’s podcast is the first in a four-part series about anxiety. Listen in as Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) and Chad Hayenga (MA, LMFT, CLC) discuss the root of our anxiety struggles both for kids and for us as parents.  In this episode: Learn about the cycle that can cause anxiety in both you and your kids.Think practically about your anxiety and how to model healthy habits to your kids. Discover how to take control of negative thoughts and develop a more peaceful mindset.Identify the Antidote Cycle for growing away from the anxious habits we have. Mentioned in this podcast: Philippians 4:6-9 1 John 4:18 2 Corinthians 10:5 How to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids Want to learn more? Our blog post “Are You Micromanaging Your Kids?” Here’s How to Stop gives more practical and helpful tips to stop parenting from a place of anxiety. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily! Related PostsHelp! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at DaycareTeach Your Kids How to Trust GodWhat to Do About the Things Kids Are Scared of At Home | Ep. 40What to Do When Kids Are Scared of the World Around Them | Ep. 41You Don’t Want to Micromanage Your Family: How to Stop Parenting With Anxiety In our online course, The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom., you will learn the art of asking questions that build internal wisdom and character in your kids, and create a culture of teamwork in your family.

Have you ever heard an outrageous statement from your child? Outrageous statements come in all shapes and sizes and can often trigger disbelief or even outrage in parents. Perhaps that’s why they’re called outrageous statements!  It’s tempting for us, as parents, to respond to these situations with immediate correction or a lecture. However, this may result in unhelpful arguments. Hard emotions are often underneath our kid’s outrageous statements. How can we respond with love, connection, and safety to effectively help them grow in wisdom and responsibility?  Join Stacy Bellward (ACC), Chad Hayenga (MA,LMFT, CLC), and Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families), as they discuss the power of lighthearted questions in a conversational model that will guide wisdom-building responses in your kids. They also discuss the recently released online course from Connected Families called The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom. In today’s episode, you’ll discover: A useful analogy to help you “dig deeper” to understand your child’s underlying emotions.The power of lighthearted questions to build wisdom in your kids rather than “fix” the behavior.A practical conversational model that creates safety in relationships when confronted with outrageous statements from your kids.  Remember, your child is often frustrated and discouraged when they say outrageous things. Learning to find what is going on underneath the surface will better equip you to lead your family with grace. If you want to hear more about what to do when your kids say outrageous things, check out Stop the Crazy All-or-Nothing Thinking with These 4 Steps. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily! In our newest online course The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom. you will learn the art of asking questions that build internal wisdom and character in your kids, and create a culture of teamwork in your family. Join us today!

Are you feeling anxious about this summer? Summer can be a fantastic opportunity to connect with your kids, but it can also present new challenges. You want to have a great summer, but aren’t quite sure how to get there. Uncertainty and disappointment add an extra level of stress, especially with the new reality of cancelled activities and plans. In this podcast we will explore how to create a sense of teamwork in your family so summer is enjoyable for everyone. We, as parents, may also have our own fears about navigating difficult battles, such as screen time and boredom. We don’t want to spend the all our time nagging, exasperating, and arguing with our kids! Is it even possible to create a memorable summer while, at the same time, helping our kids grow in wisdom and responsibility? Join Stacy Bellward (ACC), Chad Hayenga (MA,LMFT, CLC), and Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families), as they discuss how to build an atmosphere of teamwork and connection with your kids that will equip them and set them up for success. In this podcast, you’ll learn to: Think through your own best hopes for summer. Be thoughtful and proactive in naming potential problem areas. Be intentional and realistic about your summer goals. If you want to learn more, this article complements this podcast well, and has a great story of how a mom used questions to help avoid a power struggle with her toddler. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily! Related Posts4 Summer Tips for Parents Excited for (or Dreading) Summer BreakAre You Tired of Having to Nag Your Kids? | Ep. 35Avoiding Power Struggles Is Simpler Than You ThinkHow to Limit Screen Time with Healthy Habits & a Bigger YESHow to Put Screens Back in Their Place | Ep. 34My Kids Fight All the Time! | Ep. 4 In our online course, Sibling Conflict: From Bickering to Bonding, we teach parents how to teach kids The Peace Process. This process equips kids to work through their arguments without your constant supervision and refereeing. Join us! Your kids will thank you.

Does it seem like all you do is nag your kids? Are you frustrated because this is the sixth time you have asked your child to take out the garbage? Nagging and arguing can become the frustrating norm in many of families. Parents have good intentions. We want our kids to grow up to be responsible, right? Our fear and anxiety that our children will not grow up to be responsible adults can cause us to become controlling. This kind of projected negativity has the potential to affect our child’s identity. In fact, brain science reveals that these power struggles can be damaging to our relationship with our kids. Kids may embrace this projected negative identity, which could hinder their ability to grow in God’s good purposes for them.  Join Stacy Bellward (ACC), Chad Hayenga (MA,LMFT, CLC), and Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families), as they discuss what it looks like to cut down on nagging and help our kids grow in wisdom and responsibility. They also discuss the recently released online course from Connected Families called The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom.  In this episode you will: learn how to break patterns of defensiveness.discover the power of curious questions to create SAFE, productive conversations. receive a 4-step plan for holding kids accountable.hear an overview of this exciting new course! Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily! Related PostsAvoiding Power Struggles Is Simpler Than You ThinkFun Campfire Questions You Can Use AnytimeHow to Have a Great Summer Without Pestering Your Kids | Ep. 36My Kids Won’t Do Their Chores Without My Nagging | Ep. 5Stop the Crazy All-or-Nothing Thinking with These 4 StepsToddler Discipline Doesn’t Have to Be a BattleWhat to Say When Your Child Makes Outrageous Statements | Ep. 37You Don’t Want to Micromanage Your Family: How to Stop Parenting With AnxietyYour Child’s Grades Don’t Matter (To You) In our online course “The Power of Questions” you will learn the art of asking questions that build internal wisdom and character in your kids, and create a culture of teamwork in your family. Join us today!

You want to be intentional about screen time with your kids, but you’ve got an uphill battle! The pandemic isn’t making it any easier either. If you’re struggling with how to be intentional about screens, especially when your kids require them more than ever, this is the podcast episode for you. Join Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, as they dive into the challenges of our kids and their screen time. They discuss how best to approach screen time from a place of connection and guidance, not just enforcing rules. These ideas will equip you to lead your family with grace as you help your children feel capable and responsible when it comes to screen time. In this podcast you’ll:  Learn techniques and skills to connect with your child during the heat of the moment.Hear role plays involving real-life screen time conflict scenarios.Be given tools and scripts to work with your child to problem solve the issue of screen time together. Note: This podcast has a companion blog post. We encourage you to digest both, as there is different and complimenting content in each. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily! 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 Posts52 Out-of-the-Box Family Bonding ActivitiesHow to Limit Screen Time with Healthy Habits & a Bigger YESWhat Do You Do with a Minecraft Addiction?