Connected Families Podcast

The most successful companies usually have clear cut goals and strategies to accomplish those goals. However, most families float through life haphazardly. When families get dangerously off track, parents often say, “I just don’t know how we got here.” A lack of intentionality is often implicated when families’ find themselves sinking or even shipwrecked.  In this podcast, Jim Jackson and Chad Hayenga will challenge you to have a plan to move your family forward with purpose. In this podcast about family purpose you will:   Discover practical ways to keep this from happening to your familyBe inspired to instill a sense of purpose for your unique family to be a blessing in whatever ways God calls you, whether that’s in big* or lots of smaller ways Hear Chad’s story of the surprising impact of repeated discussions around a simple question his family would continually use to evaluate their goals Don’t miss these helpful ideas to guide your family away from shipwreck as you sail strongly toward God’s purposes. *In this podcast Jim mentions a story that Donald Miller shares about a wealthy dad “buying an orphanage” for his family. We recognize the verbiage used by the man in the story could be off-putting. We pray the story behind the words can challenge you to consider how your family might embrace a greater purpose to bless others. Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! Related PostsHonoring Our Imperfect Dads | Ep. 19How Do I Get This Behavior to Stop?How to Speak Blessings Over Your Child This New YearLeading Down a Grace-Filled Path | Ep. 17The Small Magnet That is Making a BIG DifferenceWhere Do Parenting Reflexes Come From? 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. 

In this podcast, Chad Hayenga and Jim Jackson will challenge you to think through what you’re modeling as you parent. They’ll equip you with natural, effective ways to “live your life out loud” in a manner that builds faith and wisdom in your kids.  You’ll come away with: practical tips on how to make prayer natural with your kids.ideas on how to guide great dinner table conversations.simple ways to keep kids engaged when you read the Bible.  You may be intimidated by the idea of leading your kids to Jesus. The staff at church seems so much better equipped, right? But in your everyday life, you are teaching, leading, guiding and discipling in both the big moments, the small ones, and a million in between. Your kids are watching you all the time. The question is, what are they learning?  Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! Related Posts5 Practical Tips to Pray BIG as a FamilyHow to Limit Screen Time with Healthy Habits & a Bigger YESSo You Killed The Cat….Now What?Struggling at the Family Dinner Table? How to Come Together & EnjoyTeach Your Kids How to Trust GodWhere Do Parenting Reflexes Come From? 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.

If you’ve struggled in your relationship with one (or both!) of your parents, this podcast can give life-changing insight. Hurt and resentment left to brew under the surface can often perpetuate the effects of sin passing from one generation to another.  In this podcast, Jim shares his process of working through very difficult feelings and dynamics in his relationship with his dad. This enabled him to get to a place of an affectionate, grace-filled, restored relationship. As mentioned in this fall 2019 blog post, he learned to apply the Connected Families Framework with his own parents. In this podcast: You’ll learn practical ways to release bitterness, reconnect, and confront a parent about past hurts. You’ll be encouraged to replace bitterness with forgiveness, and disconnection with affection and honor. You’ll be equipped to set boundaries as needed.  As you learn to navigate your relationship with your earthly parents, you may even find your relationship with your heavenly Father growing deeper and more personal. In turn, this can permeate your own family for generations to come. Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! Sign up below to receive a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your inbox: Related PostsFamilies on Purpose | Ep. 21How Do I Get This Behavior to Stop?Leading Down a Grace-Filled Path | Ep. 17When Doing My Best Isn’t Good Enough | Ep. 18Where Do Parenting Reflexes Come From?Why How YOU Were Parented Probably Won’t Work Anymore

In this podcast episode, Jim and Chad take a deeper dive into the dynamics of dads’ good intentions with their kids. If you sometimes feel like you’re doing your best and it’s just not good enough, be encouraged and equipped by the ideas in this practical podcast. In this podcast you’ll: listen as Jim shares some helpful insights from his own relationship with his dad. hear a roleplay illustrating typical default parenting and the messages kids may actually be receiving.be given examples demonstrating how to communicate messages of grace and truth to your kids in clear and practical ways. Whether you are a dad (or mom!) who’s raising toddlers, tweens, or teens these deep and heartfelt principles can help change the trajectory of your family for generations to come. We invite you to listen to the rest of this podcast series and be encouraged to lead your family with grace!  Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! Sign up below to receive a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your inbox: Related Posts11 Ideas to Help You Stop Yelling at Your KidsHonoring Our Imperfect Dads | Ep. 19How Do I Get This Behavior to Stop?Leading Down a Grace-Filled Path | Ep. 17What Changed My Mind About DadWhy How YOU Were Parented Probably Won’t Work Anymore

Join Jim Jackson, Connected Families co-founder, and Chad Hayenga, LMFT, Certified Life Coach and parent coach, for this first episode in a 5-part series for dads. Moms, of course you’re welcome to listen! But Jim and Chad will be addressing specific issues unique to dads.   Often dads are working outside the home and that can bring unique challenges. It’s easy to carry stress from work into the pressure cooker of home. Dads frequently, not always, feel they need to use strong authority to manage conflict in the family. The messages dads want to convey are often not the ones that kids receive. This can build disconnection and resentment in family relationships, despite the best intentions. In this podcast you’ll: learn 4 principles for parenting in a way that builds connection and respect.hear a story about a dad who finally achieved a life-long goal with his kids when he began to focus on these principles.receive 4-5 key questions to guide your thinking for inevitable discipline situations. So whether you are a dad (or mom!) who’s raising toddlers, tweens, or teens these deep and heartfelt principles can help change the trajectory of your family for generations to come. We invite you to listen to the rest of this podcast series and be encouraged to lead your family with grace! Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! 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!  Related PostsDo You Have a Positive View of Your Child's Future?Families on Purpose | Ep. 21Honoring Our Imperfect Dads | Ep. 19How Do I Get This Behavior to Stop?Mentoring Our Kids in Skills, Wisdom and Faith | Ep. 25When Doing My Best Isn't Good Enough | Ep. 18

You’ve just had a family event and might still be recovering from the overt or passive-aggressive comments from extended family about your kids’ behavior and your parenting choices. Family gatherings can be HARD…especially if we sense that external pressure is shifting our parenting style to avoid criticism.  On this podcast Jim and Lynne Jackson tackle this tough and timely issue. In today’s episode you’ll learn: How to graciously talk to your parents (or other family members) about your parenting goalsHow to stay consistent and confident in your own parentingHow to prep your kids for success at family gatherings Listen in and be encouraged. You’ll be ready for any extended family gatherings (birthday parties, Christmas, Easter, reunions, etc.) as you make a commitment to stay consistent and confident in your own parenting. Want to dig deeper? Check out these helpful family gathering resources:  Read “3 Steps For Success in Holiday Chaos”.Read “What To Do When Relatives Criticize Your Parenting”.Read “Family Gatherings: Who’s In Charge” .If you have a child who struggles with sensory sensitivities, share “Viewing Your Child Through a Different Lens” with your family.Buy our Framework Magnet ($2!) to have handy as you explain your parenting goals.Encourage your parents, grandparents, or interested relatives to download and read, “4 Messages Every Child Longs to Hear.” Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! Sign up below to receive a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your inbox: Related Posts3 Unexpected Parenting Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child ThriveChristmas: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?How to Create a Simple Sensory Diet for Restless, Homebound Kids | Ep. 30How to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice from Family (4 Grace-Filled Tips)Loving the PARENT of Your RealityWhat Changed My Mind About Dad

In this podcast, Jim Jackson interviews Stacy Bellward, online course moderator, in a fun and heartfelt conversation. (Find out what even got Jim a little teary!)  You’ll get the real scoop on the Discipline That Connects with Your Child’s Heart online course, so you can know whether or not it’s a fit for you and your family. In this 15-minute podcast we explore: the history behind the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course how Stacy went from being a student (2014), to moderating (2015), to project managing and producing the updated version (2018) what impact the DTC online course has had on families just like yours what is included in the registration fee and what some of the key takeaways are from the course One mom shared a realization as she began to walk in God’s grace for her parenting: “If I’m not defined by my past behavior then my kids aren’t either!” As God’s grace invades our messes, we learn that it’s who we are in Christ that defines us and empowers us to parent differently.  Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this life-changing course with hundreds of others from around the world! To learn more: Read through our Frequently Asked Questions about this online course.   Register for our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. (Offered two times a year; fall and winter. 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 PostsConnecting With Your Kids…Especially When They Struggle | Ep. 24Guiding Kids to Right Their Wrongs | Ep. 26Mentoring Our Kids in Skills, Wisdom and Faith | Ep. 25The Small Magnet That is Making a BIG DifferenceWalking in Peace and Joy with Your Kids | Ep. 23

Today, Stacy Bellward interviews Jim and Lynne Jackson as they dive deep into ways to correct kids’ misbehavior with the message, “You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions”. Misbehavior is like the tip of the iceberg. If we make misbehavior our primary focus we miss guiding our children toward lasting change and growth. During this episode, all four parts of the Connected Families Framework are brought together.  “You are SAFE with me.”  What’s going on with me?  Can I exchange my inner angst for God’s grace and truth so my child feels safe?  “You are LOVED no matter what.” Express unconditional love, which often brings a child to repentance.  “You are CALLED & CAPABLE.” Coach my child toward wiser choices and better use of their gifts; solve the problem together.  You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions.” Hold a child accountable to make right what they’ve made wrong.  In this episode we talk through: teaching your kids what it means to make right what they’ve made wrong. the story of a young boy who hits his sibling and reconciles well. how parents might respond when a teen misses the bus.   Want to learn more? Download our eBook Four Messages Every Child Longs To Hear Read this article about cultivating respect in your child. Register for our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. It is offered each year in the spring and fall. Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! 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 Posts4 Steps to Change Your Child’s BehaviorBeing Present with Our KidsGuiding Kids to Right Their Wrongs | Ep. 26Raising Entitled Kids? Here’s How to Stop.The Joy of Family Chores: A Tale of Two Moms

Stacy Bellward is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson to talk about a message that is essential for discipline situations: You are LOVED no matter what!  Why is this necessary? Don’t kids already know they are loved? During the frustration of misbehavior, kids can easily internalize a perception that their parents don’t like them. If we don’t intentionally communicate the message “You are LOVED no matter what” during challenges, kids will only become more discouraged. And if they believe they have to perform well to be loved, that can weave insecurity into the very fabric of their lives. In this podcast we discuss in-depth what it looks like to practically bring “love-no-matter-what” into daily discipline challenges. We explore the questions:   What can we do to prevent performance-based insecurity?  Start with a heart to sincerely connect with your child, not to manipulate them. Then offer the same kind of connection that is natural in your relationship in non-conflict situations – like touch, humor, or verbal affection. Doesn’t this let kids off the hook when they misbehave?  It actually helps keep them on the hook. Communicating love in the midst of misbehavior earns parents the respect needed to guide children to make right what they’ve made wrong. (See Romans 2:4)  What does “love-no-matter-what” look like in real life? In today’s podcast, Nichole, an adoptive mom with six kids, shares her story with strategies for connecting during misbehavior and the impact it’s had in her family. Want to learn more? Download the free Romans 8:38,39 adaption mentioned in the podcast. Register for our Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course.Download our eBook Four Messages Every Child Longs to Hear.Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! Related PostsConnecting with Toddlers & Teens During DisciplineThis Is Better Than My Old Consequences for a Disrespectful ChildUnconditional Love: 15 Reasons to Show Love-No-Matter-What to Your KidsYour Child’s Misbehavior: A Cry for Help?

Being an emotionally safe parent is not about being soft or lenient. It’s also not suppressing our anxiety and frustration and trying to look calm when we discipline our kids. If we engage with a heart attitude of “What is wrong with you?!” our kids won’t feel safe with us.  The starting place for making your home a safe haven is to take an honest look at how you might be contributing to the conflict with your child.  When you engage with a heart of grace and a sense of purpose for the discipline situation, it’s much easier to help your child feel emotionally safe.  In this podcast, Stacy Bellward interviews Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families about the foundational principle in the Discipline that Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course: What does it mean to be an emotionally safe parent? You’ll hear an amazing story written by a parent who transformed  her relationship with her troubled child through the principle of emotional safety. This podcast and story hold lots of practical ideas you can apply today! If you don’t have time to listen, read our article Becoming An Emotionally Safe Parent.  Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode! To learn more about Connected Families framework for parenting download our eBook Four Messages Every Child Longs to Hear. Related Posts“I dealt with big behavior by trying to control it and shut it down.”3 Sure-Fire Discipline Tips for When the Heat is On!Fear-Based Compliance vs. Heartfelt Obedience: How to Avoid One & Inspire the OtherHow to Become an Emotionally Safe ParentTo Spank or Not to Spank?