Connected Families Podcast

Today we’ve got the author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, Kristen A. Jenson, here with us to help us navigate how to talk to your kids about porn and protect them. Stacy and Kristen discuss how parents can proactively prepare children to recognize and reject pornography in our digital world. Listen in to be equipped to start the conversation with your kids. Key points: Start conversations about pornography as soon as children access the internet, even at ages 2-3. Talking with kids about porn must include 3 key parts: defining, warning and making a plan Understand the ways pornography can lead to addiction, increase vulnerability to abuse, and distort healthy views of relationships. Use age-appropriate resources: books and tools make these difficult conversations easier and provide structured language for you to use Mentioned in this podcast: Screens Webinar with Matt & Jill Reed – Register Today! Drivers Training for Social Media Online Course Good Pictures, Bad Pictures (Ages 7-11) Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr. (Ages 3-6) Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Rate this podcast to help others discover the show easily! *This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!* Guest Bio: Kristen A. Jenson is the founder of Defend Young Minds and best-selling author of the Good Pictures Bad Pictures series of read-aloud books. She is also the executive producer of the Brain Defense: Digital Safety curriculum and the owner and CEO of Glen Cove Press, LLC. Kristen is a positive voice for raising empowered, resilient, screen-smart kids who know how to reject pornography. Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and her master’s degree in Organizational Communication. She is a mother of three and grandmother of two, and currently lives with her husband and awfully cute dog in Washington State. Connect with Kristen at: defendyoungminds.com Facebook: DefendYM Instagram: @DefendYoungMinds X: @DefendYM LinkedIn: @DefendYoungMinds Driver’s Training for Social Media We’re experiencing the biggest communication shift in history—and most of us haven’t had guidance. Until now. If you want a clear roadmap for today’s digital world, less screen time, more meaningful offline moments, and a media plan that truly works… this course is for you. Learn More & Register!

Screens cause issues for families everywhere! The full scope of what social media is in today’s world is complex and can be overwhelming. It goes way beyond the typical social media platforms and games we usually hear about. That’s why we’re bringing in Matt & Jill Reed, founders of Know Curtains, who have created an online course for parents to help you parent wisely and put you in the driver’s seat around technology. The Reeds share insights from their “Driver’s Training for Social Media” course, discussing how families can work together to develop healthy digital habits. Matt & Jill emphasize the importance of what we model as parents and creating fun alternatives when it comes to kids & technology. Key Points: Parents and kids can work as a team to manage technology, rather than parents simply imposing rules Kids observe parents’ screen behaviors from a very young age, so your modeling is crucial Social media is far more than just the popular social networking sites Intentionally growing your family’s fun and engaging activities without screens Mentioned in this podcast: Driver’s Training for Social Media Screens Webinar with Matt & Jill Reed – Register Today! Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most. *This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!* Guest Bio: Know Curtains was founded in 2024 by Matt and Jill Reed. As parents, they saw a huge void in tech resources for families and made it their mission to see past the hype, curate news that keeps tech wizards honest, and produce independent resources to render the public powerful. Tech Insight and Guidance for the Rest of Us. No hype. Know curtains. In their first online course, “Driver’s Training for Social Media,” you and your family will learn how to navigate the digital world safely, manage screen time, and avoid online traps with a customizable plan you create together. Find it online at training.knowcurtains.com. Matt & Jill are filmmakers with nearly twenty years of experience in media and communications, plus a rich background in pastoral and volunteer ministry. They have two boys, and they’re based in Minnesota. They love food, travel, history, and sharing adventures on their @wildgooselife YouTube channel. © 2025 Connected Families Driver’s Training for Social Media We’re experiencing the biggest communication shift in history—and most of us haven’t had guidance. Until now. If you want a clear roadmap for today’s digital world, less screen time, more meaningful offline moments, and a media plan that truly works… this course is for you. Learn More & Register!

In this bonus episode, Jim Jackson and Ron Deal discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of blended families through the lens of the Connected Families Framework. Ron, a bestselling author and host of the Family Life Blended podcast, shares his 30+ years of expertise in step-family dynamics. The conversation explores how step-parents can build emotional safety with children who may be resistant to new relationships. Ron emphasizes that safety must precede love, explaining that children often bristle against a step-parent’s affection due to grief, loyalty conflicts, or simply not being ready for that relationship. Key insights include: The importance of “pacing” with children at their readiness level How step-parents can acknowledge their role without trying to replace biological parents Practical approaches to discipline and household rules when facing resistance Building respectful relationships with biological parents in the other household Mentioned in this podcast: Galatians 6:1 Romans 12 The Smart Step Family – Ron’s comprehensive book on blended family dynamics Building Love Together in Blended Families – Ron co-authored with Gary Chapman, integrating love languages with step-family principles FamilyLife Blended Podcast The Smart Step Family video curriculum – Email blended@familylife.org for free online access The Mindful Marriage Certificate in Blended Family Ministry – online training through FamilyLife Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most. *This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!* Guest Bio: Ron is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed marriage and family therapist, podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife®. In addition, Ron is one of the most widely read and referenced authors on blended families. His latest #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mindful Marriage, coauthored with his wife Nan and Terry and Sharon Hargrave brings the proven principles of Restoration Therapy to a mass audience. The Deals live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org. © 2025 Connected Families Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide. Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources. LEARN MORE

Do you feel like you are in an emotionally distant marriage? In this special episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson interview Ron and Nan Deal about their new book, The Mindful Marriage, which combines biblical foundations with brain science. The authors vulnerably share how their marriage hit a crisis point after 20 years, leading them to seek help from a therapist (who later co-authored the book with them). They explain how our “pain cycles” develop from childhood and manifest in four reactive coping styles: blame, shame, control, and escape. The conversation explores their four-step process for moving from destructive pain cycles to “peace cycles.” This approach isn’t just for marriage but applies to all relationships as it’s fundamentally about discipleship—bringing your best self to relationships by following Jesus. Key points: How family-of-origin issues affect marriage Four reactive coping styles when triggered Breaking free from destructive pain cycles Nurturing your marriage “us-ness” Mentioned in this podcast: The Mindful Marriage by Ron & Nan Deal and Terry & Sharon Hargrave FREE: Learn your reactive coping style Galatians 5:22-23 Romans 7 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most. This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Guest Bio: Married since 1986, Ron and Nan Deal are the authors of The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself, as well as popular marriage conference speakers. Ron is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife. Nan retired from teaching after 25 years and currently works for a Christian non-profit ministry. They have three sons, a daughter-in-law, one grandson, and a Golden Retriever and live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org. © 2025 Connected Families Parenting is 24/7. Parenting resources and support should be too. You’ve experienced the confidence, clarity, and calling of biblical parenting wisdom. Your support makes this transformation possible for others. Join our monthly donor community, The Table, to bring Christ-centered help and hope to families daily. I want to join The Table!

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de cómo la empatía es la llave al corazón de tus hijos en momentos de mal comportamiento. Y de cómo esta llave te ayudará a guiarlos mejor. Temas mencionados en esta pódcast: 20 Oraciones que Comunican Empatía Primer Episodio 2025 “De la Ira a la Paz: Cambiando la Forma de Criar” Primer Episodio en Español: Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada Segundo Episodio en Español: Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada parte 2 Marco de referencia para una familia conectada See all our Spanish Resources here! Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza. ¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos! *Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!* ¿Necesita un recordatorio? Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios. Comprar el Imán Acerca de Esther: Esther Reich es Asesora de Crianza Certificada por Connected Families. Ella es enfermera profesional especializada en asesoría de lactancia materna y ella y su esposo, Roberto, tienen tres hijos y sirven como misioneros con Serge en Guatemala desde 2018. A través de enfrentar retos en la crianza de sus hijos acudieron a Connected Families para recibir coaching/apoyo. El apoyo que recibieron de Chad Hayenga y de Lynne Jackson les ayudó a ver cambios significativos en ellos mismos y en sus hijos. Todavía hay mucho espacio para crecer como familia, pero la diferencia de antes y después de la intervención de Connected Families es significativa. Además de servir con otros ministerios en Guatemala (Sigo Vivo y Servant Harts), apoyan a padres e iglesias a través de talleres y coaching/apoyo individual para los que enfrentan retos en su crianza de sus hijos incluyendo los que son muy sensibles o intensos. El correo de Esther es esther.e.cummings@gmail.com Acerca de Luisa: Luisa Wendt es Asesora de Crianza certificada por Connected Families nació en Bogotá, Colombia y vive en Iowa con su familia. Luisa y su esposo Jarrett tienen seis hijos, tres en el cielo y tres en la tierra. Dos de sus hermosos hijos llegaron a su familia a través de la adopción. Durante un momento muy complejo en la crianza Connected Families los asesoró y continua asesorandolos y guiandolos en el camino de una crianza basada en la gracia de Dios y la confianza y conexión con sus hijos. Jarrett y Luisa tienen un ministerio que se llama Built on Rock Parent Coaching que nació con el gran deseo de compartir esas enseñanzas con tantas familias como sea posible. Te invitamos a seguir su canal de YouTube, donde todos sus videos tienen subtítulos en español: https://www.youtube.com/@builtonrockparentcoaching Para más información acerca de su historia, ministerio y unas lindas fotos de su familia pueden visitar su página de internet: www.builtonrockparentcoaching.org. En este momento toda la información se encuentra en ingles pero si desean contactarlos para más información o asesorías de crianza en español pueden escribirles a jarrettandluisa@builtonrock.org © 2025 Connected Families The Quick Guide for Parenting It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace. GET THE GUIDE The Quick Guide for Parenting It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace. GET THE GUIDE

Julie Fowler, speaker and bible curriculum writer, joins us for a meaningful conversation about her journey of infertility and the resources she’s created for other couples coping with infertility and loss. Julie shares how scripture helped her in her grief and how she wove her faith into intentional community connections that served as a lifeline during her years of loss and struggle. Whether you’re supporting a friend or infertility is part of your personal story, you’ll find helpful wisdom in this conversation. Podcast Key Points: A raw, honest account of one woman’s journey through infertility to parenthood Practical ways to maintain faith while acknowledging grief during difficult seasons Specific strategies for building supportive relationships by clearly expressing your needs Information about valuable resources designed specifically for those navigating infertility Mentioned in this podcast: Treasures in the Waiting – Bible Study for Women by Julie Fowler Navigating Infertility & Loss – Bible Study for Men by Julie Fowler Attachment Webinar with Dr. Nicole Wilke – Wednesday, May 14th – Register Here Connected Families’ Spanish-language podcast episodes Join the Table – Connected Families’ monthly donor community Episode 224 | Attachment Myths Busted: How Your Attachment Style Shapes Everything John 11 Romans 12:15 Job 17:11 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most. *This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! * Guest Bio: Julie is a curriculum writer, speaker, pastoral care leader, and executive director of Julie Fowler Ministries. Through her years of infertility, failed adoptions, miscarriages, premature birth and loss of identical twins, Julie became devoted to helping women and couples find hope through the Scriptures and connection with others in the same trial. She founded, wrote curriculum for, and led an infertility and miscarriage ministry for over 20 years that hosted over 50 groups, locally and nationwide. Author of two Bible Studies, Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Loss, and a husbands’ study, Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope, Julie has spoken for MOPS International and The NEST and on the Don’t Mom Alone and Join the Journey podcasts. She helps churches and lay leaders start infertility ministries that share God’s heart for the hurting. Julie and her husband reside in Dallas, Texas, and are the parents of three children. They have experienced the blessing of growing their family through both biological and adoptive routes. Connect with Julie at: juliefowlerministries.com. Or on social media at Instagram and Facebook. Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide. Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources. LEARN MORE

Megan Thorp, a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and therapist, emphasizes how active listening is the cornerstone of healthy parent-child relationships. She explores how listening nurtures emotional intelligence and fosters a sense of value in children. By sharing personal stories, Megan highlights the importance of being present and understanding underlying beliefs. Listeners gain practical tips for improving their listening skills, underscoring that it’s never too late to enhance this vital ability in parenting.

Join Chris Coursey, author and podcast host from THRIVEtoday, as he shares insights on transforming parenting through emotional regulation. He unveils a three-step process for 'returning to joy' amidst challenging moments. Discover how to navigate strong emotions, recognize when you're in a reactive state, and enhance your emotional resilience. Chris emphasizes that joy in parenting can be cultivated, providing practical tools for connecting with your children more mindfully. Plus, find out how to win a copy of his new book!

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de cómo Dios está cambiando a sus familias a través del marco de referencia y la ayuda práctica que trae el primer nivel de “Cimiento.” Podrás escuchar cómo “ir lento, relajar el cuerpo y escuchar” hacen la diferencia en la crianza y te ayudarán a pasar de la ira a la paz. Temas mencionados en este podcast: Primer Episodio en Español: Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada Segundo Episodio en Español: Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada parte 2 Marco de referencia para una familia conectada See all our Spanish Resources here! Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza. ¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos! *Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!* ¿Necesita un recordatorio? Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios. Comprar el Imán Acerca de Esther: Esther Reich es Asesora de Crianza Certificada por Connected Families. Ella es enfermera profesional especializada en asesoría de lactancia materna y ella y su esposo, Roberto, tienen tres hijos y sirven como misioneros con Serge en Guatemala desde 2018. A través de enfrentar retos en la crianza de sus hijos acudieron a Connected Families para recibir coaching/apoyo. El apoyo que recibieron de Chad Hayenga y de Lynne Jackson les ayudó a ver cambios significativos en ellos mismos y en sus hijos. Todavía hay mucho espacio para crecer como familia, pero la diferencia de antes y después de la intervención de Connected Families es significativa. Además de servir con otros ministerios en Guatemala (Sigo Vivo y Servant Harts), apoyan a padres e iglesias a través de talleres y coaching/apoyo individual para los que enfrentan retos en su crianza de sus hijos incluyendo los que son muy sensibles o intensos. El correo de Esther es esther.e.cummings@gmail.com Acerca de Luisa: Luisa Wendt es Asesora de Crianza certificada por Connected Families nació en Bogotá, Colombia y vive en Iowa con su familia. Luisa y su esposo Jarrett tienen seis hijos, tres en el cielo y tres en la tierra. Dos de sus hermosos hijos llegaron a su familia a través de la adopción. Durante un momento muy complejo en la crianza Connected Families los asesoró y continua asesorandolos y guiandolos en el camino de una crianza basada en la gracia de Dios y la confianza y conexión con sus hijos. Jarrett y Luisa tienen un ministerio que se llama Built on Rock Parent Coaching que nació con el gran deseo de compartir esas enseñanzas con tantas familias como sea posible. Te invitamos a seguir su canal de YouTube, donde todos sus videos tienen subtítulos en español: https://www.youtube.com/@builtonrockparentcoaching Para más información acerca de su historia, ministerio y unas lindas fotos de su familia pueden visitar su página de internet: www.builtonrockparentcoaching.org. En este momento toda la información se encuentra en ingles pero si desean contactarlos para más información o asesorías de crianza en español pueden escribirles a jarrettandluisa@builtonrock.org © 2025 Connected Families The Quick Guide for Parenting It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace. GET THE GUIDE The Quick Guide for Parenting It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace. GET THE GUIDE

Listen in as Jim & Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founders, teach the parenting concept “Slow, Low, & Listen.” This simple tool can help you develop and maintain an emotionally safe presence for your kids. Jim and Lynne will equip you with the understanding you need to apply the concept next time you feel your emotional temperature begin to rise. You’ll learn how shifting from reactive, intimidating responses to kind, firm engagement can dramatically improve your relationship with your child.. Key Points: Why kids learn best when they feel safe How to move from “fast, large, & loud” to “slow, low, & listen” The brain science behind emotional escalation during conflict How emotions are contagious between parents and children The fight-or-flight response and its impact on parent-child conflict Mentioned in this podcast: New Mini-course! How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen ($9 or free for Table community members) Ep. 222 | Retained Primitive Reflexes: Understanding & Supporting Your Child’s Development Ep. 221| Demand Avoidance: When Is My Child’s Pushback Actually Pathological? Ep.219 | From Quirky to Distressing: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities Join The Table Community Discipline That Connects online course Sensitive & Intense Kids online course James 1:19-20 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review on your favorite platform. This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Guest bio: Jim and Lynne Jackson are the Co-Founders of Connected Families in Plymouth, MN. With over 50 combined years of professionally helping families and a love for working in the church, Jim and Lynne have been dedicated to bringing reliable, God-centered, research-based parenting resources to all families since 2002 © 2025 Connected Families How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini-Course Struggling with yelling at your kids? Transform your approach in just 10 minutes a day for four days with this mini-course. Blend brain science, biblical wisdom, and “slow, low, and listen” strategies to foster a safer connection with your children. Sign Up for Mini-Course