Behind the Scenes: Intentional Parenting in 2026 and Beyond!

Dec 29, 2025

In this discussion, Joe Dewey, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, shares his insights on intentional parenting. He emphasizes the importance of family year-end rhythms, highlighting traditions like Advent breakfasts. Joe also outlines exciting goals for 2026, including fostering family adventures and deepening connections with his kids. The conversation touches on operational improvements at Connected Families, tech upgrades for community engagement, and plans for new parenting courses, ensuring a thoughtful approach to modern challenges.

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ADVICE

Reclaim Adventure As A Family Theme

Do plan one intentional family theme or activity for the coming year, like camping or reclaiming adventure.
Use regained health or freedom as a cue to reintroduce play, travel, or shared experiences.

ADVICE

Speak Your Decision Process Aloud

Do name internal processes and speak them aloud so your kids learn decision-making and courage.
Model fear, prayer, and stepping into commitments so children witness healthy risk-taking.

ADVICE

Create A Small Giving Fund For Kids

Try a small family generosity fund to build giving habits by letting kids choose when to give.
Refill the fund as needed and let them practice generosity with real decisions.

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In this heartfelt year-end episode, Connected Families team members Stacy Bellward, Chad Hayenga, and Joe Dewey gather to reflect on a transformative year and share exciting plans for 2026 to continue to encourage you on your journey with intentional parenting. Along the way, they open up about their own families’ rhythms for reflecting on the year past and looking ahead. This episode has practical ideas you can try with your own family. Whether you’re curious about what’s next for Connected Families or looking for fresh ways to close out the year together, this episode has something for you.

Key Takeaways:

Ideas for family rhythms for year-end reflection
Connected Families highlights from 2025
Looking forward to 2026

Mentioned in this Podcast:

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Guest Bio:

Joe Dewey is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. He has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and has served in full-time ministry with Cru in Leader Development and Human Resources since 2010. He has been a certified life coach since 2017. These experiences and more have molded him to lead with solutions. Whether it comes to ministry or parenting, he finds clarity in the midst of complexity, providing win-win solutions.

Chad Hayenga joined Connected Families in 2005. He is married to Carma and has three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chad oversees coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide.