

Connected Families Podcast
Connected Families
A Christ-centered parenting community that is grace-filled, science-based, and trauma-informed. Welcome!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 17, 2024 • 34min
Joyful Kids: What's the Secret?
Chris Coursey, author of 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, joins us to discuss why joyful kids are joyful and what you can do.
Do you feel like you’re often focused on problems and operating out of fear of what may happen? Chris explains how joy can give families the strength to navigate difficulties and overcome fear. He shares a personal story of overcoming fear-based parenting and unpacks the first habit of raising joy-filled kids: attunement. Chris emphasizes that taking care of yourself nurtures your joy and directly benefits the entire family. Listen in and learn how to grow joy in your home!
Mentioned in this podcast:
We’d love to hear from you! Send the podcast a birthday greeting.
Free PDF – Child Led Play and the Framework
4 Habits of Joy-Filled Kids book
Parenting Reminders Bundle – CF stickers, word art, and a magnet
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.
Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!
Take a moment to rate and review!
Guest Bio:
For over 30 years, Chris has been developing and practicing brain-based solutions to train people, families, and communities to make relationships work. Chris started his career specializing in severe trauma and abuse and also pastored a small congregation in Michigan for several years. Chris is a published author with over ten books in print, including The Joy Switch. He co-authored his most recent book, The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled People.
Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Jen, and their two sons, Matthew and Andrew. In addition to studying, writing, jogging, and exercising, he enjoys the outdoors and is one of the rare people who actually likes the snow in Michigan.
Website: https://thrivetoday.org/Podcast: https://thrivetoday.buzzsprout.com/The 4 Habits Books: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-series/
Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!
GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW!

Jun 10, 2024 • 38min
The God of Play: Joyfully Embrace the Playful Side of God With Your Kids
Today, we talk with Joy Wendling, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and founder of Created to Play, about helping kids come to love God wholeheartedly. Faith can sometimes feel serious or heady, but God is also the God of play, and He created children to learn best through play. Stacy and Joy discuss the significance of modeling a joyful faith. Together, they share ideas for making God relatable through play with your kids. They emphasize how to bring God into everyday moments and ways to use scripture to gently guide and encourage your kids.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Parenting Reminder Bundle – Get Yours Today!
Podcast Episode 102, “How to Be a More Playful Parent” with Joy Wendling
Deuteronomy 6
Psalm 16:11
Zephaniah 3:17
John 10:10
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!
Take a moment to rate and review!
Guest Bio:
Enthusiastic. Passionate. Profound. Joy Wendling is a family pastor, writer, speaker, podcaster, certified parent coach, and founder of Created to Play. She has over 20 years of experience in children, youth, and family ministry and a Master’s degree in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. Her idea of relaxing is gazing at the mountains from her island home with an ice-cold Diet Coke and a good book. Joy lives in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys laughing and playing with her five daughters and husband. Get to know her better at createdtoplay.com and on her Playfully Faithful Parenting podcast.
Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!
GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW!

Jun 3, 2024 • 35min
How to Play with Kids Like a Therapist Would
Two therapists chat about the benefits of play and how to incorporate play therapy into your family’s routine. The end goal: More connection with your child and a more regulated child. It’s a win-win!
In this podcast episode, Lynne Jackson, occupational therapist and Co-Founder of Connected Families, interviews Marlee Thomson, a mental health therapist and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. They discuss the brain science behind play and how it can develop connection and trust between you and your child. Marlee explains how you can incorporate “special playtime,” highlighting how your undivided attention and delight can nurture your child’s identity. Incorporating the Connected Families Framework every step of the way, Lynne and Marlee encourage you to begin this practice with the goal of being present rather than striving for perfection.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Free PDF from Marlee
Quote from parent coach Patty Wipfler, “Feelings that are felt fully are feelings that evaporate afterward.”
Psalm 147:11
Psalm 73:21-26
“Fix your face” podcast: Ep. 174 | Want to Connect with Your Teenager?
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!
Take a moment to rate and review!
Guest Bio:
Marlee Thomsen is an LCSWA who lives and works as a mental health therapist and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach in Durham, NC. She is working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist and is growing in her love for play therapy. In particular, she is passionate about teaching parents play skills and walking through the Connected Families framework with them to enhance the parent-child relationship. Additionally, she has experienced the impact of the Connected Families framework in her own family as she raises two toddler boys alongside her husband.

May 27, 2024 • 37min
Stories of Transformation… from “Fixing” to Connecting
We chat with Lindsay Fauver, a mom from the Connected Families community, about her parenting journey with a child who experiences anxiety, sensory challenges, and challenging behaviors. Lindsay shares how she has gained new understanding and tools to support her child and stay calm when her daughter escalates. She also emphasizes the persistence required to implement positive changes and the role of scripture in sustaining her. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with parenting, you’ll find plenty of hope and practical ideas in this interview with a mom who’s been there.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Are You Micromanaging Your Kids? Here’s How to Stop | Ep. 177
Authentic Community for Dads | Ep. 179
100 Truth Phrases PDF – a free resource
Grace & Truth for Moms online course
Connected Families Connection Questions (Campfire Questions)
Sensitive & Intense Kids online course
Parenting Coaching
Isaiah 30
James 1
Psalm 103:8
1 John 3:19
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!
Take a moment to rate and review!
Guest Bio:
Lindsay Fauver is a photographer by trade and a theologian at heart. She is deeply passionate about participating with the great Artist as she works to build a foundation of “belonging and becoming” with her little people, clients, and students. Lindsay loves writing, peonies, Pilates, design, earrings, and anything by the water. She longs for the day when her story of surrender is told in its fullness by the One who will permanently wipe away her tears.
Transform Your Next Group Gathering
What if your next gathering left parents feeling equipped, encouraged, and hopeful? That’s exactly what Connected Families workshops do. Led by CF Certified Parent Coaches, these sessions bring practical, biblical wisdom on topics like discipline and sibling conflict straight to your community. Learn more and book a speaker today.
Bring Hope To Your Community

May 20, 2024 • 40min
How Authentic Community Can Equip Parents to Thrive
In this meaningful conversation, we talk to dads Matt Norman (author and President & CEO of Norman & Associates) and Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) about their experiences with authentic, vulnerable community. Matt shares his personal journey of seeking more meaningful connections while balancing the demands of marriage, parenting, and his career. He describes the evolution of his small group, which started as a way to socialize and study but grew into a space for supportive and sensitive sharing. Jim emphasizes the power of asking questions and genuinely seeking to understand others, rather than just offering opinions or advice. Both men reflect on the positive impact their authentic community has had on their personal growth, relationships, and even their children’s development.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Grace & Truth for Moms online course – register today!
Equimundo’s 2023 State of American Men survey data
Daniel 3
Galatians 6
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
We’re a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation to Connected Families today!
Don’t forget to take a moment to rate and review the podcast!
Guest Bio:
Matt Norman coaches and advises executives on how to build great people and culture. He is President & CEO of Norman & Associates, which offers custom coaching and consulting in the areas of talent strategy, personal effectiveness, planning, and goal alignment. Norman & Associates is also the largest North American provider of Dale Carnegie learning programs which help people improve how they communicate, lead, influence, and work together. He’s also the award-winning author of Four Patterns of Healthy People, and Lead with Influence: A Proven Process to Lead without Authority. Matt loves being a husband and father of three, enjoying shared activities like skiing, mountain biking, trail running, and music. You can find his articles on personal and organizational effectiveness at http://mattnorman.com.
Transform Your Next Group Gathering
What if your next gathering left parents feeling equipped, encouraged, and hopeful? That’s exactly what Connected Families workshops do. Led by CF Certified Parent Coaches, these sessions bring practical, biblical wisdom on topics like discipline and sibling conflict straight to your community. Learn more and book a speaker today.
Bring Hope To Your Community

May 13, 2024 • 38min
My Co-Parent Sees Things Differently
What do you do when you disagree with your partner about how to parent? Perhaps it is even causing a rift in your family. You feel strongly about how to parent your kids but feel stuck on knowing how to encourage your co-parent to see things the way you do.
You are not alone! It is a very common struggle for many parents. Whether you are single parenting with an ex-spouse, married, or caring for grandchildren, this can be an emotionally charged topic.
Tensions over different parenting styles and philosophies can create stress in your relationship with your co-parent and affect your kids, too. You and your partner may both have good intentions, but your parenting ideals and how to implement them might be different.
In this podcast, we’re going to tackle this challenging topic. Stacy Bellward is joined by Jim and Lynne Jackson (Co-founders of Connected Families) to discuss their experience as parents with very different personalities. You’ll discover how Jim and Lynne navigated their parenting differences, and what kept them connected in the process.
You can create an atmosphere of safety and connection for your co-parent and your children by using the Connected Families Framework, asking curious questions, focusing on your own heart, and looking for the best in each other. Your family environment can be a place where everyone is safe to learn and grow in grace and empathy for one another.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
the power of the Connected Families Framework in your relationship with your partner, or co-parent
questions you can ask your partner that invite conversation, connection, and openness instead of criticism
how to get to a nonjudgmental place where you can see your partner’s underlying strengths as a parent
offering grace and avoiding catastrophizing, knowing that God is working on behalf of your kids no matter the situation
Mentioned in this podcast:
Connected Families Framework
Discipline That Connects online course
Trash, Truth, Treasure (blog post)
Connected Families New Serenity Prayer (download)
Want to learn more?
What’s the Best Way to Handle Shared Parenting?
How to Parent Together When You’re Total Opposites
You need consequences that work.
You need consequences that work.
Because your kids aren’t perfect. Neither are you. That’s why you need a plan for discipling your kids in the hard moments.
Read the FREE ebook, Consequences That Actually Work.

May 6, 2024 • 24min
What Causes You to Micromanage Your Kids?
Listen in as we talk with Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education and Equipping) about parental anxiety and micromanagement, and how these can negatively impact your relationship with your child. Chad and Stacy (podcast host) discuss common scenarios that trigger anxiety in parents and the resulting cycle that can leave the child feeling discouraged and resentful.
The conversation is filled with practical ideas for moving out of the cycle of anxiety and into new patterns of belief and ways of relating to your child. Whether your child is about to graduate from high school, or just starting to have responsibilities of his own, you’ll find wisdom and encouragement for today in this episode.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Sign up for our weekly Parenting Tips email
Grace & Truth for Moms online course
Are You Micromanaging Your Kids?
1 Peter 5:7
Philippians 4:6-8
100 Truth Phrases PDF
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!
We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate to Connected Families today! Your donation fuels our work.
Did you find this episode helpful? Share it with a friend, or take a moment to rate and review!
Transform Your Next Group Gathering
What if your next gathering left parents feeling equipped, encouraged, and hopeful? That’s exactly what Connected Families workshops do. Led by CF Certified Parent Coaches, these sessions bring practical, biblical wisdom on topics like discipline and sibling conflict straight to your community. Learn more and book a speaker today.
Bring Hope To Your Community

Apr 29, 2024 • 31min
Make-It-Right Consequences for Kids
Start teaching your kids the first steps toward reconciliation and restoration by using “make it right” consequences in their relationships. Parent coach Amy Nyvall shares personal stories illustrating how she has taught her kids to take responsibility for their actions and restore relationships when they’ve done something wrong. Amy emphasizes the importance of creating space for both parents and children to process emotions and think through how to resolve conflicts. Throughout the conversation, Amy and Stacy discuss the Connected Families Framework and how focusing on restoration rather than punishment helps children develop wisdom and strengthen relationships.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Episode 112: Daily Sensory Rhythms to Bring Peace to Your Home
Matthew 5:23-24
Galatians 6:1
Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting.
Got a minute? Rate and review the podcast.
We are a listener-supported podcast! Donate to Connected Families today.
Guest Bio:
Amy and her husband, Andrew, have been married for 16 years and live among the fir trees outside Portland, Oregon. They enjoy outdoor adventures as much as possible and have a blast homeschooling their three intensely creative, adventurous, and active children. In her spare time, you’ll find Amy encouraging moms and homeschoolers, learning alongside the kids, or slipping away to read from a stack of her own books. Amy is passionate about creating a family culture that equips our children to be prepared to serve the Lord in the days ahead. She is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and has personal experience and knowledge in the sensitive and intense space. You can connect with her for parent coaching at: amynyvall@gmail.com.
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

Apr 27, 2024 • 0sec
Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada (parte 2)
¡Escucha este segundo episodio especial del pódcast de Connected Families! Donde Luisa Wendt entrevista a Esther y Roberto Reich acerca del marco de referencia de Connected Families. Los tres son asesores en la crianza certificados por Connected Families y hablarán acerca de los últimos dos principios del marco de referencia (entrenar y corregir) para poder disciplinar a nuestros hijos de una manera que nos acerca a ellos y hace que nuestros vínculos sean más fuertes sin importar su edad. Escucharán ejemplos prácticos e historias cotidianas con las cuales muchos se podrán relacionar.
Esta conversación se desarrolla en dos partes. En el primer episodio hablaron acerca de los primeros dos niveles del marco de referencia de Connected Families para una crianza conectada que son: cimiento y conectar. Si no lo has escuchado te invitamos a hacerlo.
Temas mencionados en este pódcast:
Marco de Referencia para Familias Conectadas
Cómo Convertirse en un Padre Emocionalmente Seguro (Cimiento)
15 Razones para Amar-Sin-Condiciones (Conectar)
¿Tus Preguntas Ayudan o Hieren a tus Hijos? (Entrenar)
3 Señales de Consecuencias Poco útiles… ¡y Cómo Solucionarlas! (Corregir)
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
© 2024 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

Apr 26, 2024 • 21min
Principios para la crianza de una familia conectada (parte 1)
¡Escucha este episodio especial del pódcast de Connected Families! Donde Luisa Wendt entrevista a Esther y Roberto Reich acerca del marco de referencia de Connected Families. Los tres son asesores en la crianza certificados por Connected Families y hablarán acerca de los 4 principios (cimiento, conectar, entrenar y corregir) para poder disciplinar a nuestros hijos de una manera que nos acerca a ellos y hace que nuestros vínculos sean más fuertes sin importar su edad.
Esta conversación se desarrolla en dos partes. En este episodio podrás escuchar la primera parte donde se hablarán de los niveles de cimiento y conexión. Escucharán ejemplos prácticos e historias cotidianas con las cuales muchos se podrán relacionar.
Temas mencionados en este pódcast:
Marco de Referencia para Familias Conectadas
Cómo Convertirse en un Padre Emocionalmente Seguro (Cimiento)
15 Razones para Amar-Sin-Condiciones (Conectar)
¿Tus Preguntas Ayudan o Hieren a tus Hijos? (Entrenar)
3 Señales de Consecuencias Poco útiles… ¡y Cómo Solucionarlas! (Corregir)
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
© 2024 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


