Connected Families Podcast

Your kids, with all the wild moments they bring, are fearfully and wonderfully made. That means God gave them gifts and strengths. Listen to us chat with Courtney and Joe Dewey (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) about finding your child’s giftings and celebrating them. They emphasize the value of self-awareness as a parent, recognizing your strengths to be a more effective parent, and helping your children identify and develop their unique gifts. Courtney and Joe share personal stories of how they have celebrated and leveraged their family’s different strengths, such as assigning chores based on each child’s interests and dividing playtime according to complementary strengths. The conversation highlights the idea that families can thrive by focusing on and cultivating each family member’s God-given strengths. Mentioned in this podcast: Free Fearfully and Wonderfully Made PDF Connected Families Quick Guide for Parenting – New Resource! Romans 12 StrengthsFinder Assessment Ep 158: State of Motherhood podcast with MOPS Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today. Guest Bio: Courtney is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach with over a decade of experience in coaching leaders in ministry. Her mission is to equip the body of Christ to know the gifts God has given them, develop those gifts, and utilize them to bring Him glory and make their best contribution to the Kingdom of Heaven. She combines her ministry experience with 8 years of homeschooling her four kids to help parents identify the gifts in their children and parent them in a way that sets them up to live out Ephesians 2:10 and lean into Connected Families third message of “child, you are called and capable”. You can reach out to her directly at Courtney.Dewey@cru.org. She is certified in EQI, Birkman, Predictive Index, Core Clarity, Joe 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 that provides win-win solutions. 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

How can you continue to connect and maintain a relationship with your kids as they get older? You CAN connect with your teenager. If you’ve got teens, or will have them someday, listen to us chat with Rachel and Josh Keller about connecting to your teens. In this podcast episode, Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Josh and Rachel (MA, LPCC) Keller share their wealth of experience with teens and offer guidance on nurturing relationships with older kids. They discuss three key ways to rally around your teens: remember, listen, and “yift” (being flexible and adaptable to meet teens where they are emotionally, even if it means letting go of your own agenda). Together, Josh and Rachel explore teen brain development as well as the importance of active listening. Understanding these things will help parents respond with more patience and less shame. They encourage parents to practice being “unphased listeners” by preparing for potentially shocking statements from their teens. Throughout the conversation, Josh and Rachel offer practical insights, examples, and encouragement to parents, reminding them that they are not alone in the challenges of parenting teens. Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families resources in Spanish Certified Parent Coaches from around the globe! Slow, low, listen tool NEW! Connected Families Quick Guide for Parenting Cards Power of Questions online course Has this conversation encouraged you? Take a moment to share it with a friend or rate and review it on your favorite platform. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today. 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 Chad Hayenga, Jim Jackson, and Alan Thetford talk about being safe for their kids. Today’s podcast is extra-special! We have three dads who unpack the importance of being an emotionally safe parent, particularly focusing on the role of fathers. Our guest host, Chad Hayenga (Director of Education and Equipping), is joined by Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Alan Thetford (Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and Parent Coach Instructor), who share their personal experience and discuss the biblical foundations of emotional safety. Through their insight, we know you’ll be encouraged to grow safety and connection through everyday interactions in your home. Mentioned in this podcast: New! Connected Families Quick Guide for Parenting Calming Strategies for Parents PDF 50 Calming Activities for Kids You Are Safe with Me Covenant PDF 1 Thessalonians 2 Philippians 4 James 1:19-20 Matthew 12:34 Has this conversation encouraged you? Take a moment to share this podcast with a friend, or rate and review it on your favorite platform. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today. Guest Bio: Jim Jackson and his wife Lynne co-founded Connected Families in 2002 after becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the parenting resources available to young parents. In addition to raising his own three (now adult) children, Jim has experience working with high-risk teens, parent coaching, and leading parenting workshops. Alan Thetford and his wife Corrie have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages. You can learn more about them on the podcast they host, “Building Wise Families.”Website http://www.buildingwisefamilies.com/CFCoachingPodcast https://buildingwisefamilies.com/podcast/ 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

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Max Lucado about loneliness and his new children’s book, Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are increasingly common, and the need for meaningful connection and reassurance is becoming more pressing than ever. In our recent conversation with pastor and author Max Lucado, we shared that 61% of Americans and an overwhelming 80% of those under 18 report experiences of loneliness. This growing epidemic of feeling isolated not only affects our mental health but also touches our spiritual well-being. In the midst of this reality, in his gentle style, Max offers insights into the nature of loneliness and asks us to consider it from a spiritual perspective. He emphasizes the value of equipping young children with the vocabulary to express this complex emotion. His latest children’s book, Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone, helps children better understand that loneliness is a shared human experience. Pastor Max encourages people experiencing loneliness to pray using scripture, and he highlights the promises of Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” and Matthew 28:20, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These biblical assurances are not just words but anchors for the soul that offer stability and hope. To wrap up the conversation, Pastor Max read a passage from his book for our listeners. Through the tender narrative, his words aim to reassure young readers of the comforting presence of their parents and caregivers, as well as God, who is always with them. His words serve as a gentle reminder that no matter how isolated we may feel, we are all continually held in God’s care. Mentioned in this podcast: Enter to win Max’s new book and a stuffed bear Bridge the Gap! Support the work of Connected Families to equip parents today. Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado Matthew 28:20 Hebrews 13:5 “Must-Know Loneliness Statistics” “Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms“ Got a minute? Rate and review our podcast on your favorite platform! Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Guest Bio: Max Lucado is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor withthe heart of a pastor. His trade books all begin as sermon series at Oak Hills Church,and his sermons all start with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say onSunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” byChristianity Today, “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest, and the “TedLasso of Pastors” by the Dallas Morning News. Max Lucado has penned more than 40works of adult nonfiction, standing alongside dozens and dozens of bestsellingchildren’s books, gift books, Bible studies, commentaries, and collections. His bookshave been published in 56 languages worldwide and regularly appear on bestsellerlists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. He has morethan 150 million products in print published in 56 languages worldwide. Learn more atMaxLucado.com. “Things began to change when…” Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

In this episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Katie Wetsell (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) offer insights on how to engage children in the Easter story, emphasizing the Resurrection’s significance through traditions and conversation. They provide age-appropriate scripts for explaining Jesus’ sacrifice and suggest inclusive activities like the Resurrection Sunday Rock Hunt to make the concepts of sin and redemption tangible for kids. The key message is that Easter traditions, when intertwined with faith, can deepen everyone’s understanding and foster a sense of community and belonging. Mentioned in this podcast: Resurrection Sunday Rock Hunt Guide – Free, downloadable PDF provides a step-by-step guide to a meaningful family activity that helps children understand the significance of Easter. John 14:1-3 Romans 3:23 Previous episodes featuring Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, Katie Wetsell Ep 165 | Tame Your Temper: Calming Strategies for Parents Ep 99 | How Can I Identify Anxiety in My Child? Ep 124 | Empowering Your Differently Wired Child Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Bridge the Gap! Donate to Connected Families by March 31st to make a meaningful impact for families in the coming year! Guest Bio: Katie Wetsell is the Connected Families online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their families with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org, and you can find her on social media @parentwithhopecoach. Know your strengths. Your best mom or dad instincts are exactly what your kids need. So identify them. Take the free Parenting Strengths Assessment. FREE PARENTING STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT

Join us for this special bonus episode where Stacy invites community members and ministry leaders to explore the delicate and important topic of supporting children and families in times of grief. Stacy is joined by Cindy Wilson, Connected Families Partnership Program Manager, and Stacey Rodenbeck, who shares her personal experience with grief. Together, they offer practical advice and compassionate insights to help ministry leaders (and everyone else) approach these difficult situations with confidence and care. Mentioned in this podcast: Ep 169 | How to Navigate Grief in Children Partnership Program – Sign up for a Discovery Session to find out more! My Child’s Loved One Died; What Should I Do Now? Was this episode helpful? Consider sharing it with a ministry leader in your life! Bridge the Gap! Donate to Connected Families by March 31st to make a meaningful impact for families in the coming year! Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Guest Bio: Cindy Wilson, PhD., CFLE, is a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and a Certified Family Life Educator with 20+ years in ministry and academia. She helps churches and other organizations integrate the Connected Families Framework into their communities. Cindy lives in Florida with her husband of 31 years. They have three adult children, one son-in-law, one grandson, and a farm full of animals. Cindy’s specialties include leading parenting workshops on the Connected Families Framework and other topics, training children’s ministry volunteers, helping churches integrate trauma-informed practices into their ministries, and organizing church-based foster care ministries. You can find out more at http://www.familylifesolutions.org. Stacey Rodenbeck is the widowed mother of Susan (almost 5) and Chris (3.5). The Rodenbecks live in Central Arkansas, where Stacey is employed as an Associate Professor of Biology at Harding University. Since the death of her husband in 2020, Stacey has focused on developing a robust relationship with her children that positions the three of them to operate as a team. They enjoy cooking and baking together as a family, reading aloud, and hiking, and they have recently delved into playing board games together. (Candyland is the family favorite right now!) Stacey is thankful to God for the new mercies of each new morning as she seeks to guide her children and fully embrace the people God created them to be. Learn more about the Framework Want to dig deeper into Connected Families’ Parenting Framework? Get our FREE ebook, What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity.

Children experience grief in all different forms. If you’re walking through grief with your kids, tune in to this grace-filled chat with our guest, Stacey Rodenbeck. Stacey, a widowed mother of two young children, shares her personal experience of grief and how she has used the Connected Families Framework to navigate parenting while grieving. The conversation covers the unique circumstances of parenting grieving children, the importance of safety and connection, and the role of coaching and accountability in parenting. Stacey’s story and insights provide valuable guidance for parents who are navigating grief while raising their children. Mentioned in this podcast: Isaiah 43:1-3 Blog post: My Child’s Loved One Died; What Do I Do Now? Transform Bedtime Struggles Into Nighttime Snuggles ebook Was this conversation helpful to you? Share it with a friend, and rate and review the show on your favorite listening platform! Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Bridge the Gap! Donate to Connected Families by March 31st to make a meaningful impact for families in the coming year! Guest Bio: Stacey Rodenbeck is the widowed mother of Susan (almost 5) and Chris (3.5). The Rodenbecks live in Central Arkansas, where Stacey is employed as an Associate Professor of Biology at Harding University. Since the death of her husband in 2020, Stacey has focused on developing a robust relationship with her children that positions the three of them to operate as a team. They enjoy cooking and baking together as a family, reading aloud, and hiking, and they have recently delved into playing board games together. (Candyland is the family favorite right now!) Stacey is thankful to God for the new mercies of each new morning as she seeks to guide her children and fully embrace the people God created them to be. Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles Transform Bedtime Struggles into Nighttime Snuggles If bedtime feels like a battle zone, it’s time to change. This short and FREE ebook empowers you to transform the bedtime routine.

If your child has serious doubts or has walked away from their faith, it can be scary. Together with parent coaches Bonnie Williams and Chad Hayenga, we explore parenting through a child’s spiritual doubts or unbelief. Chad and Bonnie share the importance of fostering open dialogue through thoughtful questions and building a foundation of connection, emotional safety, and unconditional love. Tune in to this heartfelt discussion to equip yourself with the knowledge and encouragement needed to support your child’s faith journey, acknowledging that their doubts or unbelief can be an essential part of developing a resilient and personal faith. (Note: The use of “they/them” language is related to privacy, not identity.) Mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families Partnership Program Parent Coach Certification Program Power of Questions online course Ephesians 3:18-19 Luke 15:17 Bridge the Gap – Donate to support Connected Families today! Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Guest Bio: Bonnie Williams has a Master of Education in Special Education and is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. She is a wife and the mother of 3 young adults. Bonnie has supported students with learning and behavior challenges for over 25 years, specializing in working with parents with children ages 3 to 15. Helping families apply the Connected Families Framework is what Bonnie is passionate about. By doing this they can learn new strategies to grow in wisdom and help lead them in having peaceful, grace-filled homes. You can reach her by email at newpathways65@gmail.com. Less arguing. More wisdom. That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 LEARN MORE

If your kids’ bickering ever drives you bonkers, you’ll want to hear this fresh perspective with our guest and certified parent coach, Megan Thorp. Stacy and Megan unpack the Connected Families’ approach to transform kids’ arguments into opportunities to build lifelong skills. You’ll learn the four-step process to help bring peace to your home and guide your kids toward true reconciliation. Mentioned in this podcast: Calming for Parents Free PDF Calming for Kids Free PDF Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches The Peace Process Diagram Ep 140 | Restoring Relationships: Empowering Kids to Want to Reconcile and Heal Ep 110 | Why “Calm Down!” Doesn’t Work Sibling Conflict online course Power of Questions online course Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Your donation fuels our work! Make a donation to Connected Families today. Guest Bio: Megan is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach as well as an instructor for coaches in training. She and her husband have been married for 18 years and have 3 kids. Megan loves to come alongside parents to help them gain confidence and equip them to lead their families. She is passionate about parents creating an environment in their home where everyone feels valued and connected and equipping parents with skills to build a relationship with their kids that will last long after they leave home. Seeing misbehavior and especially sibling conflict as a golden opportunity to show Christ’s love and disciple her kids has been a game changer for her in her parenting. You can connect with her for coaching at meganlthorp@gmail.com. Do you want more peace at home? And for your kids to enjoy each other? And to reconcile when they hurt each other? If peace is your goal, take the Sibling Conflict online course. LEARN MORE

Dive into the trials and triumphs of parenting teens with CF Certified Parent Coaches, Katie Wetsell and Julia Rupp and our host, Stacy Bellward. They examine teen anxiety, independence, and the art of calm communication. They also unpack ways to stay available and connected through teen struggles, especially with a sensitive or intense child. We know this conversation will encourage you to parent your teens with wisdom and hope. (Note: Stories are shared with permission from their teens, and the use of “they/them” language is related to privacy, not identity.)  Mentioned in this podcast: Carlie Dorsey, OT and Owner of Motorvate Kids in Murrell’s Inlet, SC Calming Strategies For Parents PDF Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – 30% off! Ep 153: A Circle Of Support: What Can a Mentor Do for a Child? Ephesians 6:4 Romans 5:8 Research cited by Katie Wetsell: When is Parental Monitoring Effective? Parenting Styles or Practices? Parenting, Sympathy, and Prosocial Behaviors Among Adolescents The role of relatedness: Applying a developmental-relational view of compassion in adolescence Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. Did you find this episode helpful? Share it with a friend! Or take a minute to rate and review our show. Your donation fuels our work! Donate to Connected Families today. Guest Bio: Julia Rupp is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. They experienced a significant breakthrough in their parenting while partnering with a Connected Families coach and utilizing the parenting Framework. Because of the incredible impact that Connected Families made in their lives, Julia now desires to walk alongside other families and equip them with perspective and tools so that they might experience that same change and restored hope. Whether you are struggling with toddler meltdowns or teenage rebellion, she would love to encourage you. You can find her at Always Hope Parent Coaching. Katie Wetsell is the Connected Families online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their families with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org. Do you have a child with EXTRA needs? Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder. The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos. LEARN MORE