Connected Families Podcast

Your kids keep growing and changing, and so do your questions about parenting. Today’s podcast might answer a few of your questions and leave you wishing you had your own parent coach. In this Q&A style podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Parent Coach) answer some common parenting questions from people enrolled in our Discipline That Connects online course. If you’d like to have your parenting questions answered and grow in connection with your kids, register today for the Discipline That Connects online course. During the course, you’ll have several opportunities to submit your questions for Q&A sessions hosted by Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches. The course is also moderated by CF Parent Coach Katie Wetsell, (RN, MSN, SPACE-trained), who will encourage you and host guided check-ins to support you during the course. In this podcast you’ll discover: ways you can help two or more of your kids who are struggling at the same time how you can ignore the behavior but not the child during a tantrum that your calm presence when your child is struggling grows safety, love, and connection why a deeper connection with you can help your child obey how to stay emotionally safe (but intervene quickly and effectively!) when your child does something potentially dangerous Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course Attachment Play (book) Psalm 73 50 Self-Regulation Activities To Empower Your Child To Calm Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . REGISTER NOW!

Parenting in the complexity of today’s world is stressful! The level of children’s anxiety and behavior challenges has skyrocketed. It can feel overwhelming and discouraging. But despite those struggles, you are still actively seeking God’s grace and truth for yourself so you can pass it on to your children. Some days you probably do that a lot better than other days. But every day, it helps to know that you are not alone. All of our efforts here at Connected Families are geared toward equipping you and supporting the work that God is doing in your family. As Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you (or your kids, your family) will bring it to completion… “ God is working on your behalf, and the Connected Families community is here to support you! Being part of the community means that you may have: listened to this podcast (we just crossed our 1.5 million listens mark!) gotten our Thursday Parenting Tips emails been resourced by one of our many free ebooks taken at least one of our online courses DTC registration is launching TODAY! Whether you are just hearing about the course for the first time or have been thinking about taking it for a while – now is the time! Once a year, we open up registration for the full, moderated version of the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, and today is the day! The Connected Families Framework communicates the messages: You are SAFE, LOVED, CALLED and CAPABLE, and RESPONSIBLE for your actions. This course is the foundational curriculum that teaches that framework. There is also a book that Jim and Lynne Jackson wrote with the same name. Have you already taken the Discipline That Connects online course? If the answer is “Not yet,” then we want to encourage you to go and sign up right now. Discipline That Connects is for you if you are feeling stuck, old parenting patterns are not changing, or you have thought – yikes, what will the future look like? Discipline That Connects is for you if you have been listening to the podcast for a while, and the tools we teach, like “Do-overs,” “Slow, Low and Listen,” and “Gifts-Gone-Awry,” are really resonating. If this sounds like you, it’s time to dig into the full version. Hundreds of alumni come back every year to take the course again because the content is so valuable. They want a refresher and to be part of all the extra resources we add. What extras does DTC include this year? Year-round, anyone can get access to the core video content only (basically a stripped-down version of the course) or even lead a small group through the course. But opening the FULL course, like we are right now in September, means that people worldwide are all going through the content at their own pace but are able to interact through comments and questions online. During these couple of months, there are weekly emails, a parent coach to moderate, Question & Answer opportunities, and so much more. 4 things that are new this year: 1. If you register early, you get to pick a free gift! Pick between: the Parent Bundle, which includes our new stickers! ($18 value!) DTC Welcome Packet ($15 value!) the Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life online course which gives specific guidance on sleep issues, picky eating, etc… ($28 value!) 2. We are excited to offer an audio-only option while this cohort runs. You will be able to listen to the content on a walk or in the car just like you are listening to this little bonus podcast. This will be a game-changer!3. Guided Check-Ins: These 30-minute live check-in groups will boost the application of your learning into your everyday parenting and do it in a supportive environment. (Only 120 spots available.)4. Soul Care Sessions: (Less than 10 minutes each) Christian faith and biblical foundation are integrated into the whole course. During soul care videos, you will hear from parents about how the content of the course intersects with their faith and what that looks like in the hard times of parenting, tantrums, sleeplessness, and feeling overwhelmed. Soul care sessions will feed your soul and be an encouragement. When you register, you get access to the entire course right away. Please share it with your friends. We hope you join us for this year’s FULL version of Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart. A Blessing for Parents This blessing is taken from Susie Larson’s book, May His Face Shine Upon You: May you grow to love and accept the you God is making you to be.May you walk in a new level of grace and gratitude that gives you peace and leaves others encouraged.May you be more apt to look forward with hope than you are to look back with regret.May your heart spill over with joy at the very thought of the story God is writing in your life. Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Registration for the Discipline That Connects online course! Philippians 1:6 Sign up for Thursday parenting tips emails Connected Families Framework Visit the Connected Families website for more resources on applying the Framework Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . REGISTER NOW!

According to today’s guest and trust expert, Dr. Henry Cloud, trust is fuel for all of life. Humans are hard-wired to trust, yet we still have to earn our children’s trust over and over again. Trust is sometimes a challenge in our other relationships as well. In today’s show, Dr. Henry Cloud (psychologist and best-selling author) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss his latest book, Trust. Dr. Cloud shares about psychological safety and trust with plenty of real-life stories you’ll relate to. In this podcast you’ll discover: why parents have to earn their children’s trust a nuanced understanding of safety and how it applies to trust in parenting ways that God is safe and how parents can follow His example how to build trust even when relationships have challenges the 5 essentials of trust and how to apply them Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Discipline That Connects online course (Registration opens next week!) Psalm 22:9 Thursday Parenting Tips Emails – Sign up here Connected Families stickers Trust by Dr. Henry Cloud Dr. Henry Cloud’s website Guest Bio: Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist, pastor to pastors, and New York Times bestselling author. His 46 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Throughout his storied career as a clinician, he started treatment centers, created breakthrough new models rooted in research, and has been a leading voice on issues of mental health and leadership on a global scale. Dr. Cloud lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Tori, and their two daughters, Olivia and Lucy. You can find all of his resources at drcloud.com and boundaries.me. Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . REGISTER NOW!

It’s nearly time to head back to school, and today’s episode is especially for anyone in a teaching role. Have you ever considered bringing the Connected Families Framework principles to your classroom at school or church? No matter what environment you teach in, you’ll learn to increase your students’ feelings of safety and acceptance while building their character and friendship skills. Listen in for ideas on how to better connect with students. In today’s conversation, Sherry Fiscella (seasoned educator and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share practical ideas for bringing the Connected Families Framework into the classroom. Sherry brings years of experience as a teacher and home educator to show you how you can prepare yourself and set your students up for a great year. In this podcast you’ll discover: ideas for applying the Connected Families Framework in a secular setting ways you can safeguard students from your own stress insight into a student’s challenging behavior and what might be going on under the surface how to build a rhythm for affirming your students’ behavior and character the art of asking effective questions to help students grow instead of just giving directions ideas for teaching kids how to restore friendships after conflict Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course (Registration opens soon!) Why Demanding Respect From Kids Doesn’t Work | Episode 48 Meet Juan and Nita from South Africa (couple running a boarding school) Sign up for Thursday parenting tips emails Psalm 78:4 Connected Families Framework graphic Galatians 6:1 Visit the Connected Families website for more resources on applying the Framework (articles, podcasts, ebooks, etc.) Guest Bio: Sherry has been married for 28 years, and she and her husband, Troy, have two young adult children who are both married. Sherry is a former classroom teacher, school leader, and homeschooling mom who believes that one of the best ways to help kids is to support their parents. With her background in education, she brings a unique perspective and approach to parent coaching with lots of practical ideas to help moms and dads move toward more peaceful, purposeful, and joy-filled parenting. Sherry is also finishing up her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in December and is thankful to the Lord for all that this new season is bringing… from a new career in coaching and counseling… to grandbabies! https://www.sherryfiscella.com/ Ready to dive in and learn more about the Framework? Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you! Parent with Confidence Discipline with Love Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart . REGISTER NOW!

Life is messy, and sometimes you probably feel like a mess. Your kids might feel like a mess at times too. It’s okay to be a mess! But what can you do when you or your child feels this way? How can you best support your child’s mental health? In today’s podcast, Dr. Caroline Leaf (author, communication pathologist, and mother of 4) joins Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss mental health and her new book, How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess. Dr. Leaf shares her understanding of the mind-brain-body network and shares the practical resources she’s developed to support mental health. In this podcast you’ll discover: the power of your mind to control your brain, body, and how you show up in life that even though you can’t change past experiences, you can heal them what a neurocycle is and how it can help everyone in your family clean up mental messes the analogy of a tree and how you can use it to think about thoughts and experiences ways you and your child can clean up mental messes together why managing mental health is a lifestyle Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: How To Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess Brainee plush toy Neurocycle App Grace & Truth for Moms online course Dr. Leaf on Instagram Dr. Leaf on Facebook Guest Bio: Dr. Caroline Leaf has a Master’s and Ph.D. in Communication Pathology and does ongoing research and clinical trials in order to improve mental health interventions. Her passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain, control chaotic thinking, and find mental peace. She is the host of the top-rated podcast, Cleaning Up the Mental Mess. Dr. Leaf is also the author of several bestselling books, including Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, The Perfect You, Think, Learn, Succeed, and many more. 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 Related PostsHelp! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at DaycarePractical Tips To Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts Into Big WinsThe Genius of Letting Go of Homework Struggles in Two Remarkable Stories

Maybe you’ve been there. Your child just doesn’t want to go to school or daycare. You’re not sure if she’s truly anxious and struggling or if she is just being defiant. It’s hard to know what to do, especially if your child is truly distressed and crying while she’s there. Today’s podcast offers some real hope for you if your child is anxious about school or childcare. Dr. Suzy Youngquist (chiropractor and mom of four) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about kids who are crying at school or daycare. Suzy shares her personal experience with dropping her child off at daycare, and Lynne brings insight and practical tools you can use today. In this podcast you’ll discover: what feeds children’s fear of school/childcare dropoff simple ideas to soothe the fears and address the underlying causes how to use play to understand what your child experiences ways to address your own anxiety about dropping off your child ideas to prep your child’s nervous system for school through connection and play Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Help! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off at Daycare The Invisible String book Sign-up to receive Parenting Tips weekly from Connected Families Guest Bio: Inspired by a real-life story of watching her mom’s life transform through holistic health care, Dr. Suzy Youngquist has a passion to teach and equip others on how to reclaim their lives and well-being. Since opening Revolution’s doors in 2008, Dr. Suzy’s passion for education and equipping has touched thousands of lives through lifestyle education events hosted by her clinic. Dr. Suzy’s journey of motherhood is intimately tied to her heart for full-term, healthy pregnancies and babies, as well as whole families. Today, Suzy is a grateful mom of four incredible kids and wife to her number one cheerleader, Rob! You can find out more about Suzy and her clinic at: revolution-chiropractic.com. Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs? The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU. LEARN MORE

Do you ever wish you had a parent coach in your living room to support you in your biggest parenting dilemmas? Well, we’ve got the next best thing. Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) has developed an all-new, research-based small group curriculum for the Sensitive & Intense Kids online course. When you join a small group, a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach will guide you through the course and offer practical, grace-filled suggestions for your biggest parenting challenges. Today’s podcast is a little taste of some of the questions parents submitted during a recent Q&A session for the course. The responses come from the course facilitators: Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex, and Katie Wetsell, our course facilitator. This course’s new small group option allows you to create rich connections with other parents of sensitive and intense kids and a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach to answer your questions. Check it out! In this podcast you’ll discover: how to discern what type of response your child needs when struggling (connection, coaching, and/or correction) a fresh perspective on letting your child “off the hook” during tough moments ideas to support a child who needs creativity to remain regulated throughout the day how structure and routine can help your child self-regulate how motivation and wisdom are significant considerations for older kids ways to weigh risk and reward with your older child Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course Small Group Info Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course Daily Sensory Rythyms podcast with Amy Nyvall | Episode 112 Do you have a child with BIG feelings and BIG needs? The Sensitive & Intense Kids online course is a game changer. It’s for YOU. LEARN MORE Related Posts3 Unexpected Parenting Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child ThriveDaily Sensory Rhythms To Bring Peace to Your Home | Ep 112Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?

This podcast episode is the conclusion of a podcast we released about the power of forgiveness and teaching that to our children. It is full of practical application and deep insight into the profound impact of forgiveness on our physical, spiritual, and mental health. It dives deep into the grace and mercy of Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s forgiveness. If you have not yet listened to the first part of this podcast, please do that before listening to the conclusion. LISTEN TO PART 1 How do you teach forgiveness to your kids?  Before we can guide our kids toward true forgiveness, we need to check our own understanding of God’s mercy and forgiveness for us.  Check out Part 1 of this podcast before you listen to the conclusion for the full benefit. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 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

How do you teach forgiveness to your kids? You probably want to guide them toward the true forgiveness that Christ’s work accomplished. That takes time and intention. Forced apologies can make a conflict blow over quickly, but resentment often lingers. Before we can guide our kids toward true forgiveness, we need to check our own understanding of God’s mercy and forgiveness for us. In this two-part episode, Melissa Coleman (Senior Principal Counsel and CEO of Coleman Law and Consulting) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to teach forgiveness through a “mercy trial.” Melissa brings her expertise as a lawyer to share her unique perspective while bringing scripture and practical steps to guide you and your kids toward mercy and forgiveness. In this two-part podcast you’ll discover: what a “mercy trial” is, and how to conduct one ways a mercy trial can help you to overcome offenses committed against you the power of writing out offenses (charges) and then relinquishing them to Christ prayers for applying Christ’s mercy to those who’ve hurt you ways applying mercy can help you live free of baggage from the past how to teach forgiveness and mercy to your children the importance of developing and protecting a “posture of mercy” how to apply mercy when your children hurt you that you can forgive people who hurt your kids Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Listen to the conclusion of this podcast This podcast is in two parts, and we highly encourage you to listen to the full podcast to receive the full benefit. The conclusion of this podcast can be heard by clicking the link below. LISTEN TO THE CONCLUSION Mentioned in this podcast: Sibling Conflict online course Value of Restoration podcast | Episode 140 Matthew 18 James 2:13 Luke 6:31 Romans 8:1 Teach Forgiveness thru Mercy Prayers from Melissa Releasing mercy over the perpetrators in my life: Loving Father and Righteous Judge, I summon [name] to the heavenly courts. [Name] I charge you with [offenses-list them individually]. You are guilty of these charges and deserving of punishment. However, because Jesus chose to extend mercy to me for a debt I could never repay, I choose to extend this same mercy to you for your offenses against me. Jesus, I ask that you not count [name]’s sins against him/her. I hereby break the power of condemnation off of you, [name], and I declare you acquitted, forgiven, and free. I also hereby break every tie I have had with the accuser against [name]. Enemy, you no longer have power over me and no legal right to torment me. I will not be lured back in by you or commit double jeopardy. I break off my relationship with you now against [name] for good. ©Melissa Coleman Releasing mercy over myself when there’s been prolonged unforgiveness: Loving Father and Righteous Judge, I put myself in the defendant’s seat in your heavenly court, and I charge myself with the offense of unforgiveness against [name] for [amount] years. Although I am guilty of this sin of unforgiveness and deserving of punishment, I plea the blood of Jesus, and I release Jesus’ mercy over myself, so my sin will not be counted against me. I hereby break off the power of the enemy to accuse and condemn me for this sin. I declare myself acquitted, forgiven, and set free in Jesus’ name. ©Melissa Coleman Guest Bio: Melissa Coleman has been practicing law for 25 years and currently serves as the Senior Principal and CEO of Coleman Law & Consulting, a Twin Cities-based firm specializing in serving churches, faith-based organizations, and small to mid-sized businesses. Coleman is recognized for her extensive work in advancing human rights in both domestic and international arenas, as well as for advocating for the rights of citizens to freely exercise their religious beliefs in their public and professional lives. Coleman and a small team of lawyers launched a nonprofit network of faith-based attorneys in her state, and she has served and continues to serve on numerous boards and advocacy teams. Coleman and her husband of 26 years have five fantastic kids (three adults and two teens) and a village of young people in their lives. What Melissa loves most in life is helping people get free and stay free! 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

Have you wondered if there is anything you can do to be proactive about the inevitable conflicts in your home? Many parents just want the fighting to stop, but what if you focused instead on restoring relationships? Jesus completed the ultimate restoration through the cross, and as you value this wonderful restoration, you can begin to bring peace and joy to your family. In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about building the value of restoration in your family. Jim and Lynne are passionate about this topic and use scripture and their own experiences to offer a hope-filled picture of reconciliation for families. In this podcast you’ll discover: how to develop a mindset of reconciliation that is rooted in Jesus Christ the importance of modeling restoration in your own relationships practical ideas you can use in the midst of conflict to show Christ’s gentleness and compassion why joy is the key difference between solving problems and restoration ways you can proactively prepare for restoring relationships in the future Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth. Mentioned in this podcast: Sibling Conflict online course Contact Us if you’d like to connect about the content of this conversation Galatians 6:1-2 Matthew 5:23-24 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 Related PostsHelp! My Kids Are Constantly FightingHow To Help Siblings Stop Fighting All the Time | Ep. 139Why Do Siblings Fight So Much? The Good News and the Bad News