Connected Families Podcast

Do you feel like your kids are fighting all the time? They might be bickering, crying, or yelling, and you might feel exasperated and wonder how to turn things around. Conflicts will always be part of family relationships, but you can learn how to help kids stop fighting all the time and bring a richer connection to your family. In today’s conversation, Katie Johnson (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) and Stacy Bellward (podcast host) give you a taste of Connected Families’ online course: Sibling Conflict: From Bickering to Bonding. They unpack a tool from the course called “The Peace Process” and give examples of how you could use it with your kids today. In this podcast, you’ll discover: how to help your kids move from “Crazy Mountain” to true reconciliation when conflicts arise practical ideas to help your kids calm down before taking steps to resolve a situation how to stop siblings fighting all the time by building their understanding and value for one another ways to empower your kids to “make it right” with their own ideas the importance of celebrating when a conflict is resolved 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 – Register Today! 50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to Calm [Podcast] Why “Calm Down!” Doesn’t Work | Ep. 110 Guest Bio: Katie Johnson is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and lives in Madison, WI, with her family. She worked for many years in education and is now beginning the homeschool journey with her 3 young children. She received her M.Ed. from Valparaiso University and currently serves on the board of Safe Families, Dane County. You can find out more about Katie on our Coaching page. 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

Do you ever feel like you have to tell your young child over and over again to do something? Parents often feel the need to tell, yet telling can lead to defensiveness and power struggles. Asking questions, on the other hand, engages your child’s whole brain and can lead to more positive interactions. You can encourage critical thinking, grow responsibility and emotional awareness, as well as build wisdom in your child when you ask instead of tell. In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder), and Lydia Rex and Pam Thompson (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to encourage critical thinking in kids. These experts share plenty of real-life scenarios and practical questions you can start using today to grow cooperation, connection, and wisdom with your young child. In this podcast you’ll discover: how Jesus guided His disciples with questions the importance of keeping a light-hearted attitude when asking questions situations where you could feel stuck and what might be going on with your child practical ideas to use with young children who struggle to answer questions ways you can use “I wonder” statements to engage your child the purpose and power of “3 Yeahs” 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: The Power of Questions online course – Name Your Own Price! Mark 8 Guest Bio: Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families Framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books. Pam Thompson is a Licensed Family and Early Childhood Educator as well as a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. She is a mom of two young adult children and “like a mom” to two young adults who have experienced extensive trauma. Because of her education and experiences, she especially enjoys encouraging and supporting parents of young children, parents of young adult children, parents of kids from hard places, and teachers. Less arguing. More wisdom. That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 LEARN MORE Related PostsI Was a Critical Parent: 6 Steps I Took to Find a More Loving WayKids Don’t Listen? How to Stop Lecturing and Start Asking Better QuestionsPractical Tips To Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts Into Big Wins

“My child argues with everything I say!” Has that thought ever crossed your mind? Whether your child is 5 or 15, you can find yourself wrapped up in the dynamics of arguing, defensiveness, and power struggles. Thankfully, there is hope to break out of this pattern with some curiosity, questions, and a light-hearted attitude.   In today’s episode, Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about kids who love to argue and what parents can do about it. Chad and Stacy co-authored an online course called “The Power of Questions”. They share more about the course and offer practical ideas to change the dynamics of arguing in your home.  In this podcast you’ll discover: why some kids are prone to argue and where the pattern of defensiveness may begin that Jesus sets an example for asking questions (over 300 recorded in the Bible!) the importance of your curiosity and light-hearted attitude ways you can activate your child’s mind and build wisdom when you switch from “telling” to “asking” how asking questions can help you let go of managing your child’s behavior and owning their problems that building wisdom is a journey with your 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: Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program The Power Questions: Less Arguing, More Wisdom – Name Your Own Price Today!  Ephesians 2:10 Less arguing. More wisdom. That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 LEARN MORE Related Posts3 Powerful Questions to Transform Your Parenting | Ep. 136My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?Want To Know Your Child’s Strengths?

Dads…today’s episode is especially for you. As a father, you probably have a lot of good intentions for your children. Do you ever wonder, though, if your parenting style gets in the way of your good intentions? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. If you find your parenting goals and actions are sometimes out of alignment, there are some practical ideas to help you get back on track.   In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Trevor Thurling (Connected Families Board Member) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation just for dads around some transformational questions for parenting. Trevor shares his journey that changed his parenting, and Jim equips you to bring your good intentions to your child’s heart.       In this podcast you’ll discover: how to show love instead of getting caught up in compliance three key questions to begin to transform your parenting the biblical basis for embracing humility and mutual submission that Jesus models how to create an atmosphere of safety through love how you can open up conversations with your kids by sharing about your own growth as a parent 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: Submit your own Welcome Message for the Connected Families Podcast Ephesians 5 & 6 Connected Families Parent Coaching  Guest Bio:  Trevor Thurling is a member of the Connected Families’ Board of Directors. With over 15 years of helping multinational companies, Trevor is a strategic thinker who leverages the power of human connections to build deeper relationships. He is a vocal proponent of the Connected Families Framework, having experienced the impact on his own family firsthand. Trevor and his wife, Stephanie, have three elementary-aged children, and he enjoys attending his kids’ activities and traveling. Less arguing. More wisdom. That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 LEARN MORE

Imagine your family working together to solve problems. Sounds amazing, right? But how do you get there? Busy schedules and personality differences can make “working together” seem like a big challenge. Thankfully, you can develop a practice to pull everyone together, have fun, and build wisdom. In today’s podcast, Corrie and Alan Thetford (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the positive impacts of family meetings. The discussion offers real-life examples and practical steps for family meetings with kids of any age (think toddlers to college students!). In this podcast you’ll discover: the many reasons why family meetings are a big win how to set a light-hearted and fun tone for a family meeting and focus on connection four steps to solve a problem using family teamwork that family meetings are a safe, predictable place to practice for real-life situations and scenarios your kids may encounter wisdom for replacing nagging with curious questions 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: Power of Questions – Name Your Own Price campaign Guest Bio: Corrie and Alan Thetford 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. Less arguing. More wisdom. That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. $35 LEARN MORE

Let’s get outside! No matter where you live (we have listeners all over the world!), getting outside is so good for so many reasons–for us and our kids. Sometimes getting outside means facing some challenges as well–poor weather, pesky insects, and even bad attitudes. It is possible to harness those challenges to build resilience, character, and memories in and with our kids. In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the rewards that await when you take your family outside. (You can even get them outside to help them see God in nature!) In Lynne’s words, “It takes resilience on the part of parents and kids to get outside, but the benefits are huge–physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” In this podcast you’ll discover: the game-changing impact of the phrase, “I want to go outside.” ways you can model appreciating the outdoors for your kids creative ideas to help your family be intentional about spending time in nature that natural conversations about God happen when you are outside and may actually help kids see God in nature that nature provides ample opportunities to grow resilience and character in our kids (and us!) 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: Psalm 8:3-4 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing FREE PDF Make a donation to Connected Families today! 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. GET THE FREE GUIDE

Mama, does your to-do list ever get in the way of having fun with your family? Or is it hard to engage in the activities that your kids enjoy? If you ever feel like a not-so-fun mom, today’s podcast is for you! It is possible to cultivate a light-hearted spirit where fun, joy, and laughter flow more easily. In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation to encourage you toward light-hearted, joy-filled connections with your family. Lynne and Stacy share ideas and stories from other moms to inspire you toward joy, laughter, and FUN. (Including a giveaway for the book Have More Fun by MOPS CEO Mandy Arioto.) In this podcast you’ll discover: how to find “intersections of joy” for your family that reducing your own stress and shame can nurture a light-hearted spirit in you ideas to help you lean into your strengths and find your “sweet spot” for fun the importance of appreciating your own gifts as well as those of your spouse ideas to inspire joy and fun for you and your family! 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: Have More Fun book Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. GET THE FREE GUIDE Related PostsBeing a Single Mom is Exhausting | Ep. 62How God Created Us for Community…and Science Agrees!My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?

Are you tired of your kids constantly asking for screen time? Would you like to feel better equipped to navigate the use of media in your home? Perhaps you need tools to help you in developing a screen plan for your family and reset expectations around screen use. You certainly aren’t alone! Many parents in this hyper-digital age feel the same way. In today’s podcast, Arlene Pellicane, author of Screen Kids, joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about being intentional and wise with technology in your home. You’ll hear the research and the heart behind Arlene’s desire to help parents develop a comprehensive plan for screens. In this podcast you’ll discover: the effects of screens on emotional health and brain development in children and young adults positive ways your family can engage with technology the difference between digital vegetables and digital candy how to develop a detailed technology plan for your family proactive ways to be intentional about tech as your children grow ideas to consider as you think about allowing your child to have a phone We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Gabb Wireless Phone for Kids – referral link from Arlene for a $25 coupon Screen Kids book Grandparenting Screen Kids The Social Dilemma documentary 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing (Free Resource) Social media contest on Instagram and Facebook Covenant Eyes web browser Arlene’s interview with John Foubert about protecting kids from pornography We are a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation today! Guest Bio: Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books, including Parents Rising, 31 Days to a Happy Husband, and Screen Kids. Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, and Focus on the Family. Arlene lives in San Diego with her husband, James, and their three children.To learn more, visit her website at ArlenePellicane.com and check out her masterclasses at HappyHomeUniversity.com 60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing Fun movement helps keep everyone sane! This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter. GET THE FREE GUIDE Related Posts7 Activities to Teach Patience to the Child Who Wants It NOWHow to Set Boundaries with Screens | Ep. 66I Just Can’t Get My Kids Off the Screen!What Do You Do with a Minecraft Addiction?

There’s nothing like your child telling a blatant lie to trigger a strong reaction in you. You may want to focus your energy on shutting down the deception, but what if you responded with curiosity instead? Or maybe your child is more skilled with lying, and it’s hard to discern whether they are telling the truth. Either way, you are probably wondering about how to guide your child to love honesty. In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to guide your child to love honesty. With candid stories, Jim and Chad share a fresh perspective and practical ideas to grow a culture of truth-telling in your home. In this podcast you’ll discover: reasons kids lie (it’s not always obvious) ways to engage your child in a curious and compassionate way how to shift your energy so truthfulness becomes the focus in your home ideas to grow your child’s identity as a truth-teller  ways to teach the skill of truth-telling in everyday moments the importance of modeling honesty even when it’s tough (including the story of a mom who killed the family cat!) We hope you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk 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 book or audiobook John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – talk about God’s commands in everyday life “I killed the cat” blogpost – modeling truth-telling to your kids We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate to Connected Families today!

Are healthy mealtimes at your house often a place of struggle? Have you ever thought, “My child won’t eat anything but junk food”? So many families experience these issues, and there is hope to move from “picky, picky” to peace around food. The way may be simpler than you expect through consistency, effort, and flexibility. In today’s episode, Christina Jax (Registered Dietician and Nutritionist) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss mealtimes, food choices, and supporting kids to eat a variety of healthy foods. Christina brings her experience as a mom to a child with sensory issues and her professional background to offer practical ideas for improving a child’s experiences with food. In this podcast, you’ll discover: factors that may contribute to a child’s selective food choices the difference between sensory issues and preferences when it comes to food why consistency and flexibility are effective tools for offering new foods at the table the importance of involving a child in meal planning and preparation that an awareness of your own relationship with food can help keep your issues from influencing your child’s experiences with food We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth! Mentioned in this podcast: Picky Picky ebook – Free Connected Families Resource Guest Bio: Christina is the Co-Founder of A4 Health, whose professional mission is fueling fun lives and supporting individuals and organizations to achieve optimized health. Combining 20+ years in behavioral and nutrition science, Christina’s approach is to make healthy “easy” and prove the Return on Investment (ROI) for each individual or group she serves! Christina currently serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She is a team dietitian for the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks. She also has a podcast. Check her out on Spotify and iTunes at Connect the Dots with Christina Jax.Christina’s website https://www.a4.health/On Instagram: @‌a4healthcoach Got a very selective eater in the home? Maybe they only eat the color white, or just can’t sit at the table long enough to eat anything. Whatever the challenge, we want to help you. Read our FREE ebook, Picky Picky! My Child Won’t Eat Anything But Junk Food. GET THE BOOK Related PostsAre We Raising Animals?From Power Struggles to Peace at MealsStruggling at the Family Dinner Table? How to Come Together & Enjoy