Connected Families Podcast

As a parent you might feel overwhelmed with the mountain of resources available to you regarding Christian discipline. From podcasts, to books, to seminars, there is no shortage of available content you could access. But, when you are Christ-follower AND you are tuned into the latest in research and attachment-based parenting, you are looking for something more. Something that combines heart, soul, and body. Connected Families was born from this deeply felt need of parents who were longing for real solutions and a deeper connection with their kids. Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) hosts Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) for a very special interview about the founding roots of Connected Families and their exciting vision for the future. From a 3:00am wake-up call from God to a community of thousands of parents, hear how God has uniquely guided every step of the Connected Families journey with wisdom and purpose.  Join us for today’s podcast to learn more about the past, present, and future of Connected Families!  In this episode you’ll hear: How the intensity of Jim and Lynne’s own family informed Connected Families and moved them forward in their ministry to other parents The impact of the Connected Families Framework for parents, within the organization’s team, and within Jim and Lynne’s work as a married couple serving in ministry together The vital role of Connected Families parent communities and the Insiders Team The compelling future vision for the Connected Families ministry Thank you for partnering with us and being a part of our Connected Families community! As always, please reach out to us and let us know how we can continue to come alongside you in your parenting journey. Connected Families resources and opportunities mentioned in this podcast:  Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart (book) How to Grow a Connected Family  Connected Families Insiders Team Be the grace-filled parent you want. Maybe a refrigerator magnet can’t transform you, but it can remind you of the change you’re working toward. GET MY MAGNET Related PostsAre You Parenting From a Place of Fear? | Ep. 42How to Become an Emotionally Safe ParentLegalism vs Grace: How to Let Go of Perfectionism & Grab Hold of GraceParenting Kids from Hard Places with Unique Needs | Ep. 45The Small Magnet That is Making a BIG Difference

“My kid is looking at porn! What should I do?” Have you experienced this? Or maybe you are concerned about how to prepare your child for future encounters with something inappropriate. Pornography is highly accessible in today’s culture. Marketers seem to sexualize everything to sell products. In a world where we are unable to shield our children from this, how do we respond? Today’s podcast is the third of a three-part series focused on topics that dads often encounter as they seek to lead with grace. Join Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) as they discuss the very sensitive and challenging topic of kids and pornography.  As we seek to impart boundaries and wisdom to our kids regarding pornography, our reactions about this topic can either increase shame or invite connection. When we bring God’s grace and truth into the challenge of kids and porn, we can focus on our kids’ hearts and the parent-child connection that they so desperately need to navigate their struggle.  You’ll learn in this episode:  How to confront a child who has been caught viewing pornographyThe vital importance of connection with your child as you prepare to talk to your kids about pornographyWays in which the Connected Families Framework can empower you to discover: “What is going on in me? What’s it like to be my child?”The ways that shame and secrecy can affect your child’s struggle and your relationship with your child This is not an easy topic to navigate, so please let us know how we can come alongside you, and help bring God’s grace and truth to your family.  Bible verses mentioned in this podcast: Galatians 5:16-26Galatians 6:1-2 Matthew 5:27-30Philippians 1:6Philippians 4:6-7 Want to learn more? What to Do When You Catch Your Child Looking at Porn What are your parenting strengths? You’ve got them. Knowing your strengths will help you become the best parent you can be. Knowing your parenting challenges is useful information too. Take our FREE ASSESSMENT. Related PostsChild Looking at Porn? Here’s Where to Start.How to Limit Screen Time with Healthy Habits & a Bigger YESHow to Set Boundaries with Screens | Ep. 66Should I Punish My Child for Swearing?What Do You Do with a Minecraft Addiction?

“My kid is obsessed with gaming! Are they addicted? What should I do?” If you’ve found yourself making these kinds of statements you are not alone.  It’s amazing how something small on a screen can have such a big impact. And screens are everywhere. How do you set boundaries when you think your child is addicted to screens? There are real solutions and we are going to dig into them. Today’s podcast is the second of a three-part series focused on topics that dads often encounter as they seek to lead with grace. In this episode, Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) tackle the common but difficult topic of screen addictions (especially video gaming).   We’ll dive into important and practical topics such as: How you can use the Connected Families Framework to help your child and yourself have a healthy relationship with screensThe importance of communicating to your child, “You are capable of overcoming this struggle!”How to build wisdom and responsibility in your kids’ video game habits while showing empathy and compassionWays to ask questions and set boundaries with video games that invite conversation and connection with your child Screen addiction is a real thing and it is not easy! Let us know how we can come alongside you as you help your child work through this challenge. We are here to help! Resources mentioned in this episode: Sibling Conflict CourseConnect Families Framework Want to learn more? Why Do Kids Obsess Over Video Games?Healthy Screen Time With Kids–An Oxymoron or Hopeful Possibility?Keep Calm and Stay Connected (to your teen!) Take 15 minutes to learn how to give consequences that teach, rather than simply punish, by downloading our free ebook Consequences That Actually Work. Related Posts3 Secrets to Grow from Screen Time Madness to Gladness This Summer52 Out-of-the-Box Family Bonding ActivitiesHow to Limit Screen Time with Healthy Habits & a Bigger YESHow to Put Screens Back in Their Place | Ep. 34You Don’t Want to Micromanage Your Family: How to Stop Parenting With Anxiety

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “legacy”? We feel inspired when we hear stories about the legacy of someone who has made an impact in the world.  Hearing these stories may inspire you to want to leave a valuable legacy of your own. OR maybe that idea feels painful to you. You might have regrets and wonder if it’s too late to leave the legacy you had hoped for.  Whatever your experience, take heart and be strengthened that today is a new day! This podcast will guide you in taking steps to leave a legacy of faith for future generations.  In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) and Chad Hayenga (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Connected Families Coach) discuss how to leave a legacy of faith for your kids. During the month of June, in recognition of Father’s Day, we are focusing on topics geared towards issues that dads often encounter, as they seek to lead with grace. (Moms, listen in too! There’s loads of encouragement here for you as well.)  Leaving a legacy is purposefully planting seeds of hope, life, and generosity. It means trusting God’s love to make those seeds grow. It’s never too late to leave a legacy! In this podcast, you’ll learn: Practical and thoughtful ways of leaving a legacy of faith for your childHow to handle shame and past regrets, and leave a new legacy starting todayThe importance of authenticity as a parent, and sharing your own testimony of how God has worked in your lifeThe value of celebrating God’s blessings as a family and sharing those blessings with others Mentioned in this podcast: C.S. Lewis quoteMatthew 6:19-211 Corinthians 3:6-81 Thessalonians 2:11-12Joshua 4:21-22Deut 6:4-9Sibling Conflict Online Course What are your parenting strengths? You’ve got them. Knowing your strengths will help you become the best parent you can be. Knowing your parenting challenges is useful information too. Take our FREE ASSESSMENT. Related PostsAdvice for DadsBuilding True Respect and TeamworkFear-Based Compliance vs. Heartfelt Obedience: How to Avoid One & Inspire the OtherHonoring Our Imperfect Dads | Ep. 19Meet Juan and Nita from South Africa“I will love you simply because you are my son.”

You ask your child to do something simple and they respond with violence. Your five-year-old comes at you forcefully with a toy and is going to hit you. Maybe your teenager is physically fighting and things are getting out of hand. You start to realize your child is violent. Now what? As a parent in this situation, you may feel discouragement, fear, anxiety, or even shame. It’s hard to know what to do when your child is physically aggressive, and it’s natural to feel your own emotions escalate as well. You may be wondering, “How can I bring peace to this toxic situation?”  Defusing a child who is violent In today’s episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson (co-founders of Connected Families) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss the difficult challenges of parenting a child who struggles with being physically aggressive. Jim and Lynne talk through the Connected Families Framework, and how it can help defuse an angry child in the heat of the moment. Longer term, this podcast will help guide you as a parent to provide love, safety, and connection for your child. In this podcast you’ll learn:  How to create a strong and confident foundation as a parent: What is going on in me when my child is violent?How your child’s underlying anxiety can often be masked as anger: What’s going on in my child when they explode?Practical and loving ways to provide safety and connection to a child who needs restraint The power of empathy and truthful, compassionate, phrases to communicate to your child: “I am for you, you are loved, we’ll get through this together.” As always, we are here to help and you are not alone! Check out some of our resources below, or reach out to us to learn more about how Connected Families can walk alongside you in your parenting journey. Encouraging verses and resources mentioned in this podcast:  James 1:5 Romans 15:13FREE Resources Helping Kids With Anger (FREE ebook)Grace and Truth for Moms (online course)Connected Families Framework Related Posts50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to CalmGot a Strong-Willed Child? So Did This Mom. | Ep. 51Practical Tips To Turn Uncontrolled Emotional Outbursts Into Big WinsThe Awesome Thing About Your Kid’s Misbehavior…What Causes Anger Issues in a Child? | Ep. 46 Do you feel stuck in negative patterns? Feeling isolated? Are you anxious about your kids’ successes or failures? Our Grace and Truth for Moms online course will help you identify and hold on to God’s truth about YOU, and equip you to stop believing toxic lies about yourself. This course is created for small groups, so grab a few other moms and be encouraged!

Co-parenting, intense emotions, tough transitions – these single-mom challenges can be hard! If you are a single mom, you have probably navigated rough waters in these areas. It may feel so discouraging at times. The good news: There are ways to keep you and your kids steady and growing in wisdom through it all. Emotional security and connection are key. This podcast will walk you through what that can look like in daily life as a single mom. It IS possible to navigate shared parenting in a respectful way.  Today we bring you the second part of our podcast series about single motherhood and our Connected Families Framework. Join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) to hear heartfelt and practical insights from single moms about connecting and coaching kids through intense emotions and tough situations.  When kids feel loved and connected in the ups and downs of divorce and co-parenting, you can foster a close relationship that will help them feel secure, even while walking through difficult moments. Both you and your children can experience joy and a strengthened faith in trying circumstances. In the words of one single mom: “Even in hard times, with God nothing is wasted!”  If you’re not a single mom, dive in anyway! This discussion can still be applied to your situation, and these moms have tremendous wisdom for life’s challenges.  Be encouraged and equipped as we tackle important questions such as: How can you connect with your kids through the difficult transitions between caregivers?  What are some ways you keep laughter and joy part of your family?  How do you equip your kids to respond in faith and wisdom through various challenges? What are some ways you handle your child’s emotional stress when it shows up as intense misbehavior?  Resources to help you and your child connect: Helping Kids with their Anger: A creative activity to reduce outbursts and prepare kids for healthy relationships Grace and Truth for Moms (online course) Connected Families FREE Resources Other resources for single moms in the Twin Cities area: Emerge-Twin Cities Beyond New Beginnings (Chaska, MN) Together for Good (St. Paul, MN) Safe Families for Children (nationwide) Related Posts30 Best Pieces of Advice for New Moms (from Real Pros)Being a Single Mom is Exhausting | Ep. 62Grace and Truth for Moms | Ep. 61Legalism vs. Grace: Let Go of Perfectionism & Grab Hold of GraceResilient Children: 15 Little Opportunities to Grow Overcomers at Home Do you feel stuck in negative patterns? Feeling isolated? Are you anxious about your kids’ successes or failures? Our Grace and Truth for Moms online course will help you identify and hold on to God’s truth about YOU, and equip you to stop believing toxic lies about yourself. This course is created for small groups, so grab a few other moms and be encouraged!

Being a single mom is exhausting. And when we hear from single moms, they often say things like, “I feel SO alone.” “I don’t know if I can make it.” “Are my kids and I beyond hope?” Maybe you wrestle with thoughts and beliefs like these too. Do you wonder if God is listening, and working in your difficult situation? Listen in on today’s episode focused on single parenting. We believe the wisdom shared will infuse you with solid truth and precious grace to keep you walking the road of motherhood on a firm foundation.  Above all, know that God deeply loves you and your children, and He is ever-present in all of your circumstances. Even if you are in a two parent home, you’ll gain LOTS of wisdom and insight from the two courageous, faith-filled single moms that we interviewed for these podcasts.  You are not alone. In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) walk you through straight-forward conversations about single motherhood. You’ll hear from several single moms, as well as a leader at a local church who ministers to single moms. These moms describe in their own words the ups and downs of single parenthood, and how the Connected Families framework has helped them on their journey. As you lean into God, you’ll be equipped to take care of your own heart and strengthen yourself.  With this as your foundation you can be a strong pillar for your children no matter what the circumstances are around you. You and your children are not broken, and you are not alone! In this podcast:  In this podcast, we hear from single moms about their parenting journey. These moms give honest and vulnerable responses to the following questions:   What key beliefs keep you steady through the ups and downs?How do you draw on a supportive community?What are the ways that you saw God show up to help you through difficult times?How do you deal with negative things an ex-spouse may have said about you to your kids?How do you navigate different parenting styles? If you are a single mom who is looking for parenting guidance, we are here for you! You can check out our resources, or contact us at https://connectedfamilies.org/contact-us/. We recognize that as a single parent, finances may be a hindrance to taking our online courses. Which is why we always offer scholarships. Never hesitate to ask.               .  Bible verses mentioned in this podcast: Zephaniah 3:17Isaiah 61:1-3Proverbs 3:5-6 Resources mentioned in this podcast: Connected Families-Grace and Truth for Moms (Online Course)Beyond New Beginnings (Chaska, MN)Together for Good (St. Paul, MN)Safe Families for Children (nationwide) Other resources for single moms in the Twin Cities area: Emerge-Twin Cities Do you feel stuck in negative patterns? Are you isolated? Are you anxious about your kids’ successes or failures? Our Grace and Truth for Moms online course will help you identify and hold on to God’s truth about YOU, and equip you to stop believing toxic lies about yourself. This course is created for small groups, so grab a few other moms and be encouraged!

Does the stress and struggle of parenting leave you feeling unworthy or incapable of being the mom you long to be? Do these statements sound familiar? “I’m a failure as a mom and I have ruined my kids!” “I’m an angry parent with an angry child!” Perhaps it feels like you are parenting from a place of discouragement and anxiety. We want you to know that God’s grace runs deep for you, and you are not alone. You can find grace and truth for yourself as a mom. In today’s episode, you will learn how to work through the feelings of doubt and discouragement that many moms experience. In this rebroadcast from 2020, Lynne Jackson (co-founder of Connected Families) joins Heather MacFadyen on her podcast, Don’t Mom Alone. Heather interviews Lynne about the importance of recognizing toxic lies you may believe (about yourself and your kids) and how to replace those lies with God’s grace and truth.  You’ll learn to process your difficult feelings and beliefs in a way that helps you to be a vessel of grace and truth for yourself–and for your kids.  Discover in today’s podcast: how extreme thinking, perfectionism, and catastrophizing can keep you stuck in a negative parenting cycle practical ways to work through negative emotions and experience God’s healing and peace  the importance of having support from other moms who can listen and encourage you encouragement that can help you persevere in living out God’s grace and truth for you and your kids About Heather MacFadyen: Married and a mom to four sons, Heather struggled with the challenges of raising four young boys. She isolated herself from community, fearing embarrassment, rejection, and failure. Slowly she began to reach out to friends again. Through prayer with friends, God healed wrong identities Heather held onto. She started a podcast called “God-Centered Mom” (now Don’t Mom Alone), a show that has been downloaded over 7 million times.  Bible verses mentioned in this podcast: Matthew 12:34 Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 6:4 Psalm 139:14 2 Corinthians 10:5 Resources from this podcast to encourage you:   You Are a Daughter of the King speech (design courtesy of Don’t Mom Alone) Trash, Truth, Treasure: Helping Kids Turn Anger into Wisdom Grace and Truth for Moms Online Course Do you feel stuck in negative patterns? Are you isolated? Are you anxious about your kids’ successes or failures? Our Grace and Truth for Moms online course will help you identify and hold on to God’s truth about YOU, and equip you to stop believing toxic lies about yourself. This course is created for small groups, so grab a few other moms and be encouraged!

Do you struggle to teach your child how to pray? How do you instill something deeper when your child just wants to pray for a new xbox?  Like many parents, you likely desire to see your kids engage in a meaningful prayer life. That can be hard! Sometimes kids just get bored when we pray! Or find it difficult to get past a surface-level prayer. The good news: There are many practical and effective ways to model and encourage your kids to grow in more heartfelt and personal prayer. Today on the Connected Families podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) talks with Chad and Carma Hayenga about their journey to a deeper and more personal prayer life. You’ll hear how this overflowed to their kids, and positively changed the heart of their family. We trust you will find encouragement and practical tips in this podcast to teach your child to pray and for your family’s prayer journey! In this podcast, Chad and Carma discuss:  The transforming power of experiencing Jesus’ presence in prayerHow to transform rote and programmed prayers into a personal conversation with GodA larger vision for your family’s prayer life, as well as practical everyday prayer opportunitiesWays to help kids express their faith creatively according to their personality and giftsParticipating in God’s Kingdom work at home and around the world through prayer More about Chad and Carma:  Chad Hayenga is a Marriage and Family Therapist and certified life coach with a background in counseling struggling youth and families. As a prayer intercessor, Carma has a deep passion to see families changed through the power of prayer. Combining their skills, and trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to effect change, they have seen people experience incredible spiritual freedom. Interested in learning more? Check out this unique coaching option to connect personally with Chad and Carma. Resources about prayer mentioned in this podcast: Prison to Praise by Merlin Carothers Is That Really You, God? by Loren Cunningham Voice of the Martyrs FREE magazine subscription

Frequently parents focus on conversation skills when there is conflict. But what about in the normal day-to-day interactions? Do you feel like it is more difficult than it needs to be to have a “normal” conversation with your child? Do you feel like you spend a lot of time telling your child what to do instead of asking the right questions? It’s hard when you feel like, “My child won’t talk to me!”Sadly, sometimes our reactions as parents is what shuts the conversation down. Can you relate? If so, this podcast discussion will bring you the honest and hope-giving guidance you are looking for as you desire to have open and honest conversations with your kids.  In today’s podcast, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) is joined by Chad Hayenga (therapist and Connected Families parent coach) to talk about how you can engage in meaningful, on-going conversations that bring connection with your child. You can keep the important conversations going with your kids by asking gentle, light-hearted, curious questions that help your child feel safe to open up to you.  In this podcast, we’ll discuss: The power of kind and curious questions to unlock a child’s heartKeeping shame out of the conversation with your childHow to respond when kids have doubts about their faith and GodPractical ways to calmly respond when your child says something that triggers you! The importance of your strong, solid foundation in Christ to create stability for your struggling child Connecting to and valuing what is going on in your child’s heart can keep the conversation going for years to come! Parenting resources mentioned in this podcast: The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom. (online course) Want to learn more for when, “My child won’t talk to me!” Stay Curious During Tough Conversations: Why Lectures Never Win Connected Families Framework  Related PostsAre You Tired of Having to Nag Your Kids? | Ep. 35My Child Doesn’t Believe in God. Now What?My Child Wants Nothing to Do With Me. Is There Hope?Why Is My Child So Angry? The #1 Unexpected Reason & Practical Steps to TakeYou Don’t Want to Micromanage Your Family: How to Stop Parenting With Anxiety