Connected Families Podcast

Explore the transformative power of recognizing children's strengths in the face of misbehavior. Hear how personal shifts in parenting can turn discipline into connection. Discover the idea of 'gifts gone awry' and learn to focus on nurturing what's right instead of just correcting wrongs. Inspirational stories illustrate how reframing challenges into gifts can motivate kids. Biblical examples highlight the importance of purpose over perfection, reminding us that every child is made for greatness.

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast : In this micro-episode, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach, Tara Prevo, address two common parenting challenges: 1) When a child says “You don’t love me,” and 2) The strong-willed child who rejects offered choices. Tara encourages parents to use misbehavior as an opportunity to demonstrate unconditional love and commit to the long game of grace-filled responses over time. Tara helps parents come alongside their child as a teammate, celebrate creative problem-solving, and guide with empathy. Key Takeaways: Misbehavior is an opportunity for unconditional love Strong-willed children seek safety, not control Parenting is a long game Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community – Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here. Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Connected Families Workshop Speakers Program Tara Prevo – Workshop Speaker Connected Families Thursday Email Sign Up Power of Questions Online Course Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: Connected Families founder Jim Jackson offers parents a powerful glimpse of graceful parenting in yesterday’s soul care message designed specifically for you, moms and dads: What Is Christian Discipline? A Peek At Graceful Parenting | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥Ready to be the hero who brings hope to overwhelmed parents in your community? Today, will you join the Table Community, along with six others, and multiply your impact? Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast: In today’s mini-episode, Jim Jackson is filling in for Stacy and explores a powerful truth: you can only give grace to your kids if you’ve first received it yourself. He invites parents to imagine Jesus offering lavish mercy toward themselves instead of harsh condemnation. Jim reminds parents that the goal isn’t just behavior modification—it’s gentle restoration that transforms homes into places where grace flows freely, mistakes become opportunities for connection, and children experience God’s unconditional love through their parents. Key Takeaways: Extending grace to our children comes after we first receive God’s lavish grace for us Don’t let your approval of your children depend only on their behavior Pausing to be sure you’re walking in the fruit of the Spirit is helpful before correction Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course 1 John 3:1 Romans 5:8 Romans 8:1 Hebrews 4:15 Titus 3:4-5 Galatians 2:21 Galatians 3 Galatians 5:19-26 Galatians 6:1 Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: How to take the trek to the top of peaceful parenting mountain can seem like a mystery most days. Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response in this episode: Brain-Based Strategies: How to Help Kids Calm Down | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast: Join host Stacy Bellward in week two of our October series, featuring bite-sized content from the signature Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. In this mini episode, Occupational Therapist Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response. Lynne explains why telling kids to “calm down” often backfires and demonstrates how parents can model effective self-regulation while building trust and connection. You’ll also hear from parents Viece & Johnny, who share their heart’s desire to be the place their children always want to come home to, even as adults. This episode equips you with tools you can use today while casting vision for the lifelong relationships these strategies can build. Key Takeaways: Learn concrete ideas from this podcast about how to help kids calm down Today’s calming moments build a foundation so your kids will always want to come home Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Hand Model of the Brain for Kids 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids: The FREE mini online course Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: Unconditional love can be so powerful, hear some ways that it can transform your family in Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God’s Unconditional Love. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Unconditional love can transform children's lives, but do they really know they are loved? A powerful story illustrates a father's journey from strictness to expressing love, changing his child's behavior for the better. The discussion emphasizes the lasting impact of continuously affirming a child's value, regardless of performance. Listeners are encouraged to seek community support and rely on God's Spirit in their parenting journey, highlighting how love during struggles fosters safety and connection.

Navigating teenage meltdowns can be tough. One father shares how he turned frustration into curiosity when his son reacted strongly over a bowl. By choosing grace instead of anger, he created a safe space for emotional honesty and even laughter. The discussion breaks down the Connected Families framework, highlighting practical steps for parents like pausing, praying, and reflecting on feelings. This approach not only fosters connection but also equips families with tools to handle challenges with love and understanding.

Discover how misbehavior can become a golden opportunity for showing unconditional love to your child. Learn why incorporating affection and empathy during challenging moments is crucial for nurturing a strong connection. Frustration can unintentionally send the message that a child is a problem, so understanding their perception of love is key. Practical strategies are shared for weaving loving gestures into corrections, ensuring kids feel supported even when they fail. Transform your approach to discipline and strengthen your family bonds!

Laurie Shaffer, a seasoned parent coach and expert in trauma-informed parenting, shares insightful strategies for fostering connection with children. She highlights the importance of self-reflection for parents before addressing their child's behavior. With a poignant personal story about her granddaughter, Laurie demonstrates how prioritizing presence over correction can pave the way for meaningful change. Learn how love and understanding can transform challenging moments into opportunities for growth.

Two moms share their heartfelt parenting journeys, exploring how modeling grace can transform family dynamics. Clare emphasizes the importance of teaching children through action rather than words. Ami confronts her unexpected anger, uncovering its roots in childhood trauma, and learns the importance of inner healing. They highlight how effective discipline starts with self-reflection and calming oneself before addressing children's behavior, offering practical tools for lasting change and a supportive community.

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only!💥 What does a backpack have to do with parenting? Well… Katie Johnson, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, shares how her 6-year-old son’s misplaced camp backpack turned into a moment where the Connected Families parenting framework guided her. In today’s episode, listen in to discover how to intentionally apply this grace-filled approach to everyday moments, providing positive discipline examples that lead to lasting connections and growth in your family. Key Takeaways Build a solid foundation over time using the CF parenting framework as your guide Avoid coming across as “fast, large, and loud” Use daily moments to practice long-term wisdom-building Guest Bio As a former teacher turned homeschool mom with a sensitive & intense child, Katie Johnson came to Connected Families at the end of her rope. As a CF coach, she now helps struggling families adopt a whole-Bible, whole-brain approach for Christ-centered transformation. She loves providing practical tools to help families apply the CF framework to their unique situations. Katie lives in Madison, WI, with her husband, three young kids, a dog, and three chickens. Katie holds a Master’s in Education and has a special passion for supporting families with toddlers. Mentioned Today: The Table Community -Monthly Giving Program Katie Johnson – Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Learning from Parenting Mistakes: How God Taught One Dad the Value of Safety | [Mini-Episode] Thursday Parenting Tips Email Sign-Up In Case You Missed It: If you’re still learning the value of safe parenting, you’re not alone, and there’s always grace to learn. Hear how God showed one dad the value of safety in yesterday’s mini-episode: Learning from Parenting Mistakes: How God Taught One Dad the Value of Safety. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!