Showing love is easy when your child is doing well, but what does it look like to extend selfless agape love to a child who is misbehaving? Listen in as Jim and Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founders, share about receiving God’s unconditional love and effectively passing it on to your child (in the midst of struggles!). This conversation is packed with scripture and practical tools to encourage and equip you.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart book
• Discipline that Connects online course – Register Now!
• Small Groups – Join a Discipline That Connects small group
• Free PDF – 20 Phrases that Communicate Empathy to Our Kids
• Romans 5:8
• Romans 2:4
• Hebrews 4:15-16
• John 14:16
• Luke 15:11-32
• Ephesians 3:20

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Help others find the encouragement they need by sharing this episode with a friend or rating the podcast.

Guest Bio:

Jim and Lynne Jackson are the Co-Founders of Connected Families in Plymouth, MN. With over 50 combined years of professionally helping families and a love for working in the church, Jim and Lynne have been dedicated to bringing reliable, God-centered, research-based parenting resources to all families since 2002.

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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!

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Expanding on last week’s episode, Josh and Rachel Keller use role-plays to show how you can engage in a difficult conversation with your child. They offer insights for choosing a time and place that will help foster meaningful dialogue and highlight the importance of listening and empathy as you enter the conversation. If you’re feeling unsure about the weighty or awkward conversations you need to have, this episode will give you a boost in confidence and some practical ideas for a great, connected conversation with your child.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Ep. 191: How to Talk to Your Child About Difficult Topics (Part 1)
• The Power of Questions online course – Less Arguing. More Wisdom.
• Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Every donation, whether big or small, empowers another family to parent with confidence and lead with grace. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a second to rate the show or share this episode with a friend. We’re so grateful if you do!

Guest Bio:

Josh and Rachel are a married duo from Central Minnesota. They have been married for 15 years, with three kids, one dog, a bunny, and a bird. After becoming CF Certified Parent Coaches, they launched The Freedom Center MN, a mental health practice in Willmar, MN.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

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Whether it’s swearing, sex, racism, or a loved one’s choice, talking about difficult topics is a requirement of parenting. Listen in as Josh and Rachel Keller, MA, LPCC (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches), join us to share practical ideas for approaching difficult conversations with kids of all ages. In their light-hearted and humorous way, they encourage us to reflect, embrace the awkward, and lead with curious questions. You’ll feel encouraged and equipped for your next tough conversation. And don’t miss next week’s episode, where Josh and Rachel roleplay awkward and challenging conversations.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Ep. 174 | Want to Connect with Your Teenager?
• Philippians 1:6
• Proverbs 18:2
• Proverbs 18:13
• The Power of Questions online course: Less Arguing. More Wisdom.
• Discipline That Connects online course

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Every donation, whether big or small, empowers another family to parent with confidence and lead with grace. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a second to rate the show or share this episode with a friend. We’re so grateful if you do!

Guest Bio:

Josh and Rachel are a married duo from Central Minnesota. They have been married for 15 years and have three kids, one dog, a bunny, and a bird. After becoming CF Certified Parent Coaches, they launched The Freedom Center MN, a mental health practice in Willmar, MN.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

Three dads and parent coaches talk about power struggles and how to break the patterns of judgment and defensiveness that get us stuck in power struggles with our kids. Chad Hayenga, Jim Jackson, and Alan Thetford team up to discuss how you can shift from a mindset of control to one of grace and teamwork. Jim shares a personal story about realizing he was a “power-hungry dad,” and the group roleplays how you could shift away from power-struggle parenting in a common interaction about screens and chores.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Ep 173 – “Become the Self-Aware Parent You Want to Be”
• The Power of Questions online course
• Quick Guide for Parenting cards
• Acts 1:8
• Colossians 1:9-14
• Proverbs 15:1
• Ephesians 6:4
• Ephesians 3:17-19

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Help others find our podcast–take a moment to rate the show!

Guest Bio:

Jim Jackson and his wife Lynne co-founded Connected Families in 2002 when they were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the parenting resources available to them as young parents. In addition to raising his three children, Jim has experience working with high-risk teens, parent coaching, and leading parenting workshops.

Alan Thetford and his wife Corrie have four children. They are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches and 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.” or on their website.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

What if you could stop arguments before they started? If you’re curious about how to stop arguing with your child, you’ll want to listen to this podcast.

Stacy Bellward and Sara Paine are passionate that wise questions can stop you from arguing with your child. After all, Stacy even co-authored an online course on it. Today, they discuss one game-changer question in particular and share how this question can transform parent-child interactions by fostering curiosity, empathy, and connection. They also highlight the ways questions can change brain patterns. Through role-plays, they demonstrate how this approach can work with kids of any age, showing how it can diffuse tension and promote cooperation in everyday situations.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• 4 Types of Wisdom Growing Questions – FREE PDF
• Power of Questions online course
• Matthew 20:32

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to share this episode with a friend or leave a review on your favorite listening platform.

Guest Bio:

Sara Paine is a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and has worked with kids of varying backgrounds for over 15 years. She is a credentialed teacher and a certified wellness coach. As a mom of 3 kids through both birth and adoption, it is her pleasure to tackle the challenges faced by families with young, sensitive, and intense kids. You can find out more about parent coaching with Sara here.

Less arguing. More wisdom.

That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course.

$35

LEARN MORE

This week, we chat with Joel and Mindy Bolitho, an Australian couple who’ve experienced transformation through the Framework. They talk about significant moments in their journey and how they spread the word about Connected Families in their community. Connected Families’ Director of Development, Adel Irwin, also joins the conversation to highlight the upcoming Week of Sharing (August 1-7) and how you can get involved.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Text the keyword “parenting” to 50155 to give to Connected Families
• Become a Volunteer Advocate to spread the word about Connected Families during the Week of Sharing August 1-7
• How has Connected Families impacted your family? Share your story here.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Guest Bio:

Joel and Mindy Bolitho live in Australia with their two wonderful daughters, who are in primary school and high school. Mindy recently earned her BS and works as a counselor in the drug and alcohol field, while Joel works as a Disability Support Worker. They also breed miniature schnauzers and have 10 chooks, which keep them busy and delightfully entertained.

Do you find bedtime, screen use, chores, and meals to be sources of frustration instead of connection?

The Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life online courseis designed to help you break free from the chaos and establish predictable daily rhythms that work for your family. With thoughtful, Biblical insights and practical, science-based ideas, you’ll learn how to grow connection, wisdom, and health in your kids.

ENROLL TODAY!

Perhaps your child always sits politely at the table and eats their Brussels sprouts, but for the rest of us, especially with a food-sensitive child or two, food struggles in families are real.

Today we talk to Emily Meade, RD, LD, a dietitian who wants to help us recapture some of the connection and joy that can happen in the kitchen and around the table. Emily discusses the importance of teaching children that their bodies are uniquely created by God, and she shares strategies for encouraging kids to try new foods without pressure. She also gives plenty of practical tips for meal planning and involving children in food prep to grow connection, wisdom, and life skills in the kitchen.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• FREE Energy Bites recipe you can make with your kids
• Healthy Rhythms mini course – Register today!
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation to Connected Families fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Help other parents find our podcast by leaving a quick review on your favorite listening platform.

Guest Bio:

Emily Meade is a wife and mama to three amazing kids, ages 6, 4, and 1-year-old. In addition to being home raising her children, Emily is also able to stay in practice as a Registered Dietitian doing one-on-one nutrition coaching part-time with a company called The Kôr Method. Emily enjoys cooking, gardening, staying active, serving at church, and spending time with her family.

Do you find bedtime, screen use, chores, and meals to be sources of frustration instead of connection?

The Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life online courseis designed to help you break free from the chaos and establish predictable daily rhythms that work for your family. With thoughtful, Biblical insights and practical, science-based ideas, you’ll learn how to grow connection, wisdom, and health in your kids.

ENROLL TODAY!

What if chores weren’t a constant struggle in your household? Join Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Marni Love and Corrie Thetford as they discuss the Happiness Trifecta and how it can transform the way chores are done at your house. The Happiness Trifecta is a group of brain chemicals you can tap into to make chores more enjoyable for your kids. Corrie, Marni, and our host, Stacy Bellward, share many stories about being playful and working as a team to boost these chemicals in our kids’ brains. They also highlight the need to understand each child’s unique challenges and the importance of celebrating a job well done.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life mini-course
• How Can I Identify Anxiety in My Child? | Ep. 99
• Advocating for Your Sensitive or Neurodiverse Child | Ep. 123
• Help! Homeschooling Is Overwhelming | Ep 93
• Empowering Your Differently Wired Child | Ep 124
• Ephesians 2:10
• Colossians 3:23-24

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Marni Love is a former public school teacher who has been a home educator for 14 years. She is a Homeschool Mentor, a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, and an instructor for CF coaches-in-training. Marni enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their three sons in the beautiful mountains and beaches of Northern California. You can connect with her through her website, marnilove.com.

Corrie Thetford and her husband Alan 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 find out more about them at buildingwisefamilies.com.

Do you find bedtime, screen use, chores, and meals to be sources of frustration instead of connection?

The Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life online courseis designed to help you break free from the chaos and establish predictable daily rhythms that work for your family. With thoughtful, Biblical insights and practical, science-based ideas, you’ll learn how to grow connection, wisdom, and health in your kids.

ENROLL TODAY!

If you’re struggling with screens and boundary setting with your kids, tune into this interview with Brittany and Kevin Hoffman. Their home has transformed as they’ve learned to ask questions, listen, and point to the bigger YES. If you’re not sure what it means to point to the bigger YES, this episode is for you.

Kevin and Brittany share how the Healthy Rhythms course shaped their approach to managing screen time for their five children and the ways they adjusted their own screen habits as a result. They also chat about how they use family meetings to explore the “bigger yes” with their kids. Kevin and Brittany acknowledge that managing screen time is an ongoing process that keeps evolving as kids get older, but their guiding principles stay the same.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• FREE Outdoor Activities PDF
• Healthy Rhythms mini-course
• Connected Families Week of Sharing – Find out how you can get involved!

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review and help other parents find the Connected Families Podcast!

Guest Bio:

Kevin and Brittany met in Vacation Bible School when they were three years old, started dating at fifteen, and have been married for thirteen years. They have five children (ages 10, 10, 8, 6, and 2), one of whom joined their family through foster care. Kevin is a trial attorney, and Brittany finds daily uses for her Master of Education while homeschooling. They are natives of New Jersey by birth and have been permanently transplanted to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where they attend Trinity Church. Connected Families has been a significant influence on their ever-evolving journey through parenting, which they define as the mission field of making disciples at home.

Do you find bedtime, screen use, chores, and meals to be sources of frustration instead of connection?

The Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life online courseis designed to help you break free from the chaos and establish predictable daily rhythms that work for your family. With thoughtful, Biblical insights and practical, science-based ideas, you’ll learn how to grow connection, wisdom, and health in your kids.

ENROLL TODAY!

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Two grandmothers, Dijea Young and Cindy Stonestreet (who also happen to be Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) chat about the role of play in grandparenting and how they’re learning to be great grandmothers. Cindy and Dijea share personal stories about respecting their adult children’s parenting decisions and finding common ground, even in challenging relationships. They emphasize the power of intentional, joyful play in communicating love to their grandchildren and share examples of coaching grandchildren through conflicts. If you know a grandparent who would love to build more connection with their children and grandchildren, consider sharing this conversation with them.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Parenting Reminders Bundle
• Deuteronomy 4:9

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

Take a moment to rate and review!

Guest Bio:

Dijea Young is a teacher, mother of eight, and grandma. For over 35 years, she has served children and families in a variety of roles. Now as a Certified Parent Coach, she combines her professional training and personal experience to help parents and grandparents nurture relationships across generations. For more information about Dijea or her services, visit www.Room4HopeCoaching.com or email [email protected]

Cindy Stonestreet, a grandmother of five, ages 3-8, has been involved with Connected Families for five years. As a result of seeking a Christ-centered and better way to discipline, she took the Discipline that Connects course, followed by parent coaching, and is a Certified Parent Coach. Cindy and her husband, Steve, are blessed to have full days, 2-3 times a week, with their grandkids. Cindy’s desire is to continually grow, little by little, as she implements the Connected Families Framework with her children, their spouses, and her grandkids. They live in Charleston, West Virginia, where Cindy is a full-time CRNA at Women and Children’s Hospital.

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

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Chris Coursey, author of 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, joins us to discuss why joyful kids are joyful and what you can do. Do you feel like you’re often focused on problems and operating out of fear of what may happen? Chris explains how joy can give families the strength to navigate difficulties and […]