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Ever feel stuck when your child’s big emotions take over, and nothing seems to help? In this audioblog episode, host Stacy Bellward adapts one of our most-downloaded blogs for listeners: 50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to Calm. She’ll walk you through the essential difference between self-regulation and emotional regulation for kids. Learn practical sensory strategies, hear real family stories, and discover how to help your child move from meltdown to meaningful conversations. Whether you’re parenting a toddler or a teen, you’ll walk away with fresh confidence and a toolkit of calming activities you can start using today. Key Takeaways: Self-regulation calms the body; emotional regulation processes the feelings Learn how movement helps to use up the fight or flight chemicals in the brain Modeling calming strategies is a great first step before inviting your child to join Learn tips for building self-regulation motivation in your child Mentioned in this Podcast: Blog Post – 50 Self-Regulation Activities to Empower Your Child to Calm Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course Book – Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman Book – Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Proverbs 14:29 Psalm 131:2 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Proverbs 15:18 Anne Lane, PhD Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! You’ve seen what the Connected Families Framework can do. What if you could bring that to other families? Join us on May 6 at 12:30 pm CTS for a free one-hour informational webinar on becoming a CF Certified Parent Coach. No pressure. Just real information to help you take your next step. Reserve your spot today! Can’t make it live? A recording will be available through May 14. © 2026 Connected Families .stk-31807b0{margin-bottom:39px !important}.stk-31807b0-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-31807b0-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-31807b0-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px rgba(153,153,153,0.2) !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-31807b0 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-89b7ede .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-6,#e4eff5) !important}Do you have a child with EXTRA needs? .stk-3d5e289{margin-bottom:12px !important}.stk-3d5e289 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder. .stk-15a45dc .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos. .stk-d7e1baf .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-d7e1baf .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-d7e1baf .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-d7e1baf .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

Does your child melt down over clothing tags, loud noises, or unexpected changes? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing as a parent. In this audioblog episode, Stacy continues our four-week series on sensitive and intense kids with a compassionate, research-informed look at what’s really happening beneath the surface of your highly sensitive kids and their big reactions. Learn how you can respond with grace, empathy, and confidence. Key Takeaways:  Sensitivity is real, measurable, and valid  Curiosity opens doors empathy can walk through  Your calm presence regulates your child’s nervous system  Empathy reflects the heart of Jesus to your child  Intensity today can become purpose tomorrow Mentioned in this Podcast:  Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course Episode 195 – Strengths and Weaknesses: What a Child’s Misbehavior Tells Us Blog Post – 3 Unexpected Parenting Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Thrive Hebrews 4:15-16 Romans 8:31 Psalm 139:14 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! You’ve seen what the Connected Families Framework can do. What if you could bring that to other families? Join us on May 6 at 12:30 pm CTS for a free one-hour informational webinar on becoming a CF Certified Parent Coach. No pressure. Just real information to help you take your next step. Reserve your spot today! Can’t make it live? A recording will be available through May 14. © 2026 Connected Families .stk-10bcafb{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}.stk-10bcafb:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}.stk-10bcafb > .stk-separator__bottom{transform:scaleX(-1) !important} .stk-3e8feca{align-self:center !important} Take the course that was made for your family. Got a child with extra big emotions? We get it. And we want to support and equip you. Raising an intense and sensitive child isn’t easy, but it can be filled with hope. .stk-2a0ab1b .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-2a0ab1b .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-2a0ab1b .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-2a0ab1b .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE .stk-73b78bd{align-self:center !important}

In this episode, we unpack the surprising reasons why some children experience the world more intensely than others, and why their big emotions are rarely about what they seem to be about. You’ll discover a reframe that just might change the way you see your child’s most challenging moments, including a simple but powerful analogy that explains why your child can hold it together all day and then completely fall apart the moment they walk through your door. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or just desperate to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface of your child’s behavior, this episode offers the compassionate insight and practical perspective you’ve been looking for. Key Takeaways: Anxiety often hides behind anger. Connection calms a stressed nervous system. Small triggers carry big invisible weight Compassion begins with understanding the “why” Mentioned in this Podcast: Sensitive & Intense Online Course The Table Monthly Giving Program Rocks in the Backpack Video Rocks in the Backpack PDF Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents, encouraging and bringing hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into brain science to equip parents and caregivers better. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy. Lydia Rex is a registered nurse, wife, and mother of two, and has worked with families in many capacities throughout her career and personal life. She’s been a student of Connected Families since 2014 and continues to find it incredibly life-giving for her own family. Areas of her experience/special interest include foster care and adoption, attachment difficulties, developmental and learning disabilities, including FASD. She brings a trauma-informed perspective to the Connected Families Framework and the desire to see families find peace and healing even in the midst of challenges! You’ve seen what the Connected Families Framework can do. What if you could bring that to other families? Join us on May 6 at 12:30 pm CTS for a free one-hour informational webinar on becoming a CF Certified Parent Coach. No pressure. Just real information to help you take your next step. Reserve your spot today! Can’t make it live? A recording will be available through May 14. © 2026 Connected Families .stk-cf6a95f {margin-bottom:39px !important;}.stk-cf6a95f-container{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-cf6a95f-container:before{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-cf6a95f-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-cf6a95f .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important;}} 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. .stk-7a41d3e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7a41d3e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-7a41d3e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-4080859 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-4080859 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-4080859 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-4080859 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is parenting so hard?” this episode is for you. In this deeply personal and practical episode, Connected Families co-founder Lynne Jackson opens up about her own journey from organized perfectionist to overwhelmed mom of three. Lynne introduces the foundational layer of the Connected Families Framework, exploring three mental habits that quietly set parents up for toxic, lie-based thinking. Learn how to overcome them and transform your home. Key Takeaways: Asking yourself, “What’s going on in me?” can be a helpful question that can transform your parenting Extreme thinking, perfectionism, and catastrophizing are all unhelpful thought patterns that feed anxiety, not connection God’s truth transforms families from the inside out Mentioned in this Podcast: Build what comes next!  Book – Tired of Trying to Measure Up by Jeff VanVonderen Matthew 12:34 Ephesians 4:15 The Connected Families Framework Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents, encouraging and bringing hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to equip parents and caregivers better. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy. © 2026 Connected Families

What we believe about ourselves shapes how we parent, for better or worse. In this opening episode of the Grace and Truth for Every Parent series, host Stacy Bellward talks with Connected Families’ Content Manager, Laura Way, about the beliefs that quietly keep parents stuck. Laura shares her own journey, including a pivotal moment with CF co-founder Lynne Jackson that helped her trade a crushing lie for a grace-filled truth that transformed her parenting. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like a bad mom or like you’re just not enough, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: Your weaknesses can become your greatest parenting strength. Parenting surfaces the beliefs you didn’t know existed. Receive God’s grace first, then pass it on. You are loved far beyond your best behavior. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Blog Post – 5 Lies That Keep Parents Stuck (And the Biblical Truths That Set You Free) Give – Grace & Truth for EVERY Parent!  5 Lies That Keep Parents Stuck PDF Resources Grace and Truth for Moms Online Course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Trash Truth Treasure Online Course Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Laura Way serves as the host for The Table, Connected Families’ monthly donor program, and as the Content Manager. She first found Connected Families as a young discouraged mom, living overseas with her family from 2014-2019. She lives with her husband, Aubrey, and their two vibrant and Sensitive and Intense daughters in Orlando, FL.  © 2026 Connected Families

What if family meetings for kids can be as simple as a weekly gathering with snacks and a game? In this warm and practical episode of the Connected Families podcast, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Certified Parent Coaches Corrie and Alan Thetford to unpack the transformative power of intentional family meetings. Spoiler: no gavel required. Key Takeaways: Nagging builds dependence; meetings build responsibility Fun snacks and games to help connection grow ‘Practice time’ prevents reactive ‘game-time’ chaos Kids can solve problems better than parents expect Mentioned in this Podcast: The Power of Questions Online Course Free Resource – Family Meeting PDF Connected Families Parent Coaching The Table Monthly Giving Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Alan and Corrie have four children and 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. © 2026 Connected Families .stk-aa48b45-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-aa48b45{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-aa48b45-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-aa48b45-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-aa48b45 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-aa48b45 .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-6f6b9fa .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-edba61d .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-0e03157 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-0e03157 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-66f8236 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-66f8236 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-66f8236 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-66f8236 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

Every parent knows the feeling: you need the dishes done, the toys picked up, or the laundry folded… and your child is nowhere near motivated to help. What if the key to raising genuinely responsible kids isn’t about enforcing compliance, but about understanding what actually drives motivation from the inside out? In this mini-episode, host Stacy Bellward chats with Katie Wetsell, pediatric nurse turned Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, to explore the brain science and research behind growing responsibility in children. Learn some practical, grace-filled tools you can start using today! Key Takeaways: Motivation can be complicated for all of us, because we are human Learn how building kids up in the short term can help with long-term goals of raising capable, responsible adults  Learn about the three pillars of self-directed motivation Mentioned in this Podcast:  The Power of Questions Online Course The Entitlement Fix Online Course Blog Post – Want to Know Your Child’s Strengths? Blog Post – Help! How On Earth Do I Get My Kids to Do Chores? Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach © 2026 Connected Families .stk-7ggurwj-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-7ggurwj{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-7ggurwj-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-7ggurwj-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-7ggurwj .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-7ggurwj .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-how93vr .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-5kg0z5n .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-21ia4c2 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-21ia4c2 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-wjn5pco .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-wjn5pco .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-wjn5pco .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-wjn5pco .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

Join Connected Families’ Director of Education & Equipping, Chad Hayenga, in this audioblog about Family Meetings. These are two words that might make you cringe or add to your mental “should-do” list. But what if they could actually become the highlight of your week? In this episode, explore how family meetings can be transformed from dreaded obligations into enjoyable, meaningful gatherings that build teamwork, grow responsibility, and deepen your family’s sense of purpose. Discover ways that family meetings don’t have to be boring How to start with fun to set a positive tone Learn how family meetings can help shift ownership of responsibilities to your kids Mentioned in this Podcast: The Power of Questions Online Course The Table Monthly Giving Program Family Meetings PDF Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! © 2026 Connected Families .stk-x0xag1z-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-x0xag1z{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-x0xag1z-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-x0xag1z-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-x0xag1z .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-x0xag1z .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-hdk08an .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-bmvebp7 .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-zo4v5bq .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-zo4v5bq .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-kr7dodt .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-kr7dodt .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-kr7dodt .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-kr7dodt .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

Why are chores such a struggle in families? Join Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches, Katie Johnson and Marni Love, to unpack why it’s hard, and what to do about it. They discuss the biblical foundation for meaningful work and offer practical strategies for turning daily tasks into opportunities for connection and growth. You’ll be encouraged by their own personal stories as they share grace-filled wisdom for navigating teaching kids responsibility. Key Takeaways: Scaffolding chores into small, manageable steps. Avoid using chores as consequences for misbehavior. Model and narrate tasks alongside your children. Celebrate incremental growth, not just perfect results. Mentioned in this Podcast: The Power of Questions Online Course Homeschool Discipline: 4 Ways to Cultivate Calm, Connection, and Confidence The Table Monthly Giving Program Genesis 1 Psalm 90:17 Colossians 3:23-24 Ephesians 2:10 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! 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. 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. © 2026 Connected Families .stk-ih15t80-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-ih15t80{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BW-father-and-daughter-questions-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-ih15t80-container{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-ih15t80-container:before{background-color:#00000080 !important}.stk-ih15t80 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:80% !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-ih15t80 .stk-block-hero__content{max-width:100% !important}} .stk-spxo1um .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Less arguing. More wisdom. .stk-n0iefjd .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}That’s what you get with the Power of Questions online course. .stk-kvfcex8 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-kvfcex8 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}$35 .stk-9yoroq4 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-9yoroq4 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-9yoroq4 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-9yoroq4 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

In this special announcement episode, host Stacy Bellward welcomes Chad Hayenga, Connected Families’ Director of Education and Equipping, to introduce an exciting new program: The CF Intensive! This new parent training program is a six-session, small-group experience! It’s designed for parents, caregivers, and ministry leaders who want to move from head knowledge to heart transformation using tools from the Connected Families Framework™. Is this for you? Listen to find out… Key Takeaways: The CF Intensive accelerates Framework growth through a hands-on, community deep-dive into Connected Families tools The CF Intensive is about depth, not crisis intervention Community transforms learning because growth happens together Mentioned in this Podcast: The CF Intensive – For One Person The CF Intensive – For Two People Book – How to Grow a Connected Family The Connected Families Framework Connected Families Certified Parent Coaching Become a Parent Coach The Table Monthly Giving Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Chad Hayenga joined Connected Families in 2005. He is married to Carma and has three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chad oversees coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide. © 2026 Connected Families

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Communio! Tune in to hear how Communio is strengthening families through data-informed strategies for local churches. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward and Cindy Wilson, the Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager at Connected Families, sit down with J.P. DeGance, founder and president of Communio and author of Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America. J.P. shares his personal journey into family ministry, the compelling research behind Communio’s approach, and how this partnership will bring Connected Families’ parenting resources into churches across the country, equipping more families with biblical, research-informed tools that transform families for generations. Key Takeaways: Announcing the partnership with Communio and Connected Families Learn about the background of Communio and the research study that reduced divorce rates in Jacksonville, FL Discover the impact marriage has on multi-generational church attendance Hear how growing in parenting skills can complement our spiritual growth Mentioned in this Podcast: Communio Book – Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America The Jacksonville Case Study Matthew 22: 36-38 Contact Communio – [email protected] Connected Families Small Group Resources Connected Families Workshop Speakers The Table – Monthly Giving Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: J.P. De Gance is the founder and president of Communio and co-author of “Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America.” He leads Communio’s work equipping pastors and churches with data-informed strategies to strengthen congregations through relational health. This approach has been proven through a $20 million initiative that reduced the divorce rate among a network of churches in Jacksonville by 24% between 2016 and 2018. Under his leadership, Communio earned the Heritage Foundation’s 2023 Innovation Prize for its groundbreaking research and church partnerships. J.P. is a husband and father, and lives in Virginia with his wife and 8 children. © 2026 Connected Families .stk-f7962e5-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-f7962e5 {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-f7962e5:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;}.stk-f7962e5 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:421px !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;} .stk-71fb0c5 {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;box-shadow:none !important;border-style:solid !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;min-height:0px !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:15px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:15px !important;margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-71fb0c5:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-71fb0c5 {padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:30px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important;}} .stk-ee8f1f2-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;min-height:318px !important;}.stk-ee8f1f2 {align-self:center !important;}@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-ee8f1f2 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(33.333% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important;}} .stk-5f5f0db {background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-5f5f0db:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}.stk-5f5f0db .stk-img-wrapper{width:100% !important;height:329px !important;}.stk-5f5f0db .stk-img-wrapper img{transform:scale(1) !important;object-fit:contain !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-5f5f0db {min-height:0px !important;align-items:flex-start !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:-39px !important;display:flex !important;}.stk-5f5f0db .stk-img-wrapper{height:400px !important;}} .stk-734aee9 {align-self:center !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:25px !important;}.stk-734aee9-container{max-width:843px !important;min-width:auto !important;}@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-734aee9 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(66.667% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important;}} .stk-b0e3710 {align-items:flex-start !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;display:flex !important;}.stk-b0e3710 .stk-block-heading__text{text-shadow:none !important;font-size:47px !important;color:#fffffe !important;line-height:1.1em !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-b0e3710 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:47px !important;}}Helping Families Thrive .stk-a248cc0 {padding-top:19px !important;}.stk-a248cc0 .stk-block-text__text{color:#fffffe !important;}Our parenting workshops equip parents in your community with practical tools and biblical wisdom for every stage of parenting. .stk-4bbb5be .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-4bbb5be .stk-button:before{border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-4bbb5be .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-4bbb5be .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-4bbb5be .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-4bbb5be .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-4bbb5be .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:19px !important;}}Book a Workshop

Today’s audioblog explores what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids laugh when in trouble or get silly during correction. Learn practical ways to use the Connected Families Framework™ to build wisdom instead of shame when kids seem to avoid accountability through humor. Key Takeaways: Silliness is often an escape hatch, not disrespect Check your own heart first Connect before you correct, try stepping into your child’s shoes with playfulness  Build the value of reconciliation in a way that they feel good about Mentioned in this Podcast:  The Power of Questions online course Sensitive & Intense Kids online course  Blog Post – Your Child Laughs When in Trouble? How to Build Wisdom, Not Shame Blog Post – Have You Experienced the Benefits of Child-Led Play? Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! © 2026 Connected Families .stk-u3hocj2 {margin-bottom:39px !important;}.stk-u3hocj2-container{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-u3hocj2-container:before{background-color:#e2f4f8 !important;}.stk-u3hocj2-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-u3hocj2 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important;}} 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. .stk-k1xftv6 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-k1xftv6 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-k1xftv6 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-zkmv6at .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-zkmv6at .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-zkmv6at .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-zkmv6at .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE

In this thoughtful conversation, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Certified Parent Coach Katie Wetsell and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Jody Goldie to explore how parents can help their children navigate fear and find security when the world feels uncertain and scary. Drawing from Katie’s personal experience supporting her family through a Nashville school shooting and Jody’s clinical expertise in trauma, this episode offers grace-filled guidance for parents walking alongside children through difficult circumstances. Key Takeaways: Starting with calm and security in your own heart first Create space for your child’s emotions Learn how curiosity helps when your child feels unsafe Pointing your kids to faith and hope in God’s plan in the midst of painful sin Mentioned in this Podcast: Episode 124 | Empowering Your Differently-Wired Child Psalm 46:1 Jeremiah 19:5 Thursday Parenting Tips Emails – Sign up now! Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Katie Wetsell is our online course moderator. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, pediatric nurse, and mom of four through birth and adoption. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their family with confidence and connection. Building on her bedside experience, she has also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. Her website is www.parentwithhope.org. Jody Goldie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She approaches the therapeutic relationship with warmth and the belief that all people have the ability to heal. She works with clients who have experienced complex trauma, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Her training includes a family systems approach and incorporates that into the understanding of work with individuals and couples. Jody enjoys incorporating spirituality into therapy if that is desired by the client. You can find her at: www.mwtraumacenter.com. © 2026 Connected Families

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de una de las diferentes formas en las que como padres usamos las consecuencias en la crianza. A través de sus historias reales te sentirás inspirado a usar las consecuencias como medio de restauración y vehículo de paz para tu familia. Temas mencionados en este podcast: Marco de referencia para una familia conectada Blog Post: 3 señales de consecuencias poco útiles y que hacer al respecto. Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza. ¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos! *Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!* .stk-952587e {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;} ¿Necesita un recordatorio? Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios. .stk-8191333 , .stk-8191333 .stk-button{width:100% !important;}.stk-8191333 {flex:1 0 var(--stk-button-group-flex-wrap, 0) !important;}Comprar el Imán Acerca de Esther:  Esther Reich es Asesora de Crianza Certificada por Connected Families. Ella es enfermera profesional especializada en asesoría de lactancia materna y ella y su esposo, Roberto, tienen tres hijos y sirven como misioneros con Serge en Guatemala desde 2018. A través de enfrentar retos en la crianza de sus hijos acudieron a Connected Families para recibir coaching/apoyo. El apoyo que recibieron de Chad Hayenga y de Lynne Jackson les ayudó a ver cambios significativos en ellos mismos y en sus hijos. Todavía hay mucho espacio para crecer como familia, pero la diferencia de antes y después de la intervención de Connected Families es significativa. Además de servir con otros ministerios en Guatemala (Sigo Vivo y Servant Harts), apoyan a padres e iglesias a través de talleres y coaching/apoyo individual para los que enfrentan retos en su crianza de sus hijos incluyendo los que son muy sensibles o intensos. El correo de Esther es [email protected] Acerca de Luisa: Luisa Wendt es Asesora de Crianza certificada por Connected Families nació en Bogotá, Colombia y vive en Iowa con su familia. Luisa y su esposo Jarrett tienen seis hijos, tres en el cielo y tres en la tierra. Dos de sus hermosos hijos llegaron a su familia a través de la adopción. Durante un momento muy complejo en la crianza Connected Families los asesoró y continua asesorandolos y guiandolos en el camino de una crianza basada en la gracia de Dios y la confianza y conexión con sus hijos. Jarrett y Luisa tienen un ministerio que se llama Built on Rock Parent Coaching que nació con el gran deseo de compartir esas enseñanzas con tantas familias como sea posible. Te invitamos a seguir su canal de YouTube, donde todos sus videos tienen subtítulos en español: https://www.youtube.com/@builtonrockparentcoaching Para más información acerca de su historia, ministerio y unas lindas fotos de su familia pueden visitar su página de internet: www.builtonrockparentcoaching.org. En este momento toda la información se encuentra en ingles pero si desean contactarlos para más información o asesorías de crianza en español pueden escribirles a [email protected]  © 2026 Connected Families .stk-52f3e7b{border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-right:25px !important;margin-bottom:25px !important;margin-left:25px !important} .stk-b72ddf3{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;overflow:hidden !important}.stk-b72ddf3:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}.stk-b72ddf3-container{padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-b72ddf3{flex:1 1 calc(30.6% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}} @media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-71f8819{flex:1 1 calc(69.4% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}} .stk-820c6ca .stk-block-text__text{font-size:26px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-820c6ca .stk-block-text__text{font-size:26px !important}}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! .stk-99484cc{margin-top:0px !important} .stk-b8dae6a{margin-top:20px !important}.stk-b8dae6a .stk-button{padding-right:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important}.stk-b8dae6a .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:20px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-b8dae6a .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:20px !important}}GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW!

Strong on correction but struggling to connect? In this third episode of the “Don’t Stay Stuck” series, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach Katie Wetsell take on a challenge many who value strict parenting face: how to soften without losing structure? If you value obedience but want warmer relationships with your kids, this episode offers hope and practical next steps. Key Takeaways: Understanding the God-given strengths of parents who lean toward the top of the Connected Families Framework™ Rethinking immediate obedience Living out loud and setting an example for your children Pitfalls of high-demand and low-compassion parenting Practical tools for getting unstuck and finding balance in your parenting Mentioned in this Podcast: Katie Wetsell – Connected Families Certified Parent Coach  Free Parenting Assessment PDF Blog Post – First-Time Obedience: Should I Require Immediate Obedience from My Child? Ephesians 6:4 Galatians 6:1 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-059b2f5-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-059b2f5{background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-kindel-media-7978483-1.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important}.stk-059b2f5:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.1 !important}.stk-059b2f5-container{background-color:rgba(41,50,65,0.5) !important}.stk-059b2f5-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important}.stk-059b2f5 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;max-width:400px !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important} .stk-3f6d6d5 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#FFFFFF !important}Dare to dream of peace again. .stk-e7e3470 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important;color:#FFFFFF !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-e7e3470 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:18px !important}}It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN. .stk-12f93b8 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-12f93b8 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-12f93b8 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-12f93b8 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}CONNECT WITH A PARENT COACH