Connected Families Podcast

Connected Families
  • 4.8 (14)
  • PARENTING

A Christ-centered parenting community that is grace-filled, science-based, and trauma-informed. Welcome!

  1. The Mental Load of Motherhood: Releasing What's Not Yours to Carry

    7 HRS AGO

    The Mental Load of Motherhood: Releasing What's Not Yours to Carry

    You crawl into bed exhausted, but your brain won’t stop spinning. The to-do list. The moment you wish you’d handled differently. The worry you can’t quite name. There’s a term for what you’re carrying: the mental load of motherhood, and you weren’t meant to carry it alone. In this conversation, host Stacy Bellward sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Heidi Mortenson to unpack what the mental load actually is, why it’s often rooted in lies rather than tasks, and how inviting Jesus into those quiet, exhausting spaces can change everything. Heidi shares her personal journey of surrender and how the Holy Spirit transformed her marriage, her work, and her parenting. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, an ordinary Tuesday, or 11 pm and you can’t sleep, this episode is a warm encouragement for every mom carrying more than she was meant to carry. In this episode, you’ll discover: What the mental load of motherhood really is, and why it’s often lies, not just tasks How thoughts fuel feelings and behaviors (and how the Holy Spirit breaks the cycle) Why speaking God’s truth out loud actually builds new neural pathways The Numbers 6 picture that changes how you see yourself as a mom One question to ask when your brain won’t stop spinning A moment we couldn’t stop thinking about: “Jesus doesn’t just love you. He likes you.” Let that calm your soul, Mom. Mentioned in this Podcast: The Table – Connected Families Monthly Giving Program Grace & Truth for Moms Online Course Website – HeidiMortenson.com Book – The Brave Encourager by Heidi Mortenson Podcast – Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast 2 Corinthians 10:5  Matthew 11:28-29  Numbers 6:23-26  Romans 12:2  Ephesians 1  The Immanuel Approach 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: Heidi Mortenson is a coach and consultant for businesses, leaders, and churches. Having built a mental health practice herself, she understands the ups and downs of balancing personal and business. She is the host of the Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast and the author of the book The Brave Encourager. She speaks on various topics such as identity, parenting, mental health, and leadership. She lives with her husband and three children in Minnesota, where they spend a lot of time at the hockey rink. You can find out more about Heidi at www.heidimortenson.com. © 2026 Connected Families

    34 min
  2. Foster Care and Faith: Supporting Foster Families in Your Community

    MAY 4

    Foster Care and Faith: Supporting Foster Families in Your Community

    May is National Foster Care Month! For today’s episode, we’ve invited author Jamie Finn to help us discover how faith and foster care are deeply connected. Jamie Finn opens up about the surprising realities that reshaped her family’s mission. You’ll hear what truly sustains foster families through their hardest seasons. Listen in for practical wisdom that applies whether you foster yourself or simply want to love foster families well. Key Takeaways: Trauma reshapes the brain. Regulated parents create safety for dysregulated children Foster families thrive when their community refuses to look away Following Jesus leads us toward discomfort, not away Mentioned in this Podcast: Ebook – What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity https://www.instagram.com/fosterthefamilyblog/ https://www.fosterthefamily.org/ https://www.filledretreat.com/ https://www.filledtogether.com/ Book – Foster the Family by Jamie Finn Book – Filled: 60 Devotions for the Foster Parent’s Heart by Jamie Finn Book – God Loves Kids: A Gospel-Centered Book About Foster Care by Jamie Finn Podcast – A Parenting Framework for Adoption and Fostering? Yes! | Ep. 157 Podcast – Parenting Adopted Children: Building Connection After Trauma | Ep. 272 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: Jamie C. Finn is the author of the bestselling book, Foster the Family, as well as Filled: 60 Devotions for the Foster Parent’s Heart, and a new children’s book, God Loves Kids: A Gospel-Centered Book About Foster Care. She is the founder and President of Foster the Family and founder of the Filled Gathering. She uses her social media accounts to offer a glimpse into the real life of a foster parent and provide encouragement to tens of thousands of foster and adoptive parents. Jamie is the mother to 7 children through foster care, adoption, and birth. She lives in Sicklerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Alan. © 2026 Connected Families .stk-ff19205-container{box-shadow:7px 5px 30px rgba(72,73,121,0.15) !important}.stk-ff19205 > .stk-separator__bottom{transform:scaleX(-1) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ff19205-column{--stk-col-order-1:2 !important;--stk-col-order-2:1 !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-ff19205-column{--stk-col-order-1:2 !important;--stk-col-order-2:1 !important}} .stk-4bc716e{align-self:center !important} .stk-d485067{align-self:center !important} .stk-85db8e2 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-85db8e2 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-85db8e2 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:30px !important}}4 simple messages.1 simple framework. .stk-837ad59 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:19px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-837ad59 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:19px !important}}Get the FREE ebook, and start your journey toward better, more connective discipline in your home.

    35 min
  3. Grumpy Morning? Help Your Child Start Their Day Well

    APR 27

    Grumpy Morning? Help Your Child Start Their Day Well

    Does your child often wake up with a grumpy morning attitude — cranky, overwhelmed, or melting down before the day even begins? You’re in the right place. In this audioblog episode, the final installment in our Sensitive & Intense Kids series, you’ll hear practical, sensory-smart strategies rooted in the Connected Families Framework™  for turning a grumpy morning into a calmer start for the whole family. You’ll walk away encouraged to meet your child with grace, compassion, and understanding, even on the hardest mornings. Key Takeaways: Morning meltdowns signal sensory overwhelm, not bad behavior. Simple, playful ideas for how to help your child regulate in the morning Ways to work with your child’s sensitivity and not against it. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Blog Post – Morning Sensory Dysregulation’ Resource – 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Webinar – May 6! Lamentations 3:22-23 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

    11 min
  4. Emotional Regulation for Kids: Calm Bodies Come Before Big Conversations

    APR 20

    Emotional Regulation for Kids: Calm Bodies Come Before Big Conversations

    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-la4khub{margin-bottom:39px !important}.stk-la4khub-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-la4khub-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-la4khub-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px rgba(153,153,153,0.2) !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-la4khub .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-roq9dhv .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-6,#e4eff5) !important}Do you have a child with EXTRA needs? .stk-4q556ki{margin-bottom:12px !important}.stk-4q556ki .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-m5uloga .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-6pgutbw .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-6pgutbw .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-6pgutbw .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-6pgutbw .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}LEARN MORE

    28 min
  5. Highly Sensitive Kids: A Biblical Approach to Empathy and Connection

    APR 13

    Highly Sensitive Kids: A Biblical Approach to Empathy and Connection

    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}

    20 min
  6. Big Emotions Start Somewhere: The Hidden Stress Your Child Carries

    APR 6

    Big Emotions Start Somewhere: The Hidden Stress Your Child Carries

    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

    18 min
  7. Why Is Parenting So Hard? Finding Grace and Truth in the Struggle

    MAR 30

    Why Is Parenting So Hard? Finding Grace and Truth in the Struggle

    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

    23 min
  8. From Feeling Like a Bad Mom to Deeply Loved

    MAR 23

    From Feeling Like a Bad Mom to Deeply Loved

    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

    27 min
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4.8
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

A Christ-centered parenting community that is grace-filled, science-based, and trauma-informed. Welcome!

Information

  • Creator
    Connected Families
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Connected Families
  • Show Website
    Connected Families Podcast

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