Connected Families Podcast Connected Families

Let’s get outside! No matter where you live (we have listeners all over the world!), getting outside is so good for so many reasons–for us and our kids. Sometimes getting outside means facing some challenges as well–poor weather, pesky insects, and even bad attitudes. It is possible to harness those challenges to build resilience, character, and memories in and with our kids.















In today’s podcast, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founders) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the rewards that await when you take your family outside. (You can even get them outside to help them see God in nature!) In Lynne’s words, “It takes resilience on the part of parents and kids to get outside, but the benefits are huge–physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”







In this podcast you’ll discover:









* the game-changing impact of the phrase, “I want to go outside.”







* ways you can model appreciating the outdoors for your kids







* creative ideas to help your family be intentional about spending time in nature







* that natural conversations about God happen when you are outside and may actually help kids see God in nature







* that nature provides ample opportunities to grow resilience and character in our kids (and us!)









Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth.







Mentioned in this podcast:









* Psalm 8:3-4







* 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing FREE PDF







* Make a donation to Connected Families today!

















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60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing







.stk-e0c1751 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-e0c1751 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}}Fun movement helps keep everyone sane!







This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter.









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Mama, does your to-do list ever get in the way of having fun with your family? Or is it hard to engage in the activities that your kids enjoy? If you ever feel like a not-so-fun mom, today’s podcast is for you! It is possible to cultivate a light-hearted spirit where fun, joy, and laughter flow more easily.















In today’s podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation to encourage you toward light-hearted, joy-filled connections with your family. Lynne and Stacy share ideas and stories from other moms to inspire you toward joy, laughter, and FUN. (Including a giveaway for the book Have More Fun by MOPS CEO Mandy Arioto.)







In this podcast you’ll discover:









* how to find “intersections of joy” for your family







* that reducing your own stress and shame can nurture a light-hearted spirit in you







* ideas to help you lean into your strengths and find your “sweet spot” for fun







* the importance of appreciating your own gifts as well as those of your spouse







* ideas to inspire joy and fun for you and your family!









Thanks for listening to today’s podcast. Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting, and don’t forget to reach out if you have questions. We are a listener-supported podcast, so your donation fuels our work! It is our joy to walk the parenting journey with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth.







Mentioned in this podcast:









* Have More Fun book giveaway with a donation of any amount







* Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

















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60 Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing







.stk-e0c1751 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-e0c1751 .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:21px !important}}Fun movement helps keep everyone sane!







This list of over 60 ideas includes activities to calm angsty kids, as they also gain strength, balance, and coordination… all with a good dose of learning and laughter.









.stk-bb4d67c .stk-button{background:var(--paletteColor1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-bb4d67c .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--paletteColor2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-bb4d67c .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--paletteColor8,#ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-bb4d67c .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}GET THE FREE GUIDE

Are you tired of your kids constantly asking for screen time? Would you like to feel better equipped to navigate the use of media in your home? Perhaps you need tools to help you in developing a screen plan for your family and reset expectations around screen use. You certainly aren’t alone! Many parents in this hyper-digital age feel the same way.















In today’s podcast, Arlene Pellicane, author of Screen Kids, joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about being intentional and wise with technology in your home. You’ll hear the research and the heart behind Arlene’s desire to help parents develop a comprehensive plan for screens.







In this podcast you’ll discover:









* the effects of screens on emotional health and brain development in children and young adults







* positive ways your family can engage with technology







* the difference between digital vegetables and digital candy







* how to develop a detailed technology plan for your family







* proactive ways to be intentional about tech as your children grow







* ideas to consider as you think about allowing your child to have a phone









We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!







Mentioned in this podcast:









* Gabb Wireless Phone for Kids – referral link from Arlene for a $25 coupon







* Screen Kids book







* Grandparenting Screen Kids







* The Social Dilemma documentary







* 60 Creative Ways to Get Kids Moving and Laughing (Free Resource)







* Social media contest on Instagram and Facebook







* Covenant Eyes web browser







* Arlene’s interview with John Foubert about protecting kids from pornography







* We are a listener-supported podcast. Make a donation today!









Guest Bio:







Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcas...

There’s nothing like your child telling a blatant lie to trigger a strong reaction in you. You may want to focus your energy on shutting down the deception, but what if you responded with curiosity instead? Or maybe your child is more skilled with lying, and it’s hard to discern whether they are telling the truth. Either way, you are probably wondering about how to guide your child to love honesty.















In today’s podcast, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Chad Hayenga (Connected Families Director of Education & Equipping) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about how to guide your child to love honesty. With candid stories, Jim and Chad share a fresh perspective and practical ideas to grow a culture of truth-telling in your home.







In this podcast you’ll discover:









* reasons kids lie (it’s not always obvious)







* ways to engage your child in a curious and compassionate way







* how to shift your energy so truthfulness becomes the focus in your home







* ideas to grow your child’s identity as a truth-teller 







* ways to teach the skill of truth-telling in everyday moments







* the importance of modeling honesty even when it’s tough (including the story of a mom who killed the family cat!)









We hope you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!







Mentioned in this podcast:









* Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart book or audiobook







* John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”







* Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – talk about God’s commands in everyday life







* “I killed the cat” blogpost – modeling truth-telling to your kids







* We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate to Connected Families today!

Are healthy mealtimes at your house often a place of struggle? Have you ever thought, “My child won’t eat anything but junk food”? So many families experience these issues, and there is hope to move from “picky, picky” to peace around food. The way may be simpler than you expect through consistency, effort, and flexibility.







In today’s episode, Christina Jax (Registered Dietician and Nutritionist) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss mealtimes, food choices, and supporting kids to eat a variety of healthy foods. Christina brings her experience as a mom to a child with sensory issues and her professional background to offer practical ideas for improving a child’s experiences with food.















In this podcast, you’ll discover:









* factors that may contribute to a child’s selective food choices







* the difference between sensory issues and preferences when it comes to food







* why consistency and flexibility are effective tools for offering new foods at the table







* the importance of involving a child in meal planning and preparation







* that an awareness of your own relationship with food can help keep your issues from influencing your child’s experiences with food









We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!







Mentioned in this podcast:









* Picky Picky ebook – Free Connected Families Resource









Guest Bio:







Christina is the Co-Founder of A4 Health, whose professional mission is fueling fun lives and supporting individuals and organizations to achieve optimized health. Combining 20+ years in behavioral and nutrition science, Christina’s approach is to make healthy “easy” and prove the Return on Investment (ROI) for each individual or group she serves! Christina currently serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She is a team dietitian for the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks. She also has a podcast. Check her out on Spotify and iTunes at Connect the Dots with Christina Jax.Christina’s website https://www.a4.health/On Instagram: @‌a4healthcoach







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.stk-0544715 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--paletteColor8,#ffffff) !important}Got a very selective eater in the home? Maybe they only eat the color white, or just can’t sit at the table long enough to eat anything. Whatever the challenge, we want to help you.

Do you have a child in the middle years, or are those years just a few steps away? (Keep in mind, puberty can begin as early as nine years old!) The middle years can be a tumultuous time for a child. Their body makes significant changes, and so does their brain! So, what does a child need from their parents during this season, and how do parents guide a child who seems to suddenly have lots of new attitudes and opinions? 















In today’s episode, Cynthia Tobias (co-author of Middle School: The Inside Story) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to discuss parenting through the middle years. Cynthia brings her professional and personal experiences to offer practical tools for speaking to, guiding, and supporting a child in the middle years with grace and connection.







In this podcast, you’ll discover:









* the middle schooler’s biggest fear…and how to help them







* how to change your parenting to adapt to your child’s changing needs







* ways to shift responsibility and decision-making to the child while still offering accountability and a safety net







* why it’s okay and important to let a child fail







* how to encourage and connect with the heart of your middle schooler









We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!







Mentioned in this podcast:









* Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna







* Do You Know What I Like About You? YouTube Video by Cynthia







* Cynthia’s Facebook page







* Cynthia’s website – free PDF about middle school







* Donate to Connected Families







* CF Facebook







* CF Instagram









Guest Bio:







Cynthia Tobias has a successful background that includes over 30 years of private practice, eight years of teaching high school, and six years in law enforcement. She has authored 13 books and is a featured guest on radio and television, a popular presenter for businesses, government agencies, churches, and schools throughout the U.S. and the world. Cynthia received her B.A. at Northwest Nazarene University, her Master’s Degree at Seattle Pacific University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Northwest Nazarene University in 2015. She is the mother of twin sons, now adults, and she and her husband, Jack, live in the Seattle area. Learn more about Cynthia by visiting her website, www.cynthiatobias.com.