Connected Families Podcast

Connected Families
Connected Families Podcast

Parent with confidence. Lead with grace.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Holiday Boundaries & Expectations with Family

    Wondering how you can set holiday boundaries and expectations for family gatherings? Are you looking forward to celebrating Christmas with family but dreading unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives? You are not alone. Changes in your daily routines, travel, lack of sleep, and large gatherings set the stage for parenting challenges. Sometimes, other adults in your family may scrutinize these difficult situations. This may lead to comments or questions that don’t feel supportive. On today’s podcast, Chad Hayenga (Director of Education & Equipping) and Jenna Williams (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about navigating the holidays with relatives. They specifically address how you can respond when grandparents or other family members criticize you (or your children). Role-playing possible scenarios, Jenna and Chad bring humor and practical wisdom to you just in time for holiday gatherings. In this podcast, you’ll discover: * proactive strategies to intentionally prepare your family for upcoming gatherings, including evaluating your own expectations, having conversations with your children, and even having conversations with grandparents about their expectations * roleplays to help you navigate criticism, unhelpful comments, or harsh discipline by grandparents or other relatives * that you can model humility and the value of connection to your parents and kids during holiday gatherings and difficult situations 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: * Connected Christmas Bundle with your gift of $35 * Discipline That Connects in the Classroom Live Webinar – Register Today * Connected Families Parent Coaching * Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program * Connected Families Framework * Unsolicited Advice? 4 Ways to Respond (Connected Families FREE PDF) Guest Bio: Jenna Williams and her husband, Sam, have been married for ten years. They live in Colorado Springs, CO, and have three amazing children ages 3-7. Jenna is a registered nurse by trade and works in a postpartum unit. She is also a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and loves caring for and supporting families! Connected Families has been a true blessing for her and her family, and she is excited to share that blessing with others. You can find her on Instagram @jennawilliams0411. .stk-he2jbcp-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Transracial-fam-of-3.jpg) !important;}.

  2. 18 NOV

    Being an Adoptee: What It’s Like to Grow Up Adopted

    Today we chat with Leah Sutterlin, an adoptee, adoptive mom, and adoption advocate, about being an adoptee. Leah shares how early separation affected her later relationships and attachment style and discusses the identity struggles she experienced growing up. She also explains how her parents’ supportive approach allowed her to openly process grief and embrace her adoption story. Listen in to gain insight to support adoptees in your life! Mentioned in this podcast: * An Adoptee’s Perspective: What’s It’s Like to Be Adopted & How to Help * Connected Christmas Bundle – New Resource available with your gift of $35 to Connected Families Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Give a gift to Connected Families today and give the gift of connection to families looking for hope. Rate the podcast–it only takes a second and helps other families find the show! Guest Bio: Leah Sutterlin has worked for several organizations in the adoption and foster care space, including the National Council For Adoption and the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). She is an adult adoptee currently residing in Sunnyvale, California, who tries to raise awareness about the value adoption can bring to families. .stk-7yein1z-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Transracial-fam-of-3.jpg) !important;}.stk-7yein1z-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;opacity:0.3 !important;} .stk-2mbfuwu {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:auto !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:-38px !important;}.stk-2mbfuwu .stk-img-wrapper{width:28% !important;} .stk-iqs2wc6 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important;font-weight:900 !important;font-family:"Lato", Sans-serif !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-iqs2wc6 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 767px){.stk-iqs2wc6 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:36px !important;}}Give Connection this Christmas .stk-9lfn1sx {max-width:452px !important;min-width:auto !important;}.stk-9lfn1sx .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-3, #293241) !important;}Small connections create lasting love and trust. Your gift supports Christ-centered connection and transformation in families for generations to come. .stk-k0ahwx2 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-k0ahwx2 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 767px){.stk-k0ahwx2 .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-stb64ue .stk-button{background:#9b111e !important;}.stk-stb64ue .stk-button:hover:after{background:#1e3f52 !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-stb64ue .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-stb64ue .

    31 min
  3. 4 NOV

    Practical Classroom Management Strategies That Work

    Are you a teacher working to create a nurturing classroom environment while managing behavior well? Whether you teach in a school or volunteer at church, this conversation is for you. Dr. Cindy Wilson, Partnership Program Manager at Connected Families, and Maggie Rocke, a kindergarten teacher, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, join us to explore how to effectively apply the Connected Families Framework in the classroom. Maggie shares practical applications for the classroom while Dr. Wilson explains how the 4 messages of the Framework can build resilience in students and address underlying issues they may experience. We’re excited for you to hear how the Connected Families Framework can transform classrooms. Mentioned in this podcast: * Discipline That Connects in the Classroom LIVE webinar December 2nd – Register today–it’s FREE! * Ministry Partnership Program – Register for a Discovery Session to learn more * Framework Posters PDF (5 posters in all) * ABCs of Affirmation * Matthew 12:34 * Galatians 6:1 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Give a gift to Connected Families and support transformation in families around the world. Help others discover the Connected Families Podcast–take a second to rate the show on your favorite platform. Guest Bio: Cindy Wilson, PhD., CFLE, is a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach and a Certified Family Life Educator with 20+ years in ministry and academia. She helps churches and other organizations integrate the Connected Families Framework into their communities. Cindy lives in Florida with her husband of 31 years. They have three adult children, one son-in-law, one grandson, and a farm full of animals. Cindy’s specialties include leading parenting workshops on the Connected Families Framework and other topics, training children’s ministry volunteers, helping churches integrate trauma-informed practices into their ministries, and organizing church-based foster care ministries. You can find out more at http://www.familylifesolutions.org. Maggie Rocke is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and teaches kindergarten at a Christian school. This is her 11th year in the classroom, having previously taught kindergarten, special education, and preschool. She loves utilizing the Connected Families Framework in the classroom and encouraging other teachers to do the same. She and her husband have an 8-year-old and a 6-year-old at home.

    43 min
  4. 28 OCT

    Overcoming: How Adversity, Challenges & Childhood Trauma Can Shape Our Children in Positive Ways

    Dr. Nicole Wilke joins us to talk about what it takes to raise kids who can overcome everything from daily challenges to childhood trauma. Nicole discusses nurturing resilience by reframing challenges positively and the importance of fostering your child’s connection with God. She emphasizes modeling resilience for your kids and integrating resilience-building moments into your daily conversations and chores. Listen in to grow your understanding and feel equipped to help your kids become “overcomers” ready to face life’s challenges. Mentioned in this podcast: * Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience by Dr. Nicole Wilke & Dr. Amanda Hiles Howard * Connected Families Partnership Program * Free webinar: Discipline That Connects in the Classroom Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Were you inspired by this podcast? Donate to Connected Families today! Take a moment to rate and review! Guest Bio: Nicole Wilke, Ph.D., is a researcher, missionary, author, and marriage and family therapist dedicated to improving care for vulnerable children and families globally. She currently serves as Director of the Christian Alliance for Orphans’ Center on Applied Research for Vulnerable Children and Families, bridging research and practice to improve care for vulnerable children and families around the globe. Her passion for this work stems from her family’s experience with adoption and fostering. Having lived on four continents, Nicole currently resides with her family in Peru, where they work to improve the system for children in alternative care. .stk-t34fuhy-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-t34fuhy-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important} .stk-6n9o07j .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}The Quick Guide for Parenting .stk-u3r2bt5 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace. .stk-f9ks815 .stk-button{background:var(--theme-palette-color-1,#ee6c4d) !important}.stk-f9ks815 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-f9ks815 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-f9ks815 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-f9ks815 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}GET THE GUIDE .stk-4wji16w{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important}.stk-4wji16w:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-4,#1e3f52) !important} @media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-nraosg0{flex:1 1 33.3% !important}}

    55 min
  5. 21 OCT

    Resilient Children Are Raised, Not Born

    Join us for a powerful conversation with Jim and Lynne Jackson about raising resilient children. They encourage you to focus on the process and long-term perspective of building character and identity rather than focusing on the result of the task at hand. Whether you’re dealing with homework struggles or life’s bigger challenges, you’ll feel equipped with hope and purpose to nurture resilience in your children. Mentioned in this podcast: * Blog post: Know a Child Who Gives Up Easily? * James 1 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Were you encouraged by this podcast? Donate to Connected Families today! Take a moment to rate and review! 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. .stk-br138s1{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-9no6nl3{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important;overflow:hidden !important}.stk-9no6nl3:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !important}.stk-9no6nl3-container{padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-9no6nl3{flex:1 1 calc(30.6% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}} @media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-fobdgv8{flex:1 1 calc(69.4% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}} .stk-2g5zwz1 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:26px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-3,#293241) !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-2g5zwz1 .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-l84jshp{margin-top:0px !important} .stk-ypgjc5q{margin-top:20px !important}.stk-ypgjc5q .stk-button{padding-right:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important}.stk-ypgjc5q .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:20px !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-ypgjc5q .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:20px !important}}GET YOUR BUNDLE NOW!

    34 min
  6. 14 OCT

    Ruth Chou Simons: Using Psalm 23 to Communicate God's Presence to Children

    Author and artist Ruth Chou Simons chats about life with God, and her first children’s book, Home Is Right Where You Are. Ruth shares insights on pursuing God’s grace daily and passing it on to our children, emphasizing the importance of reminding kids that their true home is with Jesus. She explains how you can have meaningful faith conversations, using her book as a starting point, and encourages you to nurture your heart with God’s grace to guide your children toward their home in God. Mentioned in this podcast: * Home is Right Where You Are * Foundations – Family devotional by Ruth & Troy Simons * Ephesians 2:8-10 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Your donation makes this podcast possible. Make a donation to Connected Families today! Take a moment to rate the show and help others discover The Connected Families podcast! Guest Bio: Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including her new children’s book, Home is Right Where You Are, Beholding and Becoming, TruthFilled and Now and Not Yet. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through social media, and her online shop at GraceLaced.com, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure. * https://ruthchousimons.com * https://www.instagram.com/ruthchousimons/ * https://www.instagram.com/gracelaced/ * https://www.facebook.com/gracelaced * https://www.pinterest.com/gracelaced/ * gracelaced.com .stk-y8czwut{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-yxx8u2g{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2,#98c1d9) !

    20 min

About

Parent with confidence. Lead with grace.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada