Connected Families Podcast Connected Families

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 has sudden new attitudes and opinions?















In today’s episode, Cynthia Tobias (co-author 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.















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What if underneath your child’s misbehavior was a good gift? Sound too good to be true? It’s not! Connected Families teaches this idea as a “Gift Gone Awry.” This gift may not always come out in a helpful way, but it could be shaped and guided to be a blessing to others.















In this podcast, Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about the amazing gifts that might be hidden in your child’s misbehavior.







In this podcast, you’ll discover:









* how your thoughts about your child can become their identity







* the biblical basis for seeing gifts in misbehavior, including references







* examples of how to find a gift gone awry and coach a child to be a blessing







* ways to bring your child’s struggle before God and shift your perspective







* that focus is fertilizer–what you pay attention to grows!









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:









* John 14:26-27







* Ephesians 2:10







* Mark 8:32







* Luke 16







* 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12







* Hebrews 11:1







* Acts 20







* Weekly Parenting Tips Email…link to share with a friend







* Nurture Shock book







* Donate to Connected Families







* CF Facebook







* CF Instagram







* connectedfamilies.org









Guest Bio:







Lynne Jackson​ has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children...

In some Christian traditions, it can feel like Easter sneaks up on you. It can even seem like the holiday doesn’t get the same attention and preparation as Christmas, but it is actually the most important day on the Christian calendar. So, how can you help your family prepare and truly celebrate Christ’s resurrection this year?















In today’s podcast, Laurie Christine (author and podcast host at Redeeming the Chaos) joins Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about discipleship at home and, more specifically, preparing for Easter. Laurie shares her favorite resources and ideas to create engaging discipleship opportunities with your kids and talks about her free Easter resource for families.







In this podcast, you’ll discover:









* what the Bible says about discipling your children







* ideas to overcome challenges you may encounter when you try to connect with God as a family







* practical ways to make family discipleship engaging for your kids







* ways to change your approach to family times as your children get older







* the powerful message of Easter and ways you can share that with your children







* a FREE resource to help your family connect and prepare for Easter (also available in the audiobook version)









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:









* Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Register Now!







* 30 Family Bible Stories for Easter by Laurie Christine







* Judges 2:10







* Psalm 78:4







* Nancy Gutherie books







* The Very Best Hands On Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions by Tim Shoemaker







* Hands-on family activities for different age groups by Kirk Weaver







* 1 Corinthians 15:17







* Philippians 2:13







* Laurie’s podcast: Redeeming the Chaosb...

Are you trying to understand your child’s frequent frustration or angry eruptions? Do you find yourself turning to the internet to ask, “Why is my son so angry with me?” or “Why is my daughter so angry all the time?” The truth is, there is usually more going under the surface of anger. Likely, that anger is protecting some softer emotions, such as feeling anxious, alone, or discouraged, to name a few. You can have compassion and come alongside them with loving support when you seek to understand what is really going on. But how do you get started?















In this podcast, Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder and Occupational Therapist) and Lydia Rex (Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and RN) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about anger and anxiety in children. Drawing on their experience supporting families, Lynne and Lydia share how you can look beneath your child’s anger to get out of a stress cycle and into a healing pattern.







In this podcast you’ll discover:









* underlying stress factors that influence angry behavior







* the relationship between anger and anxiety







* when to use an “I wonder if…” question to help build emotional intelligence and understanding







* how you can move to compassion and connection when your child erupts in anger







* trauma’s role in anger, including its effects on a child’s developing brain and nervous system







* activities to do with your child to grow their emotional awareness and build skills to unpack what’s going on under the surface









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:









* Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Register Today!







* Paper plate activity







* Iceberg illustration for older kids







* Proverbs 29:11: Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.









Guest Bio:







Lynne Jackson​ has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD (including her own kids!), OCD, ODD, and autism spectrum disorders. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim, founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God’s grace in the midst of family life.







Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned TBRI practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Fam...

If your child is sensitive or intense, you might ask, “Is it worth getting a diagnosis?” or “Will the information from a diagnosis help or hinder my child and our family?” You may fear that a diagnosis will label your child in a negative way, or you may feel overwhelmed about what happens after a diagnosis.







In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) continue a conversation about diagnoses with Mandy Cuda, MD. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it worth getting an ADHD diagnosis for my child?” or “Is it worth getting an autism spectrum diagnosis?” this podcast is for you. Mandy and Lynne share the insights and support that can come from a diagnosis and discuss the next steps for parents.















In this podcast, you’ll learn:









* to consider your own feelings after a child’s diagnosis–everything from grief to gratitude







* how to talk with your child about a diagnosis at any age







* questions you can ask your child to gain insight into their experience and how you can better support them







* when the phrase “Tell me more” can open up opportunities with your child and their care providers







* how to build a support system for yourself and your child







* the importance of the brain-body connection and when to ask, “What might be aggravating this child’s system?”







* how to navigate a conversation about medication with your child’s doctor









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:









* Sensitive & Intense Kids: Navigating Challenge With Purpose and Hope: Registration is open!







* Ep 122: How To Know If Your Child Needs A Diagnosis or Extra Support







* Two Powerful Strategies to Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Thrive (includes sensory checklist)







* Sensory Checklist/Questionnaire







* James 1:2-4 (verse about trials bringing us to maturity)







* Ecclesiastes 4:12







* Child Advocacy page by Taylor Irby







* Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program









Guest Bio:







Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Cuda is a family physician and Connected Families Parent Coach-in-training. She lives in Washington with her husband, a military pediatric urologist, and four amazing kids. Her connection with Connected Families began more than 20 years ago when, as a new Wheaton college grad,

Do you have a child who is wired differently? You’ve probably felt frustrated or discouraged at times about how to support your child through daily routines or going to school. It may be challenging to know what your child needs and offer that at the right time.  







In today’s podcast, Katie Wetsell and Corrie Thetford (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) for a conversation about empowering your uniquely and wonderfully wired child.  















 







In this podcast, you’ll discover:









* How to evaluate what’s going on in your heart about your child. Do you need to “fix” your child? Or better understand your child? 







* The opportunity therapy presents for you to learn with your child and as well as keep the momentum from therapy going at home







* Ideas for supporting your child in a learning environment at school or home and how to help your child discover and accept what they need to be successful







* Ways to talk about and celebrate differences in your family







* How one 13-year-old has felt supported and empowered by his parents









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:









* Sensitive & Intense Kids online course – Register Now!







* Treasure Tree: Helping Kids Understand Their Personality by John Trent







* John 9:1-3







* Ecclesiastes 3:11









Guest Bio:







Corrie Thetford and her husband Alan have four children and are Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages.  







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.







Rylan Wetsell is Katie’s 13-year-old, bright, witty son who is overcoming the challenges associated with being differently wired to grow in wisdom and courage. He is an advocate, with his mom, for himself and others affected by stuttering, Tourette’s Syndrome,