Connected Families Podcast

Episodi

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  Where to Find Parenting Support That Actually Helps 17.08.2026 30min

  Ready to start a small group this Fall? Explore Connected Families small groups here. The best parenting support often comes from something simple: walking alongside one another instead of carrying the hard moments on our own. That’s the heart of today’s conversation, as host Stacy Bellward sits down with Dr. Cindy Wilson (Director of Education, Equipping, and Research) and Lori Menekheim (Ministry Partnership Manager) to explore why growing in community makes such a difference. Whether you’re a parent craving encouragement, a friend wanting to gather a few neighbors, or a church leader hoping to support families well, there’s something here for you. Much of that community can grow through Connected Families small groups, and Cindy and Lori make the case for why this Fall is the time to start one. Along the way, they share their own journeys, share a story of one group’s transformation, and practical answers about the courses, registration, and the support leaders receive.  And if the thought of leading makes you nervous, they have good news: perfection isn’t the point. Transparency and a willingness to grow together are. As Fall approaches, consider whether God might be nudging you to gather a few parents and grow in grace, wisdom, and confidence together. Listen to the full episode for the encouragement and next steps to get started. Key Takeaways: Growth happens best in community, and walking alongside other parents builds wisdom, peace, and confidence on the hard days You don’t have to be an expert to lead. Your honest, imperfect moments are often what free others to grow Practical tips for starting a group of your own, from choosing a course to the support leaders receive from Connected Families Mentioned in this Podcast:  Connected Families Small Groups Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Training Program Ministry Partnership Program Virtual Small Groups Hosted by CF Coaches The Table Monthly Giving Program cf community Membership Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: Cindy Wilson is a CF-Certified Parent Coach and a Certified Family Life Educator with 20+ years in children & family ministry and academia. As Director of Education, Equipping, and Research for CF, she helps churches, schools, and other organizations use CF resources to equip and support families in their community. She is also helping collect data to show the impact of CF resources on parents and families. Cindy lives in Florida with her husband of over 30 years. She has three adult children, one son-in-law, four grandchildren, and a farm full of animals. Lori Menikheim is a wife, mom of two strong-willed teenage girls, and Kids Ministry leader with over 15 years of experience. She is CF’s new Ministry Partnership Program Director, where she helps churches, schools, and other Christian organizations use CF resources to equip and support parents in their communities. When she discovered Connected Families, she finally found the language, tools, and hope to parent well and lead ministry well. Now she loves connecting with parents and ministry leaders who want to partner with God in reaching the next generation.  Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families Ready to bring parents together? Start a small group in your home, church, or community. Browse Small Group Courses
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  What to Do About Bad Grades on Your Child's Report Card (Without Nagging) 10.08.2026 20min

  Have you ever felt like your child just doesn’t care about their bad grades on their report card, no matter how much you push, remind, or worry? In this audioblog, adapted from two of our blog posts, guest host Chad Hayenga closes out our four-week back-to-school series with one of the most freeing questions a parent can ask: “Whose problem is it, really?” Discover why pushing harder often backfires, how the 4 messages of the Connected Families Framework™ can break the anxiety-nagging cycle, and how to trade the role of manager for the hopeful role of mentor.  Key Takeaways: Discover the “anxiety-nagging cycle”  Learn how the 4 messages of the Connected Families Framework can breathe life back into a relationship strained by report-card tension Learn one simple question to ask yourself to free yourself to become your child’s encourager instead of manager Mentioned in this Podcast:  Blog Post – Your Child’s Grades Don’t Matter (To You) Blog Post – Whose Problem Is It? Teaching Kids Responsibility Ep. 311 – Toddler Separation Anxiety: Why Does My Toddler Cry at Drop-Off? Connected Families Parenting Coaching The Table Monthly Giving Program Matthew 12:34 Philippians 3:3-4 Galatians 6:7 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Back-to-School Season: When "I Hate You" Rides Home from Pickup 05.08.2026 14min

  “I hate you!” When those words fly on the ride home after school, it’s easy to feel stuck. In this back-to-school season mini episode, host Stacy Bellward pulls back the curtain on a live cf community group coaching call, where Certified Parent Coaches Katie Johnson and Pam Bjerke work through one of the most common back-to-school challenges parents face. Get a taste of how walking a real parenting question through the Connected Families Framework™ can shift your whole perspective. Key Takeaways: Why your child’s behavior is a message, not the whole story.  How to model and offer language that honors others while staying true to how your child really feels.  What changes when you meet a hard moment with empathy and curiosity before correction. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Join – cf community Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course Pam Bjerke – Connected Families Certified Parent Coach The Table Monthly Giving Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: As a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, Pam Bjerke brings warmth, wisdom, and practical insight to every audience she serves. With experience speaking to diverse groups across the U.S., Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, she has led workshops and trainings for moms’ groups, adoptive and foster parents, trafficking survivors, schools, churches, teachers, and more, at both online and in-person events. Her goal is always the same: to offer grace-filled messages and actionable strategies grounded in the Connected Families Framework™ that participants can immediately apply at home or in the classroom. Pam is a licensed early childhood teacher and has training in TBRI, Conscious Discipline, and Interplay Play Therapy. She holds a certification in ARC Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents. Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Toddler Separation Anxiety: Why Does My Toddler Cry at Drop-Off? 03.08.2026 21min

  Those tearful drop-offs at preschool can leave any parent feeling shaken or unsure of what to do next. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward reads one of our most popular blog posts as an audioblog, exploring what’s really happening beneath the surface of separation anxiety.  If you’ve ever navigated toddler separation anxiety, you’ll discover a new perspective on the hidden factors behind your child’s fears of drop-off, and how to help. Key Takeaways: Why crying at drop-off is often completely normal and can actually reflect healthy, solid attachment. Learn how several hidden factors can feed your child’s fear of separation, and understanding them changes how you respond. How a shift in your goal at drop-off can make all the difference Discover how your child’s sensitivities can become a source of confidence, joy, and compassion. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Blog Post – Help! My Anxious Child Cries When Dropped Off At Daycare Healthy Rhythms for Daily Life Online Course (also included in the cf community!)  Ep. 310 – Parenting a Neurodivergent Child: How to Advocate at School The Table Monthly Giving Program James 1:5 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Parenting a Neurodivergent Child: How to Advocate at School 27.07.2026 31min

  That sinking feeling when another teacher’s email arrives, listing everything your child did “wrong” again? If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, you likely know this feeling well.  In this replay episode, host Stacy Bellward talks with Connected Families parent coaches Marni Love and Taylor Irby, two moms who’ve walked this road themselves. Together they talk about what it looks like to advocate for your child with grace and confidence. Through their honest stories and practical wisdom, they explore how a diagnosis can open doors to help, how to partner genuinely with teachers, and how connection can carry families through the hard parts.  In this episode, you’ll discover: Why releasing the family you imagined and embracing the child in front of you changes everything Practical strategies for setting your kids up to thrive at school What to include on a one-page advocacy sheet that helps teachers truly see your child How to build the support that your child needs, without doing it alone Whether you’re new to advocacy or years into the journey, this conversation offers wisdom, peace, and real confidence for the road ahead. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Focus is Fertilizer Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Grace & Truth for Moms Online Course Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course Parent Coaching ABC’s of Affirmation Meet My Child Template Episode 309 – Should I Homeschool? Discerning What’s Best For Your Family Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: Marni Love is a former public school teacher who has been a home educator for 16 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. Marni is available for coaching and speaking. You can connect with her through her website, marnilove.com.  Taylor Irby is a mother to 5 kids, and she understands the struggles parents face. Every day she faces ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and adoption trauma. She, too, has sat in the midst of challenges and searched the world for answers. Taylor read book after book and got excited over short-lived methods. That is when she hit the wall of desperation and sought parent coaching through Connected Families. Taylor ultimately became a coach through their training program to help others like her. She has seen transformation in her home by working with a framework that has changed not only her children’s behavior but their hearts as well. You are not alone on this parenting journey. There is hope, and you can enjoy your children, build that relationship you have wanted, and see behavior change. You can learn more about Taylor on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylor.irby.5 and Instagram @taylorirbycoaching  Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Should I Homeschool? Discerning What's Best for Your Family 20.07.2026 31min

  Asking yourself, “Should I homeschool,” this school year? It’s a weighty question—and one you don’t have to answer on your own. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward is joined by two Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches and seasoned homeschooling moms, Marni Love and Amy Nyvall, who bring 16+ years of combined experience to this conversation. Rather than handing out a one-size-fits-all answer, Marni and Amy walk through the decision using the Connected Families Framework™. They tackle real questions submitted by the cf community and help you discern what’s best for your family!   Key Takeaways: The decision starts with you, not the curriculum.  Your educational gaps aren’t a disqualifier. Every parent (and every school) has them.  Motivation is built, not demanded.  Your child isn’t your report card. Homeschooling doesn’t make you a better parent, and a hard day doesn’t define you  Mentioned in this Podcast:  Romans 8:39 The Connected Families Framework Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course cf community Homeschool Discipline Online Course Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches The Table Monthly Giving Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: Marni Love is a former public school teacher who has been a home educator for 16 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. Marni is available for coaching and speaking. You can connect with her through her website, marnilove.com.  Amy Nyvall is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who lives near Portland, Oregon, where she homeschools her kids ages 14,11, and 9 and leads a vibrant Charlotte Mason Education Community and Co-op. Contact Amy at amynyvall@gmail.com or learn more about her here. Amy is available for coaching and speaking on the Connected Families Framework. You can even find her contributing to events on the CF Community in Mighty so you can interact with here there too. Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Lonely Motherhood No More: Finding Connection, Joy, and Support 13.07.2026 24min

  We were never meant to walk the parenting journey alone. In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, host Cindy Wilson (Director of Education, Equipping, and Research at Connected Families) sits down with Crystal Wilson, the Director of Global Fundraising Strategy at Compassion International. Together, they explore the universal heartbeat of motherhood and the essential, life-giving power of Christian community.  If lonely motherhood has been weighing on you, and you’re longing to build deeper, more authentic relationships right where you are, this conversation offers a beautiful reminder of how God wired us for connection, grace, and mutual support.  Key Takeaways: Discover the universal heart of parenthood from mothers around the world Learn practical steps to overcome isolation Discover powerful stories of how local churches worldwide are partnering with organizations to bring joy Mentioned in this Podcast:  Acts 2 Galatians 6:2 Matthew 16:18 Compassion International Compassion’s Survival Program Connected Families Ministry Partnership Program The Table Monthly Giving Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: Crystal Wilson is a dynamic leader whose life purpose is to serve the world’s most vulnerable by connecting them with life-changing resources. She currently serves as Director of Global Fundraising Strategy at Compassion International, leading global and multicultural fundraising strategies fueled by her faith, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for Christ. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Crystal spent 15 years in the automotive industry leading high-performing PR and marketing teams for major brands including Cadillac, Lincoln, and Nissan. Licensed to preach the gospel at age 24, she launched and led a young adult ministry for over five years under her father, Rev. Dr. David L. Roberson, Senior Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and also served as Director of Children’s Church at Life Changers International Church. She is a co-founder of THRIVE!, Compassion’s Employee Resource Group that supports and empowers working mothers. Above all, Crystal’s most treasured roles are wife to Cameron Wilson and mom to Cameron Ray (14) and Christian David (11). Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  How to Stay Calm With Kids Fighting 06.07.2026 19min

  As a self-described sensitive and intense mom raising two sensitive and intense daughters, Laura Way, Content Manager at Connected Families, wraps up our summertime conflict series with a powerful tool we use called Slow, Low, & Listen, which also applies easily when you have kids fighting in the next room! Drawing from Scripture, brain science, and her own kitchen-floor moments with her seven-year-old, Laura unpacks why our nervous systems get so easily hijacked by our children’s big emotions and offers a practical, grace-filled path forward. You’ll learn how slowing down, getting low, and listening can transform the way you enter into your kids’ hard moments. Whether you’re navigating sibling conflict, meltdowns, or daily chaos, this episode offers wisdom and tools to help you respond with the grace-filled presence you long to bring to your parenting. Key Takeaways: Why your calm has to come first—and how to find it when your child’s emotions feel overwhelming The brain science behind why a screaming child can trigger the same response as real danger  What “Slow, Low, Listen” actually looks like in real life (with Laura’s honest, in-the-moment examples) How to move from reacting at your child to responding with your child Mentioned in this Podcast:  Blog Post – How to Break Habits of Harshness: Try Slow, Low, & Listen James 1:19–20  John 8:1-11 Sibling Conflict Online Course cf community Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Sibling Conflict: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Peacemakers at Home 30.06.2026 22min

  Bickering. The escalating voices in the next room make you wonder whether to referee or run the other way. If sibling conflict has become the soundtrack of your home, you are so not alone, and this episode is for you! In week two of our Summertime Conflict series, host Stacy Bellward unpacks the heart of sibling squabbles and offers a refreshing reframe: those arguments happening between your kids right now? As a Christian parent, you have golden opportunities to raise lifelong peacemakers under your own roof. Whether you’re parenting toddlers or teens locked in a week-long standoff, you’ll walk away with wisdom, hope, and tangible tools to pursue peace in your family. Listen in! Key Takeaways: Gain insight into when to step into your kids’ squabbles From questions to role-playing, discover practical ways to enter into the heat of the moment with your kids How learning true reconciliation points us to Christ Our Episode Sponsor Today’s episode is brought to you by David Richter, owner of SimpleCFO and author of Profit First for Real Estate Investing. We’re grateful for David’s sponsorship, which helps make these conversations possible for families everywhere. You can find more information on his website https://simplecfo.com/. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Ephesians 4:32 Matthew 5:9 Sibling Conflict Online Course cf community Episode 305 – Helping Siblings Make Up After A “Fight” Trash, Truth, Treasure Online Course Calming Strategies PDF The Table Monthly Giving Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Helping Siblings Make Up After a “Fight” 30.06.2026 41min

  What if the goal of your kids’ fighting wasn’t silence, but restored hearts? Most parents want the bickering to stop. But what if helping siblings make up after a fight was actually an invitation? An opportunity to show your kids a glimpse of the gospel itself, where broken relationships are made new, and joy is rediscovered on the other side of hard moments. In today’s replay episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson (Co-founders of Connected Families) join host Stacy Bellward for a rich, hope-filled conversation about building the value of restoration in your home. Drawing from Scripture and decades of personal experience, Jim and Lynne paint a beautiful picture of what’s possible when parents shift from solving conflict to restoring relationships. Key Takeaways: How to develop a value of reconciliation rooted in Christ Why modeling restoration in your own relationships (marriage, friendships, even with your own parents) is the most powerful teacher Practical, lighthearted ways to guide kids through conflict How to prepare your kids outside of conflict Age-appropriate ways to celebrate restored hearts  Our Episode Sponsor Today’s episode is brought to you by David Richter, owner of SimpleCFO and author of Profit First for Real Estate Investing. We’re grateful for David’s sponsorship, which helps make these conversations possible for families everywhere. You can find more information on his website https://simplecfo.com/. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Galatians 6:1 Matthew 5:23-24 Book of John Episode 139 – How to Help Kids Stop Fighting All The Time Book – Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Sibling Conflict Online Course cf community Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! 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.  Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Dads, You’re Not Alone: How to Stay Calm When Parenting is Hard | Ep. 304 30.06.2026 31min

  Father’s Day can stir up a lot for dads. For some, it’s breakfast in bed and handmade cards. For others, it’s a quiet moment of reflection: Am I really the dad I want to be? In this special Father’s Day episode, guest host and Director of Development, Chad Hayenga, sits down with Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches David Cervenka and Joe Dewey for an honest, encouraging conversation about what it looks like to stay calm as dads, especially when things get challenging at home.  Together, they share real stories from their own parenting journeys, and share the kind of wisdom that comes from walking the same journey many of you may be on. If you’re a dad who sometimes wonders if you’re getting it right, this episode is for you. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up, and our loving God, who redeems the lives of His servants (Psalm 34:22), is in the business of redeeming our parenting moments, too.  Key Takeaways: Hear why your presence matters more than your performance  Learn how to do a quick self-inventory, because a dysregulated parent can’t help a dysregulated child  Shift your intensity from correction toward connection, encouragement, and coaching God is in the business of redemption Our Episode Sponsor Today’s episode is brought to you by David Richter, owner of SimpleCFO and author of Profit First for Real Estate Investing. We’re grateful for David’s sponsorship, which helps make these conversations possible for families everywhere. You can find more information on his website https://simplecfo.com/. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Psalm 34: 22 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12  Book – Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course Connected Families Parent Coaching Just for Dads – Included in the Free Learning Library The cf community The Table Monthly Giving Program  Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: Joe Dewey is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. He has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and has served in full-time ministry with Cru in Leader Development and Human Resources since 2010. He has been a certified life coach since 2017. These experiences and more have molded him into a leader who leads with solutions. Whether in ministry or parenting, he finds clarity amid complexity, providing win-win solutions. David Cervenka is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and loves helping people connect with God’s heart. He has found that the Connected Families framework has deeply impacted his own relationship with the Lord. He has almost twenty years of experience in mentoring and coaching ministry leaders in spiritual and family rhythms. David lives in Texas with his wife, Danielle, and their children. Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Sibling Competition and Bedtime Chaos: Hear from the cf community 30.06.2026 41min

  Ever wished you could pull up a chair with seasoned parent coaches and ask your most pressing questions? Whether you’re in the midst of bedtime challenges or working through sibling competition, host Stacy Bellward invites listeners into a real taste of what’s happening inside the new cf community. Katie Johnson, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and dedicated cf community moderator, is joined by fellow certified coaches Jared Kingry and Bekah Idle for a conversation about two real questions that parents submitted in the community! This episode is a heartfelt reminder that you’re not alone, there’s no silver bullet, and growth happens through hard moments, not around them. Press play to listen in, and when you’re ready for more, the door to the cf community is wide open. Key Takeaways: A behind-the-scenes look at the new cf community How to reframe competition as an opportunity for connection Discover three practical bedtime strategies The power of speaking identity statements over your children Mentioned in this Podcast: Join the cf community! Free Learning Library Book – Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser Connected Families Ministry Partnership Program Connected Families Monthly Giving Program – The Table Jared Kingry – Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Bekah Idle – Connected Families Certified Parent Coach What we loved from the podcast: “What’s most important is not that I get it right all the time, but that I can stay regulated… “ — Jared Kingry Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! 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. Jared Kingry is a youth pastor, husband, and father of three, bringing both personal and professional perspectives to parenthood. With over a decade in youth ministry, he’s walked alongside families through the challenges and joys of doing life together. He has worked to expand his church’s ministry to include parent coaching that supports discipleship at home, offering a holistic approach that integrates faith, love, and compassion into every aspect of parenting. As a mom of 6 kids (biological and foster), Bekah Idle is a Certified Parent Coach with Connected Families. She walks alongside parents who are ready to move from frustration to fruitfulness. Through years in ministry, homeschool co-ops, and children’s theater, she’s seen it again and again: kids thrive when they feel connected, understood, and deeply loved. She encourages parents with this: You CAN raise wise, confident, connected kids—and ENJOY doing it. 🏡 Ready to Take a Seat in the cf community? This episode is your personal invitation. If anything shared today resonated, if you felt that quiet “yes, I need that” while you listened — we’d love to welcome you in. The cf community is open and ready for you, with coach-led conversations, faith-anchored courses, and parents from around the world walking this road right alongside you. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one. 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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  You're Not Parenting Alone: Inside the cf community with Katie Johnson 01.06.2026 24min

  In this special episode, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Katie Johnson, Connected Families' new Community Engagement Manager, Certified Parent Coach, and former educator, to unveil something brand new: the cf community! A place where you're not parenting alone. After years of watching the Connected Families Framework™ transform households, the team noticed one consistent truth: parents grow faster when they're not parenting alone. The cf community is designed to be that "people in your corner" space. A faith-anchored, research-informed gathering place where parents can slow down, reflect, ask hard questions, and celebrate small wins alongside a coach and like-minded community. Stacy and Katie walk through what's inside, who it's for, and the deep biblical why behind this new chapter of the ministry. Whether you're a grandparent helping raise grandkids, a parent in a particularly hard season, or someone simply hungry to keep growing, this episode is an invitation to find a resting place for your parenting journey. Key Takeaways: Growth happens in community, not isolation.  Learn about what’s inside the cf community! Join others from around the world. Mentioned in this Podcast:  Join the cf community today!  Philippians 1:6 2 Peter 3:18 Episode 289 - Teaching Kids Responsibility Without Nagging  Episode 213 - The Art of Blessing Your Kids  Episode 139 - Helping With Sibling Conflict When Kids Fight All the Time  Heard in the cf community When Katie shared a post from a mom who had just experienced a profound mindset shift inside the community: "I'm working through Grace and Truth for Moms, and today's lesson was so impactful. What a mindset shift from 'it's my job to get my kids to obey' to 'it's my job to parent wisely.'" Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! 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.  🏡 Ready to Take a Seat in the cf community? This episode is your personal invitation. If anything Katie or Stacy shared today resonated, if you felt that quiet "yes, I need that" while you listened, we'd love to welcome you in. The cf community is open and ready for you, with coach-led conversations, faith-anchored courses, and parents from around the world walking this road right alongside you. 👉 Join the cf community today Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents find shows like this one.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! © 2026 Connected Families
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  Parent Ministry That Transforms: A Peek Inside Our Ministry Partnership Program 18.05.2026 27min

  What if your church's parent ministry became the place families pointed to and said, "That's where everything changed for us"? In this eye-opening episode, host Stacy Bellward sits down with Dr. Cindy Wilson, Connected Families Director of Education, Equipping, and Research, and Joe Dewey, Connected Families Director of Operations, two people who are also living out our Ministry Partnership Program inside their own churches. They pull back the curtain on what it really looks like when a church goes "all in" on equipping parents, the surprising cultural shifts that happen, and the simple first steps any ministry leader can take. Whether you're a parent who wishes your church offered something deeper, a children's ministry director hungry for trusted resources, or a school administrator searching for a unifying framework, this conversation will give you both the vision and the practical roadmap. Press play and discover how your church or school can become a place where families don't just survive parenting, they thrive through it. Key Takeaways: Every church needs a parenting champion. Transformation starts with one person willing to step up Consistency beats one-off events The Connected Families Framework™ works across every context. Churches, schools, foster/adoptive agencies, counseling centers, and even equine therapy ministries are using it When teachers, volunteers, and parents all speak the same language, kids hear the same heart-shaping messages Mentioned in this Podcast: Connected Families Ministry Partnership Program   Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart Online Course Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart Small Group Sensitive and Intense Kids Online Course The Power of Questions Online Course Discipline That Connects in the Classroom Workshop  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: Cindy Wilson is a CF-Certified Parent Coach and a Certified Family Life Educator with 20+ years in children & family ministry and academia. As Director of Education, Equipping, and Research for CF, she helps churches, schools, and other organizations use CF resources to equip and support families in their community. She is also helping collect data to show the impact of CF resources on parents and families. Cindy lives in Florida with her husband of over 30 years. She has three adult children, one son-in-law, four grandchildren, and a farm full of animals. Joe Dewey is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. He has served as Connected Families Operations Director for the past year and is on the ministry's leadership team. He is the husband of Courtney, who is also a Certified Parent Coach, and together they have awesome kids. © 2026 Connected Families
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  The Mental Load of Motherhood: Releasing What's Not Yours to Carry 11.05.2026 34min

  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
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  Foster Care and Faith: Supporting Foster Families in Your Community 04.05.2026 34min

  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
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  Grumpy Morning? Help Your Child Start Their Day Well 27.04.2026 10min

  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
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  Emotional Regulation for Kids: Calm Bodies Come Before Big Conversations 20.04.2026 28min

  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
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  Highly Sensitive Kids: A Biblical Approach to Empathy and Connection 13.04.2026 19min

  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
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  Big Emotions Start Somewhere: The Hidden Stress Your Child Carries 06.04.2026 17min

  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