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Connected Families

Connected Families

By: Connected Families
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Biblically grounded and research-informed help for everyday parenting Christianity Parenting & Families Relationships Spirituality
Episodes
  • Moving Beyond Strict Parenting: Balancing Boundaries and Connection | Ep. 285

    Moving Beyond Strict Parenting: Balancing Boundaries and Connection | Ep. 285
    Jan 26 2026

    Strong on correction but struggling to connect? In this third episode of the “Don’t Stay Stuck” series, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach Katie Wetsell take on a challenge many who value strict parenting face: how to soften without losing structure? If you value obedience but want warmer relationships with your kids, this episode offers hope and practical next steps.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Understanding the God-given strengths of parents who lean toward the top of the Connected Families Framework
    • Rethinking immediate obedience
    • Living out loud and setting an example for your children
    • Pitfalls of high-demand and low-compassion parenting
    • Practical tools for getting unstuck and finding balance in your parenting
    Mentioned in this Podcast:
    • Katie Wetsell – Connected Families Certified Parent Coach
    • Free Parenting Assessment PDF
    • Blog Post – First-Time Obedience: Should I Require Immediate Obedience from My Child?
    • Ephesians 6:4
    • Galatians 6:1

    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:

    Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach.

    © 2025 Connected Families
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Culturally-Sensitive Biblical Parenting Resources. Is This a Thing?

    Culturally-Sensitive Biblical Parenting Resources. Is This a Thing?
    Jul 22 2025
    Five years ago, Connected Families had certified parent coaches in just one country. Today? Connected Families is collaborating with CF Certified Parent Coaches in 20 countries and across four continents to provide culturally-sensitive biblical parenting resources. As Chad Hayenga reflected on our podcast, “In the early years, we did not know how the Connected Families Framework would translate into other languages or cultures.” What has become wonderfully clear is that the Connected Families Framework is a culturally sensitive parenting tool, and God is using it to bless families from many languages and cultures. One by one, ministry leaders from around the globe have discovered Connected Families and sought to adapt tools like “Do-overs,” “Slow, Low & Listen,” and “Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart” to their own cultural contexts. Many joined our Parent Coach Certification Program to serve families in their communities. The numbers tell an amazing story of God’s faithfulness: 2020: 5 coaches in the US, 140 families supported2025: 100+ certified coaches across 20 countries, 1,400+ families supported We’re witnessing God’s love transcend both language barriers and cultural boundaries, creating a truly global community of families experiencing God’s grace and truth. Come along with us as we journey across the globe to see what God is doing through some of our amazing Certified Parent Coaches. *Note: Interested in having a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach come to speak at your church or gathering? Check out our newly renovated Workshop Speaker page to learn more. As you will learn in this blog post, we now have coaches and speakers available worldwide!* Want more detailed stories? Tune in to Episode 238 of the Connected Families Podcast, “Impact: The Unexpected Global Parenting Movement Changing Lives Worldwide” for even more stories. LISTEN NOW Culturally-sensitive parenting resources across the globe Africa Ethiopia: Getu Melkamu works for Compassion International in Ethiopia. Getu recently led a Connected Families workshop for 450 Christian ministry workers, equipping them to ensure that all children can feel safe, loved, called & capable, and responsible. Europe Finland: Whether it’s workshops, coaching, or online courses, Mari Cerny finds great joy in prayerfully translating Connected Families resources into Finnish. Communities are eagerly awaiting this transformative content in their native language. When parents’ understanding of God as the ultimate Parent becomes clear—through experiencing His compassion, grace, patience, and abundant mercy—it creates deep healing and provides the foundation from which all other parenting tools flow with genuine power. Co-Founders, Jim & Lynne Jackson, with the Cernys in Finland. Co-Founder Lynne Jackson with Mari Cerny. The Framework translated into Finnish! United Kingdom: Ruth Wharton is based in Malvern, Worcestershire. She is the first Connected Families Certified Coach in the UK. Ruth works part-time for a local charity that supports people with autism, and is a mother of five. For twelve years, she worked alongside her husband, looking after 60 teenage boys in an English boarding school. It was then that they first discovered Connected Families. “There are not enough words to say what Connected Families has done for my family and my relationship with God” -coaching client in the UK Watch the video below to hear from Ruth in her own words. Asia Philippines: Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, Samantha (Thammie) Sy, and her husband, Dennis (a pastor), live in Manila, Philippines. They have a deep influence in adoption and foster care ministry in their community. Thammie was looking for a tool to help disciple parents and families in her church and broader community in a more gospel-centered and science-informed way, and with a biblical lens. Then she discovered Connected Families. Recently God opened a door for her to present the Connected Families Framework from metro Manila and beyond and launch a coaching group with parents of kids from toddlers to teens! She says, “I believe that when parents encounter the Gospel in how they raise their children, generations will be changed.” You can check out the podcast Samantha does with her husband here: Our Parent Hood podcast Samantha Sy presenting a workshop for 250 people together with Co-Founder Lynne Jackson in the Philippines. North America Canada: Steve Bourque lives in Sarnia, ON, Canada, with his wife and 3 children and is a former children’s and family pastor at his church. He is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and also works for Family Life Canada. (Family Life Canada is also a Ministry Partner* with Connected Families! Here is what he has witnessed: A surprising aspect of coaching is how parents come seeking practical answers but leave with profound hope and a sense of grace. One dad, despite family ...
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  • Stories of Transformation… from “Fixing” to Connecting | Ep. 180

    Stories of Transformation… from “Fixing” to Connecting | Ep. 180
    May 27 2024

    We chat with Lindsay Fauver, a mom from the Connected Families community, about her parenting journey with a child who experiences anxiety, sensory challenges, and challenging behaviors. Lindsay shares how she has gained new understanding and tools to support her child and stay calm when her daughter escalates. She also emphasizes the persistence required to implement positive changes and the role of scripture in sustaining her. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with parenting, you’ll find plenty of hope and practical ideas in this interview with a mom who’s been there.

    Mentioned in this podcast:
    • Are You Micromanaging Your Kids? Here’s How to Stop | Ep. 177
    • Authentic Community for Dads | Ep. 179
    • 100 Truth Phrases PDF – a free resource
    • Grace & Truth for Moms online course
    • Connected Families Connection Questions (Campfire Questions)
    • Sensitive & Intense Kids online course
    • Parenting Coaching
    • Isaiah 30
    • James 1
    • Psalm 103:8
    • 1 John 3:19

    Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

    Your donation fuels our work. Make a donation to Connected Families today!

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    Guest Bio:

    Lindsay Fauver is a photographer by trade and a theologian at heart. She is deeply passionate about participating with the great Artist as she works to build a foundation of “belonging and becoming” with her little people, clients, and students. Lindsay loves writing, peonies, Pilates, design, earrings, and anything by the water. She longs for the day when her story of surrender is told in its fullness by the One who will permanently wipe away her tears.
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    37 mins
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Thank you for speaking such encouraging and grace-filled words over parents. We've so appreciated the wise principles you lay down for parenting without making people feel guilty for falling short.

Connected Families is amazing!

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