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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  • 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!

    Take a moment to rate and review!

    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
  • BONUS: Connected Families Future Plus A Story of Transformation

    BONUS: Connected Families Future Plus A Story of Transformation
    Dec 22 2023

    Listen as we wrap up 2023 with Jim Jackson and Anna Braasch chatting about Connected Families’ plans for 2024. Plus, Stacey Rodenbeck shares about the hope she’s found through the Framework.

    In today’s bonus episode, Jim Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Anna Braasch (Connected Families Executive Director) join Stacy Bellward (podcast host) to share about Connected Families’ year-end goals and the plans for 2024. Stacy also interviews Stacey Rodenbeck, a mom from the Connected Families community, about her transformational journey with the Framework.

    Mentioned in this podcast:
    • Make Change today with a year-end gift to Connected Families
    • Ep 154 | Stories of Transformation…One Mom’s Journey
    Guest Bio:

    Stacey Rodenbeck is the widowed mother of Susan (almost 5) and Chris (3.5). The Rodenbecks live in Central Arkansas, where Stacey is employed as an Associate Professor of Biology at Harding University. Since the death of her husband in 2020, Stacey has focused on developing a robust relationship with her children that positions the three of them to operate as a team. They enjoy cooking and baking together as a family, reading aloud, and hiking, and they have recently delved into playing board games together. (Candyland is the family favorite right now!) Stacey is thankful to God for the new mercies of each new morning as she seeks to guide her children and fully embrace the people God created them to be.
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  • “I can’t hear you!”

    “I can’t hear you!”
    Aug 20 2018

    “I can’t hear you!! I can’t hear you!!”

    You thought his misbehavior was frustrating, but when your child covers his ears and yells “I can’t hear you!” it sends your blood pressure through the roof!

    We received this question from a parent, frustrated by this very situation:
    “How would you handle a child who puts his hands over his ears because he doesn’t want to hear when you are addressing his misbehavior or giving instructions?”

    Sound familiar? Take a deep breath and 4 minutes to listen to what Jim and Lynne have to say about kids who refuse to listen by putting their hands over their ears.

    https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AMA-Ears-Covered.mp3 What you’ll learn:

    What his actions are communicating. I don’t feel safe right now. It’s too hard for me to listen. I’m ashamed of what I did.

    How you can safely and lovingly talk to your child when he doesn’t want to hear you:

    • Start with empathy, instead of focusing on the correction. “Wow, it’s really hard isn’t it? You kinda had a rough time with your brother. Are you feeling sad about that?”
    • Engage his brain, by giving him some power in the situation. “Do you want to take some time to calm down before we talk?” “Do you want to talk first?” “Do you want me to sit down when we talk?”
    • If his hands still don’t move, talk to the hands. “What are your hands telling me right now?”

    When kids feel safe and loved, and we listen to what’s important to them, they are much more inclined to listen to us.

    We love partnering with you and pray this recording was an encouragement in your parenting!

    Frustrated by constant discipline challenges? Take 15 minutes to read our free ebook 4 Messages All Children Long to Hear: A Discipline That Connects Overview.
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  • Words that Hurt

    Words that Hurt
    Aug 2 2018

    In this Q & A, Jim and Lynne take 4 minutes to respond to a question from a mom and dad regarding their son’s hurtful words to his siblings.

    “Our son constantly criticizes and teases our daughters – and anyone else that he sees as weaker than himself. It hurts them. While we want to lovingly correct our son, we also want to show our daughters that we are for them and want to protect them. We find it hard to do both. What should we do?”

    By addressing both sides of the situation (the culprit and the casualties of the criticism) Jim and Lynne empower siblings to move from the resentment of ridicule to the joy of relationship.

    LISTEN HERE

    What you’ll learn in this audio:

    • Discover the root of your son’s negativity. Refrain from criticizing your son. Instead, talk through the feelings that are driving him to criticize others. Help him to understand the natural impacts of his hurtful words.
    • Find ways to build connection between the kids by getting them on the same team. Some ideas might include doing a service project, cooking a favorite meal, etc. Then acknowledge (with thoughtful, specific observations and affirmation) that you noticed how well they worked together.
    • Strengthen the child who has been picked on. Come alongside and encourage her to advocate for herself. Give her words to say and then roleplay the interaction. Teach her to discern the truth from trash, and how not to give untrue things power.
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  • WHAT-EVER!! Ideas for Responding to Sass With Class

    WHAT-EVER!! Ideas for Responding to Sass With Class
    Jul 11 2018

    What-EVER! (with an eye roll)

    You’ve seen it a hundred, maybe even a thousand times. Your child doesn’t like what you’ve said and responds with a head tilt, and eye roll, and the grand pronouncement, “What-EVER!!!!”

    What do you do when this happens? The tendency is to shut it down, NOW! But your angry response communicates to your child that she is in control of your emotions. This gives her the “powerjolt” she needs to pull this behavior out again the next time she’s frustrated with you.

    In this Q & A, Jim and Lynne take 7 minutes to respond to this question from a mom who is tired of her 8-year-old daughter’s sass. You’ll hear some quick pointers for how to respond with grace while keeping a child accountable for better behavior.

    LISTEN HERE

    As you respond, you’ll learn to communicate:

    1. You’re SAFE with me: Stay calm as you take a deep breath. Your kids are not your report card.
    2. You are LOVED even if you sass: Express empathy. “This is really hard, isn’t it? If it’s hard for me, I’m sure it’s hard for you.”
    3. You are CAPABLE: Ask a question. “You don’t like how this is going. What would be a better way?”

    We hope as you listen to this audio you are encouraged in your parenting! As you learn to follow these three steps to decrease the “sass-level” in your house, take joy in the small victories. We are here to help you in any way we can as you seek to grow your connected family.
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    7 mins
  • The Four Strengths of Every Great Family

    The Four Strengths of Every Great Family
    Jun 13 2018

    Jeremy Lee, from D6 Family Podcast, interviews the co-founders of Connected Families, Jim & Lynne Jackson.

    During this 20 minute podcast, Jim and Lynne share the Connected Families parenting framework, which focuses on building a strong parent-child relationship.

    If you want to be encouraged and challenged in your parenting journey, listen in! We are SO EXCITED to partner with you as you lead your family with grace.

    LISTEN HERE

    In this interview Jim & Lynne share bonus parenting nuggets from their popular resources, Discipline that Connects With Your Child’s Heart, Sibling Conflict online course, and Challenging Children.

    Highlights of what you’ll learn:

    [0.00] Intro

    [1:34] Foundation

    • Create a foundation that grounds your child’s identity and purpose in Christ.

    [2:20] Connect

    • Communicate love to your child so that they can’t miss it. “I LOVE you and ENJOY you!”

    [3:20] Coach

    • Don’t wait for misbehaviors to build your child’s character; instead, create opportunities to help them gain wisdom and purpose.
    • Follow Jesus’ example of asking thoughtful questions.

    [5:49] Correct

    • Change your focus from punishment to gentle reconciliation.
    • Effective discipline puts the responsibility on the child to make right what they did wrong.

    [8:15] Discipline that Connects

    • The goal of discipline is not to manage your child’s behavior, but to shape their belief about themselves. Their behavior ultimately flows out of their identity. “I’m a problem” vs “I’m the solution”.

    [10:17] Sibling Conflict / Peace Process

    • Helping kids to value reconciliation and the joy of their sibling relationship.
    • Want to dig deeper into sibling relationships? Check out our Sibling Conflict Online Course

    [15:28] Challenging Children

    • Giving parents compassion and coping mechanisms to help their sensitive child.
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