Connected Families Podcast

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Today's mini episode is the audio version of a blog post we created as a guide to help you think through the question, "Should you reward your kids?" It's the age-old question: Should I pay the kids to do house chores? Let's be honest - we've all been there, wondering if we're brilliantly motivating our kids or just straight-up bribing them. Turns out, rewards can actually be effective tools when you're asking the right question, but they can totally backfire when your kid cares more about earning screen time than actually learning to be helpful. Host Stacy Bellward walks through nine super practical, research-backed tips that'll help you use rewards in ways that actually build character.

Key Takeaways:

The one question that changes everything: It's not about compliance - discover what your child is really learning

The "Nathan story": How one strategic "bribe" transformed a disruptive teen

Creative reward systems that actually build character (not just behavior)

Mentioned Today:

The Table Community - Monthly Giving

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

Rewards for Kids: 9 Wisdom-Filled Guidelines to Get Beyond Bribing - Blog Post

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

In Case You Missed It:

Learn how noticing what’s going partly right can change the entire culture of your home in One Simple Question That Rewires Everyone's Brains Toward Connection | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Discover the transformative power of "Bright Spots!" A simple parenting strategy that shifts your focus from what's going wrong to what's going partly right. In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Carly, who went from ski slope meltdowns to conquering her fears, plus host Stacy's personal journey of learning to see what her middle school girls HAD cleaned in the kitchen instead of fixating on the one dirty fork left behind. This shift transformed their relationship and built an "I can do this" attitude in her daughters. Plus, learn how you can become a changemaker this October by equipping struggling families around the world with these life-changing tools.

Key Takeaway:

Asking "What's going partly right?" when the kitchen only got half clean or during a full meltdown has the power to change your family's trajectory. (We are not trying to be dramatic here - we have lived it.)

Mentioned Today:

The Table Community - Monthly Giving

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard - Book

Philippians 4

Connected Families Parent Coaching

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

In Case You Missed It:

Ever wonder if it’s too late to connect with your teenage child? It’s not! In Christ, there’s always hope! Listen to one mom tell her story in: Connection with Teens: It’s Never Too Late | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

Ever wonder if you've already blown it as a parent? Spoiler alert: you haven't. In this episode, Lynne Jackson drops truth bombs about how God's grace for YOU is the secret sauce to raising wise kids (hint: it's not about being perfect). Then Laura Zach shares her own story of going from daily door-slams and zero conversations with her teen daughter to actually laughing together, yes, really laughing. Whether your kids are in diapers or driving cars, this one's for you.

Key Takeaways:

Jesus is your report card, not your kid's behavior. Parent from grace, not guilt.

It's never too late! Laura discovered Connected Families during a family crisis with teens—and everything changed.

Mentioned Today:

The Table Community - Monthly Giving

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

Proverbs 1:1-9

Laura Zach - Connected Families Parent Coach

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? 

Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here.

In Case You Missed It: 

What happens when your child explodes over a simple stack of dishes? For Lydia Rex, it became a growth opportunity for connection in Dishes and Disrespect: A Story of Growth and Connection | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

What happens when your child explodes over a simple stack of dishes? For Lydia Rex, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and mom, it became a powerful opportunity to use the parenting framework. Lydia reflected, "Real life is messy. It's not linear. And that's okay. God is at work in all of that."

In this mini-episode of the Connected Families podcast, Lydia shares an honest, messy, and ultimately beautiful story about applying the Connected Families Framework in real time. Her experience reminds us that effective parenting isn't about following a perfect formula—it's about walking in God's grace and truth.

Key Takeaway:

Aim for Wisdom, Not Just Obedience: The goal isn't raising children who comply when controlled, but cultivating internal values that lead them to choose what's right on their own.

Mentioned Today:

The Table Community - Monthly Giving

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

Sensitive and Intense Online Course

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know.

In Case You Missed It:

Identifying their child’s God-given gift in misbehavior has transformed many parents’ approach to parenting during challenging behavior moments. Listen to Jim and Lynne teach about the Gift Gone Awry in: Identifying Child Strengths: Finding God's Gifts in Your Kid | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

This episode is about identifying child strengths and recognizing the God-given gift hidden in their most frustrating misbehavior. In this teaching from our Discipline That Connects course, Jim and Lynne Jackson introduce the powerful concept of "Gifts Gone Awry," showing parents how lying can reveal intelligence, arguing can signal courage to speak truth, and defiance often masks courage. When you learn to call out the gift instead of just correcting the behavior, you communicate to your child: "You are Called and Capable.”

Key Takeaways:

Misbehavior has a God-given gift at its core

Calling out the gift changes the relationship – from just managing behavior to building their identity and your connection.

Mentioned Today:

The Table Community - Monthly Giving

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

In Case You Missed It:

Got a strong-willed child? Parent Coach, Tara Prevo, helps parents come alongside their child as a teammate, celebrate creative problem-solving, and guide with empathy in Strong-Willed Child and Unconditional Love? Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Parents | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your CommunityReady to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

In this micro-episode, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach, Tara Prevo, address two common parenting challenges: 1) When a child says "You don't love me," and 2) The strong-willed child who rejects offered choices. Tara encourages parents to use misbehavior as an opportunity to demonstrate unconditional love and commit to the long game of grace-filled responses over time. Tara helps parents come alongside their child as a teammate, celebrate creative problem-solving, and guide with empathy.

Key Takeaways:

Misbehavior is an opportunity for unconditional love

Strong-willed children seek safety, not control

Parenting is a long game

Bring a Connected Families Workshop to Your Community - Ready to equip and encourage parents in your church, school, or community? Let’s connect! The team of trained presenters offers Connected Families workshops across the U.S. and internationally. Find out more here.

Mentioned Today:

The Table Community - Monthly Giving

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

Connected Families Workshop Speakers Program

Tara Prevo - Workshop Speaker

Connected Families Thursday Email Sign Up

Power of Questions Online Course

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

In Case You Missed It:

Connected Families founder Jim Jackson offers parents a powerful glimpse of graceful parenting in yesterday's soul care message designed specifically for you, moms and dads: What Is Christian Discipline? A Peek At Graceful Parenting | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥Ready to be the hero who brings hope to overwhelmed parents in your community? Today, will you join the Table Community, along with six others, and multiply your impact? Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast:

In today’s mini-episode, Jim Jackson is filling in for Stacy and explores a powerful truth: you can only give grace to your kids if you've first received it yourself. He invites parents to imagine Jesus offering lavish mercy toward themselves instead of harsh condemnation. Jim reminds parents that the goal isn't just behavior modification—it's gentle restoration that transforms homes into places where grace flows freely, mistakes become opportunities for connection, and children experience God's unconditional love through their parents.

Key Takeaways:

Extending grace to our children comes after we first receive God’s lavish grace for us

Don't let your approval of your children depend only on their behavior

Pausing to be sure you’re walking in the fruit of the Spirit is helpful before correction

Mentioned Today:

The Table Community - Monthly Giving

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

1 John 3:1

Romans 5:8

Romans 8:1

Hebrews 4:15

Titus 3:4-5

Galatians 2:21

Galatians 3

Galatians 5:19-26

Galatians 6:1

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

In Case You Missed It:

How to take the trek to the top of peaceful parenting mountain can seem like a mystery most days. Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response in this episode: Brain-Based Strategies: How to Help Kids Calm Down | [Mini-Episode].

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast:

Join host Stacy Bellward in week two of our October series, featuring bite-sized content from the signature Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course. In this mini episode, Occupational Therapist Lynne Jackson shares practical, research-based strategies to help children calm down without triggering their fight-or-flight response. Lynne explains why telling kids to "calm down" often backfires and demonstrates how parents can model effective self-regulation while building trust and connection.

You'll also hear from parents Viece & Johnny, who share their heart's desire to be the place their children always want to come home to, even as adults. This episode equips you with tools you can use today while casting vision for the lifelong relationships these strategies can build.

Key Takeaways:

Learn concrete ideas from this podcast about how to help kids calm down

Today's calming moments build a foundation so your kids will always want to come home

Mentioned Today:

The Table Community - Monthly Giving

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

Hand Model of the Brain for Kids

7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids: The FREE mini online course

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think.

In Case You Missed It:

Unconditional love can be so powerful, hear some ways that it can transform your family in Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God's Unconditional Love.

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥Ready to be the hero who brings hope to overwhelmed parents in your community? Today, will you join the Table Community, along with six others, and multiply your impact? Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

In today's episode, Christian Parenting Advice: Showing God's Unconditional Love, we address the question: Do your kids truly understand that they're loved unconditionally? As parents, we often take this for granted, assuming our children just understand this fundamental truth. Today’s episode is a powerful story about sixth-grader Mitch and his Corporate Executive Dad. Stacy Bellward, podcast host, reads this resource-filled blog post.

Key Takeaways:

Reasons why unconditional love can transform your children’s lives

Discover how God's Spirit and supportive community help you love unconditionally

Mentioned Today:

The Table Monthly Community Giving Program

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

Unconditional Love: 15 Reasons to Show Love-No-Matter-What to Your Kids - Blog Post

Connected Families Certified Parent Coaching Program

Connected Families - Instagram

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Leave us a rating, review, or comment and make our day - seriously, we read every single one!

In Case You Missed It:

Has your child ever had a meltdown over something small? Listen to this dad share his story in How to Handle Meltdowns: Grace-Based Approach.

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table?

💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥

Today on the Podcast :

If your child melts down over seemingly nothing, and you wonder how to handle meltdowns, this episode is for you! Josh shares how he transitioned from frustration to curiosity during a meltdown with his teenage son. After completing our Discipline That Connects course, Josh had new tools he needed when his son got upset over a simple bowl. Instead of reacting with anger, he responded with grace, creating a sense of safety, love, and connection. His story shows the practical, real-world application of the Connected Families Framework in those challenging parenting moments we all face.

We're working to double the Table Community this month, which means we need six new superhero supporters every day to keep these life-changing resources available for overwhelmed parents everywhere. Josh's transformation occurred because he had access to biblical, research-informed parenting tools through Discipline That Connects—and when you join The Table at connectedfamilies.org, you receive the same course, plus ongoing support through webinars, devotionals, and community. As Josh discovered, this framework can "so significantly impact your family for generations to come." Will you join us in making that possible for more families?

Key Takeaways:

Learn just how much a pause and creating a safe space can impact an escalated meltdown

How choosing to say, “I've got all kinds of grace for that,” turned into laughter, and prayer together through a tough season

Guest Bio

Josh Keller is a certified Parent Coach through Connected Families and Spiritual Life Director at Community Christian School in Willmar, MN. After two decades in ministry, he's passionate about helping families discover the transformative Connected Families framework that revolutionized his own parenting. Josh and his wife Rachel, have three kids and co-founded The Freedom Center MN.

Mentioned Today:

The Table Monthly Community Giving Program

Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course

The Freedom Center MN

Josh Keller - Certified Connected Families Coach

Are these mini episodes hitting the spot? Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think!

In Case You Missed It:

What if we could share unconditional love even during those challenging moments of discipline? Yesterday, we took a sneak peek at how we can do this in Discipline with Love: Showing Love When Your Child Acts Out.

See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page.

© 2025 Connected Families