The Connected Mom

Becky and Amanda Cleary Eastep continue the series on children’s books. 

AMANDA CLEARY EASTEP is an award-winning children’s author and a book editor. She works in a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, but she has lived most of her life in the suburbs of Chicago, the home of the Tree Street Kids. Amanda and her husband, together, have eight grown children and a border collie named Annie who wakes Amanda up early every morning to write.

Tree Street Kids Set

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling engages with Sue Schlesman, co-author of the Compassion Storybook Bible. They discuss the importance of teaching children about God's compassion, understanding sin and grace, and the role of empathy and peacemaking in family dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional parenting and the significance of explaining spiritual concepts in a simple, relatable manner. They also touch on the idea of heaven and how to help children understand it without fear. The episode concludes with resources for parents to foster a compassionate and faith-filled environment for their children.

Sue's book - The Compassion Storybook Bible

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky discusses the importance of cultivating a love of reading in children. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares strategies for parents and grandparents to encourage reading, including reading to children from a young age, understanding their interests, and modeling a love for books. The episode emphasizes the joy and connection that reading can bring to families, and invites listeners to join in the journey of fostering a love for reading in their children.

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host discusses the often-taboo topics of mental health, particularly in the context of motherhood and the church. Guest Jennifer Renee Watson shares her personal journey with PTSD, self-advocacy, and the importance of emotional support. They explore the challenges of navigating toxic relationships, the impact of gaslighting, and the realities of seasonal depression. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the role of counseling, and the importance of breaking the cycle of shame surrounding mental health issues.

Her book - What If You're Doing Better Than You Think? Finding Courage and Confidence When Life Gets Messy

In this heartfelt episode of The Connected Mom, host Becky engages in a profound conversation with Ash Ruddy, a mother who shares her incredible journey of faith and resilience after giving birth to a premature baby. They discuss the challenges faced in the NICU, the power of worship in bonding with her child, and the miraculous experiences that shaped their lives. Ash emphasizes the importance of surrendering control to God and recognizing the supernatural in everyday life, offering encouragement to mothers navigating their own difficult journeys.

Ash’s book: Twenty-Four + One: A Mother’s Story of Faith, Love, and Miracles

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host discusses the journey of Shari Bailey, a mother of twin girls, one of whom has Jacobsen syndrome. Shari shares her experiences of caregiving, the challenges she faced, and how she found purpose in her journey. She talks about the creation of Laila's Gift, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting families with special needs children, and the development of the Zigglebee's Imagination Book and an Infomate device to foster creativity and safety for children with special needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, hope, and the unique gifts that special needs children bring to their families.

Shari Bailey, co-founder of Zigglebee whose mission is to thoughtful tools for connection, creativity, and safety. 

https://zigglebee.com/about/our-story/

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky engages in a heartfelt conversation with Paul Gutacker about the journey of parenting, the importance of community, and the Brazos Fellows program. They discuss the challenges and joys of parenting, the significance of inviting others into family life, and how shared experiences can foster spiritual growth and connection. Paul emphasizes the need for grace in navigating different parenting styles within community and the value of commitment in relationships, especially in today's culture of opting out. In this conversation, Paul Gutacker discusses the importance of community life as exemplified by St. Benedict, the significance of stability in relationships, and how to engage children with the church calendar. He emphasizes the need for cultivating curiosity and wonder in kids, as well as the spiritual discipline of listening in parenting. The discussion highlights practical ways to incorporate these themes into family life and the importance of doing life together in a community.

Paul’s book: Practicing Life Together: A Common Rule for Christian Growth

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, the host discusses the intersection of youth sports and Christian values with guests Brian Smith and Ed Usyznski. They explore the challenges parents face in navigating sports culture, the importance of mentorship, and how to disciple children through sports. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance in expectations, financial investments, and the emotional well-being of young athletes. The guests share personal stories and insights on fostering a healthy sports environment that aligns with Christian teachings.

Book: Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports

Social Media: 

Website: www.thechristianathlete.com

Twitter: @BrianSmithAIA

Instagram: @brianlinsey

Social Media: 

Website: www.untanglingcrt.com

Twitter: @uszynski32

Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling and guest Glenna Marshall explore the themes of motherhood, identity, and the profound love of God as expressed in Psalm 139. They discuss the challenges mothers face in feeling known and loved, the importance of understanding God's unconditional love, and how to apply these truths in parenting. The conversation emphasizes the significance of scripture memorization, prayer, and the need for honesty in our relationship with God. Glenna shares her personal journey through motherhood, including her experiences with adoption and the challenges of raising neurodivergent children. The episode concludes with encouragement for mothers to embrace their identity in Christ and to pray scripture over their children.

Glenna's Book - Known & Loved