Category Discipline
First-Time Obedience: Should I Require Immediate Obedience from My Child?
A thoughtful and biblical look at this challenging question
Kind and Firm: Setting Boundaries with Kids | Ep. 284
In this second week of our Don’t Stay Stuck series, we’re shifting our focus to parents who are “stuck” at the bottom of the Connected Families Framework™. Being naturally bent toward compassion is a God-given superpower, but what happens when…
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Am I Too Soft? Finding The Strength To Be Both Kind AND Firm
Knowing when to stand firm as a parent and when to extend mercy can be a difficult challenge. And even if you’ve figured out it’s time for firmness, you still need the determination and focus to follow through in the…
Don’t Stay Stuck: Hopeful Change in Your Default Parenting Habits | Ep. 283
Ever wonder why you keep defaulting to the same old parenting habits? Stacy Bellward and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Lori Menikheim explore what causes parents to get stuck, and how to find their way forward. Join us as we…
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My Child Refuses to Listen: A Compassionate Approach to PDA | Ep. 282
Happy New Year! Welcome back to another year of exciting content that we pray will leave you equipped and ready for the unique calling of parenthood you’ve been gifted with this year. You may be wondering, “What is pathological demand…
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Behind the Scenes: Intentional Parenting in 2026 and Beyond! | Ep. 281
In this heartfelt year-end episode, Connected Families team members Stacy Bellward, Chad Hayenga, and Joe Dewey gather to reflect on a transformative year and share exciting plans for 2026 to continue to encourage you on your journey with intentional parenting.…
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Blessed to Be a Blessing: Marriage, Parenting & Legacy | Ep. 280
What does it look like to live out the Connected Families Framework? What does it look like to live it out in your own heart and relationships? In this final episode of our 3-part series, Hope for the Long Haul,…
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Surviving the “Helpful” Advice at Holiday Gatherings| Ep. 279
In this audioblog, we take on a topic relevant to holiday gatherings: what to do when you receive unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives? From preparing ahead of time to helping your kids navigate criticisms, today you’ll hear some practical strategies…
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Loving My Kids (and Liking them) for a Lifetime | Ep. 278
Keeping “like” alive is what an enduring connection is all about! This week, Connected Families Co-Founders Jim and Lynne Jackson share more about the importance and benefits of lasting connection over time and why it’s the cornerstone of lasting family…
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How to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice from Family (4 Grace-Filled Tips)
Feeling judged by family at holiday gatherings? Learn 4 grace-filled ways to handle unsolicited parenting advice while protecting your kids and relationships.