Category Foundation
Where Do Parenting Reflexes Come From?
On the journey of parenting, many of us find that we have some typical “parenting reflexes” that are often our default response. Some of this comes from instinct — as when we instinctively move to comfort a crying child. But…
Honoring Our Imperfect Dads | Ep. 19
If you’ve struggled in your relationship with one (or both!) of your parents, this podcast can give life-changing insight. Hurt and resentment left to brew under the surface can often perpetuate the effects of sin passing from one generation to…
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When Doing My Best Isn’t Good Enough | Ep. 18
In this podcast episode, Jim and Chad take a deeper dive into the dynamics of dads’ good intentions with their kids. If you sometimes feel like you’re doing your best and it’s just not good enough, be encouraged and equipped…
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“Go Away, I Want MOMMY!”
It’s a challenge to know how to respond when kids pick a favorite caregiver, regardless of whether it’s mom, dad, a grandparent, or even a daycare provider. It’s no surprise that the most common scenario is a young child who…
What Changed My Mind About Dad
Dear Connected Families family, I write to you today with a heavy, but hopeful, heart. The reason? My dad passed away on October 14th, and his funeral was October 25th. His passing was expected, but came much faster than we…
Youth Sports: Is It All Worth It?
Like many parents, I have a strong interest in athletics. I competed in four sports in high school and continued with track and field in college. My three kids have all competed in a variety of sports and to my…
Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart | Ep. 15
In this podcast, Jim Jackson interviews Stacy Bellward, online course moderator, in a fun and heartfelt conversation. (Find out what even got Jim a little teary!) You’ll get the real scoop on the Discipline That Connects with Your Child’s Heart…
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“I aimed for perfection as a mom and it just slayed me.”
Each year, Connected Families offers our online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart and hundreds of parents enroll and take the course. Nichole, a mom with six kids, was one of those parents. Here are excerpts from Nichole’s…
“I dealt with big behavior by trying to control it and shut it down.”
Connected Families often hears from parents about how our framework has transformed their parenting. The foundation for our framework is, “You are SAFE with me.” The following story is from a mom who had experienced trauma alongside her daughter, and…
What Does It Mean to Be an Emotionally Safe Parent? | Ep. 11
Being an emotionally safe parent is not about being soft or lenient. It’s also not suppressing our anxiety and frustration and trying to look calm when we discipline our kids. If we engage with a heart attitude of “What is…
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