Category Discipline

A Parenting Framework for Adoption and Fostering? Yes! | Ep.157
Listen in as Lynn Beckett, Chad Hayenga, and Stacy unpack a grace-filled lens for navigating parenting and discipline in adoptive and foster care families. These creative and compassionate ideas can benefit any parent! When families grow through adoption or foster…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

The 3 Most Important (and Most Overlooked) Reasons to Be Thankful to God
It’s common at Thanksgiving to focus our gratitude on the gathering, great food, our material comforts, our possessions, enjoyable relationships, and other beautiful blessings. These are blessings for sure! “All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if…

My child is not my report card…
Meet the Baros Family from Washington

Navigating Family Gatherings | Ep 156
With the holidays fast approaching, we are pulling a classic podcast from the archives where Chad Hayenga joins Stacy Bellward to discuss some ideas for navigating family gatherings. Enjoy! Are you looking forward to celebrating holidays with family but dreading…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Ease the New Sibling Transition With Preparation & Loads of Grace
Spoiler alert: It doesn’t have to cause resentment!

But first, CONNECT…
Meet the Jones Family from Colorado

Blocked Care: Rekindle Compassion in Your Heart | Ep. 155
In today’s episode on blocked care, Stacy talks with author Melissa Corkum about her book Reclaim Compassion. “Blocked care (also known as compassion fatigue) is when a parent becomes emotionally unavailable following repeated rejected attempts to support their child. The…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Anna’s Story: When Traditional Parenting Just Doesn’t Cut It
Anna Braasch, Connected Families Executive Director, has brought a much-needed perspective of building a family through adoption to the team. Formulaic parenting sounds good, but as Anna discovered, it didn’t work with her kids. The hopes and dreams of early…

Stories of Transformation…One Mom’s Journey | Ep. 154
Listen as we chat with Anna Braasch about finding hope through the Connected Families Framework. Do you remember when a friend introduced you to Connected Families? Or, maybe you are brand new to Connected Families’ resources–we’re so glad you found…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

The Simple Birthday Party: Teach Your Kids to Be Generous on Their Special Day
You stand in the Walmart aisle with a cart full of princess or superhero party crafts, games, and decorations, not to mention a ton of party food. The temptation is to plan every detail to create the perfect day for…