Bonus: Supporting Grieving Families In Your Community Connected Families podcast

28:26

In this episode, listen in as Brendon and Naomi Yoder share how they’ve maintained faith through multiple hardships, including the loss of their infant daughter, Taliyah. They describe modeling authentic faith by letting their children witness their reliance on God during difficult times and recount moments how God shows up consistently during their darkest hours. The episode concludes with the Yoder children sharing Bible verses that reveal their understanding of heaven as a real place where their sister awaits them. Key Points: How to model authentic faith through life’s challenges Ways to navigate grief with children Finding resurrection hope amid family trauma and loss Experiencing God’s presence in unexpected ways during dark times Mentioned in this podcast: Blog post: My Child’s Loved One Died; What Do I Do Now? Hebrews 4:15-16 John 11:38-43 (story of Lazarus) John 16:33 Ephesians 4:1-3 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Help other parents find the show–take a moment to rate and review. This podcast was made possible by members of The Table , whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table ! Guest Bio: Brendon and Naomi Yoder are Connected Family Certified Parent Coaches. They are parents to three wonderful kids, ages 12, 10, and 8. They found Connected Families early in their parenting journey. They are missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators, and Naomi is a full-time homeschool mom. © 2025 Connected Families Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide. Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources. LEARN MORE…

Connected Families Podcast

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Retained Primitive Reflexes: Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Development | Ep. 222 37:18

13 днів тому37:18

37:18

Is your child struggling with emotional regulation, sitting still, or the feel of their clothing? These challenges could be linked to retained primitive reflexes. In this episode, Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founder and occupational therapist, explores this topic with Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Amy Nyvall and Courtney Dewey. They explain how these automatic movement patterns should naturally integrate during infancy but can remain active, causing developmental challenges. They also share their families’ success stories and practical, playful integration strategies. Lynne, Amy, and Courtney mention an abundance of resources to help you learn more and provide reassurance that it’s never too late to address retained primitive reflexes. Key Points: What are primitive reflexes, and what purpose do they play in development The typical timeline for integrating reflexes How retained reflexes can cause trouble in a child’s everyday functioning What to do first if you’re wondering if your child has a retained reflex Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course Connected Families Framework Reflex Integration Through Play and Exercise Kokeb McDonald website Brain Balance Centers Disconnected Kids by Dr. Robert Melillo Family Hope Center Healing Your Child’s Brain by Matthew and Carol Newell Vision Therapy Occupationaltherapy.com Harkla Clinic Romans 15:13 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting. This podcast was made possible by members of The Table , whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table ! Love this episode? Take a moment to rate and leave a review! Guest Bio: Amy Nyvall is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who lives near Portland, Oregon, where she homeschools her kids ages 14,11, and 9 and leads a vibrant Charlotte Mason Education Community. Contact Amy at amynyvall@gmail.com or learn more about her here: https://connectedfamilies.org/coaches/amy-nyvall/ . Amy is available for coaching and speaking on the Connected Families Framework. Courtney Dewey , a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, combines her knowledge of strengths-based leadership with the Connected Families Framework to help parents recognize the gifts of God in themselves and their children. She helps foster compassionate, connected relationships between struggling parents and children. You can contact her for coaching at coachingwithcourtneyd@gmail.com or here: https://connectedfamilies.org/partners/strengths-based-parent-coaching/ © 2025 Connected Families Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide. Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources. LEARN MORE…

Connected Families Podcast

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Demand Avoidance: When Is My Child's Pushback Actually Pathological? 36:24

20 днів тому36:24

36:24

Have you ever asked your child to do a simple task, only to be met with an explosive reaction? In this episode, we interview Lydia Rex, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Lydia will help you step into your child’s shoes and understand how you may accidentally trigger your child’s nervous system. She also shares insights from her experience as a mom and parent coach on how you can adjust your communication style if your child struggles with demands and the loss of autonomy. Key points: What is PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Pervasive Drive for Autonomy), and how it affects children’s nervous systems How the Connected Families Framework supports children with demand avoidance Practical tools for parenting children who struggle with demands The importance of focusing on long-term heart change rather than immediate compliance Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course Power of Questions online course Hebrews 4:15 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Help other parents find the show–take a moment to rate and review. This podcast was made possible by members of The Table , whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table ! © 2025 Connected Families Guest Bio: Lydia Rex is a registered nurse turned Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner and parent coach to families with young kids, especially those who have sensory needs or developmental trauma. No stranger to challenges in the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents with the Connected Families Framework. It’s her joy to see God’s grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Iowa, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books. Laura Way felt like she was drowning as a young mom overseas. She really feels that God provided Connected Families for her when she needed it most. She’s thrilled to be on the team to help offer hope & help to others! Laura and her husband live in Florida with their two elementary-aged daughters. In her free time, Laura loves to read in her hammock or have coffee with friends. SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH ! Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy F REE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family. I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!…

Connected Families Podcast

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From Slamming Doors to Peace: How to Calm a Dysregulated Child 29:49

27 днів тому29:49

29:49

In this episode of the Connected Families podcast, we explore how to calm a dysregulated child with insights from Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches Alan and Corrie Thetford. Together they share how they evolved from demanding immediate calm to modeling self-regulation, creating playful learning opportunities, and viewing emotional outbursts as chances to experience God’s grace. NOTE: This content is for every parent. Even if your kids don’t seem to fall into the category of sensitive and intense, the concepts that we teach are helpful for all families because everyone encounters big emotions, sensitivities and challenging behavior at some point. Key points: Shifting from control to connection Biblical foundation for parenting Four-step approach to teaching self-regulation Reframing conflict as opportunity Mentioned in this podcast: Join The Table Monthly Donor Community Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course Connected Families Website Parent Coaching Services Zones of Regulation Philippians 1:6 Philippians 2:13 Psalm 103 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Take a moment to rate and review! * This podcast was made possible by members of The Table , whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table ! * Guest Bio: Alan and Corrie have four children and are Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches as well as instructors for CF coaches-in-training. They are passionate about multiplying the gospel by helping families transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for gospel messages. © 2025 Connected Families SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH ! Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy F REE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family. I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!…

Connected Families Podcast

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BONUS: Introducing The Table - A New Path to Transformative Parenting 12:18

30 днів тому12:18

12:18

In this bonus episode of the Connected Families podcast, host Stacy Bellward and Executive Director Anna Braasch announce the launch of The Table , a new monthly donor community aimed at providing sustaining support for Connected Families resources. Together they highlight the growing global reach of Connected Families, with more parents engaging with their Christ-centered resources and an increasing number of Certified Parent Coaches worldwide. The episode emphasizes how Connected Families’ tools foster deeper connections with God and within families. This is your invitation to join The Table . Will you pull up a seat and join us? Mentioned in this podcast: Join The Table Monthly Donor Community Contact Us Guest bio: Anna Braasch has been with the Connected Families team since 2013 and has served as Executive Director since 2015. She is passionate about expanding the Connected Families’ vision of “turning the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous” ( Luke 1:17 ). You can read more about Anna and the rest of the Connected Families team on our Ministry Team page. * This podcast was made possible by members of The Table , whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table ! * © 2025 Connected Families SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH ! Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy F REE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family. I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!…

Connected Families Podcast

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From Quirky to Distressing: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities

5 weeks тому

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If you’ve got a child who complains about the volume of the microwave or who won’t venture into the living room without turning off the overhead lights, this conversation on sensory sensitivities is for you! Listen in as Stacy Bellward interviews Lynne Jackson (Occupational Therapist and Connected Families Co-Founder) Together they dig into parenting sensitive and intense children, focusing on sensory processing challenges. Lynn emphasizes trusting parental intuition and explains how sensory issues can be potential gifts when managed well. Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids Online Course Sensory Questionnaire (Free PDF) Join the Table Community Blog post: Solve That After-School Crabbiness Connected Families Parent Coaching Galatians 6:2 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Take a moment to rate and review! * This podcast was made possible by members of The Table and other donors whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table ! Guest Bio: Lynne Jackson, OTR is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents to encourage and bring hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to better equip parents and caregivers. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy. © 2025 Connected Families SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH ! Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy F REE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family. I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!…

Connected Families Podcast

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In Your Child's Shoes: Why Is Empathy Important? 27:15

6 weeks тому27:15

27:15

If you feel like you’ve “tried empathy” and you’re not a fan of the results, tune into this conversation about what empathy is and why you need more of it in your life. In this episode of the Connected Families podcast, where host Stacy Bellward and Heidi Eaton (Podcast Manager) have a transparent conversation about the role of empathy in parenting. Together they explore the challenges parents face in nurturing empathy, acknowledging that it might not always come naturally. Key points: Empathy is a skill we can learn, not a talent we’re born with. A calm brain is essential for true empathy. Caring about feelings doesn’t mean agreeing with behavior. Mentioned in this podcast: Blog post: Why Little (and Not-So-Little) Kids with Big Emotions Benefit From Big Empathy Podcast: Ep. 193: Agape Love: The Surprising Time Your Child Needs It Most Video: “Feeling Understood Was All He Needed” Sensitive & Intense Kids online course Connected Families Parent Coaching Romans 12:15 Hebrews 4:15 Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child by Dr. John Gottman Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Take a moment to rate and review! * This podcast was made possible by members of The Table and other donors whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table ! * Guest Bio: Heidi Eaton and her family have experienced the transformational power of the Connected Families messages for many years. She loves being on this team and spreading hope and intention to other parents. Heidi and her husband Tim have 3 children and have been married for over 20 years. When Heidi is not managing the podcast, she loves spending time in nature and baking. © 2025 Connected Families SPECIAL MARCH OFFER EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 4TH ! Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 a month in March and enjoy F REE access to our popular Sensitive & Intense Kids online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family. I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!…

Connected Families Podcast

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Mom Burnout, Tired Dads, & the Soul Care Remedy

7 weeks тому

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*This resource was made possible by members of The Table , whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table !* For followers of Jesus, soul care isn’t optional. For burned-out or overwhelmed parents, it offers a rare lifeline. In this podcast, Stacy Bellward chats with Connected Families certified parent coaches Taylor Irby and Amy Nyvall about the vital importance of spiritual self-care while parenting. Through both challenging “valley” seasons and smoother periods, they emphasize that nurturing one’s relationship with God isn’t about fixing problems but creating space to receive His presence. Whether through simple practices like prayer during shower time or scripture reading, maintaining spiritual groundedness is essential – especially when parenting sensitive and intense children. Key takeaways: Connecting with Jesus first is key to effective parenting. Developing practical soul-care habits brings peace amid chaos. Reframing challenges as growth opportunities deepens reliance on God. Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids course Connected Families Parent Coaching Book reference: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Lectio Divina app ( here is one example ) Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Take a moment to rate and review! *This resource was made possible by members of The Table , whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table !* Guest Bio: Amy Nyvall and her husband, Andrew, have been married for 16 years and live among the fir trees outside Portland, Oregon. They enjoy outdoor adventures as much as possible and have a blast homeschooling their three intensely creative, adventurous, and active children. In her spare time, you’ll find Amy encouraging moms and homeschoolers, learning alongside the kids, or slipping away to read from a stack of her own books. Amy is passionate about creating a family culture that equips our children to be prepared to serve the Lord in the days ahead. She is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach and has personal experience and knowledge in the sensitive and intense space. You can connect with her for parent coaching at: amynyvall@gmail.com . Taylor Irby is a mother to 5 kids, and she understands the struggles parents face. Every day she faces ADHD, autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and adoption trauma. She too has sat in the trenches and searched the world for answers. Taylor read book after book and got excited over methods that were short-lived. That is when she hit the wall of desperation and sought parent coaching through Connected Families. Taylor ultimately became a coach through their training program to help others like her. She has seen a transformation in her home through working with a framework that has changed not only her children’s behavior but their hearts as well. You are not alone on this parenting journey. There is hope, and you can enjoy your children, build that relationship you have wanted, and see behavior change. You can learn more about Taylor at taylorirbycoaching.com and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylor.irby.5 and Instagram @taylorirbycoaching © 2025 Connected Families Your Monthly Support Changes the Trajectory of Families Worldwide Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide. Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources. LEARN MORE…

Connected Families Podcast

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BONUS: 5 Powerful Reasons to Press Play & Transform Lives 15:12

8 weeks тому15:12

15:12

Have you thought of leading a small group through one of the Connected Families video courses? This episode will answer your questions. Small groups help combat parental isolation and create supportive communities for lasting family transformation. Host Stacy Bellward discusses the opportunity to lead Connected Families small groups with guests Pam Thompson (Certified Parent Coach) and Jacquie Danz (Small Group Coordinator). Together they discuss the benefits of small groups and answer frequently asked questions. Key Points: Leading a group is simplified to facilitating discussion and playing videos No expertise required – content is provided by Connected Families experts Cost savings: Individual course is $140 vs. $55 per household in groups Groups provide accountability and deeper learning through community Full support provided to leaders through Connected Families resources Mentioned in this podcast: Sensitive & Intense Kids online course Union Gospel Mission (Seattle) Ministry Partnerships page Contact Us Pam Thompson coaching info Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Take a moment to rate and review! Guest Bio: Pam Thompson is a licensed Family and Early Childhood Educator and a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. She is a mom of two young adult children and “like a mom” to two young adults who have experienced extensive trauma. Because of her education and experiences, she especially enjoys encouraging and supporting parents of young children, parents of young adult children, parents of kids from hard places, and teachers. Jacquie Danz is the Marketing & Small Group Coordinator at Connected Families. She first discovered Connected Families over a decade ago and now enjoys being part of the team sharing Connected Families with everyone. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring coffee shops with her husband, reading anything she can get her hands on, and spending time with her lovely teenage daughters. Take the course that was made for your family. Got a child with extra big emotions? We get it. And we want to support and equip you. Raising an intense and sensitive child isn’t easy, but it can be filled with hope. LEARN MORE…

Connected Families Podcast

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The Science Behind Building Unshakeable Kids 33:03

8 weeks тому33:03

33:03

Dr. Nicole Wilke is back in this episode to explore another layer of building resilience in kids–affirming character development. Dr. Wilke shares practical wisdom on speaking healing words to our children and fostering resilience through appropriate levels of challenge and support. In addition, Stacy highlights how you can use the ABC’s of Affirmation tool to practice what the Bible and brain science teach us about resilience. Key Takeaways: Creating margin and proper rhythms can help you speak more wisely Challenges build resilience when paired with appropriate support Focus on one character trait at a time as a family Model the character you want to see, including confession when you fall short Affirm success and help your children understand the “why” behind character development Mentioned in this podcast: ABC’s of Affirmation PDF download Dr. Wilke’s book: Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience Ep 201 | Overcoming: How Adversity, Challenges & Childhood Trauma Can Shape Our Children in Positive Ways Proverbs 12:18 James 1:12 Galatians 6:9 Galatians 5:22 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! We are a listener-supported podcast. Donate today to keep Christ-centered resources coming your way! Love what you hear? Take a moment to share this episode with a friend. Guest Bio: Nicole Wilke, Ph.D., is a researcher, missionary, author, and marriage and family therapist dedicated to improving care for vulnerable children and families globally. She currently serves as Director of the Christian Alliance for Orphans’ Center on Applied Research for Vulnerable Children and Families, bridging research and practice to improve care for vulnerable children and families around the globe. Her passion for this work stems from her family’s experience with adoption and fostering. Having lived on four continents, Nicole currently resides with her family in Peru, where they work to improve the system for children in alternative care. © 2025 Connected Families The Quick Guide for Parenting It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace . GET THE GUIDE The Quick Guide for Parenting It’s parenting made clear with biblical wisdom to better equip you to lead your family with grace . GET THE GUIDE…

Connected Families Podcast

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Your Marriage Isn't Broken: It's Growing 38:44

9 weeks тому38:44

38:44

Got questions about marriage? Feeling like, “My marriage is broken”? Join Jim and Lynne Jackson as they candidly answer real questions about marriage from parents like you. They touch on everything from balancing time for one another with parenting to avoiding “parenting” your spouse and navigating your differences. Jim and Lynne share share their journey […]…

Connected Families Podcast

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Why 'Kids Are Resilient' Is Only Half the Story 34:00

10 weeks тому34:00

34:00

**Content warning: this podcast discusses mental health issues, including suicide.** Whether you’re dealing with tantrums or teen anxiety, you won’t want to miss this honest, down-to-earth conversation with Josh and Rachel Keller (Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches) as they dive deep into the topic of building resilience in children. As therapists and educators, they share […]…

Connected Families Podcast

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Words That Shape Hearts: The Art of Blessing Your Kids 31:06

11 weeks тому31:06

31:06

You won’t want to miss parent coaches Chad Hayenga and Katie Johnson exploring the meaningful practice of blessing your kids. They unpack what “blessing” meant throughout the Bible and what your heart needs to receive so that you can bless your children. And, of course, they offer plenty of ideas about when and how you […]…

Connected Families Podcast

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The Power of Affirmation: 3 Ways Your Words are Life-Giving 37:17

12 weeks тому37:17

37:17

Does your child get discouraged? Does it feel like your child’s misbehavior seems to drown out the positive things you might notice? There is science behind the power of affirmation. You can learn to shine a bright spot on the small things that go well and begin to unravel this cycle of discouragement in your […]…

Connected Families Podcast

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Rest for the Weary: Simple Spiritual Rhythms for Parents 38:14

13 weeks тому38:14