Surviving the "Helpful" Advice at Holiday Gatherings

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 to help you continue to parent confidently in your grace-based approach. Key Takeaways: How to have empathetic responses with your family members before redirecting their approaches Confident responses to practice in advance How to equip your kids with truth before the gathering Mentioned in this Podcast: Blog – How to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice from Family (4 Grace-Filled Tips) PDF – Scripts for Unsolicited Advice  Holiday Family Stress? How to Actually Enjoy Family Gatherings | Ep. 276 Luke 1:17 Free E-Book –  What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity The Table Monthly Giving Program Give a Gift to Connected Families 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 the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! © 2025 Connected Families .stk-14eb4a5-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-14eb4a5 {background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-894693700-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important;}.stk-14eb4a5-container{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-14eb4a5-container:before{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-14eb4a5 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:300px !important;max-width:400px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-14eb4a5 {background-position:center right !important;padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:30px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important;}} .stk-a848eca .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}“Things began to change when…” .stk-945cf01 .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important;}Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. .stk-6b4031e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-6b4031e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-6b4031e .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-9906cf2 .stk-button{background:#431c3b !important;}.stk-9906cf2 .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-9906cf2 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-9906cf2 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-9906cf2 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}DONATE TODAY

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 relationships. Hear from a long-time friend and Connected Families board member on how the framework has impacted his relationships over time, like a compass redirecting him back to loving his kids well and what’s most important when life gets off center. Learn how connection becomes the pathway toward true discipleship and godly influence. Key Takeaways: Staying light even in hard times can transform your love into enduring like Discover how parents turning their hearts to their children influences generations How connection grew from an idea to taking root in Dave Scouler’s family over time Connection is the springboard into authentic discipleship Mentioned in this Podcast: When Parenting Styles Differ: Finding Unity with Your Strong-Willed Child | Ep. 277 John 17 The Table Monthly Giving Program Give a Gift to Connected Families Luke 1:17 Want to Build a Connected Family? Be Intentional | Ep. 84 How to Build a Connected Family – Book The Scouler Family 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 the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Dave Scouler has been married for over 30 years and has two amazing boys who joined their family through adoption from Russia. He has been a champion of Connected Families since its founding. Dave has worked in a diverse set of consulting environments and has over 40 years of experience helping clients respond to changing realities. He has served on multiple non-profit Boards and gets excited when given the chance to think strategically. When he is not working, he enjoys working on projects with his boys, being with his four dogs, swimming, and sailing. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-8p4qj6v-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-8p4qj6v {background-image:url(https://connectedfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-894693700-scaled.jpg) !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important;}.stk-8p4qj6v-container{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-8p4qj6v-container:before{background-color:#00000096 !important;}.stk-8p4qj6v .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:300px !important;max-width:400px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-8p4qj6v {background-position:center right !important;padding-top:30px !important;padding-right:30px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important;}} .stk-x179j0z .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}“Things began to change when…” .stk-0trx41c .stk-block-text__text{color:#FFFFFF !important;}Be part of the team that brings “aha” moments of grace to families. .stk-juhdg3o .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-juhdg3o .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-juhdg3o .stk-button-group{flex-direction:row !important;}} .stk-dwz6w9q .stk-button{background:#431c3b !important;}.stk-dwz6w9q .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-dwz6w9q .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-dwz6w9q .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-dwz6w9q .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}DONATE TODAY

Whether you’re just starting your parenting journey or you’ve hit a rough spot, today’s episode is a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient through it all. Seeing God’s mercy toward us in the midst of challenging family messes (like disagreeing about how to approach parenting a “strong-willed” child) is the hope of the Gospel! Connected Families Co-Founders, Jim and Lynne Jackson, sit down with longtime friends of Connected Families, Jay and Debi Allsup, to encourage families with their experience with their own adult daughters. They remind us that our kids’ biggest challenges now can become their greatest assets when they are older! Yes… even the “strong-willed” child! Key Takeaways: What it initially looked like for Jay and Debi to approach parenting with two completely different styles Learn how Connected Families tools help parents to develop a common parenting language and a path forward to model reconciliation after they have had an imperfect parenting moment Impact on their daughters in the present God’s grace grows with your family Mentioned in this Podcast: Connected Families Framework Magnet Ezekiel 47:8-9 NIV 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 the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Jay and Debi Allsup are long-time friends of Connected Families and were part of the original board. Jay serves business leaders with his financial acumen and deep Biblical insights, providing a unique perspective to companies and nonprofit organizations that leads them to fiscally responsible decisions and managed growth. Debi works as a Director of HR at a national community-based support services company. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-d5b7427-container{background-color:#431c3b !important}.stk-d5b7427-container:before{background-color:#431c3b !important}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-d5b7427 .stk-block-card__image{width:100% !important;height:250px !important}} .stk-7262dee .stk-block-heading__text{color:#ede5ea !important}Give “change” to others .stk-91b0ce6 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}Connected Families relies on your generosity so more families can experience “aha” moments of grace. .stk-7a834f2 .stk-button{background:#ede5ea !important}.stk-7a834f2 .stk-button:hover:after{background:#95848f !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-7a834f2 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:#160e0d !important;font-weight:600 !important}.stk-7a834f2 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8,#ffffff) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7a834f2 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important}}DONATE & MAKE CHANGE TODAY!

The holidays are definitely a time when many families and children experience overstimulation, picky eating, chaos, and sibling bickering, which can lead to holiday family stress. What if we could experience God as Emmanuel (God With Us) even in the midst of the mess? Hear from Stacy Bellward as she reads one of the Connected Families blog posts, which will prepare you with a plan to set your kids up for success at your next holiday gathering! Key Takeaways: Develop empathy for common behavior challenges for kids during the holidays Uncover the good news in all of the chaos Learn about the positive behavior and identity-building tool: ABCs of Affirmation Mentioned in this Podcast: Blog Post – 3 Steps to Prepare Kids for Holiday Family Gatherings Blog Post – How to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice From Family ABC’s of Affirmation 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 the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Lynne Jackson 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

There are identity-forming lies all around your kids, at school, on screens, even in their own thoughts. In this powerful episode on identity in Christ, host Stacy Bellward sits down with spoken-word artist and author Hosanna Wong. They discuss her viral poem, “I Have a New Name,” with over 11 million views, and her new children’s book, What God Says About You. The book helps parents equip their children to reject lies and embrace their God-given identity. Key Takeaways: How the importance of identity starts at a young age Learn how recentering on our identity in Christ is central to the Connected Families tool, Trash, Truth, or Treasure Learn nine biblical names to replace the lies kids (and adults) hear every day about themselves Mentioned in this Podcast: Mean Words Hurt! Are they Trash, Truth, or Treasure? Online Mini Course FREE Download: Trash, Truth, & Treasure What God Says About You – Audiobook What God Says About You – Book Connected Families Monthly Giving Program – The Table I Have a New Name – Spoken Word Poem Thrive Women’s Conference – MN 1 Corinthians 3:16 Ephesians 2:10 1 Corinthians 6:19 Acts 1:8 Galatians 3:26 Romans 5:8 John 8:36 2 Corinthians 5:17 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 the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist helping everyday people know Jesus for real. Widely known for her spoken-word piece, “I Have A New Name,” Hosanna shares her message in churches, conferences, prisons, and other events around the world, reaching across various denominations, backgrounds, and cultures. Born and raised in an urban ministry on the streets of San Francisco, Hosanna later packed her life into suitcases and traveled to churches and other ministries throughout the United States to share about Jesus through spoken word poetry. Hosanna currently travels and speaks year-round, serving on teaching teams at churches throughout the United States. She and her husband, Guy, serve together in various ministries equipping people with tools to share the gospel of Jesus in today’s world. Hosanna is the best-selling author of How (Not) to Save the World, You Are More Than You’ve Been Told, and her new book, What God Says About You, is her first children’s book. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-f2d3afc-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-f2d3afc {background-color:#FFFFFF !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-f2d3afc:before{background-color:#FFFFFF !important;}.stk-f2d3afc-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;box-shadow:0px 2px 20px 0px #1e3f5233 !important;}.stk-f2d3afc-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;}.stk-f2d3afc .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;} .stk-003c800 {margin-bottom:0px !important;} .stk-bdbb14f-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;} .stk-34c2a71 .stk-img-wrapper{aspect-ratio:1/1 !important;width:95% !important;height:auto !important;}.stk-34c2a71 .stk-img-wrapper img{object-position:20% 44% !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-34c2a71 .stk-img-wrapper{height:auto !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-34c2a71 .stk-img-wrapper{height:300px !important;}} .stk-3de77b7 {align-self:center !important;}.stk-3de77b7-container{max-width:450px !important;min-width:auto !important;} .stk-43c1b4c .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessons .stk-95ef88f {margin-bottom:12px !important;}When harsh words hurt your child, what do you say? This mini-course gives you practical tools to turn these everyday moments into powerful opportunities for spiritual and relational growth. Your kids will learn to discard hurtful lies, discern helpful truth, and anchor themselves in God’s love when things get hard. .stk-c7e9046 , .stk-c7e9046 .stk-button{width:100% !important;}.stk-c7e9046 {flex:1 0 var(--stk-button-group-flex-wrap, 0) !important;}.stk-c7e9046 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:9px !important;padding-right:9px !important;padding-bottom:9px !important;padding-left:9px !important;background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;border-top-left-radius:13px !important;border-top-right-radius:13px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:13px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:13px !important;}.stk-c7e9046 .stk-button:before{border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-c7e9046 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-c7e9046 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:#c24827 !important;}.stk-c7e9046 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-c7e9046 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE

Join Stacy Bellward and Lynne Jackson as they chat with Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Kartina Baros about using the “Trash, Truth, or Treasure” tool to help kids process hurtful words and build skills for handling criticism. Katrina shares how she turned this concept into a fun basket-shooting game with her four boys, making it their family’s common language for evaluating words they hear and speak. This conversation highlights how asking thoughtful questions and modeling vulnerability helps kids transform harsh statements into grace-filled responses. Key Takeaways: Hear how Katrina used basketball to teach Trash, Truth, Treasure, with no lectures, just fun! Teaching kids to find the kernel of truth in criticism, without shame, builds humility and resilience. Discover how this tool gives kids an instant filter to process what they hear and choose what they believe. Mentioned in this Podcast: Mean Words Hurt! Are they Trash, Truth, or Treasure? Online Mini Course FREE Download: Trash, Truth, & Treasure Proverbs 3:17 Connected Families Monthly Giving Program – The Table 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 the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: As a mom of four boys, Katrina Baros discovered the transformative power of grace-based parenting through her own coaching journey. Now, as a certified Connected Families parent coach with 13 years of parenting experience and a degree in early and elementary childhood education, she helps families shift from behavior modification to heart transformation. She walks alongside parents through their challenges, pointing them toward the grace that changes everything. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-0dltxk8-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-0dltxk8 {background-color:#FFFFFF !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-0dltxk8:before{background-color:#FFFFFF !important;}.stk-0dltxk8-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;box-shadow:0px 2px 20px 0px #1e3f5233 !important;}.stk-0dltxk8-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;}.stk-0dltxk8 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;} .stk-jqk7i9e {margin-bottom:0px !important;} .stk-9tcb3h9-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;} .stk-tyzmkb0 .stk-img-wrapper{aspect-ratio:1/1 !important;width:95% !important;height:auto !important;}.stk-tyzmkb0 .stk-img-wrapper img{object-position:20% 44% !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-tyzmkb0 .stk-img-wrapper{height:auto !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-tyzmkb0 .stk-img-wrapper{height:300px !important;}} .stk-hzd09ks {align-self:center !important;}.stk-hzd09ks-container{max-width:450px !important;min-width:auto !important;} .stk-ljkgnsv .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessons .stk-r7eip31 {margin-bottom:12px !important;}When harsh words hurt your child, what do you say? This mini-course gives you practical tools to turn these everyday moments into powerful opportunities for spiritual and relational growth. Your kids will learn to discard hurtful lies, discern helpful truth, and anchor themselves in God’s love when things get hard. .stk-eigfhj5 , .stk-eigfhj5 .stk-button{width:100% !important;}.stk-eigfhj5 {flex:1 0 var(--stk-button-group-flex-wrap, 0) !important;}.stk-eigfhj5 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:9px !important;padding-right:9px !important;padding-bottom:9px !important;padding-left:9px !important;background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;border-top-left-radius:13px !important;border-top-right-radius:13px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:13px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:13px !important;}.stk-eigfhj5 .stk-button:before{border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-eigfhj5 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-eigfhj5 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:#c24827 !important;}.stk-eigfhj5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-eigfhj5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE

When your child hears something unkind, those words can stick: shaping how they see themselves and the world around them. In this episode, we’re launching a three-part series on a simple but powerful Connected Families tool: Trash, Truth, & Treasure. This tool helps kids (and adults!) deal with mean words, hurtful thoughts, anger, and anxiety by rooting their identity in God’s truth rather than the lies they hear. Join Connected Families Co-Founder Lynne Jackson, along with therapists and Certified Parent Coaches Vicky Wieben and Marlee Thomsen, as they share the story behind this tool and offer practical ways to use it in your everyday life. Key Takeaways: How a simple Bible verse about “fluttering sparrows” became a framework helping thousands of families combat lies and anxiety Why brain science and biblical truth work together to help kids discern what’s true Practical ways to teach your child to recognize Hurtful Trash, Helpful Truth, and Heart-Filling Treasure Real stories from counselors using this tool with families every day Mentioned in this Podcast: Mean Words Hurt! Are they Trash, Truth, or Treasure? Online Mini Course Proverbs 26:2 James 3:17 FREE PDF Download: Trash, Truth, & Treasure 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 the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Marlee Thomsen – Marlee Thomsen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach at Cornerstone Counseling and Wellness. She specializes in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate anxiety and other disorders. She uses a variety of therapies and other evidence-based approaches. Marlee is passionate about involving parents in their child’s healing journey and offers parenting support using the Connected Families Framework to equip families for lasting transformation. Connect with Marlee here. Vicky Wieben – Vicky Wieben is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who brings 20 years of social services experience to her work with children, adolescents, and families. She co-founded Bright Light Counseling with her husband Matt in 2020, where she uses a compassionate, holistic approach that incorporates multiple therapies. When she’s not in the therapy office, Vicky enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, reading, and connecting with nature. Connect with Vicky on Facebook. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-lhcblxj-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-lhcblxj {background-color:#FFFFFF !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-lhcblxj:before{background-color:#FFFFFF !important;}.stk-lhcblxj-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;box-shadow:0px 2px 20px 0px #1e3f5233 !important;}.stk-lhcblxj-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;}.stk-lhcblxj .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;} .stk-yrlg4m1 {margin-bottom:0px !important;} .stk-qogh409-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;} .stk-um60qb1 .stk-img-wrapper{aspect-ratio:1/1 !important;width:95% !important;height:auto !important;}.stk-um60qb1 .stk-img-wrapper img{object-position:20% 44% !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-um60qb1 .stk-img-wrapper{height:auto !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-um60qb1 .stk-img-wrapper{height:300px !important;}} .stk-kh61guv {align-self:center !important;}.stk-kh61guv-container{max-width:450px !important;min-width:auto !important;} .stk-diq6mzt .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessons .stk-wv86nae {margin-bottom:12px !important;}When harsh words hurt your child, what do you say? This mini-course gives you practical tools to turn these everyday moments into powerful opportunities for spiritual and relational growth. Your kids will learn to discard hurtful lies, discern helpful truth, and anchor themselves in God’s love when things get hard. .stk-su4po9x , .stk-su4po9x .stk-button{width:100% !important;}.stk-su4po9x {flex:1 0 var(--stk-button-group-flex-wrap, 0) !important;}.stk-su4po9x .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:9px !important;padding-right:9px !important;padding-bottom:9px !important;padding-left:9px !important;background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;border-top-left-radius:13px !important;border-top-right-radius:13px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:13px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:13px !important;}.stk-su4po9x .stk-button:before{border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-su4po9x .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-su4po9x .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:#c24827 !important;}.stk-su4po9x .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-su4po9x .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE

Welcome back to our usual podcast rhythm, listeners! November is National Adoption Month, and many Connected Families listeners have grown their families through adoption and foster care. Adoption often brings unique parenting challenges that prompt families to seek creative, compassionate solutions. Many adoptive and foster families have discovered that the Connected Families Framework provides exactly what they need to cultivate Christ-like love and deep connection in their homes. The Framework’s emphasis on helping parents grow in self-awareness while responding to their children’s needs with grace and truth has proven especially valuable for families navigating the complexities of adoption. Join host Stacy Bellward as she chats with Cindy Wilson, Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager at Connected Families, and Sara Wilson Worley from Lifeline Children’s Services about adoption, faith, and building Connected Families. Key Points: Adopted/foster children’s brains are wired for hypervigilance due to early trauma Building attachment can take 1-2 years minimum Connected Families Framework helps us respond with confidence, even when we can’t pinpoint the exact cause of behaviors Mentioned in this Podcast: Ep. 242 | Game-Changing Family Ministry Ideas for Churches of Any Size Ep. 244 |What Works When “Calm Down!” Doesn’t: How to Help Your Angry Child Connected Families Partnership Program 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 the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Sara Wilson Worley is originally from Florence, Alabama. She currently serves as the Regional Program Manager for the Asia Team at Lifeline Children’s Services. Sara attended the University of North Alabama and received her Bachelor’s in social work. She has two Master’s degrees in Church and Community Ministries and Social Work. Sara loves to read and has many hobbies (i.e., kayaking, antiquing, and watching soccer). © 2025 Connected Families

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast: In this final episode of our October campaign, Matt and Lauren Bishop share how they went from being unconvinced about grace-based parenting to passionate advocates. Listen in to see how God used these biblical principles to change not just their children’s behavior but also the parents’ hearts. Key Takeaways: Transformation starts with parents’ hearts first Parent coaching provides personalized support for lasting change Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Connected Families Certified Parent Coach – Julie Maas Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: Grandparents raising grandchildren can present unique challenges. Listen to this episode from yesterday that shows the Christ transformation one grandma experienced through showing unconditional love to her grandson: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Story of Grace and Transformation | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-759ba90 {margin-bottom:39px !important;}.stk-759ba90-container{background-color:#f5efe4 !important;}.stk-759ba90-container:before{background-color:#f5efe4 !important;}.stk-759ba90-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;}.stk-759ba90 .stk-block-card__image{width:361px !important;height:100% !important;}.stk-759ba90 .stk-block-card__image img{transform:scale(0.87) !important;object-position:20% 28.999999999999996% !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-759ba90 .stk-block-card__image{height:291px !important;}.stk-759ba90 .stk-block-card__image img{object-fit:contain !important;}} .stk-bea10f6 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! .stk-b4d3cc9 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! .stk-9d9bcf3 .stk-button{background:#c24827 !important;}.stk-9d9bcf3 .stk-button:hover:after{background:#f5efe4 !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-9d9bcf3 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-9d9bcf3 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-3, #293241) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-9d9bcf3 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!

Not Perfect. Still Super. Every Family is a Hero… Would you join us at The Table? 💥You can be a hero who helps create ripple effects of family transformation that last for generations to come. Join The Table Community at a suggested donation of $35 and get free access to the Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart online course, this month only! Click here to find out more.💥 Today on the Podcast : In this touching episode, a grandmother’s transformative journey is highlighted. Grandparents raising grandchildren can present unique challenges. Listen as she learns to parent her teenage grandson after suddenly gaining guardianship. With time, she discovers that changing her own perspective from viewing her Grandson as a problem to seeing him through God’s eyes revolutionizes their relationship. Her creative use of a childhood mailbox to communicate affirming messages demonstrates the power of intentional love and grace in healing broken family dynamics. Key Takeaways: Before you can effectively communicate “You are safe” and “You are loved” to your child, examine how you view them Small acts of intentional love matter Spiritual dependence on God’s grace, wisdom, and help is essential Mentioned Today: The Table Community – Monthly Giving Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart Online Course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart – Book Connected Families Certificed Parent Coach Program Are these mini episodes hitting the spot?Leave us a rating, review, or comment, and let us know what you think. In Case You Missed It: It can take us aback when our children show obvious signs of disrespect. Chad Hayenga offers a new perspective in his reading of “Don’t Settle for Fake Respect,” in yesterday’s podcast: Guiding Disrespectful Kids: Eye Rolling, Door Slamming & Sass | [Mini-Episode]. See all of our mini-episodes for this MARVEL-ous campaign on our October podcast page. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-9ky5evh {margin-bottom:39px !important;}.stk-9ky5evh-container{background-color:#f5efe4 !important;}.stk-9ky5evh-container:before{background-color:#f5efe4 !important;}.stk-9ky5evh-container:hover{box-shadow:0px 2px 20px #99999933 !important;}.stk-9ky5evh .stk-block-card__image{width:361px !important;height:100% !important;}.stk-9ky5evh .stk-block-card__image img{transform:scale(0.87) !important;object-position:20% 28.999999999999996% !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-9ky5evh .stk-block-card__image{height:291px !important;}.stk-9ky5evh .stk-block-card__image img{object-fit:contain !important;}} .stk-0it70fn .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}Pull up a chair, get DTC for free! .stk-0osxpm6 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}Right now: Join The Table at a suggested donation of $35 or more per month and get FREE access to our transformative online course, Discipline That Connects for you and a friend! .stk-2i4fw6v .stk-button{background:#c24827 !important;}.stk-2i4fw6v .stk-button:hover:after{background:#f5efe4 !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-2i4fw6v .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}.stk-2i4fw6v .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-3, #293241) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-2i4fw6v .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}I WANT TO JOIN THE TABLE!