Podcast – Connected Families

Kids & Technology: How to Navigate the Constantly Shifting Landscape

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 26 May 2025 04:03:00 +0000

Screens cause issues for families everywhere! The full scope of what social media is in today’s world is complex and can be overwhelming. It goes way beyond the typical social media platforms and games we usually hear about. That’s why we’re bringing in Matt & Jill Reed, founders of Know Curtains, who have created an online course for parents to help you parent wisely and put you in the driver’s seat around technology. The Reeds share insights from their “Driver’s Training for Social Media” course, discussing how families can work together to develop healthy digital habits. Matt & Jill emphasize the importance of what we model as parents and creating fun alternatives when it comes to kids & technology.

Key Points:

Parents and kids can work as a team to manage technology, rather than parents simply imposing rules
Kids observe parents’ screen behaviors from a very young age, so your modeling is crucial
Social media is far more than just the popular social networking sites
Intentionally growing your family’s fun and engaging activities without screens

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

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*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:

Know Curtains was founded in 2024 by Matt and Jill Reed. As parents, they saw a huge void in tech resources for families and made it their mission to see past the hype, curate news that keeps tech wizards honest, and produce independent resources to render the public powerful. Tech Insight and Guidance for the Rest of Us. No hype. Know curtains.

In their first online course, “Driver’s Training for Social Media,” you and your family will learn how to navigate the digital world safely, manage screen time, and avoid online traps with a customizable plan you create together. Find it online at training.knowcurtains.com.

Matt & Jill are filmmakers with nearly twenty years of experience in media and communications, plus a rich background in pastoral and volunteer ministry. They have two boys, and they’re based in Minnesota. They love food, travel, history, and sharing adventures on their @wildgooselife YouTube channel.

We’re experiencing the biggest communication shift in history—and most of us haven’t had guidance. Until now.

If you want a clear roadmap for today’s digital world, less screen time, more meaningful offline moments, and a media plan that truly works… this course is for you.

Learn More & Register!

How to Love Your Stepchildren Well with Ron Deal

A Connected Families Podcast — Tue, 20 May 2025 03:42:00 +0000

In this bonus episode, Jim Jackson and Ron Deal discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of blended families through the lens of the Connected Families Framework. Ron, a bestselling author and host of the Family Life Blended podcast, shares his 30+ years of expertise in step-family dynamics. The conversation explores how step-parents can build emotional safety with children who may be resistant to new relationships. Ron emphasizes that safety must precede love, explaining that children often bristle against a step-parent’s affection due to grief, loyalty conflicts, or simply not being ready for that relationship.

Key insights include:

The importance of “pacing” with children at their readiness level
How step-parents can acknowledge their role without trying to replace biological parents
Practical approaches to discipline and household rules when facing resistance
Building respectful relationships with biological parents in the other household

Mentioned in this podcast:

Join the Table community by June 1st for a chance to win a copy of The Mindful Marriage
Galatians 6:1
Romans 12
The Smart Step Family – Ron’s comprehensive book on blended family dynamics
Building Love Together in Blended Families – Ron co-authored with Gary Chapman, integrating love languages with step-family principles
FamilyLife Blended Podcast
The Smart Step Family video curriculum – Email blended@familylife.org for free online access
The Mindful Marriage
Certificate in Blended Family Ministry – online training through FamilyLife

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

*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:

Ron is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed marriage and family therapist, podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife®. In addition, Ron is one of the most widely read and referenced authors on blended families. His latest #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mindful Marriage, coauthored with his wife Nan and Terry and Sharon Hargrave brings the proven principles of Restoration Therapy to a mass audience. The Deals live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org.

Win a copy of Ron & Nan Deal’s new book, The Mindful Marriage!
Join the Table by June 1st for your chance to be one of 10 lucky winners.

Join the Table

The Emotionally Distant Marriage: Don't Stay Stuck

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 19 May 2025 03:49:00 +0000

Do you feel like you are in an emotionally distant marriage? In this special episode, Jim and Lynne Jackson interview Ron and Nan Deal about their new book, The Mindful Marriage, which combines biblical foundations with brain science. The authors vulnerably share how their marriage hit a crisis point after 20 years, leading them to seek help from a therapist (who later co-authored the book with them). They explain how our “pain cycles” develop from childhood and manifest in four reactive coping styles: blame, shame, control, and escape. The conversation explores their four-step process for moving from destructive pain cycles to “peace cycles.” This approach isn’t just for marriage but applies to all relationships as it’s fundamentally about discipleship—bringing your best self to relationships by following Jesus.

Key points:

How family-of-origin issues affect marriage
Four reactive coping styles when triggered
Breaking free from destructive pain cycles
Nurturing your marriage “us-ness”

Mentioned in this podcast:

The Mindful Marriage by Ron & Nan Deal and Terry & Sharon Hargrave
FREE: Learn your reactive coping style
Join the Table community by May 31st for a chance to win a copy of The Mindful Marriage
Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 7

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

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:

Married since 1986, Ron and Nan Deal are the authors of The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself, as well as popular marriage conference speakers. Ron is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife. Nan retired from teaching after 25 years and currently works for a Christian non-profit ministry. They have three sons, a daughter-in-law, one grandson, and a Golden Retriever and live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org.

Win a copy of Ron & Nan Deal’s new book, The Mindful Marriage!
Join the Table by June 1st for your chance to be one of 10 lucky winners.

Join the Table

Navigating Infertility & Loss: A Conversation with Julie Fowler

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 12 May 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Julie Fowler, speaker and bible curriculum writer, joins us for a meaningful conversation about her journey of infertility and the resources she’s created for other couples coping with infertility and loss. Julie shares how scripture helped her in her grief and how she wove her faith into intentional community connections that served as a lifeline during her years of loss and struggle. Whether you’re supporting a friend or infertility is part of your personal story, you’ll find helpful wisdom in this conversation.

Podcast Key Points:

A raw, honest account of one woman’s journey through infertility to parenthood
Practical ways to maintain faith while acknowledging grief during difficult seasons
Specific strategies for building supportive relationships by clearly expressing your needs
Information about valuable resources designed specifically for those navigating infertility

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

*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:

Julie is a curriculum writer, speaker, pastoral care leader, and executive director of Julie Fowler Ministries.

Through her years of infertility, failed adoptions, miscarriages, premature birth and loss of identical twins, Julie became devoted to helping women and couples find hope through the Scriptures and connection with others in the same trial. She founded, wrote curriculum for, and led an infertility and miscarriage ministry for over 20 years that hosted over 50 groups, locally and nationwide.

Author of two Bible Studies, Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Loss, and a husbands’ study, Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope, Julie has spoken for MOPS International and The NEST and on the Don’t Mom Alone and Join the Journey podcasts. She helps churches and lay leaders start infertility ministries that share God’s heart for the hurting.

Julie and her husband reside in Dallas, Texas, and are the parents of three children. They have experienced the blessing of growing their family through both biological and adoptive routes. Connect with Julie at: juliefowlerministries.com. Or on social media at Instagram and Facebook.

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.

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The Secret Superpower Every Parent Needs: The Art of Listening

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 05 May 2025 04:41:00 +0000

In this episode, Megan Thorp, MA and Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, joins us to explore why listening is the jet fuel in our relationships with our kids. We examine how effective listening can bridge the disconnect between us and our kids and foster emotional intelligence. We also talk about the importance of being present, understanding underlying beliefs, and the spiritual aspect of listening as a reflection of God’s character. And finally, we share practical tips for improving your listening skills and the hope that it’s never too late to grow in this essential skill.

Key Takeaways:

Listening communicates to kids that they are valued, liked, and that you care about what’s happening inside them
Active listening builds relational influence that becomes crucial during challenging moments
Active listening grows your child’s confidence by showing them they are “called and capable”
God models perfect listening for us – He is fully present, understands our circumstances, and feels what we feel.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

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:

As a parent coach, Megan’s desire is to come alongside parents and help them gain confidence and equip them to lead their families. She will help you create an environment in your home where everyone feels valued and connected, and skills for you to build a relationship with your kids that will last long after they leave your home. She strongly believes that you are the expert on your child, and I would love to walk with you as you bring more peace and joy into your home.

Megan has a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Bethel University and is a Certified Parent Coach and Parent Coach Trainer through Connected Families. She loves to spend time with her husband and 3 kids. Connect with Megan at: megan@connectedfamilies.org or here.

How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini-Course

Struggling with yelling at your kids?

Transform your approach in just 10 minutes a day for four days with this mini-course. Blend brain science, biblical wisdom, and “slow, low, and listen” strategies to foster a safer connection with your children.

Brain Science for Parents: How to Return to Joy When You Feel Like Yelling

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 03:19:00 +0000

We chat with Chris Coursey from THRIVEtoday to discuss “return to joy,” a crucial skill for moving from reactive parenting to thoughtful responses. Chris explains the three-step process of feeling, sharing, and quieting emotions, while offering strategies to increase your emotional capacity during challenging interactions with your kids. The conversation highlights the brain science behind emotional regulation and provides tools to recognize when you’re slipping into “enemy mode” and how to return to your relational self. Plus, learn how you could win a copy of Chris’s latest book, 4 Habits of Joy-Filled People.

Key points:

Discover how you can recover from strong emotions and “return to joy”
Understand how much emotional weight you can carry at any given time
Learn to recognize when you’re in your best, relational state versus when you’ve slipped into a reactive state
The three-step process Chris teaches: Feel your feelings, share your feelings, and calm your feelings

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Take a moment to rate and review the podcast!

*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:

For over 30 years, Chris has been developing and practicing brain-based solutions to train people, families, and communities to make relationships work. Chris started his career specializing in severe trauma and abuse, and also pastored a small congregation in Michigan for several years. Chris is a published author with over ten books in print, including The Joy Switch. He co-authored his most recent book, The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled People. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Jen, and their two sons, Matthew and Andrew. In addition to studying, writing, jogging, and exercising, he enjoys the outdoors and is one of the rare people who actually likes the snow in Michigan.

Website: https://thrivetoday.org/
Podcast: https://thrivetoday.buzzsprout.com/
The 4 Habits Books: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-series/

How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini-Course

Struggling with yelling at your kids?

Want to Stop Yelling at Your Kids? Try Slow, Low, & Listen

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:26:00 +0000

Listen in as Jim & Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founders, teach the parenting concept “Slow, Low, & Listen.” This simple tool can help you develop and maintain an emotionally safe presence for your kids. Jim and Lynne will equip you with the understanding you need to apply the concept next time you feel your emotional temperature begin to rise. You’ll learn how shifting from reactive, intimidating responses to kind, firm engagement can dramatically improve your relationship with your child..

Key Points:

Why kids learn best when they feel safe
How to move from “fast, large, & loud” to “slow, low, & listen”
The brain science behind emotional escalation during conflict
How emotions are contagious between parents and children
The fight-or-flight response and its impact on parent-child conflict

Mentioned in this podcast:

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review on your favorite platform.

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:

Jim and Lynne Jackson are the Co-Founders of Connected Families in Plymouth, MN. With over 50 combined years of professionally helping families and a love for working in the church, Jim and Lynne have been dedicated to bringing reliable, God-centered, research-based parenting resources to all families since 2002

How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini-Course

Struggling with yelling at your kids?

Attachment Myths Busted: How Your Attachment Style Shapes Everything

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:35:00 +0000

Listen in as we talk with Dr. Nicole Wilke about attachment and its profound impact on family relationships. Dr. Wilke, a researcher, missionary, author, and marriage and family therapist, shares about attachment styles and explains how attachment shapes not just our parent-child relationships but establishes the pattern for how our children will approach all future relationships. Learn how understanding your own attachment style can break unhealthy patterns and create secure connections with your children. Dr. Wilke also shares practical, everyday strategies that can build stronger bonds and transform family dynamics for generations to come.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Dr. Wilke’s Books: Overcoming: What Science and Scripture Say About Resilience and Caleb Koala’s Comeback Ride
Attachment Webinar – Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 12 pm CST. Register Here!

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Help other parents find our 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:

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.

How to Turn Fast, Large, & Loud into Slow, Low, & Listen Mini Course

None of us feel good about habitually yelling at our kids. Shifting our approach is hard and is the important foundation work needed to communicate, “You are SAFE with me.”
Invest just 10 minutes a day just four days with this mini-course that blends brain science, Biblical insight, and practical “slow, low, and listen” strategies for daily life. Your heart and mind can find a new path to connection with your kids.

Emmanuel in the Ambulance: How God Shows Up in Our Darkest Hours

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:13:00 +0000

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.

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

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

A Connected Families Podcast — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:38:00 +0000

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/coaches/joe-and-courtney-2/

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