Strong on correction but struggling to connect? In this third episode of the “Don’t Stay Stuck” series, host Stacy Bellward and Certified Parent Coach Katie Wetsell take on a challenge many who value strict parenting face: how to soften without losing structure? If you value obedience but want warmer relationships with your kids, this episode offers hope and practical next steps.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the God-given strengths of parents who lean toward the top of the Connected Families Framework™
• Rethinking immediate obedience
• Living out loud and setting an example for your children
• Pitfalls of high-demand and low-compassion parenting
• Practical tools for getting unstuck and finding balance in your parenting

Mentioned in this Podcast:

• Katie Wetsell – Connected Families Certified Parent Coach 
• Free Parenting Assessment PDF
• Blog Post – First-Time Obedience: Should I Require Immediate Obedience from My Child?
• Ephesians 6:4
• Galatians 6:1

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

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Guest Bio:

Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE treatment to help parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach.

© 2025 Connected Families

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It’s not hopeless. You can ENJOY YOUR KIDS AGAIN.

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