The Power of a “Safe Haven Relationship”

Kerry here! Did you know renowned therapist Sue Johnson says adults have a fundamental need for “safe haven relationships?” This resonated deeply at the Attachment Theory conference I just attended. It perfectly captures the feeling every parent wants – to be that safe space for their child. Here are some practical tips I learned from various […]
From Juggling Act to Heartfelt Connection: Why 1-on-1 Time with My Kids Became My Secret Weapon

Kerry here! Raising a blended family of six kids felt like a never-ending juggling act. There were more needs than a mere mortal could meet. Kids bickered. Sometimes, amidst the chaos, I’d find myself longing for a quiet corner and a moment of sanity. But then, I became more intentional about 1-on-1 time. Whether it […]
Getting the ratio right with your kids

Palmer here! He’s got him wide open!!! Fans are on their feet!! He launches it down the field, the clock hits zero! HE CAUGHT IT!!!! They won the super bowl!!!! 🎉 I won’t say who I’m rooting for but I am pumped for the game today. 🏈 If you aren’t a football fan don’t worry, […]
The hidden message beneath your teen/tween’s behavior

Kerry here! As a mom, parent coach, and therapist of many years, I can tell you with 100% certainty that you are not alone if your kids’ attitudes and behaviors drive you nuts some days. You’re also not alone if you get triggered and are not proud of how you act at times. Yes, these […]
“Prepare” instead of “protect”

Palmer here! I was recently talking with a parent of one of my teen clients who asked, “How do I know if my son will turn out OK and make good decisions when he’s an adult?” The trick is to remember that you are raising future adults, not kids. Yes, you want them to go out into […]
What a police chase in Cambodia taught me

Palmer here! Wanna hear about one of the scariest moments of my life? I was in Cambodia being chased by the police… actually, I probably shouldn’t go into that story here with my mom reading these and all… ???????? (Note from Mama Kerry: Palmer, is this the same night that you jumped from the roof of […]
Please tell me that I’m not the only one.

Kerry here. I keep thinking I’m just about to feel inspired to eat cleaner and get up early enough to work out more often. Heck, maybe if I wait long enough, I’ll FEEL like doing cold plunges, or at least cold showers, because they’re supposed to be good for me. I’m sure that if I […]
Ditch the resolutions, embrace themes

It’s Palmer here. 🎉 Happy New Year to you from the bottom of my heart! I am so excited that you are here for another trip around the sun. 🥰 New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite days of the year because it’s a day when people get intentional about their goals and the […]
Parents, all I can say is “Wow, now I get it.”

Palmer here. If you’re a parent who keeps your family’s holiday ship afloat I want to make sure you hear this: THANK YOU ❤️ My wife and I were talking about how we only now have realized how much work it took for our parents to make the holidays happen. You parents somehow find a […]
Our mission at The Connected Family is to give you the tools and support that you need in building a close, connected family

https://youtu.be/Za64KsffSCc Palmer and I are here with a direct reminder that saying to yourself, my family needs to be better is always a symptom of a bigger problem. Not knowing how to keep your tween or teen talking to you and you’re, and worrying that your family isn’t as healthy as it could be, can be […]