Healthy Parenting Handbook with Katie Kimball

In the previous episode, I talked about my first two philosophy shifts when it comes to how I feed my own kids and talk about picky eating. We dealt with the "no thank-you bite" and how/when to serve dessert. I'm truly grateful for the professionals who helped me change my thinking and my ways!Today, we'll dive into three other mindset changes I've had when it comes to feeding kids. The first has to do with introducing foods to babies, which isn't actually a part of The Picky Eater Playbook—but it's still something to consider and an important first step for parents!Then we will get into how our food looks (does it matter?) and briefly touch on kids who really WOULD starve themselves if they aren't served certain foods. You'll learn:why I think eczema and food sensitivities might have been caused by Paul and Leah's first foodswhat first foods I think work best for babieswhy I started rethinking "you don't taste with your eyes" and how cute foods might actually be more appealing to childrenwhat working with 20,000 families taught me about my stance that kids will eat eventually, they won't starveand why the laid-back way I wrote The Picky Eater Playbook means you will probably be able to adapt it for your family!I'm outlining all the pre-order bonuses for you, too, so make sure to listen or watch to the end of the episode. I sure hope you'll think it's worthwhile to pre-order a copy of the book and delve into making dinnertime a more peaceful time for your whole family.You deserve that, Mom, and so do your kids! Get out of the chicken nugget and pizza rut. It CAN be better.Resources We Mention for Picky Eating TipsPre-order The Picky Eater Playbook and get amazing pre-order bonuses!Nourishing first foods for babiesMore about problem feeders in my interview with Dr. Kay ToomeyGet kids in the kitchen! Check out the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse or Teens Cook Real Food if your kids are olderJensen got help through my Picky Eater Playbook (P.E.P.) Club - learn more about the membership nowCheck out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Have you ever given parenting advice with total confidence…only to learn a few years later that you had it completely wrong?I have.

What if one of the best things you could do for an anxious, frustrated, or struggling kid is...do a little less?I know. Every parenting instinct in us is screaming, “Help them! Fix it! Tell them it's going to be okay!”But Dr. Kathryn Hecht says there's a problem with that last one: We're not wizards. We actually don't know that everything is going to be okay, and our kids are smart enough to know it too.So what can we say instead?In this episode, Dr. Hecht gives us an incredibly simple formula that combines empathy with confidence, plus a 10-second parenting rule that might be harder to practice than it sounds. We're talking about how to help kids do hard things, tolerate frustration, become more independent, and build real confidence without throwing them into the proverbial deep end.And I love this because we're not talking about manufacturing scary experiences for our kids. We're talking about the everyday stuff. Buttons. Homework. Birthday parties. Trying something new. All those little moments when we have to decide: Do I swoop in, or do I give my child a chance to discover, “Oh. I can handle this.”If you want to raise kids who see uncertainty less as a threat and more as something they can navigate, keep listening. This one is practical enough to use today.Resources We Mention for Raising Brave KidsSee Dr. Kathryn's books:The Be Brave Activity Book: 100 Exposure-Based Challenges That DARE Kids to Boss Back Their Worry and Anxiety Once and for All (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Releasing in February 2027 – The Can-Do Activity Book for Kids: Try Things on Your Own, Deal with Big Feelings, and Grow Confident Along the Way (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Watch Dr. Kathryn's TEDx Talk, “How to raise kids who can handle hard things”Get your kids started learning to do hard things with #LifeSkillsNow!Germ theory vs. terrain theory with Dr. Catherine ClintonThe “Worst Mom in America” on Raising Confident KidsHave kids anxious about eating? Start the No More Picky Eating Challenge right now and check out my forthcoming book, The Picky Eater Playbook.Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

What if one of our most loving parenting instincts is accidentally making our kids less confident?Oof.As parents, we're wired to help. To reassure. To rescue. To make the crying stop in the grocery store before everyone in aisle seven starts judging us. (You know what I mean?)But child psychologist Dr. Kathryn Hecht says kids aren't nearly as fragile as we sometimes treat them.In fact, they need age-appropriate challenges to build what she calls “handleability”, that deep-down belief that says: This is hard, but I can handle it.I absolutely loved this conversation because it gets right into the practical question so many of us are wrestling with: How do we raise kids who can actually handle hard things?We dig into:Why constantly removing obstacles can undermine a child's confidence, even when we're doing it out of loveThe fascinating idea that kids are anti-fragile, and why some stress and challenge actually help build emotional resilienceWhy “healthy kids = happy kids” is a parenting myth we may need to toss outHow rescuing a child brings short-term relief but can create more distress long-termWhy our kids sometimes interpret our help as evidence that they couldn't have handled it themselvesWhat “coping efficacy” or “handleability” looks like in normal family life, without turning your home into a psychology clinicWhy exposure therapy is much less scary than it sounds, and how parents can help kids take small, voluntary steps toward something difficultThe difference between roller-coaster scary and horror-movie scary, and why that distinction might completely change how you help an anxious or hesitant childDr. Hecht has this incredible ability to take clinical psychology and turn it into language that makes you think, “Ohhhh. I can actually use this with my kid.”And I have a feeling you'll finish this one looking at your child's next hard moment a little differently.Resources We Mention for Raising Resilient KidsSee Dr. Kathryn's books:The Be Brave Activity Book: 100 Exposure-Based Challenges That DARE Kids to Boss Back Their Worry and Anxiety Once and for All (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Releasing in February 2027 – The Can-Do Activity Book for Kids: Try Things on Your Own, Deal with Big Feelings, and Grow Confident Along the Way (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Watch Dr. Kathryn's TEDx Talk, “How to raise kids who can handle hard things”How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims and my interview with JulieGet your kids started learning to do hard things with #LifeSkillsNow!Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

“Structure” might not be the most exciting word in parenting.In fact, if you're anything like me, it might sound a little too much like schedules, color-coded charts, and someone who actually knows where all the matching socks are.I am not that person.But here's what I've learned: structure isn't about controlling our kids. It's one of the ways we care for them.I was recently talking with an 11-year-old who, I realized, didn't really have a bedtime. No adult was telling him when it was time to sleep, and he was regularly falling asleep in class. That hit me hard.Kids need choices, absolutely. But they need choices inside a fence. They need adults who create boundaries that say, “You're safe here. I've got you.”And mealtime is one of the best places to practice this.In this episode, I'm sharing six practical habits that can make meals healthier, calmer, and far less exhausting for parents. We'll talk about:Why structure can actually reduce stress for kids instead of creating more of itThe ridiculously simple “veggies first” system that does not require you to chop carrots at 5:47 p.m. while everyone is melting downThree questions we use at our table to get kids talking about when they laughed, learned, and lovedWhy parents need a good poker face at the dinner table, especially with picky eatersHow to give kids plenty of food choices while still keeping the very important boundary that you decide what gets servedThe after-dinner rule in our house that has helped my kids become people who automatically notice when there's work to be doneOne tiny lunch-packing habit that can save you from pulling seven containers and three utensils out of the refrigerator the next morningYou do not need to implement all six ideas tomorrow. Please don't.Listen for the one that makes you think, “Ohhh. We need that.”That's probably your action step.Resources We Mention for Mealtime Habits for FamiliesThe Kimball Family Chores System helps develop good habits to make getting a clean house simpler!You can learn how all these habits work to solve picky eating from the No More Picky Eating Challenge and also in my upcoming book, The Picky Eater Playbook!My interview with Deborah MacNamara about food and family connectonWhy kids have anxietyFamily dinner rituals for physical and mental healthWhy “veggies first”?A good divided vegetable tray to tryMy interview with Shannon Miller where she talks about the three L'sYes, we have nights when our kids cook dinner! Here's how to start one.Get a peek at Teens Cook Real Food right here!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Have you ever looked at your kid's schedule and thought, “How are we supposed to fit all of this in?”School. Sports. Music practice. Homework. Clubs. Family stuff. That giant project they somehow remember at the most inconvenient possible moment.And then we wonder why our kids feel stressed…while we're over here acting as the family calendar, reminder system, transportation coordinator, and human push notification.In part one of my conversation with productivity expert Megan Sumrell, we talked about time debt and why so many of us keep carrying unfinished tasks from one day into the next.But this time I wanted to ask a different question:Can we teach our kids to avoid that mess before they become adults?Because I did NOT start life with excellent planning habits. Megan didn't either. So if we can give our tweens and teens some of these skills at 12, 15, or 18 instead of making them figure it out at 35 while juggling work and kids…yes, please.Megan shares a very practical system for helping kids actually see their time, instead of treating everything that isn't happening right this second as some vague place called “later.”And parents, there are some really good ideas in here for us too.In this interview, we dig into:Why Megan says most kids basically have two categories of time: “now” and “not now”The four levels of planning that can help students manage a whole semester without Mom becoming the Chief Information OfficerWhy writing tasks in a little box labeled “Monday” might still be nothing more than a glorified to-do listHow one teen used her calendar to make a completely logical case for getting out of family yard work (and yes, it worked!)What kids should do when a teacher assigns a five-week project so it doesn't magically become a five-hour panic session the night beforeMegan's surprisingly helpful strategy for procrastinators who look at the thing they planned to do and think, “Nope. Don't wanna.”Why you may need an actual uncertainty budget for your time, just like an emergency fund for your moneyHow teaching kids these skills can eventually free parents from remembering every exam, practice, deadline, and assignment for themOne idea especially made me stop and think: Megan intentionally blocks time on her calendar for problems she doesn't even know about yet.Because something always comes up, right?The internet dies. A teacher assigns something unexpected. A project takes twice as long as you thought. Somebody needs a form filled out by tomorrow morning. (Naturally.)Instead of pretending those surprises won't happen, Megan plans for them.And that may be one of the most practical ways I've ever heard to get out of the constant cycle of, “I'll just squeeze it in somewhere.”If you want your kids to head toward high school, college, and adulthood knowing how to manage their own responsibilities without you constantly chasing behind them, this conversation is packed with skills worth teaching now.Because the goal isn't to raise kids who can cram more into every day.It's to raise capable humans who can look at their time, make good decisions, and know when the answer needs to be, “I actually don't have room for that.”Resources We Mention for Time Management for KidsCheck out Megan's TOP Program and the TOP Program for StudentsGet her free training here to start figuring out that time debt situation!Watch my first interview with Megan on to-do listsWorkshops with Megan are available in #LifeSkillsNow Seasons Two and ThreeDenise Albright has some really fun and colorful planners and visual planning products! (Use code Katie for a discount)Get a peek at Teens Cook Real Food right here!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Have you ever moved the same task from Monday's list to Tuesday's list...then Wednesday's...and by Friday you're pretty sure that task has taken up permanent residence there?Meanwhile, you've accomplished 47 other things.So why do you still feel behind?My guest Megan has a name for this: time debt. And once she explained it, I started seeing it everywhere.It's a lot like financial debt. You begin today already owing yesterday, and tomorrow you'll owe today too. Pretty soon, no amount of crossing things off feels like enough.For parents, especially moms carrying work, kids, appointments, meals, household responsibilities, and all those invisible things somebody has to remember, that can get exhausting FAST.But here's where this conversation got especially interesting.What if the problem isn't that women need to get better at productivity?What if some of the productivity systems we've been told to use simply weren't designed with women's lives or biology in mind?Megan and I dig into some fascinating territory in this conversation, including:Why an unfinished to-do list can create time debt that compounds from day to dayHow “productive procrastination” can have you organizing a drawer while avoiding the task that actually mattersWhy advice like “Eat the Frog” might not solve the real problemThe surprisingly important reason Megan recommends doing a time audit before trying another planning systemWhy putting your commitments somewhere visual can make you think twice before saying, “Sure, I can do that!”How women's biological cycles and caregiving responsibilities may make some traditional productivity systems a poor fitThe startling change in how many young women report feeling overwhelmed compared with college freshmen decades agoWhat you may need to stop doing, not just organize better, if you actually want to get out of time debtAnd that last one may be the hardest.Because we parents are very good at asking, “How can I fit this in?”We're perhaps not quite as practiced at asking, “Should this be on my list at all?”If you've ever ended a very productive day wondering why you still feel like you failed, this conversation may give you a completely different way to look at your calendar, your expectations, and that task you've moved to tomorrow for the fourth time.Resources We Mention for Time DebtCheck out Megan's TOP Program and the TOP Program for StudentsGet her free training here to start figuring out that time debt situation!Watch my first interview with Megan on to-do listsWorkshops with Megan are available in #LifeSkillsNow Seasons Two and ThreeDenise Albright has some really fun and colorful planners and visual planning products! (Use code Katie for a discount)Get a peek at Teens Cook Real Food right here!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Have a great summer! We'll be back in late August with new episodes of the Healthy Parenting Handbook. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you thought choosing a sunscreen was as simple as looking for the words “mineral” on the front of the bottle, this episode might surprise you.In this conversation, Autumn Blum and I dig into the sunscreen label details that most parents never hear about—and some new ingredients to watch out for.In this episode, you'll learn:Why reading the active ingredients matters far more than the marketing on the front of the packageThe new sunscreen ingredient that's generating buzz and raising questionsThe little-known ingredient showing up in many mineral sunscreens that parents should understandWhy some “safe” ingredients from a decade ago are being reconsidered todayHow to make mineral sunscreen easier for kids to use (without the battles)The simple sunscreen habit that can better protect your kids every single dayIf you've ever felt overwhelmed standing in the sunscreen aisle, this episode will help you understand what really matters and what to look for on the label.Resources We Mention for Choosing a Safe SunscreenShop Stream2Sea – get 10% off with the code KITCHENSTEW!What you need to know about reef-safe sunscreenSee all of my natural, mineral sunscreen reviews – or take a look at the cheat sheet if you want all the info in one place!How to use the dabba-dabba method to apply mineral sunscreenStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks.Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I was once called the Wikipedia of sunscreen by a morning news anchor.I consider myself a total sunscreen geek!Wait until you see my jaw drop in this conversation with cosmetic chemist and Stream2Sea founder Autumn Blum. She taught me things I had never considered before!In this episode, you'll learn:Why a scuba diving trip halfway around the world completely changed the way Autumn formulates skincare productsThe surprising connection between the sunscreen you put on in your backyard and ecosystems hundreds or even thousands of miles awayWhat researchers discovered about certain sunscreen ingredients that sparked bans in destinations around the worldWhy the word “organic” on a personal care label may not mean what you think it meansHow sunscreen ingredients can travel through both our bodies and our waterwaysWhy protecting your skin and protecting the environment may not be an either-or choiceThis is one of those episodes that will absolutely make you think differently the next time you reach for a bottle of sunscreen.Resources We Mention for Sunscreens and Coral ReefsShop Stream2Sea – get 10% off with the code KITCHENSTEW!What you need to know about reef-safe sunscreenIs Your Sunscreen Full of Estrogen?See all of my natural, mineral sunscreen reviews – or take a look at the cheat sheet if you want all the info in one place!Join the Monday Missions to get baby steps in your inbox.Start your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks.Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you've ever looked around your house thinking, “Why am I still doing everything for these capable humans?” — this episode is for you.I'm deeply passionate about helping parents raise kids who are not only healthy, but independent, resilient, and prepared for real life. And honestly? Chores and family responsibilities are one of the most powerful tools we have to make that happen.In this conversation with Hunter Clarke-Fields from the Mindful Mama Podcast, we talk about why chores are about so much more than getting help around the house. They help kids build confidence, ownership, problem-solving skills, and even better mental health.We also talk about:Why responsibility protects teen resilienceHow to start chores with toddlers and preschoolersWhat to do if your teen has never really helped beforeWhy contribution matters more than perfectionHow to stop nagging and build systems that actually workAnd yes — I share the exact chore system we've used in our family for over 10 years.Whether your child is 4 or 14, it's never too late to start building the life skills they'll carry into adulthood.Resources We Mention for Chores for TeensBuilding Strong Families, Connected Kids with Father Leo of Plating GraceThe Kimball Family Chores System That Works!Can Mindfulness Make You a Better Parent? (+ Bonus Guided Meditations for Kids!)Get some life skills, right now! Easy workshops for kids and teens to take ownership.Start your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Shop Third Rock Essentials at kidscookrealfood.com/thirdrock, and use code KITCHENSTEW for 20% off!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If your family does not deal with food allergies, it can be easy to assume this episode is not for you. But after this conversation with Kathlena, The Allergy Chef, I think every parent will walk away with more empathy, awareness, and practical tools for helping all kids feel included.Kathlena's stories are powerful, heartbreaking, and deeply hopeful. We talked about the hidden isolation many families experience and the surprisingly simple ways we can make our homes, classrooms, and communities safer and more welcoming for everyone.In this episode, we discuss:Why many families with food allergies feel socially isolated — even during everyday gatheringsThe emotional story of a 12-year-old receiving her very first safe birthday cakeSimple ways to include kids with food allergies without making things complicatedWhy “food-free” gatherings can sometimes be the best solutionWhat parents often misunderstand about severe food allergies and cross-contaminationHow empathy and communication can completely change a child's experienceWhy schools and parents need to advocate earlier and more openlyPractical ways to teach kids kindness, flexibility, and inclusion around food differencesThis conversation is such an important reminder that connection matters more than perfection — and that small acts of thoughtfulness can have a lifelong impact on a child.You can watch Kathlena in action at this year's #LifeSkillsNow summer camp. She teaches teens how to turn basic ground meats into an amazing variety of dinners. Her workshop is SO GOOD! Don't miss out – register now. Resources We Mention for Including Kids with Allergies45 Easy Non Food Birthday Celebration Ideas for SchoolFood Allergies and the Art of Hospitality: Tips for Hosts and GuestsAllergies are also a good reason to eliminate team sports snacksSee Kathlena's cookbooks hereStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks.Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I have to tell you, this episode completely stretched my understanding of food allergies, chronic illness, and what it means to truly listen to your body.Kathlena, also known as The Allergy Chef, has one of the most unbelievable stories I have ever heard. She personally manages more than 200 food allergies and intolerances, was once given 30 days to live, and today somehow works as a chef helping other families navigate food restrictions with creativity and hope.But this conversation is not just about extreme allergies. It is also about paying attention to our kids, respecting what their bodies may be telling us, and understanding that no two humans respond to food the same way. Kathlena brings so much wisdom, humor, and perspective to a topic that can feel incredibly overwhelming for families.In this episode, we cover:How Kathlena went years without proper diagnosis despite severe reactionsWhat happened when she finally started eliminating foods on her ownWhy she believes kids should never be forced to eat foods they rejectWhat daily life looks like when you can safely eat only a handful of foodsHow food allergies changed the way her whole family cooked and ateWhy involving kids in food preparation builds confidence and resilienceThe surprising connection between chronic inflammation and obesityThe “five pillars of health” that helped transform her family's healthYou can watch Kathlena in action at this year's #LifeSkillsNow summer camp. She teaches teens how to turn basic ground meats into an amazing variety of dinners. Her workshop is SO GOOD! Don't miss out – register now. Resources We Mention for Food Allergies and HealingWhat's It Like for a Kid to Get Diagnosed with a Food Allergy?The No More Picky Eating Challenge isn't just for picky kids, but any families struggling with eating and tension at the dinner table Elimination diet tips and tricks for families with childrenFree knife skills class to start on the path to cookingSee Kathlena's cookbooks hereDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow - register right now!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you listened to part one of my conversation with Tania Johnson, you already know how powerful it was to understand what is happening inside the teenage brain. In this second half, we move from the “why” into the “what now?” We talk about the practical side of parenting teens in today's world, including chores, emotional intelligence, resilience, family connection, and of course… technology.One thing I really appreciated about this conversation is how balanced and hopeful it felt. Tania does not come from a place of fear or perfectionism. Instead, she reminds us that parenting teens is about relationship, repair, and helping our kids gradually build the skills they need to become capable adults. We also talk honestly about screens and smartphones, and I think every parent of tweens and teens will feel seen in this conversation.In this episode, we cover:Why emotional intelligence may matter more than IQ long-termHow parents teach EQ through everyday conversations and reactionsWhy family dinners and chores build confidence and connectionHow to hold expectations without constant power strugglesThe reason more teens seem afraid of failure and independenceWhy resilience grows through small risks and mistakesWhat parents often get wrong about smartphones and social mediaWhy it is okay to “rewind” and change tech decisions laterResources We Mention for Raising Resilient TeensCheck out Tania's book: The Parenting Handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children by Tania Johnson and Tammy Schamuhn (Amazon / Bookshop.org)The Kimball Family Chores SystemRaising Digital Citizens conversation cardsPassing along ownership to your teensSome more thoughts on teens and tech from me and one of my interviews with Andrea Davis of Better Screen TimeDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow - register right now!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you have ever looked at your teenager and thought, “Why are we suddenly having toddler-level emotional meltdowns again?” this episode is going to make so much sense. I had such a fascinating conversation with Tania Johnson from the Institute of Child Psychology about what is actually happening inside the teenage brain, and honestly, it completely reframed some things for me as a parent.We talk about why teens and toddlers are surprisingly similar from a brain development perspective, why emotional outbursts and withdrawal are actually normal parts of development, and what parents can do to stay connected without smothering their kids. I especially loved how practical this conversation became. Tania has such a gift for taking complicated psychology concepts and making them feel doable in real life.One of my biggest takeaways from this episode was the reminder that connection is still the foundation of parenting during the teen years. Even when they roll their eyes, shut their doors, or seem like they do not want us around, attachment and relationship still matter deeply.In this episode, we cover:Why the teenage brain develops similarly to a toddler's brainWhat co-regulation actually looks like during emotional momentsWhy talking less can sometimes help more with teensWhat is happening when your teen explodes and then withdrawsWhy parents should step back into connection after conflictHow attachment continues shaping mental health during adolescenceSimple family rituals that help teens feel loved and connectedWhy family meals matter more than most parents realize! Resources We Mention for Parenting Teens with ConnectionCheck out Tania's book: The Parenting Handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children by Tania Johnson and Tammy Schamuhn (Amazon / Bookshop.org)What Is Nervous System Work, and Why Is It Important?Teens Want to Be in Control. Here's Why They're NOT (& What They Can Do About it) Direct from a Teen AuthorTable talk: why you need to prioritize family mealsDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow - register right now!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Artificial intelligence is changing so quickly that honestly? I don't think any of us can accurately predict what our kids' jobs will look like in 10 or 20 years.But I also don't think parents can afford to throw up our hands and say, “Well, who knows?” and ignore the conversation.In this second part of my AI series on the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I'm digging into the question I think every parent is asking right now: What skills will actually matter in the age of AI?Not coding. Not memorizing facts. Not just following directions.The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that our kids are going to need to become more fully human, not less.In this solo episode, I share the seven skills I believe will help kids thrive in a rapidly changing future, whether they become entrepreneurs, tradespeople, creators, leaders, or something none of us can even imagine yet. We're talking about the kinds of skills AI can't practice for us: communication, resilience, critical thinking, emotional regulation, adaptability, and learning how to learn.I also share some surprising thoughts about which college paths may already be becoming obsolete, why hands-on skills may actually become more valuable again, and what I'm seeing firsthand as AI completely transforms the way my husband works every single day.If you've been wondering how to prepare your kids for a future nobody can fully predict, this episode will help you focus on the skills that actually last.Resources We Mention for Raising Kids in an AI WorldGet those kids #LifeSkillsNow!Dr. Michele Borba's episode on raising resilient kidsRaising kids who know how to problem solveTeaching Kids the Value of Money and Joy in Spending — and SavingHow Kids Can Learn to Deal with Big Challenges and Big Emotions with Counselor and Coping Skills Expert Janine HalloranDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow - register right now!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

What happens when the future changes faster than parenting advice can keep up?Artificial intelligence is already transforming jobs, schools, communication, creativity, and even the way businesses run day to day. And as parents, it can feel equal parts fascinating and terrifying.Should we be worried? What skills will our kids actually need? And how in the world do we prepare children for jobs that don't even exist yet?In this solo episode, I dive into the rapidly changing world of AI through the lens of parenting, critical thinking, life skills, and human connection. I'm exploring why parents can't afford to ignore this conversation… but also why panic probably isn't the answer.In this episode, you'll hear:Why AI might eliminate some jobs… but create entirely new industries we can't yet imagineThe surprising historical parallels between AI and the decline of family farmsWhy trying to predict your child's future career may be impossible (and that's actually okay)What Back to the Future got hilariously wrong about the year 2015The reason “human touch” jobs may become even more valuable in the AI eraHow my husband uses AI all day long and why he says he may never code manually againThe parenting mindset shift we need if technology keeps evolving faster than schools can adaptWhy life skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and human connection still matter more than everIf you've ever wondered whether AI is something to fear, embrace, resist, or simply learn alongside your kids, this episode is the beginning of an important conversation for every modern parent.Resources We Mention for Parenting in the Age of AIGet those kids #LifeSkillsNow!Here's my TEDx talk on why kids need critical thinking skillsMore about confidence and competence (especially as it has to do with learning to cook)Why chores aren't punishment – and here is my simple chores system if you need it!How to Help Kids Thrive with (and in spite of) Tech and ScreensNurturing Young Skeptics: Essential Guide to Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids and TeensDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow - register right now!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Do you ever feel that tension between wanting to help your kids… and knowing you probably shouldn't step in so fast?Because if we're honest, it's almost always easier and quicker to just do it ourselves. Open the bottle. Fill out the form. Solve the problem.But what if that instinct is exactly what's holding our kids back?In this episode, I'm talking with Amy Carney about what it really takes to raise kids who are ready for the real world. Not just capable on paper, but confident, resilient, and able to handle life when things don't go smoothly.This is part two of our conversation, and we're digging into the everyday moments that actually shape independent kids. (Here's part 1 if you missed it.)Here's what we cover:Why so many young adults struggle with basic problem-solving (and what parents are unintentionally doing that contributes to it)The surprising power of letting kids struggle instead of stepping inHow to create family fun that actually works, even with teens who “don't want to” participateThe mindset shift from doing things for your kids to mentoring them through lifeReal-life examples of skills that fall through the cracks (even in great homes)Why “easier and quicker” should be your red flag as a parentPractical ways to start handing over responsibility, one small step at a timeIf you've ever wondered how to raise kids who can actually handle adulthood, this conversation will both challenge and encourage you in the best way.Resources We Mention for Raising Independent KidsGet those kids some life skills at #LifeSkillsNow summer camp!Letting toddlers help in the kitchenMy interview with Jessica Lahey on letting kids failAmy's viral post on 8 things you should stop doing for your kidsGet your kids REAL skills for real life - register for #LifeSkillsNow!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

One of the motivations for creating the Kids Cook Real Food™ eCourse was that I was just over halfway to “launch” with my oldest child.Nine years old is half of the intensive part of parenting, and Paul had just turned 10. He demonstrated how to make homemade guacamole to his 4th-grade class, and I realized that guac was the only thing he truly knew how to make!One cannot live on guac alone…so I knew I needed to teach him more before he left my home!I love that parenting expert and author Amy Carney also uses the word “launch” to describe the process of sending off a child into the world, ready to serve and grow and live on purpose.She too had a crisis of parenting when her oldest kids were about 10, and she reacted even more strongly than I did – that and more in today's interview!What Amy made me desire: The sort of MARGIN she found in her life when she taught her kids certain things.How I'll rethink something today: That being frustrated about a task is an opportunity for a teaching moment.A goal I need to keep in mind: Play is as important as “being busy.”In the first two days after the interview, I quoted a certain portion twice, and it's what college professors and deans all agreed that young adults need more of.This is a heartfelt, fun, fascinating, and inspiring interview, and I hope you enjoy Amy as much as I did!Amy is teaching on How to Spot a Scam in #LifeSkillsNow Season 5 – register now!Resources We Mention for Teaching Life Skills to TeensSupporting the foster care systemAmy's video on adoption through foster careMy interview with Julie Lythcott-Haimes about raising successful adultsFind Amy online hereFollow her on social media: Facebook, InstagramGet your kids REAL skills for real life - register for #LifeSkillsNow!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

What happens when you mess up as a parent?Because let's be honest… no matter how intentional you try to be, no matter how many goals you set, there are still going to be moments where you lose your patience, react in a way you regret, or just plain get it wrong. The real question is not if that will happen, but what you do next.In this second half of my conversation with Jon Hord, we move from awareness into action. Jon shares what it actually looks like to repair those hard moments with your kids, how to model growth instead of perfection, and why those “mess up” moments can become some of the most powerful connection points in your family.This episode is incredibly practical, but also deeply encouraging. You are not stuck in your patterns. You are not defined by your worst moments. And you have more influence than you think in shaping your relationship with your kids moving forward.In this episode, we cover: What to say after you lose your temper or handle something poorly  Why apologizing to your kids builds respect instead of weakening authority  How to turn parenting mistakes into opportunities for connection  The difference between working on yourself silently and involving your kids in the process  A simple way to help kids learn compromise and ownership (using dinner!)  Why the dinner table is one of the most powerful connection points in your home  The impact of removing phones and distractions during family time  One mindset shift that can instantly change how you respond to your kidsResources We Mention for Repairing Parenting MistakesJoin the Engaged Father Project community nowThe importance of family dinnersWhat is the role of fathers when it comes to teaching kids about health and food?Helping teens and tweens build a healthy relationship with technologyDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow Season 5! Register now. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Do you think you could be vulnerable enough to ask your kids, “How could I be a better parent?” Even the thought of that makes my chest tighten a little bit, but in this episode, Jon Hord is going to encourage dads—and moms—to do just that.This conversation is such a powerful look at what it means to parent with intention instead of just reacting to whatever the day throws at you. Jon shares his own story of going from stressed, overwhelmed, and not showing up the way he wanted… to becoming a dad who is actively creating a new version of himself. And the best part? This is not about perfection. It is about awareness, small shifts, and having the courage to grow.If you have ever felt like you are just trying to get through the day without losing your patience, or wondered if you are really showing up the way your kids need, this episode will hit home in the best way.In this episode, we cover: Why “being a good parent” might actually be aiming too low  The simple but uncomfortable question that can transform your relationship with your kids  What to do when your child gives you honest feedback… and it stings  How stress (especially from work) quietly shapes the parent you become at home  The difference between reacting to your kids and actually leading them  Why your childhood patterns show up in your parenting, whether you realize it or not  A practical way to pause in hard moments instead of escalating them  What it looks like to become the “new version” of yourself as a parentResources We Mention for Intentional FatherhoodJoin the Engaged Father Project community nowDecode Your Child's Behavior and Dial in Your Parenting Boundaries from the Author of Transforming Toddlerhood, Devon KuntzmanWhat is the role of fathers when it comes to teaching kids about health and food?Don't miss #LifeSkillsNow Season 5! Register now. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I love it when a conversation feels like it's been years in the making. This one really has!Today's guest is someone who has quietly, faithfully shaped the way I think about food for a long time—my friend Wardee Harmon from Traditional Cooking School.And if you've ever felt like the world of “healthy eating” is a swirl of contradictions…one expert says this, another says that…you are not alone. (Honestly, it can make your head spin before you even get dinner on the table.)Wardee has this rare gift of bringing clarity to all that noise.Her Eat God's Way plan isn't just another list of rules or trendy swaps. It's a grounded, thoughtful look at the foods humans were designed to eat, paired with traditional methods that real families have used for generations. Things like soaking, fermenting, sourdough…not because they're fancy, but because they work.And I've seen firsthand how she teaches. She doesn't overwhelm. She connects the dots.She makes it feel doable, even if you're starting from “we eat cereal for dinner sometimes and I'm just trying to survive.”I also love that her perspective is rooted in faith, but she holds it with such grace. If that resonates with you, you're going to feel right at home. And if it's new or not quite your thing, there's still so much practical wisdom here to take and run with.Wardee is also one of our incredible leaders for #LifeSkillsNow! This year she is teaching a delicious gluten-free Blueberry Oat Cake.So whether you're curious about traditional foods, wondering if sourdough is worth the hype, or just hoping to feel a little more grounded in what you feed your family…You're in the right place.Resources We Mention for Eating God's WayGet the Eat God's Way booksCheck out Wardee's book Fermenting: Pickles, Kimchi, Kefir, Kombucha, Sourdough, Yogurt, Cheese and More! (The Self-Sufficient Kitchen) – Amazon, Bookshop.orgHealing eczema naturallyHealth benefits of sourdoughSee all the Traditional Cooking School coursesDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow Season 5! Register now.  Shop Truly Free household cleaners and more at https://raisinghealthyfamilies.com/trulyfree!Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Let me ask you something. When was the last time you felt genuinely sharp? Not just “I had coffee and I'm functional” sharp, but clear-headed, energized, actually-in-the-room sharp?Most of us have quietly accepted a version of ourselves that's a little foggy, a little tired, a little “off” and chalked it up to getting older, being busy, or just how things are now. But here's the thing: that fog has reasons. Real, biological, fixable reasons, and most of them have nothing to do with willpower or discipline.In this post, we're pulling back the curtain on what's actually going on inside your body and brain during perimenopause. We're talking about the surprising link between your gut and your mood, what your sleep problems are really trying to tell you, and why stress is so much sneakier than anyone gives it credit for.Resources We Mention for Daily Habits for PerimenopauseGet Cynthia's books: The Menopause Gut (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and Intermittent Fasting Transformation (Amazon/Bookshop.org).Perimenopause May Be the Wisest and Best Years of Your Life – How to Make That Reality with Jenn PikeWomen Metabolize and Build Strength Differently Than Men (Especially Over 30) with Pearl & Serene, authors of Trim Healthy WisdomThe best blue light glasses for better sleepStress Mastery Challenge for busy momsDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow Season 5! Register now. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I'm joined by Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner and expert in perimenopause and menopause, and this conversation truly feels like a mini masterclass in understanding your body. We talk through what is really going on with your hormones, how your gut plays a much bigger role than you might expect, and why so many of the symptoms we tend to brush off are actually connected.In this episode, we cover:What the gut microbiome is and why it affects nearly every system in your bodyWhy perimenopause can start earlier than you might expect, sometimes in your 30sThe first hormone to shift and how it impacts stress, sleep, and moodHow estrogen changes can lead to symptoms like weight gain, heavy periods, and gut issuesWhy your menstrual cycle is a vital sign you should not ignoreThe connection between hormones and brain fog, anxiety, and mood changesWhy perimenopause can feel chaotic and how to start understanding those changesResources We Mention for Hormone Changes in PerimenopauseGet Cynthia's books: The Menopause Gut (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and Intermittent Fasting Transformation (Amazon/Bookshop.org).Perimenopause May Be the Wisest and Best Years of Your Life – How to Make That Reality with Jenn PikeHope for heavy periods: 5 root cause solutions that might surprise youStress Mastery Challenge for busy momsDon't miss #LifeSkillsNow Season 5! Register now. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Have you ever eaten chocolate or chips when you feel stressed?Rewarded yourself for a job well done with a little sticky celebration?Hid from sadness with a whole box of ice cream to yourself?The term "emotional eating" might be new to you, but I'm sure you can see how it works. This interview with Tricia Nelson, author of Heal Your Hunger, is powerful in that we unlock the hidden truth behind why many of us can't lose weight --It's not about the food.It's not about self-discipline.It's about feelings.In this chat, we focus on the adults, on how to get through our own emotional eating, and although we touch upon how this impacts our parenting, it's not about kids' health today.Super quick note that this isn't a kid-friendly interview, nothing huge, but you might not want to have this one on with kids in the background.Resources We Mention to End Emotional EatingTricia's book: Heal Your HungerIs sugar addiction real?How we've broken our metabolism: tips for cutting out sugarTips for summer snackingMaster your stress: Intro to stress mastery, make stress your BFF, stress mastery for busy momsAvoiding emotional eating in kidsConnect with Trish on her websiteTake the quiz to find out if you are an emotional eater or food addictFollow her on FacebookJoin the Secret Sauce to Emotional Eating Facebook group (It's free! Anyone can join!)Trish has generously offered you listeners a complimentary 30-minute session: Emotional Eating Breakthrough Session Check out the cookbook FOR kids, BY kids at kidscookrealfood.com/chefjr.  Get four free life skills workshops now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skillsKitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you've ever looked at your child's behavior and thought, “What is going on right now?”—you're not alone.In this episode, we go beyond surface-level parenting advice and get into something deeper: what your child's behavior is actually trying to communicate. Wendy Snyder introduces a powerful framework that helps you “translate” your child's actions in real time. Instead of reacting with frustration, you'll start to see patterns, unmet needs, and opportunities to teach life skills. It's a shift that can completely change how you experience everyday parenting moments.Along the way, you may find yourself rethinking what it really means to be a “strict” parent, and whether the strategies you've been using are actually helping in the long run.In this episode, you'll learn:The four hidden reasons behind most misbehaviorHow to tell if your child is seeking attention, power, revenge, or supportWhy punishment often makes behavior worse instead of betterWhat to do when your child says hurtful or dramatic thingsHow to stay calm when your child is upset with your rulesThe difference between firm boundaries and “strict” parentingHow to stop power struggles before they escalateWhy your mindset matters just as much as your parenting strategyIf you've been feeling stuck in cycles of frustration or wondering why nothing seems to “work,” this conversation will give you a new lens to look through ... and a few moments that might just change how you respond the next time your child pushes back.Did you miss part 1 of this episode? Watch or listen here.Resources We Mention for Understanding Your Child's BehaviorPre-order Wendy's new book at Amazon, Bookshop.org, or wherever you find your books, and then grab the preorder bonuses here.My mini-episode about boundaries especially for teensScripts for calm connection with Bryanna KappadakunnelListen to Wendy's episode on parenting "cactus kids"More on power struggles, positive parenting, and forgoing traditional discipline in this episode with Amy McCreadyMy episode on the Fresh StCheck out the cookbook FOR kids, BY kids at kidscookrealfood.com/chefjr.  Get four free life skills workshops now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skillsKitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

There's a moment in this conversation I can't quite shake.A mom drops her child's favorite stuffed animal into the trash while her four-year-old begs her not to. If that makes your stomach tighten, you're not alone.Because even if you've never had a “trash can moment,” you've probably had that moment. The one where you hear yourself and think, “Wait…is this how I want to parent?”That's exactly where this conversation with Wendy Snyder begins. Not from perfection, but from honesty, growth, and a deep desire to do better than what we were handed.And the surprising part? She doesn't just share what went wrong. She shows us what to do instead in a way that feels doable and hopeful.If you've ever wondered why punishment doesn't work, why strong-willed kids push every button, or why you keep reacting in ways you swore you wouldn't, this episode will meet you right there.Inside, we talk about:The story behind that “trash can moment” and why it changed everythingWhat's really happening during power strugglesThe discipline belief most of us inherited and why it backfiresA simple 4-step process to set limits without yelling or shameWhy connection changes everythingHow to support strong-willed kids without breaking their spiritWhat breaking generational cycles actually looks likeThe long game of parenting and what success really meansUnderneath it all is a quiet shift. Maybe parenting isn't about controlling our kids better, but understanding them and ourselves more deeply.If that's the kind of change you've been craving, you're in the right place.Resources We Mention for Respectful DisciplinePre-order Wendy's new book at Amazon, Bookshop.org, or wherever you find your books, and then grab the preorder bonuses here.Listen to Michele Borba's interview about helping our kids build empathy.Scripts for calm connection with Bryanna KappadakunnelListen to Wendy's episode on parenting “cactus kids”My episode on the Fresh Start Family podcast about building connection through cookingCheck out the cookbook FOR kids, BY kids at kidscookrealfood.com/chefjr.  Get four free life skills workshops now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skillsKitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you've ever thought, “Why can I not get my life together when it comes to time?”—you are absolutely not alone.This conversation felt like such a breath of fresh air because we're not talking about rigid schedules, perfect planners, or waking up at 5am (thank goodness). Instead, we're digging into what actually works for real moms with real lives… you know, the kind where kids interrupt everything and plans fall apart before lunch.I had so much fun hearing about Anna's real-life experiences in the professional world, SO different than my life, and wait until you hear what we both have in common when it comes to being POOR at time management! I couldn't believe her confession about getting in trouble at work for a time-related issue…What I love most is that Anna brings so much grace and practicality to this topic. She doesn't expect perfection; and honestly, that might be the most freeing part of all.In this episode, you'll learn:Why time management isn't really about your planner (and what actually matters instead)A simple “mind sweep” method to instantly reduce overwhelm and clear your mental clutterHow to figure out what actually deserves your time (and what you can let go of)Practical ways to involve your kids so you're not doing everything yourselfWhat to do when your plans fall apart (because… they will)A simple framework to handle those chaotic, stressful moments without spiralingIf you've been feeling scattered, behind, or just plain overwhelmed, this episode is going to meet you right where you are, and give you a few doable steps to move forward.Resources We Mention for Time Management for MomsGet Anna's Blueprint to Balance hereBuy Anna's book, Time Management Essentials: The Tools You Need to Maximize Your Attention, Energy, and Productivity on Amazon or Bookshop.orgWhen we talk about being an “upholder” or a “rebel,” that's from Gretchen Rubin's book The Four Tendencies.Learn more from my interview with Megan Sumrell about managing your time, and check out her TOP program for a free training on getting your life together!Check out the cookbook FOR kids, BY kids at kidscookrealfood.com/chefjr.  Get four free life skills workshops now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skillsKitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you've ever stood in the middle of your house and thought, “Where do I even start?”… you are absolutely not alone.But what if the problem isn't your lack of discipline… it's your approach?In this conversation, I sat down with Ingrid Jansen from The Declutter Hub, and she completely reframed how I think about clutter. We didn't just talk about getting rid of stuff. We talked about why it feels so hard in the first place—and how to make it feel doable (even in the middle of real life).Because here's the truth: clutter isn't just about things. It's about emotions, habits, identity, and sometimes even guilt. And once you understand that piece, everything starts to shift.In this episode, you'll hear:Why “decluttering your whole house” is actually the fastest way to get stuckThe simple mindset shift that makes decluttering feel lighter and more positiveWhy starting with what you want to keep (not what to throw away) changes everythingHow to break any space into small, manageable chunks you can tackle in minutesThe surprising advice Ingrid gives about what to do when you feel unsure about an itemWhat the “messy middle” is and why so many people quit right thereHow clutter and emotions like guilt, stress, and overwhelm are deeply connectedThe hidden ways new clutter keeps sneaking into your home (and how to stop it)Resources We Mention for Easy DeclutteringIngrid and Lesley's book: Reset Your Home: Unpack your emotions and your clutter, step by step (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Get started in the Declutter Hub!Take the clutter quizDig more into the mental load of clutter with Katy WellsOrganizing styles for families with Cas from ClutterbugGet a peek at Teens Cook Real Food right here! Get four free life skills workshops now! Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Money fights are rarely about the money.They usually start somewhere small. A decision. An assumption. A moment that feels harmless at the time.And then suddenly you are on a honeymoon, of all places, realizing you are not actually on the same financial page at all. That is exactly where this conversation begins.Amanda shares a story that many couples will recognize: a beautiful life moment that quietly turned stressful because expectations were never spoken out loud.Because money is not just math! It is emotion, trust, and more.In this interview, we dig into what happens when financial communication falls through the cracks and why those cracks often appear during big life events when we least expect them.You will see how:silence around money can create conflict even in strong relationshipscredit cards can blur the reality of spending in stressful momentssurprise expenses often show up when emotions are already highassumptions about “who is paying for what” can quietly derail connection financial stress spills into relationship dynamics faster than we thinktalking about goals early can prevent hurt laterplanning together creates more peace than planning alonemistakes around money can become powerful growth pointsResources We Mentioned for Financial Literacy for FamiliesCheck out Wallet Win, the Teixeiras' courses for kids and teens about finance (and get $10 off with my link), or the Catholic Money Academy for grown-upsTeaching Kids the Value of Money and Joy in Spending and SavingTeaching Kids about Debt EarlyMy reel about Gabe's blankets for the homeless populationTeach teens how to budget with Crystal Paine's One-Hour Budget for Teens (use code LIFESKILLS for a discount!)Reducing your food budget while eating real foodHow to make homemade yogurtAmanda's workshop on Allowance vs. Wages is in Season Four of #LifeSkillsNowShop Truly Free household cleaners and more at https://kidscookrealfood.com/trulyfree! Get 4 #LifeSkillsNow videos at kidscookrealfood.com/skillsKitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

What if I told you you might have to throw away half of the healthy food you worked so hard to put on the dinner table?What if I told you that can basically happen AFTER your kids eat everything on their plate?!?!Healthy food is only the first part of being nourished—we need to make sure the entire system of digestion is working correctly for all the hard work to count! mind blownToday I get to talk to Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Tara Hunkin about getting your child's digestion on “tract” (pun! ha!) for optimal health. Whether your child feels anxious or exhibits signs of ADHD, whether you know they're constipated, they have some diarrhea or even are very regular, it's so important to be educated as parents so we know what to look for…in our child's poop!Resources We Mention for Healthy DigestionTara's website My Child Will ThriveFood journal printableBristol stool chartMy interview with Dr. Elisa Song on poopWhy Miralax isn't the answer for chronic constipationHCL tablets I useUrban Moonshine bittersThese Earthley bitters are more economical when you buy the large bottleHow to make sauerkrautOne of the digestive enzymes my kids useMy kids prefer the taste of this enzymeVibrant Blue Oils parasympathetic blendMegan Stevens' soups book for special dietsGet a peek at Teens Cook Real Food right here! Get four free workshops at kidscookrealfood.com/skills today. Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Ever wonder how to handle picky eating at parties without creating food battles? Or how to set healthy screen time boundaries when screens feel like the only babysitter?In this Ask Me Anything episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I'm answering your real-life parenting questions about dessert rules for kids, the Division of Responsibility in feeding, raising independent children, and building healthy family habits that actually stick.We're talking about practical strategies for limiting screen time for toddlers and young kids, alternatives to screen time that encourage creativity, and how involving kids in chores builds responsibility and executive functioning. I'm also sharing how to create a real food family culture without labeling foods as “bad,” how to monitor sugar and food dyes without being extreme, and how to gradually pass ownership of health to your kids so they can make wise choices when no one is watching.If you want less pressure around food, more confidence in your parenting decisions, and a clear path toward raising healthy, independent future adults, this episode is for you!Resources We Mention in This Parenting Q&AGet the one-page “cheat sheets” at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/handbook.Register for the No More Picky Eating ChallengeCheck out my chores system hereFor my lemon water: collagen and vitamin C powderThe blue light glasses I haveStarting to eat real food is easier with the Monday Missions!The risks of synthetic food dyesSome ways we deal with sugar and desserts at the Kimball houseTap over and see the YouTube shorts channelTake control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Did you know that picky eating can sometimes be caused by the messages the bacteria in your gut are sending to your brain?So the CHILD isn't being a sugar monster…or making stubborn choices just to drive you crazy…their gut bugs are the sugar monsters and their brain has pruned too much!I learned so much from Elissa Arnheim in this interview, both the philosophical to feed MY brain and the practical—some of which I implemented that very day!Here are my favorite quotes:“Let's start with this: Our bodies are designed perfectly.”“If a child cuts out an entire category of healthy foods, it's a sign that something is wrong – and it's all figure-out-able and fixable.”“Step 1 for sugar monster kids: serve sauerkraut!”

Have you ever looked at a box in your house and felt like it was… talking to you?Not literally. But emotionally.Because in this second half of my conversation with decluttering expert Katy Wells, we go deeper than surface clutter. We talk about the hidden reasons we hold onto things. And friends, it is not about storage bins or label makers.It's about stories.Stories about who we used to be. Who we hoped we would become. Stories about guilt, failure, scarcity, and expectations we didn't even realize we were carrying.And once you see that, you cannot unsee it.In this episode, Katy unpacks the three hidden forces that keep people stuck in clutter cycles. These are not the things most organizing shows talk about. But they are the exact things that determine whether decluttering actually works long term.Here's what we cover:Why decluttering is emotional work disguised as a logistics problemThe hidden stories your belongings might be telling youHow guilt and fear silently control what you keepThe three pillars that shape your personal “stuff story”How childhood beliefs influence adult clutter habitsThe connection between procrastination and clutterWhy some habits are not problems but personality cluesThe simple 5-second trick that can break overwhelm instantlyYou'll also hear one client story that might stop you in your tracks. Because once you recognize your own version of that box in the garage, you may never look at clutter the same way again.And the best part?You do not have to fix everything today. You just have to start.Resources We Mention for Decluttering and EmotionsOrder Katy's new book, Making Home Your Happy Place, on Amazon or Bookshop.orgCheck out her courses if you need help at home: Toy Clutter Cure System, Home Management Mastery, Clutter ChallengeGet the one-page handbook episode guides at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/handbookHere is Katy's earlier episode of the podcast: Expected Mess Vs. True ClutterMore on decluttering and working together as a family in my interview with Tidy DadThank you to today's sponsor, Happsy! Shop at kidscookrealfood.com/Happsy for an earth-friendly, affordable mattress today.  Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

What if the stress you feel at home is not just about your schedule… but about your stuff?I know. That sounds almost too simple.But when Katy Wells came back on the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, we did not just talk about decluttering. We talked about cortisol. About magnets for your attention. About why walking into your own kitchen can change your mood in seconds.And friends, this one hit close to home.Because if you are trying to raise independent kids, teach life skills, keep up with meals, laundry, school, sports, and somehow protect your own nervous system… your environment matters more than you think.Here is what we dig into in this episode:The surprising research linking clutter and elevated cortisol levelsWhy the average American home may be holding over 300,000 “magnets for your attention”How clutter quietly fuels anxiety (even if you think it does not bother you)What a “nightly reset” looks like in real life with kidsHow to pass ownership of the home to your children without naggingThe difference between modeling and inviting kids into responsibilityWhy action creates motivation (and not the other way around)The simple starting point that breaks the clutter and anxiety cycleWe also talk about something that might sting a little: why systems alone will not save you.If you have ever walked into a messy kitchen and felt your shoulders tense… or walked into a clear counter and felt yourself exhale… this episode is for you.Let's talk about how simplifying your home can actually strengthen your parenting.Resources We Mention for Making Home Your Happy PlaceOrder Katy's new book, Making Home Your Happy Place, on Amazon or Bookshop.orgCheck out her courses if you need help at home: Toy Clutter Cure System, Home Management Mastery, Clutter ChallengeGet the one-page handbook episode guides at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/handbookHere is Katy's earlier episode of the podcast: Expected Mess Vs. True Clutter – What's the Difference and How to Solve ThemVisit Katy at her website Katy Joy Wells or on InstagramThank you to today's sponsor, Happsy! Shop at kidscookrealfood.com/Happsy for an earth-friendly, affordable mattress today.  Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Our hearts tell us we want to be outside, that we were created for nature…when it's warm and beautiful and sunny!I don't know about you, but I do find that when it's cold, rainy, snowing, or blowing, I tend to be grateful for my 4 walls, central heat, and mug of tea indoors.How can we change this paradigm in ourselves and in our culture where the outdoors is becoming less and less popular all the time?It doesn't happen by accident. To be intentional about outdoor and nature time, we have to be inspired. My guests today are the co-authors of a wonderful book about getting outdoors, Digging Into Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Happier and Healthier Kids, and they share research and physiology to remind us: Our kids need time outside. Much, much more time than they're getting!You'll be inspired by:how parenting has changed in the last 30 years & Dr. Glassy's wake-up calloutdoor benefits to physical and mental healthwhy parenting actually becomes easier when your kids are outside!what “counts” as a dose of naturesimple ways you can incorporate nature into your day – without even going out!how children's development is actually supercharged with outdoor experiencesthe ways in which time outside builds resilience and prepares kids and teens for real lifeI figure I need to listen to an interview like this about every 2 months to re-inspire me to make outside time a priority! Maybe every 2 weeks in the winter…What do you think?Resources We Mention for Nature Time for KidsDrs. Glassy and Tandon's book: Digging Into Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Happier and Healthier Kids (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Simple Strategies to Relieve Anxiety as a FamilyWhy Everything You Know About Vision is WrongLiving Dangerously with Caution: We Bike Our Child to School without ApologyBuilding Resilience and Reducing Stress in Kids with Jess Sherman20 Ways to Preserve Apples (without Sugar)Check out Project Nature Washington for more from these doctorsGrab the four free life skills workshops right here. Start your kids making simple snacks now at kidscookrealfood.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I couldn't stop thinking about this interview with Jessica Joelle Alexander – and honestly, I haven't stopped since! As a mom and as someone who teaches kids to cook and helps families connect around the table, I was deeply struck by how peacefully and intentionally Danish families seem to live: more play, less pressure; more “we,” less “me.”In this episode of the podcast, I'm talking with Jessica Joelle Alexander, author of The Danish Way of Parenting and The Danish Way Every Day. This is part two of our conversation, and we're digging into:what hygge really is beyond candles and cozy blanketshow Danish families use mealtimes and simple food to build connection instead of conflictwhy involving kids in cooking and chores from toddlerhood can actually feel like playthe powerful idea of equal dignity and seeing our kids as true members of the family teamhow all of this helps children “rest well within themselves” and grow a deep, quiet sense of contentmentIf you've ever felt torn between giving your kids a “real childhood” and preparing them for success, or if you're tired of power struggles around food, chores, and screens, this conversation will feel like a big exhale. Jessica offers such a hopeful, practical picture of family life that isn't about striving and measuring, but about raising kids who genuinely feel at home in themselves.Let's dive into part two!Resources We Mention for Danish ParentingJessica's books: The Danish Way of Parenting (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and The Danish Way Every Day (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Building Strong Families, Connected Kids with Father Leo of Plating Gracemy No More Picky Eating Challenge3 Reasons Giving Your Kids Responsibilities Is a GiftHow to Raise Siblings Who Love Each OtherFind Jessica at her website Jessica Joelle Alexander or follow her on social: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTubeGrab the four free life skills workshops right here. Start your kids making simple snacks now at kidscookrealfood.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

In America, we tend to raise kids with a constant sense of striving. We measure success early, track milestones closely, and quietly worry about whether our children are doing enough, fast enough, and well enough.The Danish approach offers a striking contrast. Instead of pushing children to prove themselves, Danish parenting emphasizes something far more grounded: helping kids rest well within themselves.In this episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook, I talk with Jessica Joelle Alexander about what that actually looks like in real life. We explore:why Danish children are often described as calm and serenehow play is treated as essential rather than optionaland why connection and trust matter more than control, especially in the digital age.This conversation is settling, perspective-shifting, and deeply reassuring for parents who feel the pressure to constantly measure and manage their kids' development! I couldn't stop talking with Jessica, so stay tuned for Part 2 of this interview. Resources We Mention for Danish ParentingJessica's books: The Danish Way of Parenting (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and The Danish Way Every Day (Amazon/Bookshop.org)3 Ways Parents Can Help Prevent Depression in Their KidsNurturing Young Skeptics: Essential Guide to Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids and Teens with Kathy GibbensMy TEDx talk on building critical thinking skills in kidsCheck out the Raising Digital Citizens conversation cards hereFind Jessica at her website Jessica Joelle Alexander or follow her on social: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTubeGrab the four free life skills workshops right here. Start your kids making simple snacks now at kidscookrealfood.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Today's teen tidbit is number five, and it gets right to the heart of what's actually happening in your teen's brain right now!Somewhere around ages 11 or 12, kids move from a black and white way of thinking into a world full of gray, nuance, and questions, which is why “because I said so” suddenly stops working. (And honestly, that's a good thing.) In this quick episode, we'll talk about why teens are wired to push boundaries again, how that's developmentally healthy, and how we as parents can level up by keeping strong boundaries while inviting conversation, choice, and understanding. I'll also share why cooking has become one of my favorite safe places to practice all of this, from knowing when it's okay to bend the rules to understanding when rules exist for a really good reason. Let's dive in. Get the parenting video series now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenvids or check out Teens Cook Real Food at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenscookResources We Mention for Boundaries for TeensTeens Cook Real Food courseFree 3-part video series on parenting teens intentionallyTeen Tidbit 1 on ownershipTeen Tidbit 2 on agencyTeen Tidbit 3 on overcoming perfectionismTeen Tidbit 4 on passing on family values Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

In this Teen Tidbit, I share how the kitchen is one of the most powerful places to pass on family values through working side by side toward a common goal. Cooking together naturally opens up conversation and creates opportunities to model what matters most, whether that is serving others, being good stewards of our resources, or choosing real food as part of daily life. I talk about how asking teens to cook foods they may not personally enjoy teaches empathy and service, how flexible cooking skills help reduce food waste and stretch a grocery budget, and how making simple meals from whole ingredients builds healthier habits without being overwhelming. When teens learn to cook, adapt recipes, and use what they already have, they gain far more than a meal, they absorb the values that shape your family culture and carry them into adulthood.Get the parenting video series now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenvids or check out Teens Cook Real Food at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenscookResources We Mention for Passing on Family Values in the KitchenTeens Cook Real Food courseFree 3-part video series on parenting teens intentionallyTeen Tidbit 1 on ownershipTeen Tidbit 2 on agencyTeen Tidbit 3 on overcoming perfectionismWays to avoid food wasteCream of vegetable soup frameworkChicken stockHere are some of my favorite baby steps for eating more real food.Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any episodes this week! Apple, Spotify, other options Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

As a continually recovering perfectionist myself, I share why that drive to do everything just right can actually hold kids back from starting, trying, and growing. We've all heard “progress over perfection,” but I wanted to explore what that really looks like in everyday life, especially for teenagers who can freeze up when things don't feel exact or guaranteed.The kitchen, in my opinion, is one of the best places to practice letting go of perfection. When I filmed Teens Cook Real Food with eight real teens who were mostly beginners, we captured the messy, real-life moments: broken eggs, small cuts, burned food, and lots of learning along the way. I intentionally pushed them to measure like TV chefs, eyeball seasonings, and move faster than felt comfortable, all to help loosen that grip of perfectionism. Cooking shows us that food doesn't need to be flawless to be delicious, and that it's actually pretty hard to completely mess things up.When kids can aim for “yummy” instead of “five-star restaurant quality,” they gain confidence, experience, and momentum. If you have a teen whose perfectionist tendencies keep them from trying new things or putting themselves out there, cooking can be a powerful and practical way to help them grow.Get the parenting video series now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenvids or check out Teens Cook Real Food at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenscookResources We Mention for Overcoming Perfectionism in the KitchenTeens Cook Real Food courseFree 3-part video series on parenting teens intentionallyTeen Tidbit 1 on ownershipTeen Tidbit 2 on agencySubscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any episodes this week! Apple, Spotify, other options Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

In this Teen Tidbit, I dive into why agency is such a powerful (and often overlooked) developmental need for teenagers. Agency is really the combination of having choices and having the skills to act on those choices, which together give teens real options in life. I've intentionally woven this into the Teens Cook Real Food course, sometimes in ways that feel a little chaotic, like cooking multiple versions of the same recipe at once to show how flexible cooking really is. Even when it feels messy or overwhelming at first, teens are more than capable of cutting through the chaos, following a recipe, and making something delicious. More importantly, all those options feed what they crave developmentally: independence and ownership. My encouragement is to look for ways at home to give your teens more agency by pairing choices with real skills, because that combination is what helps them grow into confident, capable adults.Get in on the free parenting series on parenting teens here: https://raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenvidsCheck out the Teens Cook Real Food eCourse here!Resources We Mention for Teen AgencyTeens Cook Real Food courseFree 3-part video series on parenting teens intentionallyTeen Tidbit 1 on ownershipWhat's it like to be diagnosed with a food allergy as a kid?Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any episodes this week! Apple, Spotify, other options Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Get in on the free parenting series on parenting teens here: https://raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenvidsIn this Teen Tidbit episode, I share why passing on ownership of health, time, and responsibility to our teens matters so much, especially through teaching real-life skills like cooking. After hearing from a beta test mom whose 13-year-old confidently made pancakes on his own, I explain that ownership has two parts: practical skills (which are easier to teach) and psychological ownership (which takes time and intentional parenting). The earlier we involve teens and give them real responsibility, the better prepared they are for adulthood, which is exactly what inspired the Teens Cook Real Food course and the free video series this week!Check out the Teens Cook Real Food eCourse here!Resources We Mention for Teaching Teens OwnershipTeens Cook Real Food courseFree 3-part video series on parenting teens intentionallyMy episode on Tiny Tidbits Identify triggers and treat eczema naturallySubscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any episodes this week! Apple, Spotify, other options Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

In the last episode, we made it through step 3 of the 5 steps to meal planning on a budget! Now let's dive into steps 4-5. I am collaborating with two of my most frugal friends who are GREAT cooks to compile 5 steps to meal planning on a budget, merging both requests of our families of teens.May I introduce you to Tiffany of Don't Waste the Crumbs and Steph of Cheapskate Cook, who never cease to amaze me with their ability to save money while also generously hosting friends and sharing their knowledge with others online?You'll get to hear from them both in this episode. Resources We Mention for Meal Planning on a BudgetSome tips to stretch your meat and save moneyMore tips for reducing food wasteMy full interview with StephMy full interview with TiffanyMeal planning is the key to healthy eatingRoutines to make healthy meal planning doable3 Habits to help your grocery budget with high inflationMore tips and recipes to save you moneyVisit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

We just celebrated 10 years of teaching kids to cook online, which honestly feels surreal. It still feels like yesterday that we were filming the very first lessons, crossing our fingers, and wondering if anyone would even want this.Fast forward a decade and nearly 20,000 families served, and the answer is clear. This work matters. It is changing kitchens, confidence levels, and family dynamics in real ways.Over the years, parents have consistently asked me about two skills that go beyond what we teach inside Kids Cook Real Food:How to help kids meal planHow to help kids grocery shopThese are higher level executive functioning skills. They build on cooking, but they are a step further. They require decision making, budgeting, and thinking ahead. That is why they were never part of the original Kids Cook Real Food course.For a long time, I knew these skills belonged in a future, more advanced program for teens and young adults. And now, that next step is almost here!! They are a big part of Teens Cook Real Food, which releases to the public on January 26, 2006!! (But only for a week right now, so put it on your calendar.)Today we'll hit on steps 1-3 of meal planning on a budget!Resources We Mention for Meal Planning on a BudgetSome tips to stretch your meat and save moneyMore tips for reducing food wasteMeal planning is the key to healthy eatingRoutines to make healthy meal planning doable3 Habits to help your grocery budget with high inflationMore tips and recipes to save you moneVisit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Somewhere between “I can do hard things” and “Can you order for me?” is a whole lot of teen growth waiting to happen.Arthur C. Woods has spent decades working with teens, and he brings a refreshingly practical take on leadership that starts way earlier than a title, a team captain badge, or a future resume. We talk about why teens are more capable than we think, why they are not always being challenged to prove it, and how everyday life skills at home connect directly to leadership, resilience, and work readiness.In this episode, we coverWhy many teens are entering adulthood less prepared, even with more resources than everHow to raise “work ready” teens before they ever clock in for a first jobWhy adaptability is both a mindset and a daily practice (especially when things change)A simple definition of leadership that makes every teen a leader right nowArthur's SPARK framework for emerging leaders (and what “singularity” means for teens)How chores and life skills build leadership (not because of the task, but because of the skill of learning skills)We loved Arthur in #LifeSkillsNow Season Two, and I know you'll love hearing from him today!Resources We Mention for Work-Ready TeensCheck out Work-Ready Teens from Arthur C. Woods and use code KCRF for $30 off!Grab Arthur's book SPARK for Emerging Leaders (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Start building life skills with #LifeSkillsNowInterview with Amy Carney on launching your teens and teaching them life skillsTeach teens cooking and cleaning right now! Visit Arthur at his website Arthur C. Woods, or check out his socials: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInVisit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Get your four free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Way back when my husband and I were new-ish parents, he read a headline that talked about parents being "bone tired" at the end of the day.For years, we referred to that phrase: "We're BONE TIRED. Parents are all BONE TIRED." (Put a little lilt and emphasis on "bone" and you can hear us in your head now.)As it turns out, Dr. Evan Hirsch would recommend that we stop with those negative thoughts, because they're not going to take us anywhere good. He's an international expert on chronic fatigue (and now long haulers), and this was an interview I was HIGHLY looking forward to. I was right!Prepare to be fascinated by Dr. Hirsch's wisdom on:The 33 causes of fatigueHow you KNOW you have chronic fatigue (and aren't just bone tired like every other parent out there - and it's way easier than I expected to figure it out!)Why solving your chronic fatigue may also make you live longerWhy some people become long haulers and others don't (this has fascinated me for a while and I couldn't wait to discuss it!)Dr. Hirsch's process for helping people reverse chronic fatigue (that more or less translates to long haul)How you know if 5 jumping jacks is pushing your body too muchA simple "recipe" to raise healthy kids (i.e. what an integrative MD would tell you to do to prevent your kids from getting chronic illnesses and BOOST their real energy—not the sugar-laden kind—to help them live happier lives now)THE most important technique he recommends to everyone, preventative and restorative (and there are only 4 steps to it and zero cost!!!)I'm going to be thinking about this interview for a long time...can't wait to hear what you think about it.Resources We Mention for Chronic FatigueDr. Hirsch would like to give you a FREE PDF download of his book Tired of Being Tired that has helped thousands of exhausted humans resolve their fatigue and achieve more in their livesHere is Dr. Hirsch's book Fix Your FatigueHere's an interview about one of those infections, Lyme diseaseHere's the Jack Canfield book The Success Principles we talked aboutFollow Dr. Hirsch on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YoutubeSay goodbye to picky eating today! Visit kidscookrealfood.com/pickypodcast now.  Get 4 life skills workshops now for free! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Have you ever blown up at your kid because they're melting down?Just wanted their bad behavior to STOP because you feel like a bad parent if it doesn't?Committed that you would parent differently than your parents, but see some cycles repeating you don't like?My guest today is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has seen a lot of hurting and struggling families in her decade-plus working with clients, and she brings some of the best scripts I've ever heard to this interview today.Get answers for issues like:Your teen says everyone else gets to do X and it's not fair that she doesn't!Your preschooler throws an epic 45-minute tantrumYou try to put the child in time-out but it only makes things worseYour child's behavior triggers anger or resentmentFeeling like you have to choose between being a warm, connected parent and giving your kids chores and boundariesPlus Bryanna tells us the two most important things we can say to our teens - and they're good ones.I know many parents are going to have a mindset shift after this one, and I can't wait to hear what you think!Shop Wholestix and eat your organ meats here! Get your free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

When your podcast guest says, “Our goal as parents is to raise up these self-sufficient, independent people someday,” you know she's in the right place!Diane Boden and I talk all about her journey to minimalism and the intentional mindset she's fostered over the last 14 years.It's not just about the “stuff” but about experiences, relationships, schedules, and even goals.We dig into all that and more in this encouraging interview!Resources We Mention for Living with IntentionDiane's book, Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity, is available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or wherever you find your books. The Bullet Journal SystemMy stewardship philosophy Building mom friendships and overcoming isolation with Heather MacFadyenVisit Diane at her website Minimalist Moms Podcast or on social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, XShop Wholestix and eat your organ meats here! Get your free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

My guest today is 17-year-old Abdullah Ansari, and listening to him talk about teen health, food, stress, tech, and purpose made my jaw drop more than once. Not because he sounded rehearsed or polished. But because he sounded awake in a way most adults are still struggling to be.He talks about teen health like it is urgent. Because it is. He talks about food like it is power. Because it is. And he talks about freedom in a way that completely reframes how most teens think about independence.If you are raising a teen right now, or if you will be in the next few years, I truly believe this episode is one you will want to listen to together.Here is just a small taste of what we unpack in this conversation:Why ultra-processed food is designed to override a teen's self-controlHow the gut microbiome directly affects mood, anxiety, focus, and skinWhy scrolling is not actually a “break” for a stressed-out brainTwo free, simple stress reset tools every teen can use todayHow Abdullah handles peer pressure when everyone else is eating junkWhy gratitude is not just emotional but biologicalHow purpose changes the way teens use their bodies and their timeResources We Mention for the Teen Health RevolutionOrder The Teen Health Revolution: Unlocking Lifestyle Secrets for the Mind, Body, and Soul by Abdullah Ansari, Zain Ansari, Emaad Ansari, Qasim Ansari, and Madiha Saeed, MD on Amazon or Bookshop.orgIf you order the book before December 11, 2025, get the awesome bonuses from Abdullah and fam!Holistic Parenting with Dr. SaeedGetting to the Root of Chronic Inflammation and Disease in Kids with Dr. Madiha SaeedOne Simple Stress-Busting Habit to Use Every DayListen to the Holistic Kids' Show podcast!Visit Abullah and brothers at their website The Holistic Kid's Show or visit them on Facebook or InstagramGet four free life skills workshops now!  Shop Wholestix and eat your organ meats here! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Coughs, Flu and School Germs, oh my!If cold-and-flu season causes tremors in your heart but you hate the idea of using over-the-counter drugs on your kids just to get through the night, I have great news: The bees got your back.Carly from Beekeeper's Naturals joins us today to share about the power of nature – she will feed your science geek brain and share SO many practical ideas and uses for bee products (bet you've never even heard of some of them!):What beats coughs as effectively as OTC cough meds but with no side effects?Find out about a natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal product that you can ingest or use on the skin for coughs, rashes, scrapes, immunity boosting, allergies, and “that ominous tickle.” Amazing stuff!What gives queen bees the vitality to have 1500 babies a day and live 20x longer than other bees? Want some? Humans have been using it for centuries!Two different ways to calm anxiety and get better sleep, something we know everyone needs!Find incredible focus with an age-old nootropic that may help heal concussions, build new brain cells, prevent signs of aging brains and more…this stuff is so cool!!Resources We Mention About Health Benefits of HoneyShop Beekeepers Naturals (use code KITCHEN20 for 20% off!)Pre-order Carly's picture book, Little Bee and the Bloom (releasing August 2026) on Amazon or Bookshop.orgHow to Bake with HoneyMy interview with Carly about bee population declineMore ways to improve sleepHealth benefits of honeyMore natural ways to combat coughs and coldsFind Beekeeper's Naturals on Instagram or FacebookShop Wholestix and eat your organ meats here! Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!