Podcasts about healthy parenting

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!

Send us Fan MailParenting is one of the most meaningful — and challenging — responsibilities we will ever have. In this episode, Alexa Riemenschneider joins us for an honest and practical conversation from a therapist's perspective on raising healthy, connected kids in today's world.Together, we explore how parents can improve communication, strengthen emotional connection, and approach discipline in a way that guides rather than controls. Alexa shares insight into balancing emotional and logical parenting, helping children develop responsibility and resilience while maintaining trust and safety within the relationship.This episode also tackles the difficult reality that parents cannot control every outcome in their child's life — but they can create an environment that fosters wisdom, security, and growth.Whether you are parenting young children, teenagers, or navigating difficult family dynamics, this conversation offers practical tools, encouragement, and a healthier framework for leading your family with intentionality and grace.Topics include:• Emotional vs. logical parenting• Healthy communication with kids• Discipline that builds connection• Emotional regulation for parents• Guiding children without controlling outcomes• Building trust and resilience in the familyIf you've ever felt overwhelmed, reactive, or unsure how to parent through difficult moments, this episode will encourage and equip you.A 4-day, in-person program designed for ministry leaders, individuals, and couples seeking a more specialized and focused experience.The assessment and therapy process utilizes robust psychological testing and intensive outpatient counseling to provide mental health support for challenges, including burnout, grief, moral failure, relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, and trauma.https://emerge.org/intensives/ Mental Health Therapists... Apply today at emerge.org/careers and join us in the battle to help people find freedom and rest... Emerge.org - "You Don't Have to Walk Alone" Support the showContact Us:Email the show: experience@emerge.orgEmerge.orgfacebook.com/EmergeCounselingMinistriesThank you for listening, sharing, and praying for our podcast!Support the ExEm podcast by clicking here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/882700/support

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!

Most kids grow up seeing their parents like superheroes—steady, strong, and always in control. But in this episode of The Heavyweight Collective, the conversation asks a deeper question: what happens when kids realize their parents are just people trying to survive life too?What starts as a parenting debate quickly turns into a real conversation about emotional honesty, vulnerability, and the balance between protecting children and preparing them for reality. The episode breaks down what “age-appropriate honesty” actually looks like in everyday life, from crying in front of your kids to apologizing after getting something wrong.The discussion also explores how families that avoid emotions can unintentionally create emotional distance, confusion, or unanswered questions later in life. At the same time, the conversation makes an important distinction between being emotionally open and emotionally dumping on your children.This episode is honest, reflective, and full of the kind of parenting conversations that don't come with easy answers—just deeper awareness and intentionality.Tap in With US! Thanks for tapping in with The Heavyweight Collective! Make sure you follow, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this convo. Catch us on all socials for clips, updates, and more behind the mic. https://linktr.ee/TheHeavyweightPodcast

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!

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with Beth Guckenberger – co-founder of Back2Back Ministries, author, speaker, and mom – to talk about a parenting challenge many families face – helping kids process difficult, confusing, and sometimes complicated news. So how do parents talk honestly about hard things without overwhelming or frightening their kids? Drawing from her experience as a missionary, parent, and ministry leader, Beth shares practical, faith-filled wisdom for navigating tough conversations with confidence and compassion. Together, they discuss how to discern what to share (and what not to share), signs your child may be struggling even when they aren't saying much, simple ways to create safe spaces for emotional processing, and how families can remain rooted in hope when the world feels heavy. If you've ever wondered how to help your kids make sense of complicated news while pointing them back to God's truth, this conversation will equip and encourage you. -- BacktoBack Ministries Trauma Free World Resources Book: Presence Matters by Beth Guckenberger -- Question of the Week: When you hear something bad in the news or in your life, what questions pop into your head? -- Hosts: Amy Lowe and Marissa Ray Guest: Beth Guckenberger Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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!

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with author, speaker, and podcast host Tara Sun to talk about something every parent feels but rarely escapes—overwhelm. Between packed schedules, constant noise, and the pressure to “do it all,” finding peace can feel out of reach. Drawing from her book Overbooked and Overwhelmed, Tara shares her personal story of hitting a turning point that revealed just how disconnected she had become—from God, from her purpose, and even from the present moments of motherhood. With honesty and encouragement, she reminds parents that peace isn't found in perfect systems or better time management, but in a deeper awareness of God's presence in the middle of everyday chaos. Together, they explore what it looks like to shift your mindset, slow down internally (even when life doesn't), and reconnect with what truly matters. Tara offers practical, grace-filled strategies for navigating overstimulation, cultivating self-awareness, and breaking free from the cycle of constant busyness. If you're feeling stretched thin, mentally exhausted, or just longing for a little more calm in your parenting journey, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and point you toward lasting peace. Resources: Overbooked & Overwhelmed by Tara Sun Surrender your Story by Tara Sun Podcast: Truth Talks with Tara -- Question of the Week: What makes you feel overwhelmed? What are some things you can do when you feel that way?  -- Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray Guest: Tara Sun Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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!

In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with author and mom of four, Amber Lia, to talk honestly about something many parents wrestle with but rarely say out loud—anger. Drawing from her new book, Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger, Amber shares her own story with refreshing vulnerability and offers practical, grace-filled tools for the moments when frustration rises. Together, they explore how anger shows up in parenting, recognizing the difference between righteous anger and destructive frustration, and what it looks like to grow in patience even on the hardest days. Amber also unpacks simple, intentional strategies that help moms pause, reset, and respond with gentleness—reminding every parent that change is possible. Whatever season you are in, this conversation will encourage you to breathe deeply, release shame, and take meaningful steps toward transformation. -- Book: Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger Meet our Guest: Amber Lia Book: Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses -- Question of the Week: When have you recently noticed that I was angry, and how did it make you feel? -- Hosts: Amy Lowe and Sara Jones Guest: Amber Lia Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this deeply honest, vulnerable,  courageous and inter-generational conversation, I am joined by Leslie Priscilla of Latinx Parenting, my daughter Ally Hrbacek, Mariana Trujillo-Lezama, and her mother Claudia Lezama. Together, we explore a powerful and necessary truth: there is no healing or justice without the liberation of children. We name something many struggle to say out loud—children are often mistreated in ways that have been normalized. Through control, punishment, dismissal, and the assumption of adult authority, harm is perpetuated in everyday parenting practices. Leslie calls this what it is: adult supremacy, and challenges us to radically rethink how we relate to children. This conversation moves beyond blame and into awareness. Across generations, we reflect on the parenting we received, the patterns we've inherited, and the courage it takes to interrupt cycles of harm. We speak to the tension of loving our children deeply while also confronting the ways we may unknowingly replicate what hurt us. We also hold a profound truth: children are not just beings we raise—they are teachers, mirrors, and healers. They reveal where we are still wounded. They invite us to reconnect with our own inner children. And they call us into the work of healing—not just individually, but across generations. In this episode, we explore: the normalization of harm in parenting; power, control, and adult supremacy; what it means to truly love and respect children;  children as teachers and guides in our healing; the necessity of re-parenting ourselves; and why the liberation of children is essential to any vision of justice or healing. This is not a conversation about perfect parenting. It is a conversation about truth, accountability, and transformation. Because how we treat children shapes not only families— but the world we are creating. --- Leslie Priscilla is a parent coach, educator, and the founder of Latinx Parenting, a bilingual movement rooted in children's rights, social and racial justice, nonviolence, and intergenerational healing. Her work focuses on: liberating children from harmful and oppressive parenting practices supporting parents in reparenting themselves healing intergenerational and ancestral trauma and decolonizing family systems She has worked with thousands of parents, educators, and professionals through workshops, trainings, and community-based programming. Leslie's highly anticipated book, Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture through Nonviolent Parenting, is available for pre-order and will be released on August 18, 2026. In Chancla, Leslie: examines “la chancla” as both a cultural symbol and a legacy of normalized violence invites readers to move away from fear, shame, and corporal punishment offers a path rooted in connection, reflection, and ancestral healing and supports readers in healing both their parenting practices and their inner child Blending storytelling, history, and practical tools, this book is a guide for anyone seeking to break cycles and create homes grounded in love, safety, and respect. Connect with Leslie Website: Latinx Parenting Instagram: @LatinxParenting Instagram (Leslie): @comadre.wellness Leslie will also be presenting at the Justice as Trauma Summit in Vancouver from April 7-9. Learn more here: www.myrnamccallum.co/jat2026

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!

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!”

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!

How do you raise a kid with healthy fear? It's so heartbreaking! PLUS: How you leave is how you will be remembered—in work and life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you raise a kid with healthy fear? It's so heartbreaking! PLUS: How you leave is how you will be remembered—in work and life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perspective can change the way we see life, parenting, and even our daily struggles—but it's not always easy to gain. Amy and Sara sit down with Cody Braun, Marketing Manager for WinShape Camps and father of two, to talk about how perspective can grow patience and gratitude, why it's so hard in the moment, and practical ways to see life more clearly.They also explore how perspective can help in every season—mountaintops, messes, and everything in between—and Cody shares lessons from parenting his young kids. Tune in for an honest, hope-filled conversation that will help you slow down and gain a bigger God-sized view on life.--Question of the Week: If you could go back in time, what is one thing that you would do differently?--Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara JonesGuests: Cody BraunProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!Instagram: @WinShapeCampsTikTok: @WinShapeCampsFacebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're lonely!It's hurting us!And we're not very good at connecting with other humans.Heather MacFadyen is here to help. Author and podcaster of Don't Mom Alone, she's all about building connection to help moms do their jobs better.“Loneliness can be when you're with others but not feeling truly known,” she said in this encouraging interview. We talk about the 3 kinds of relationships moms need to nurture, how to shed the unattainable standards society is trying to place on us, and how to antidote loneliness in the most practical of ways.We hit on anger, lies and truths, podcast clubs and more.If you've ever felt the vulnerability of making a new friend or wish you were brave enough to take the risk and make a coffee date or go for a walk with a new friend…you need this interview.Grab Heather's book at your local library or bookshop and be sure to subscribe to the Don't Mom Alone podcast (along with of course The Healthy Parenting Handbook)!Resources We Mention for Building Mom FriendshipsHeather's books: Don't Mom Alone (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and Right Where You Belong (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Subscribe to Heather's podcast, Don't Mom AloneMel Robbins podcast episode: Why Making Friends as an Adult Feels ImpossibleThe Science of Friendship with Dr. Marisa G. FrancoPeople Fuel by John TownsendGood and Angry by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller Emotional Regulation for Moms with Emily HamblinVisit Heather on her website HeatherMacFadyen.com or on social media: Instagram, FacebookShop Wholestix and eat your organ meats here! Get 4 #LifeSkillsNow videos at kidscookrealfood.com/skills 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!

Upcoming Ayurveda Retreat/ Workshop/ EventsA Two-Week Immersive Healing Experience, with Dr. Vignesh Devraj MD (Ay)Guided personally by Dr. Vignesh Devraj MD (Ay), our upcoming retreat isn't just about receiving treatments, it's about transforming the patterns that created imbalance in the first place.Dates: December 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026Venue: Sitaram X The Postcard Old Goahttps://sitaramretreat.com/ayurveda-experience/How can Ayurveda help children navigate modern-day behavioral and developmental challenges? In this insightful episode, Dr. Arun Warrier, an Ayurvedic Pediatric Specialist, joins Dr. Vignesh Devraj to explore Kaumara Bhritya.This conversation sheds light on how modern parenting, digital exposure, and lifestyle shifts impact a child's mental, emotional, and physical growth. Dr. Warrier shares practical Ayurvedic strategies, including diet (Ahara), lifestyle (Vihara), and gentle therapies.Learn why parental awareness, emotional connection, and mindful routines are as important as medicines, and how integrative care combining Ayurveda and modern pediatrics can create lasting resilience. The discussion also emphasizes inclusion, community support, and shifting the focus from labeling to discovering every child's unique talents.Key Highlights:Introduction to Kaumara BhrityaMobile addiction & new pediatric challengesCounseling parents & integrative treatmentWhat is Virtual autism?Modern childhood challengesCommon pediatric disorders treated with AyurvedaTimestamps:00:00 – 10:00: Introduction & Changing Patterns in Child Health10:00 – 20:00: Parenting, Awareness & Emotional Well-being20:00 – 30:00: Ayurvedic Approach & Integrative Care30:00 – 40:00: Developmental Milestones & Screen-time Management40:00 – 52:00: Building long-term resilience in children through mindful routinesAbout The Guest: Dr Arun B Warrier is an MD holder in Ayurveda paediatrics from the Government Ayurveda Medical College, Trivandrum, with ten years of experience in paediatric health care. He is working as an associate professor and head in the Department of Ayurveda Paediatrics (Kaumarabrithyam)at Ashtangam Ayurveda Chikitsalayam & Vidyapeedham, a reputed Ayurveda medical college in Kerala.Book a Consultation with Dr. Vignesh DevrajIf you're interested in a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr. Vignesh Devraj, you can schedule your session through this link: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist For those facing financial difficulties, we offer limited free consultations. You may apply using the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform Balance the Mighty Vata – Online Course Now AvailableAyurveda's unique strength lies in its deep understanding of Vata—the dynamic force behind Prana (life energy), the nervous system, and our emotional well-being. Managing Vata is often considered the most challenging yet crucial part of healing.To help guide you through this, I've recorded a comprehensive workshop titled “Balancing the Mighty Vata”—featuring over 6 hours of in-depth content and practical guidance you can integrate into daily life.

The very morning I did this interview, my husband was complaining about how badly he felt because of a certain number...and when I heard Heidi's final "practical" challenge to parents, I knew we had to do it. This interview was a HUGE paradigm shift for me, and you will alternately want to turn it off as it gets challenging and find yourself cheering out loud!Heidi Schauster, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S is an expert on eating disorders and talks with me today about how we as parents can foster a healthy relationship with food for our kids. We cover risk factors for eating disorders, mindful eating, how to handle treats at school and elsewhere, what "rules" parents should (and should not!) have for food in the home, the quickest way to make your child into a binge eater, how we should talk about weight and body image with our kids, and so much more.This is a MUST WATCH interview because our entire culture is disordered in how to think and talk about body image, so we have a LOT of work to do to make positive change! Heidi and I continued to talk after I ended the recording and I kept catching myself using the wrong language about food. She said, "This is great - you're creating new neural pathways right in front of my eyes!" Resources We Mentioned for Healthy Relationships with Food:Heidi's books: Nourish: How to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Body, and Self (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and Nurture: How to Raise Kids Who Love Food, Their Bodies, and Themselves (Amazon/Bookshop.org)More on Ellyn Satter's division of responsibility in feedingHealth at Every SizeThe No More Picky Eating ChallengeWhat happened when the 8-year-old sneaked Halloween candy?Visit Heidi's website here or follow her on the socials: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, FacebookGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills 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!

The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year ... or the most overwhelming. Between the excitement, the sugar, the schedule changes, and the constant stimulation, even the calmest kids can start to unravel. And let's be honest, parents can too!In this episode, I sat down with JoAnn Crohn, a former school teacher who's now on a mission to help overwhelmed moms rediscover joy and raise healthier, happier families. She has a gentle, realistic way of helping moms shift from chaos to calm, especially during high-stress seasons like the holidays. You might recognize JoAnn, as she's been a camp leader in all four seasons of #LifeSkillsNow!Here's what you'll learn:How JoAnn helps overwhelmed moms find joy and balance againWhy self-care isn't selfish, it's essential to being an effective parentWhat holiday overstimulation does to kids (and how to help them recover)Simple ways to validate your child's emotions without giving in to every whimHow to prepare kids for the changes and disappointments that come with the holidaysWhy calm-down strategies work best when practiced before the meltdownsThe easiest ways to bring your kids into holiday traditions so everyone feels connectedYou'll walk away with practical tools and a fresh mindset to make this holiday season feel more joyful and a lot less stressful.Resources We Mention for Helping Kids Manage Holiday EmotionsRegister for the Happy Holidays, Happier Kids Challenge that starts November 9!My interview with Tina Payne Bryson, and her book The Whole-Brain Child (Amazon/Bookshop.org)My Reasons I Think the Grinch Was a Highly Sensitive PersonMy favorite Christmas cookie ever: KifliVisit JoAnn Crohn on her website No Guilt Mom, or follow her on social media: Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, FacebookGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! 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!

Our digestion happens every day and REALLY can impact how we feel, think, and treat others!So let's talk all about poop. :)My guest today is brimming over with practical tips about assessing your digestive output (aka poo) and solving issues in gut health based on what you see.Genevieve is a wealth of knowledge on gut health and poop and so generous with her time and practical tips. If you're a fan of healthy living without being too complicated or spending too much money, this is the interview for you!Resources We Mention for Gut Health for FamiliesPurchase The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth (Amazon/Bookshop.org)If you're expecting, check out the Mama Natural Birth CourseChickpea Pizza Crust that is a favorite in our house.Morning sunlight for busy momsQuick Change Tastebuds, Gut Health, and Picky Eating with Elissa ArnheimProducts Genevieve Recommends: Mama Natural probiotics, Northwest Wild Foods berry powders, Garden of Life Turmeric gummies, Eden foods canned beans, Psyllium husk powder, Standard Process Betafood, Betaine HCl tablets, Digestive bitters, Mother Earth Minerals magnesiumVisit Genevieve on her website MamaNatural.com, or on social media: Instagram, YouTube, FacebookGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Try out the #LifeSkillsNow workshops at kidscookrealfood.com/skills! Shop Truly Free household cleaners and more at https://kidscookrealfood.com/trulyfree! 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!

We're continuing our series on health at every developmental stage - so this week, it's everyone's favorite stage: TEENAGERS!  All kidding aside, the teens often get a bad rap, but when we study what is going on in our physiology during these years, it's no wonder there are attitudes, outbursts, and high emotional output. In today's modern society, when you add in the nearly constant use of technology on top of the Standard American Diet, it's a perfect storm of circumstances just waiting to cause dis-ease.  But is there anything we can do about it? Tune in as the BrainStim gang gets into the nitty gritty of the developing teenage brain!

Let's talk toddlers.If you've ever thought, “What on earth is happening in that tiny human's brain?”—this episode is for you.Here's a taste of what we explored:Why “all behavior is communication” might be the most important parenting mantra you'll ever adoptWhat really happens when you distract your toddler—and how to do it wellThe surprising power dynamic at play in your home (hint: it's not what you think)How setting boundaries doesn't stifle toddlers; it sets them freeWhat it looks like to parent through a lens of development, not disciplineWhy your toddler's big feelings are not your job to fixThe secret sauce for turning chaos into connection (and it might just be curiosity)Devon helped me see toddlerhood not as a survival zone, but a golden window to build trust, independence, and yes – life skills. And if we get it right, this season can be magical.You'll leave this episode feeling a little more confident, a little less alone, and with a few new tools to navigate your toddler's big emotions (and your own).Resources We Mention for Understanding Toddler BehaviorFind Devon's book Transforming Toddlerhood on Amazon or Bookshop.orgGrab the one-page “cheat sheets” for each podcast episode of the Healthy Parenting HandbookDiagnosing the Root Cause of Meltdowns & How to Calm Tantrums with Dr. Tina Payne BrysonWhy Teaching Children to Cook Before Age 5 is Vital for ParentingThe Top 5 Reasons for Toddler TantrumsTeaching Social and Emotional Learning Skills During MealtimesJoin the No More Picky Eating Challenge for free!Connect with Devon on her website Transforming ToddlerhShop Third Rock Essentials at kidscookrealfood.com/thirdrock, and use code KITCHENSTEW for 20% off! Get the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! 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!

You get to sit in on what turned into a college class in food history and nutrition label reading!This interview is high-energy, high impact, and will fill both your academic brain and your mama heart.Becky Wells of Hippie Moms is passionate about helping other mamas understand their food and build a healthy foundation for their families, and she cuts through all the marketing confusion and teaches us how to Just. Eat. Food.I thought this interview might be more for the rookies to healthy living among us, but let's just say that I learned multiple new facts that I'm implementing immediately, so this is 100% for everyone, wherever you are on your journey!You can look forward to:Understanding the 6 major milestones in the evolution of food and how we got to this complicated modern food landscapeWhat first baby steps should be to reverse the problems we see in our healthLabel reading 101: What's important in the ingredientsLabel reading 201: What words mean absolutely nothing and why to skip the numeric data on the Nutrition FactsLabel reading 301: Organic and non-GMO certificationLabel reading 401: Hot tip on an “ingredient” to avoid and how to make the nuanced decisions about how important various commitments are in the grocery storeHow to explain to our kids the importance of listening to our bodies, understanding the connection between food and how we feel, and how to assess food marketingI love Becky's approach and her dedication to making this easier for moms, and I'm so honored by her time today. I know you'll learn a lot and can't wait to hear more about you and your kids making food with “just ingredients” and what baby steps you choose to take!!Resources We Mention on the Evolution of FoodGrab your kids to watch this video on reading nutrition labelsCheck out this episode on how organic food is labeled and might be deceiving youFollowing the dirty dozen and clean fifteenWhat's the problem with polyunsaturated oils?Becky's websiteThe Hippie Moms PodcastFollow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTubeGet my favorite organic clothes and home goods at Pact here! Get 15% off your first order with code KITCHENSTEWARDSHIP15. 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!

If having a strong family and raising kids who know how to serve others is important - or necessary - to you, my guest today will inspire, encourage, and challenge you to reach those goals!He prefers the word "invite" over "challenge," so I'm curious to hear what you think! :)I was beyond honored to sit down with Fr. Leo Patalinghug, "the cooking priest," to talk about family dinners, sharing responsibilities in the home, building memories around food, and how he's serving many communities at once with his new food truck project.You'll hear:Why being a priest and a chef are basically the same callingFr. Leo's strong thoughts about family dinners and a strict boundary he encourages parents to set about dinner conversationThe science behind the necessity of gathering together around foodWhat Fr. Leo says to adults who don't know how to cook and the impersonal tragedy of processed/delivered foodA priest's prescription for date nights to keep the marriage strong (and be a good example for the children)The Plating Grace and Grub food truck and how many communities and needs it serves (plus, YUM, I'm drooling over the menu!)Some pointed words about media consumption, how we digest the words we're told, and what we really need a revival of in AmericaFr. Leo's family experience with food saving relationshipsThere's a reason Fr. Leo is an internationally renowned speaker and a TV host—he's so great to listen to and has a LOT to say. Take notes!I'm also so jazzed that he is quoted in my upcoming book on picky eating, coming in fall 2026!Resources We Mention for Building Strong FamiliesFather Leo's book Saving the FamilyFamily dinner rituals to promote mental and physical healthThe importance of family dinners10 ways to make veggies more appealing to kidsMore about connected parenting with Jennifer KolariTo support Father Leo's food truck ministry, head over hereCheck out his podcast and booksFollow Father Leo on Instagram and FacebookThank you to today's sponsor, Happsy! Shop at kidscookrealfood.com/Happsy for an earth-friendly, affordable mattress today. 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!

We need to connect with our family members to help them learn and grow beyond meltdowns, and Dr. Bryson will help us do that in the most effective, brain-based way.There is a reason for the meltdowns, and she'll help us find the root cause today!Strap on your science geek hat and get ready for a class in neuroscience for parents 101. I could listen to Tina teach all day, and I hope you can grab a piece of paper and take notes to help your own brain retain all this info. But even if you can't, listen and try out some strategies with your own family – practice makes progress!!Tina's books are amazing, and after you listen I know you'll want to get some from your local library or bookstore. If you prefer Amazon, here are some links to The Whole-Brain Child, No-Drama Discipline, Bottom Line for Baby, The Power of Showing Up, and her newest book, The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids.They include “refrigerator sheets” with a quick summary of key points for the whole book for folks like me who love to have something visible in my way as a reminder. We're working on having those for the Healthy Parenting Handbook! Make sure you're on our email list so you can get them for all the episodes soon. More Resources for Calming Tantrums in Your FamilyMore on the different parts of your brain and how they work togetherIs sensory processing disorder behind your child's behavior challenges?5 reasons why toddlers have tantrumsMaster your stress with your breathDr. Tina Bryson's website for moreConnect with Dr. Bryson on social media: Facebook, Instagram, XCheck out the cookbook FOR kids, BY kids at kidscookrealfood.com/chefjr. 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!

My youngest got his first concussion at age 3.After this interview, I'm wondering if another child of mine has some post-concussion symptoms that we never realized had to do with a knock on the head!This interview is for parents of contact sport athletes FOR SURE but also anyone who wants to strengthen their family's brain health.What's brain health? It's the development of your kids' brains, the avoidance of cognitive decline as we age (yes please!), and everyone's mental health.Here's a little peek at what you'll learn:Why a brain after a concussion is a bit like a sprained ankleHow many patients are surprised that their daily symptoms end up being connected to an unresolved concussion in their past!What modern conventional medicine gets wrong about concussions (spoiler: not much right at all!)The worst possible thing to do (and the second worst) for concussion recoveryA shocking fact about the CT scan you'll get in the ER after a concussionConnections from brain health to mental healthA GOLDEN 30-second process you need to put your kids through at the beginning of every contact sport season (I'm going to start telling everyone this!)How to make any exercise (and even cooking with kids!) into a brain exerciseYour science geek brain and your practical brain will be so happy to learn all this information! With kids, it feels like it's not a matter of IF your family will experience a concussion, but WHEN. Be ready with knowledge, and start to build your family's brain health NOW, because like Dr. Zimmerman says: “The stronger you go into something, the better you'll be coming out of it.”Resources We Mention for Building Strong, Healthy BrainsGet Dr. Spencer's book Brain Reset at Amazon or Bookshop.orgVisit his website hereConcussions are on the rise, but it's not why you thinkThe Best Way to Heal from a Concussion: How to Start Recovery Immediately After a Bump on the Head!One great supplement for brain health is Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil. Brain science can make you a better parent!Find Dr. Spencer online: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTubeGet my favorite organic clothes and home goods at Pact here! Get 15% off your first order with code KITCHENSTEWARDSHIP15. 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!

I always thought menopause was something “older” women dealt with. You know, once the kids are gone and you've got gray hair and bifocals.But then... I hit 40.And weird stuff started happening.Was it perimenopause? Hormones? Stress? Just a fluke? Honestly, I didn't know. I wasn't even sure how to know—because no one really talks about this stuff in detail. This week on the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I got to sit down with Jenn Pike, a brilliant practitioner with a background in exercise science and a passion for helping women understand their bodies, hormones, and how to feel strong again—especially in our 40s and 50s. Here's a sneak peek at what we covered:The real definition of perimenopauseWhy your workouts might stop “working” and how to adapt after 40Unexpected early signs of hormone shifts What kind of exercise actually helps your hormones... and what might be hurting themHow to start small and build sustainable health habits during this transitionWhy skipping breakfast is the worst idea for womenWhat to eat, when to eat, and how often to fuel your body the right wayIf you're in your late 30s or 40s and you've been wondering, “What is happening to me?”... this is the conversation you didn't know you needed.Resources We Mention for Perimenopause SymptomsCheck out Jenn's Synced fitness membership program! Get 10% off with code KATIE10.Hormone Health Is Not Just about FertilityWomen Metabolize and Build Strength Differently Than MenHealthy Sleep Routines for the Whole FamilySome favorite helps for sleep: Magnesium Lotion Shop lotion; Earthley Good Night LotionCheck out Jenn's books: The Simplicity Project, The Simplicity Body, and The Simplicity Kitchen.Find Jenn at her website or on her podcast, The Simplicity Sessions.Follow on socials: Facebook, Instagram, YouTubeThanks to today's sponsor, JustThrive! Use code Katie15 for 15% off at https://kidscookrealfood.com/justthrive. 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!

I'll be honest: I've never had a consistent bedtime routine.I teach kids to cook real food, I help families get healthier... and yet when it comes to sleep? Total kryptonite. That's why I knew I needed to bring in a real expert—someone who doesn't just say, “You should get more sleep,” but actually shows us how.Dr. Whitney Roban is a clinical psychologist turned sleep consultant who works with families, schools, and even corporations to teach the why and the how of better sleep. And friends, her tips are not only practical but wildly doable, even if your current sleep situation feels like a disaster.She breaks down:how to figure out your (and your child's) ideal amount of sleepthe real reason your teen can't fall asleep before 11 p.m.what you should (and shouldn't) do right before bedthe surprisingly simple “test” to know how sleep deprived you arehow to rewire your habits without overhauling your entire lifewhat's sabotaging your melatonin (hint: it's probably in your hand right now)how sleep deprivation hurts more than just your moodand why it's never too late to start respecting sleep in your householdThis conversation was such a conviction for me and maybe it will be for you, too.You'll hear me admit my own struggles with sleep, the late-night screen time I know I shouldn't do, and the tiny changes I'm working on. (I even share a little “mom guilt” about bedtime routines and my husband... can you relate?)So if you've been meaning to “get better sleep” but have no idea where to start - or you're just tired of being tired - this episode is your permission slip to pause and reset.Let's solve our sleep one baby step at a time!Resources We Mentioned for Healthy SleepDr. Whitney's websiteDr. Whitey's books that teach kids the importance of sleepInterview with Christine Hansen about sleep for parentsThe secret to healing sleep5 weird tools to improve your sleep8 strategies to improve sleep qualityBlue light glasses I loveFinding a non-toxic mattressFollow Dr. Roban on X, Facebook, Instagram 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!

What is the difference between unconditional love and conditional love? Does healthy love have to include approval of all choices? Are we showing love to our children or our loved ones even when we don't approve of their choices, or when we grieve their choices? Is our love for them more selfish or more selfless? Are we wanting them to make choices that are good for US or for THEM? How do we handle it if they have different priorities or make different choices than we want them to? Are we allowing them to be their healthiest best selves or are we trying to control them?  Do we punish people when they don't do what we want? How can you provide guidance and rules without interfering with healthy development and choices? Today Dr. Beth records a conversation about these topics with a client, honing in on topics related to healthy parenting and unconditional love. This conversation was recorded spontaneously immediately following their therapy session. This client, who has several adolescent and young adult children, shared some great insights and questions, along with examples from her own childhood. Listen to this episode and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfect.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@neverperfectpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠neverperfectbeth@gmail.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop being stressed. angry. resentful. overwhelmed. sad. anxious. Sean will show you how to change your mind...change your mindset...and change your life. Go deeper with Sean at www.SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop being stressed. angry. resentful. overwhelmed. sad. anxious. Sean will show you how to change your mind...change your mindset...and change your life. Go deeper with Sean at www.SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marriage takes intentionality—and in the middle of raising kids, balancing work, and keeping up with the daily grind, it's easy for couples to put their relationship on the back burner. In this episode, Amy and Marissa sit down with Genee Francis, Assistant Director of Content and Programming at WinShape Marriage, to talk about what it really looks like to invest in your marriage. From practical rhythms to heart-level encouragement, Genee shares wisdom for strengthening connection, building trust, and keeping Christ at the center—no matter your season. Whether you're newly married or years into the journey, this conversation is filled with hope, humor, and practical ways to grow stronger together.Explore WinShape Marriage Retreat OptionsExplore WinShape Marriage Free Resources-Question of the Week: What qualities are you going to look for in someone to marry one day? Why are those important to you? --Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa RayGuests: Genee FrancisProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!Instagram: @WinShapeCampsTikTok: @WinShapeCampsFacebook: @WinShapeCamps