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 foods what first foods I think work best for babies why I started rethinking "you don't taste with your eyes " and how cute foods might actually be more appealing to children what working with 20,000 families taught me about my stance that kids will eat eventually, they won't starve and 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 Tips Pre-order The Picky Eater Playbook and get amazing pre-order bonuses! Nourishing first foods for babies More about problem feeders in my interview with Dr. Kay Toomey Get kids in the kitchen! Check out the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse or Teens Cook Real Food if your kids are older Jensen got help through my Picky Eater Playbook (P.E.P.) Club - learn more about the membership now Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 given parenting advice with total confidence…only to learn a few years later that you had it completely wrong? I have. 🙋‍♀️ After 21 years of feeding kids, 17 years of writing about healthy families, and a whole lot of conversations with picky eating experts, there are a few things I used to teach that I simply don’t anymore . And I think it’s important to talk about them. In this episode, I’m sharing some of the biggest changes I’ve made in my picky eating philosophy —and why learning more sometimes means being willing to do a complete 180. We’re digging into two especially common feeding practices: requiring kids to take a “no thank you bite” and making dessert something they have to earn by eating enough dinner. You’ll hear: Why I no longer recommend requiring even one bite of a new food The simple phrase that can take an enormous amount of pressure off picky eaters Why making dessert a reward may accidentally make it even more desirable How our family shifted from “eat enough dinner to get dessert” to choice within boundaries Why there probably isn’t one perfect dessert rule that works for every child and every family And we’re only halfway through my list! This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. In Part 2, I’ll share the rest of the major picky eating philosophies I’ve changed my mind about, including a powerful story of one child’s transformation and more of what I’ve learned while writing The Picky Eater Playbook . If you’ve ever wondered whether the feeding advice you’ve heard (or even followed for years!) is actually helping your child build a healthy relationship with food, this conversation is for you. Resources We Mention for Pressure-Free Feeding Find all the places you can pre-order my book, The Picky Eater Playbook (and get those pre-order bonuses!) Jump start your learning with the No More Picky Eating Challenge The real cause of picky eating with Dr. Kay Toomey Why We Should Stop Thinking About Nutrition and Build Our Kids’ Eating Habits Instead with Feeding Expert Dina Rose, PhD Our real food sweets rules – are they necessary? Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 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 Kids See 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 Clinton The “Worst Mom in America” on Raising Confident Kids Have 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 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 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 love The fascinating idea that kids are anti-fragile , and why some stress and challenge actually help build emotional resilience Why “healthy kids = happy kids” is a parenting myth we may need to toss out How rescuing a child brings short-term relief but can create more distress long-term Why our kids sometimes interpret our help as evidence that they couldn’t have handled it themselves What “coping efficacy” or “handleability” looks like in normal family life, without turning your home into a psychology clinic Why exposure therapy is much less scary than it sounds, and how parents can help kids take small, voluntary steps toward something difficult The difference between roller-coaster scary and horror-movie scary , and why that distinction might completely change how you help an anxious or hesitant child Dr. 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 Kids See 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 Julie Get your kids started learning to do hard things with #LifeSkillsNow! Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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!

“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 it The ridiculously simple “veggies first” system that does not require you to chop carrots at 5:47 p.m. while everyone is melting down Three questions we use at our table to get kids talking about when they laughed, learned, and loved Why parents need a good poker face at the dinner table , especially with picky eaters How to give kids plenty of food choices while still keeping the very important boundary that you decide what gets served The after-dinner rule in our house that has helped my kids become people who automatically notice when there’s work to be done One tiny lunch-packing habit that can save you from pulling seven containers and three utensils out of the refrigerator the next morning You 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 Families The 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 connecton Why kids have anxiety Family dinner rituals for physical and mental health Why “veggies first”? A good divided vegetable tray to try My interview with Shannon Miller where she talks about the three L’s Yes, we have nights when our kids cook dinner! Here’s how to start one. Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 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 Officer Why writing tasks in a little box labeled “Monday” might still be nothing more than a glorified to-do list How 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 before Megan’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 money How teaching kids these skills can eventually free parents from remembering every exam, practice, deadline, and assignment for them One 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 Kids Check out Megan’s TOP Program and the TOP Program for Students Get her free training here to start figuring out that time debt situation! Watch my first interview with Megan on to-do lists Workshops with Megan are available in #LifeSkillsNow Seasons Two and Three Denise Albright has some really fun and colorful planners and visual planning products! (Use code Katie for a discount) Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 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 day How “productive procrastination” can have you organizing a drawer while avoiding the task that actually matters Why advice like “Eat the Frog” might not solve the real problem The surprisingly important reason Megan recommends doing a time audit before trying another planning system Why 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 fit The startling change in how many young women report feeling overwhelmed compared with college freshmen decades ago What you may need to stop doing , not just organize better, if you actually want to get out of time debt And 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 Debt Check out Megan’s TOP Program and the TOP Program for Students Get her free training here to start figuring out that time debt situation! Watch my first interview with Megan on to-do lists Workshops with Megan are available in #LifeSkillsNow Seasons Two and Three Denise Albright has some really fun and colorful planners and visual planning products! (Use code Katie for a discount) Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 a great summer! We'll be back in late August with new episodes of the Healthy Parenting Handbook. 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!

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 package The new sunscreen ingredient that’s generating buzz and raising questions The little-known ingredient showing up in many mineral sunscreens that parents should understand Why some “safe” ingredients from a decade ago are being reconsidered today How to make mineral sunscreen easier for kids to use (without the battles) The simple sunscreen habi t that can better protect your kids every single day If 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 Sunscreen Shop Stream2Sea – get 10% off with the code KITCHENSTEW ! What you need to know about reef-safe sunscreen 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! How to use the dabba-dabba method to apply mineral sunscreen Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 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 products The surprising connection between the sunscreen you put on in your backyard and ecosystems hundreds or even thousands of miles away What researchers discovered about certain sunscreen ingredients that sparked bans in destinations around the world Why the word “organic” on a personal care label may not mean what you think it means How sunscreen ingredients can travel through both our bodies and our waterways Why protecting your skin and protecting the environment may not be an either-or choice This 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 Reefs Shop Stream2Sea – get 10% off with the code KITCHENSTEW ! What you need to know about reef-safe sunscreen Is 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. Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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!

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 resilience How to start chores with toddlers and preschoolers What to do if your teen has never really helped before Why contribution matters more than perfection How to stop nagging and build systems that actually work And 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 Teens Building Strong Families, Connected Kids with Father Leo of Plating Grace The 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. Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! Get my favorite organic clothes and home goods at Pact here! Get 15% off your first order with code KITCHENSTEWARDSHIP15. 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!

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 gatherings The emotional story of a 12-year-old receiving her very first safe birthday cake Simple ways to include kids with food allergies without making things complicated Why “food-free” gatherings can sometimes be the best solution What parents often misunderstand about severe food allergies and cross-contamination How empathy and communication can completely change a child’s experience Why schools and parents need to advocate earlier and more openly Practical ways to teach kids kindness, flexibility, and inclusion around food differences This 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 Allergies 45 Easy Non Food Birthday Celebration Ideas for School Food Allergies and the Art of Hospitality: Tips for Hosts and Guests Allergies are also a good reason to eliminate team sports snacks See Kathlena’s cookbooks here Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 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 reactions What happened when she finally started eliminating foods on her own Why she believes kids should never be forced to eat foods they reject What daily life looks like when you can safely eat only a handful of foods How food allergies changed the way her whole family cooked and ate Why involving kids in food preparation builds confidence and resilience The surprising connection between chronic inflammation and obesity The “five pillars of health” that helped transform her family’s health 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 Food Allergies and Healing What’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 children Free knife skills class to start on the path to cooking See Kathlena's cookbooks here Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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!

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-term How parents teach EQ through everyday conversations and reactions Why family dinners and chores build confidence and connection How to hold expectations without constant power struggles The reason more teens seem afraid of failure and independence Why resilience grows through small risks and mistakes What parents often get wrong about smartphones and social media Why it is okay to “rewind” and change tech decisions later Resources We Mention for Raising Resilient Teens Check 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 System Raising Digital Citizens conversation cards Passing along ownership to your teens Some more thoughts on teens and tech from me and one of my interviews with Andrea Davis of Better Screen Time Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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!

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 brain What co-regulation actually looks like during emotional moments Why talking less can sometimes help more with teens What is happening when your teen explodes and then withdraws Why parents should step back into connection after conflict How attachment continues shaping mental health during adolescence Simple family rituals that help teens feel loved and connected Why family meals matter more than most parents realize! Resources We Mention for Parenting Teens with Connection Check 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 Author Table talk: why you need to prioritize family meals Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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!

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 World Get those kids #LifeSkillsNow! Dr. Michele Borba’s episode on raising resilient kids Raising kids who know how to problem solve Teaching Kids the Value of Money and Joy in Spending — and Saving How Kids Can Learn to Deal with Big Challenges and Big Emotions with Counselor and Coping Skills Expert Janine Halloran Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 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 imagine The surprising historical parallels between AI and the decline of family farms Why 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 2015 The reason “human touch” jobs may become even more valuable in the AI era How my husband uses AI all day long and why he says he may never code manually again The parenting mindset shift we need if technology keeps evolving faster than schools can adapt Why life skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and human connection still matter more than ever If 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 AI Get those kids #LifeSkillsNow! Here’s my TEDx talk on why kids need critical thinking skills More 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 Screens Nurturing Young Skeptics: Essential Guide to Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids and Teens Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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!

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 in How to create family fun that actually works, even with teens who “don’t want to” participate The mindset shift from doing things for your kids to mentoring them through life Real-life examples of skills that fall through the cracks (even in great homes) Why “easier and quicker” should be your red flag as a parent Practical ways to start handing over responsibility, one small step at a time If 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 Kids Get those kids some life skills at #LifeSkillsNow summer camp! Letting toddlers help in the kitchen My interview with Jessica Lahey on letting kids fail Amy’s viral post on 8 things you should stop doing for your kids Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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!

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 Teens Supporting the foster care system Amy’s video on adoption through foster care My interview with Julie Lythcott-Haimes about raising successful adults Find Amy online here Follow her on social media: Facebook , Instagram Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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 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 kids Resources We Mention for Repairing Parenting Mistakes Join the Engaged Father Project community now The importance of family dinners What is the role of fathers when it comes to teaching kids about health and food? Helping teens and tweens build a healthy relationship with technology Check out my new book at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/pickybook ! 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!