Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Cynthia and Dr. Ken kick off the year by ditching the pressure of New Year’s resolutions and instead encouraging parents to look at their parenting trajectory—if nothing changes, is that a good thing or not so much? 

Dr. Ken shares three foundational areas parents should revisit as the year begins—places that often create the most tension at home and the most confusion for parents trying to do the right thing. Along the way, they address control, conflict, and the emotional weight parents carry when things aren’t going smoothly with their teens.

Today’s show ends with an important reminder: your child’s choices are not a report card on your worth as a parent. Tune in today for a few thoughts on where to focus as we parent teens in the New Year.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com 

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

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This week on the show, Cynthia and Dr. Ken dig into the age-old issue of entitlement—how it shows up in American culture and how it shapes our teens. They talk about the everyday behaviors that reveal deeper beliefs about self-respect, responsibility, and personal standards.

Dr. Ken explains why raising kids who expect rewards without effort creates long-term problems, especially when it comes to character, resilience, and financial responsibility. Together, he and Cynthia unpack how well-intentioned parents can unintentionally undermine gratitude by giving too much without teaching kids how to earn, wait, or steward what they’ve been given.

They also explore the power of perspective—how serving others, seeing real-world needs, and broadening kids’ experiences can dramatically reduce entitlement and build empathy. The episode wraps with a practical reminder: gratitude and responsibility don’t happen by accident—they’re taught, and they stick best when kids see their parents modeling them first.

 

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com 

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

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This week on Feeding the Mouth That Bites You, Dr. Ken unpacks a word every parent has heard lately—dysregulation—and what it really looks like in teenagers. Spoiler: it’s not always as clinical or mysterious as it sounds. Sometimes it’s just what we used to call “spiraling” or “losing it.”

 

We talk about how to tell the difference between a teen who’s simply being disrespectful and one who’s truly overwhelmed by emotion, and why calling everything “dysregulation” can actually make parenting harder. Dr. Ken breaks down what’s happening when your teen crosses that line from moody to out-of-control, why they can usually hold it together outside the home, and what to do when they can’t.

 

We also get real about what happens when we join the chaos. If you’ve ever found yourself matching your teen’s energy (or volume), this conversation will give you a few tools—and probably a laugh—to help you step back and respond differently. It’s a practical, hope-filled episode for every parent navigating big emotions, slammed doors, and late-night drama.

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Is there ever a time when parents should send their teenager to a psychiatric facility? (Please don't call them "mental hospitals") Today we discuss the situations that require parents to consider having their adolescent evaluated for psychiatric hospitalization. We also cover when parents might need to consider long-term, residential treatment as well as the negative effects of NOT considering hospitalization when it's really needed. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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This week Dr. Ken gets honest with Jessica and Ashley's husbands, Charlie and Brett. Dad's have a different take on parenting and we dive into that as well as what it's like to have wives who already "know all this stuff." Brett and Charlie get honest about what they like and DON'T like about Feeding The Mouth That Bites You. This is only a taste of the full interview where we cover fathering teenage boys vs. girls, grandparent involvement, handling disagreements with your wife and much more. For the full interview go to our Patreon website at: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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We've already talked about sibling rivalry (see episode 24) but today we talk about teenagers' relationships with siblings in general. How can parents cultivate good relationships between their children? What are ways that parents inadvertently discourage mature relationships between siblings? And, as always, what are some particular aspects of the adolescent phase of development that make this hard? Are there aspects of adolescence that parents can use to their advantage in helping sibling relationships? Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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What do you do when you implement Planned Emancipation but things don't seem to be getting any better? It's not uncommon that we hear from parents who feel that Feeding The Mouth parenting isn't making the kind of difference they were expecting. To address this, Dr. Ken clarifies what kind of expectations are realistic for Feeding The Mouth parenting. Also, we focus on the intangibles that can cause teenagers to still feel over-controlled even though parents are trying to give freedoms. So, take a deep breath, Feeding The Mouth parenting isn't always an overnight "fix" but remains an essential adjustment to your household in a culture that has no idea how to translate children into adulthood. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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In the 1950s, British pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott introduced the concept of "good enough" parenting and Dr. Ken thinks it's time we brought it back! Parents worry so much about doing parenting "right" and put a lot of pressure on themselves. Even worse, there's this idea that maybe there's some book that you haven't read that tells you how to raise your kids "the right way." Dr. Ken doesn't believe that "perfect parenting" book exists and "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" is not that book either. All parents do things they shouldn't have done and fail to do things they should have done and yet they've done their job well enough for their kids to succeed. Parents' over-focus on their own parenting failures runs the risk of disrespecting their teens who are old enough to make their own mistakes. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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Today we take on the sometimes scary topic of sleepovers with teenagers. Strangely, many parents are less concerned about sleepovers when their kids are younger only to "shut it down" when they become teenagers. What kind of boundaries are reasonable for teenagers wanting to spend the night with friends? Although it's becoming more common, is it ever ok to allow boys and girls to spend the night? What do you do when you know that your teen or their friend has declared themselves to be gay or bisexual? Wouldn't it just be easier to declare a moratorium on the whole thing? Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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How Does Feeding The Mouth parenting work in different cultures? Today we talk about the expectations that immigrant parents bring with them to a new culture and how that impacts parenting. Also, we discuss taking Feeding The Mouth parenting with you into a different culture from your own. How can parents maintain impact on their teenagers when the culture around them is changing so fast? Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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Parents often have questions about the effectiveness of therapy for teenagers. Many will ask, "How can a therapist tell when a teenager is just lying to them?" Turns out, that's not as common a problem as you might think. Today we take on this issue and other aspects of therapy for adolescents and adults for that matter! Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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Just in time for the holidays. Let's review some of the main things to remember when your adolescents are out for the holidays or even when your graduates come home from college or wherever. How can parents involve their teens in holiday family activities without compromising their sense of autonomy? What do we do with our kid's "plus one?" We cover these and other holiday topics just in time. We'll be taking a break ourselves... see you January 10th! Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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The goal of Feeding The Mouth parenting is for your kids to leave your home and start their own. But what about getting your life ready for life without kids around? Today we talk about preparing for empty nesting. When should parents start getting ready for this? What steps should we take in getting ready? Is it bad for my kids to see me almost happy that they are leaving? We answer these and other questions on today's episode. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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This week Dr. Ken and Cynthia discuss a challenge almost every parent faces—what to do when you and your spouse don’t see eye-to-eye on planned emancipation. From different approaches to devices and curfews, it’s not always easy to stay on the same page while raising young adults.

We discuss why keeping your marriage first changes the conversation, how to navigate disagreements without turning them into power struggles, and what it looks like to support each other even when you don’t fully agree. We also touch on blended families and shared custody, and why it’s never too late to start giving teens the message that they’re growing into adulthood.

It’s a practical, hope-filled conversation with plenty of humor (including a surprise iPad cameo from Cynthia’s youngest) and the kind of perspective every parent needs when the plan and the parenting don’t always match up.

 

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What do you do when you find out your teenager has sent or received nude photos of themselves or others? Is the issue of nude photos the same problem if you have a daughter or a son? Nude photos shared among teenagers can be one of the scariest issues parents can think of. Is my kid gonna end up in jail for sending child pornography? What if it's just "normal" sexting while dating? As usual, we seek an EFFECTIVE way to prepare your teen to manage this issue since angry "scared straight" speeches tend to fall a bit flat. LISTENER WARNING: This episode discusses mature content that isn't suitable for young children. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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Today we focus on the best way to parent when your kids are young so they will be most prepared for planned emancipation when they reach adolescence. Dr. Ken is concerned about a kind of parenting that reverses the healthy pattern of teaching and disciplining young children followed by conscious releasing control in adolescence. "Reverse parenting" is the temptation many parents follow to allow their younger children too much freedom when young and then being surprised when freedoms given in in adolescence are of little impact.Are you "parenting in reverse?" Dr Ken refers to the book: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos; Jordan Peterson - https://www.amazon.com/12-Rules-Life-Antidote-Chaos/dp/0141988517/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1669689083&sr=8-1 Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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Today we keep plowing through our listener questions. We take on issues surrounding giving school freedoms when your teen is home-schooled. How should a parent handle when your kid is dating someone who's parent isn't following planned emancipation and is bad-mouthing your parenting?! Do you handle school freedoms differently if your kid has a learning difference and is even failing some or many classes? We tackle these and more FAQ's in this second part of a 2-part episode. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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It's been awhile since we've answered listener questions so we dive in for two episodes! Today we discuss important issues like, should teenagers EVER be given the freedom to skip school? How should parents handle boundaries such as sleep-overs if their teenager has expressed that they are gay? How do you manage limits on screen time when your kid needs to be on the computer for school? We take on these and other issues including a question that Dr Ken has actually never heard before! (Maybe we should give prizes for that.) Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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Today we focus on the advanced communication skill of advice- giving. Dr Ken refers to this often but many parents aren't sure all the implications of this method of giving information to their teen in ways that actually have impact in their lives. We discuss that how's and when's of advice-giving as well as the importance of listening to your teenager... especially when they are saying very "wrong" things! Dr Ken refers to the book: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk - find it here - https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Kids-Will-Listen/dp/1451663889/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667923842&sr=8-1 Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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What basic skills do you require of your teenager? Do they make their own doctor's appointments? Can they change a tire? This week we discuss the sometimes alarming lack of basic life skills that parents require of their teenagers and why it's so hard to teach them. Whether you just don't live on a farm or you're hanging on to those "little extras" you can do for your kid while you still have them, we discuss the importance of requiring more of your teen in everyday life situations. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Mouth-That-Bites-You/dp/1514762374/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667269257&sr=8-1

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Trauma is another term we hear very often these days. How does trauma effect teenagers? How do we know when our teens have been traumatized? What are the effects of overusing terms like "trauma?" This week we talk about trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its relationship to teenagers. HEADS UP: We do get specific about issues of violence and sexual abuse. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com

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What is the teenagers role in Feeding The Mouth That Bites You? This week Dr. Ken talks about the message he (and other therapists) give teens about their responsibility to manage themselves while their parents are seeking to let go of their control. What do therapists say in counseling sessions with teenagers? Does everything they say have to stay confidential? Does a therapist just agree when teenagers complain about their parents? This episode coincides with a bonus video where Dr. Ken sends a video message to teenagers whose parents are initiating Planned Emancipation. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com

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Listeners often worry that they've come across Feeding The Mouth late in their teenager's development. Is it ever too late to start Planned Emancipation? What's the best way to implement these principles if my teenager is already in middle or even late adolescence? Dr. Ken assures all of us that it's NEVER too late to start Planned Emancipation and reminds us that parenting teenagers isn't "math," it's not an exact science and you'll do fine! Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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With so many new listeners we thought we'd clearly outline the ideal way to start planned emancipation. What's the right age? Should you do some sort of ceremony? Does it matter if both parents aren't on board with this? This is the first of a three part series. Next we cover starting late with planned emancipation. Lastly we talk about the teenager's part in all this. What does Dr. Ken say to teenagers when parents are implementing planned emancipation? Stay tuned for bonus content on our Patreon account. Dr. Ken will record a talk that you may want to have your teenager listen to. Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com In this episode we reference the book: "Healing the Masculine Soul" - Gordon Dalbey

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This week Dr. Ken dives into a topic every parent is facing—how to walk with teenagers when the news in our country feels heavy and unsettling. From tragic events to the endless political chatter on social media, it can be hard to know how to navigate this with our teens. We talk about the tension of wanting to protect our kids while also respecting that they’re young adults who see and hear more than we realize.

We also wrestle through questions like: How do we start meaningful conversations without turning it into a lecture? When is it wise to bring faith into the discussion, and when is it better to simply listen? And how do we model trust in God when the culture feels anything but steady?

It’s a practical and encouraging conversation about parenting in a media-saturated world—offering perspective, a little humor, and those planned-emancipation reminders we all need when the world feels unsteady.

 

 

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Ever get so mad at your teenager that you threaten to kick them out? Most of the time you don't really mean it or your kid is too young to even legally do that. But are there circumstances when parents actually can or even should kick their teenager out? Today we discuss circumstances that may lead to forcing a teen to live elsewhere. We also review an article on a "homeless" teen that really got Dr. Ken worked up! Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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What about circumstances when your kid is still living at home after high school? Is this always a "failure to launch?" How should parents handle conflicts that may emerge with adult children at home? Today we discuss this and other questions related to kids who still live with their parents after high school. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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What should parents do when their teenagers are listening to music that promotes depressing themes or even violence? Does music cause depression in teenagers? Today we take on the often distressing issue of watching our teenagers consume music that really can't be good for them. What are effective ways to intervene? Aren't there exceptions to this whole "giving freedom" in music choices when that same music can be damaging? Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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When should parents start doing planned emancipation? It's hard when you feel like you're the only parent doing it. What about kids that aren't yet thirteen but seem to be very responsible? Should you start emancipation early with that kid? What about older kids who aren't yet thirteen but push back so hard on your efforts to control that you just want to give up? We cover these and other important issues about when to begin Feeding The Mouth That Bites You. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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When did “gaslighting” become such a big thing? Why does everyone’s ex seem to qualify as “narcissistic?” What does a parent do when you’re pretty sure your teen is being controlled by a boyfriend, girlfriend or just a friend in general? After taking the summer off, we tackle the sudden rise in use of the terms narcissism and gaslighting. We address the definition and origin of these words as well as the potential harm in misusing and over-using diagnostic terms that can be wielded like “clubs” to bash people we don’t like. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Well, it's time once again for Feeding The Mouth... summer break. While we regroup and prepare for another season this fall, feel free to contact us with feedback and questions. Thanks to all our listeners. Your support means a lot! Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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How are parents supposed to respond to teenagers that regularly criticize them? Why are some adolescents so critical and seem to find fault with everything their parents do? How do you know if you're an overly-critical parent of a teenager? We'll talk about these and other aspects of criticism in parenting teenagers. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Whatever happened to parents yelling, "Get a job!" to their kids? Today we take on summer jobs and other employment issues. What if my teen refuses to get a job? We address teens who are super involved in sports and other activities. What about parents who just want to have their teenager available so we can go on family vacations? Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Today we talk about oddities that occasionally come up in the lives of adolescents. What is anime and is it something parents should worry about? What is a furry? Isn't that something sexual? We'll demystify these and other strange things in the lives of teenagers. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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What should you do when your teenager starts arguing for piercings or even a tattoo? What about parents who take that "hard line" stance: "If you get a tattoo then we won't pay for college!" This week we take on the issue of tattoos and piercings. As usual, we take this topic on from the FTM perspective that reminds parents that the answer is either "yes" or "not yet," never "no." Is it even a good idea for parents to give permission for underage teens to get a tattoo? Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Today we tackle the common issue of how parents should handle planned emancipation when their teenager carries one or more diagnoses like ADHD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder or Dyslexia or Depression or Anxiety or Trauma etc. etc. etc. This question comes up a lot! Dr. Ken’s take is clear and freeing—the diagnosis shapes how you coach but not whether you give freedoms. Parents can adjust their approach, offer tools, and expect some natural consequences, but lowering the bar only delays the growth they’ll need when the world stops making accommodations. If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here.

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com 

Music provided by the great John David Kent 

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When did you know you were completely an adult in the eyes of your parents? We haven't known how to give independence to our adolescents for a long time. Many of us who are parents of teenagers have really never felt independence from their own parents. This week we discuss how to handle parents that don't let go and other implications of generational lack of individuation. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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You've got questions and we've got answers. This week we take on more FAQs from our listeners. What if you didn't start planned emancipation early and now your teens are older? How do you get your adolescent to take his piano lessons seriously? More bullying questions. What about cutting off funding for college-age kids wanting to get married? What if my teen doesn't want me volunteering at their school? All these and more in another FAQ episode! Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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It's hard to believe but this is our 100th episode! This week we celebrate the growth of the Feeding The Mouth podcast and talk about how we started all this. This is a special thanks to all our listeners. As Dr. Ken says, "If you listen to this podcast regularly you're either a dedicated parent or you need to find more interesting podcasts!" Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Why do we keep hearing about LGBTQ issues? What are the best ways to protect our teenagers from unwanted influences? This week we discuss LGBTQ issues AGAIN! Trust us, most of your teenagers are talking about it so it's important that parents know how to respond. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou If you're liking this podcast please give us a review or just give a 5-star rating. This is helping other parents to find our podcast. For a deeper dive into adolescent parenting you might want to become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Mothers and fathers approach parenting in fundamentally different ways. These differences are particularly highlighted when dealing with adolescents. This week we explore these differences and how parents can learn to respect each other's priorities in parenting. Also, we answer a listener's question: if we allow teens to listen to what they want, do we have to let them go to concerts of these objectionable artists? Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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This week we review just how essential the teenage drive for autonomy known as individuation. This drive is so essential in teenagers that it can be worrisome when an adolescent isn't striving for it at all. Plus we discuss the relationship between the individuation drive and some teens' vulnerability to crime. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Gossip and rumors can be hurtful and damaging to teenager's lives. What if the gossip is your kid? How do you help when your teen is the target of rumors and gossip. Is it true that girls are more likely to spread rumors and gossip? Why is that? This week we cover these and other aspects of this common problem. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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This week we expand on previous discussions about the important differences in managing dating relationships vs marriage. Too many teenagers don't know the difference. PS - You might want to listen to this one with your dating age teenager! (If they're interested) Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Men and women communicate in some fundamentally different ways. Knowing these differences can make us more effective parents as well as better husbands and wives. This week we explain these differences and how they affect our and our teen's lives. In an age of individualism, too many of our teenagers don't believe in differences based on gender. Parents have to be ready to answer their opposition. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou We reference the book "You Just Don't Understand" by Deborah Tannen

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This week Dr. Ken interviews Jean Daly, wife of Jim Daly president of "Focus On The Family" and "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" super fan! Jean talks frankly about her own journey as a parent of two grown sons as well as the challenges of being a part of the "Focus On The Family" ministry. Jean brings a remarkable vulnerability to her own life story that truly evidences living by grace. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou Join us on Patreon for the full length interview: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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This week we talk about teenagers who seem very eager to grow up and those who seem to fear adulthood. How should parents handle those differences? Is this a temperament thing? Are they afraid to leave us? Isn't it a good thing if our adolescents feel like they want to hang with us all the time? We cover this and much more. Did you even know we have an Instagram account? Dr. Ken didn't! Plus Dr. Ken and Cynthia decide on a "safe word" if Cynthia goes off the rails! If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com or check us out on Instagram! Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

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This week we talk about understanding your teenager's temperament. What are basic temperaments and how much can you expect your adolescent to change these basic characteristics? Why is it especially hard when your teenagers has the same temperament struggles that their parents have? Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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What causes teenagers to procrastinate? What can parents do to help with procrastinating teens? This week we tackle the different causes of procrastination and how that knowledge can help parents be effective in impacting procrastinating teens. Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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Why do parents go from hilarious to their 6-month-olds to sadly crying to their teenagers, "Deep in my heart, I know I'm funny" (see Good Morning Viet Nam movie)? Why am I funny to my kids' friends but not them? Today we answer these and more questions about humor and teenagers. And yes, we do take on the whole issue of "Dad jokes." Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com Join us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/FeedingTheMouthThatBitesYou

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