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Parenting
In each episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook Podcast, Katie Kimball, the national voice of healthy kids cooking, interviews experts in fields like nutrition, medicine, psychology, parenting, technology, entrepreneurship and more to help parents get tools to raise healthy, independent kids.
Episode 80: Concussion-Proof Your Kids: Building Strong, Healthy Brains & Helping Kids Recover and Thrive After a Knock on the Head with Dr. Spencer Zimmerman
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...
Episode 77: Teaching Teens About Money: Budgeting, Stress, and Starting Smart Conversations
Let’s be honest, teaching kids about money can feel intimidating. It’s one of those “adulting” topics we know they need, but if we didn’t grow up with great financial habits ourselves, how can we pass on something we’re still figuring out? That’s why I sat down with my friend Crystal Paine for a conversation every...
The Internet Gone Mad: How a Few Experts Cited Something Wrong and Now Everyone Thinks Harvard Wants Kids to Do Chores
No. The Harvard Grant Study never studied chores. The viral claim traces back to a mis-cited Inc.com article by Jeff Haden and a TED talk, and the real research on chores is a lot smaller and a lot less quotable: a Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics study found that kids who did chores in...
The ADHD Brain Is an Addicted Brain – Shattering Myths About ADHD and Executive Function and Pouring out Hope for Families
ADHD is not just an attention disorder; it’s an executive functioning disorder.
The myths abound!
If you’ve always thought of kids with ADHD as those who struggle in school, think again.
If you expect ADHD kids to have trouble focusing, wrong again.
If you think kids with ADHD are destined to struggle more throughout life, Mike McLeod is here to tell you that ADHD is not a limitation, just a different path.
The ADHD brain is truly different from neurotypical brains, although some truths apply to both groups, like:
- Children learn best through play and unstructured time.
- Outdoor play is vital for developing real-world skills.
- Boredom is essential for self-regulation and creativity.
- Cooking teaches kids self-sufficiency and life skills.
- Unstructured time is crucial for children’s development.
- Parents should set high expectations for their children.
- Removing screens can reveal hidden talents in kids.
- Parents need to place more importance on chores & balancing structure and freedom.
Parents of kids with or without ADHD need the information in this episode, but especially stuff like this:
- Screen time can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, but it does not cause ADHD.
- The ADHD brain struggles with self-regulation and motivation for NON-preferred tasks.
- Varied experiences are vital for skill development.
- Executive functions are crucial for success in life.
I love Mike’s energy and expertise, like sitting at the feet of a master. What an honor to work with him both for this podcast and as a #LifeSkillsNow Season 4 camp leader! Your whole family can learn more about the power of “varied experiences” in his #LifeSkillsNow workshop in Season 4. Check out the Season 4 package here, or see if #LifeSkillsNow is open for registration for this year!
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The “Unteachable” Life Skills Our Kids Need Most (and How We Can Help)
As a parent, I’m often asked: “How do you teach life skills like cooking, cleaning, or budgeting?” I love answering that question (because that’s literally my jam!). It’s hard enough for parents to get over their psychological roadblocks and slowwwww down enough to teach tangible skills. It’s even harder to figure out how to pass...
Episode 73: From Mom Guilt to Growth: Emotional Regulation for Moms Who Want to Raise Problem Solvers
Emily’s stories are going to get your head nodding in empathy and connection – we’ve all been there with the kid who just will NOT put their shoes on, brush their teeth, or do as we ask! If you’ve ever felt the guilt after exploding all over your kids, those little beings you LOVE so...
Episode 72: Is Kefir Healthy? How Fermented Foods Boost Gut Health and Immunity
If you’ve ever passed kefir in the grocery store and wondered, “Is that stuff actually good for you?”—you’re not alone. In this episode, I talk with Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Kefir, who shares how this tangy, probiotic-rich drink became a lifeline for her immigrant family—and a powerful tool for mental and physical wellness. Julie...
Teaching Life Skills: The Best Hack I’ve Used (and What Other Smart Parents Swear By)
When I think about teaching life skills to my kids, I always come back to one core truth: it’s not just about checking a skill off a list. It’s about raising humans who can think, adapt, and stand on their own two feet. That’s why when I find a “hack” that actually works to make...
Episode 71: Embracing Neurodivergent Parenting: Wisdom for Mothers and Their Unique Children
“Some parents get to just drop their kids off and know they’ll have a pretty good day at school,” said my guest Ginny Kochis when I mused, “Maybe most kids are actually neurodivergent; is there any typical anymore?” We may all think and process information differently, but it’s true that some diagnoses make parenting feel...
Episode 69: Starting Your Kids Off on the Right Financial Foot | Teaching Kids About the Dangers of Debt
Raise your hand if you love money! But…raise your hand if you DON’T love figuring out what to DO with your money, spending too much money, or not having enough money? That’s Brad Nelson’s mission as Debt Free Dad – to help normal everyday people take control of their finances so they can live a...