We've had some listeners ask about starting Feeding The Mouth parenting early. You know, like what about that extra responsible, mature 11-year-old? Wouldn't it be better to encourage that kind of behavior with early Planned Emancipation? Dr. Ken's answer may surprise you. 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

What can parents do when their teenager seems to attract the wrong kind of friends? How is it that some adolescents seem to get in with the "good" kids in their school while others apparently struggle? Today we talk about the somewhat complex issue of teens who hang with the "wrong" sort of friend group. What causes some teens to gravitate to the wrong crowd? What can parents do about it? What about moving your teenager to a new school? We answer these and other questions surrounding teens and the "bad crowd." 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

NOTE: Today's episode isn't suitable for young children (obviously). We know it's hard to talk about masturbation with your kids but it's so important that you do. How did we go from a culture that lied about near fatal consequences of masturbation to a culture that celebrates it as some sort of "self-care"? Today we take on the topic of how to address masturbation with your teenagers. When should you bring it up? Who should your son or daughter talk to? This episode isn't for kids to listen to but parents definitely should. Dr. Ken references the book: "Every Young Man's Battle" https://www.amazon.com/Every-Young-Mans-Battle-Strategies/dp/0307457990/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OBJ3JH43Z3MJ&keywords=every+young+man%27s+battle&qid=1705425383&sprefix=every+young+%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

When should parents allow their kids to wear make-up? What if your daughter tells you that all her friends are wearing make-up? What about some "radical" hairstyle? How should you respond if you son wants to wear make-up? Today we use the "Feeding The Mouth" philosophy with issues related to make-up, hair and even super long fingernails! 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Did you talk to your parents the way your teen talks to you? Is that always a good thing? When does the priority of "you can be honest with your parents" become an excuse for teens to berate their parents? We hear from many parents struggling with their teenager's verbal tirades that leave them feeling exhausted and like they're failing as parents. How should parents handle this kind of verbal whipping from their teenagers? Is their a limit to the priority of being able to tell their parents anything? How should parents answer when teenagers criticize how they are being parented? We take on all these questions and more! 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Ever have to air out your car after driving your teen home from practice? Adolescence brings major changes to teens lives including how they smell! Today we tackle the tricky issue of parents intervening with adolescents with poor hygiene including not showering, not brushing their teeth and other basics. Teenagers are too old to use a checklist like a child so what can parents do? Dr. Ken discusses paying attention to underlying factors effecting this behavior as well as ways to effectively communicate about issues of personal hygiene with teenagers. 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Today we talk about grounding your teenager. When should you ground them? What exactly does grounding include? Can they still use their phone while grounded? What about work or church activities. We even talk about what the maximum time limit for grounding to remain effective. What about when your ex won't enforce your grounding limits? We answer these and many more questions about using grounding to discipline your teenager. 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Each year we focus on some aspect of the holidays with teens. This year we want to focus in on those who are dealing with grief, loss and even depression around this time of year. What's different about how a parent should treat a teenager vs. a child when there's been a death, divorce or some other significant loss in a family's life? Is it better to just leave for the holidays and avoid facing grief? Why are teenagers sometimes the worst to have around when grieving and sometimes the best? We cover these and other topics (like whether canned or fresh cranberry sauce is better) as we head into the holidays. 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Why can it be so hard just to help a teenager stay healthy? Today we answer listener questions about exercise, diet as well as medical issues that impact adolescent lives. How can parents deal with teenagers that seemingly ignore allergies and other dietary concerns that can affect their health? What about medications that my teen needs to take but hates to be reminded about? We even take on life-threatening health issues like Cystic Fibrosis which is one of several conditions that prove just how important a teenager's need for autonomy really is. 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

How can parents help their adolescents when they are having problems with their social group? What if my teen isn't really in a social group at all? Today we take on the increasingly difficult area of social relationships. In an era of increasing isolation, it is more important than ever for parents to do what they can (if anything) to encourage their teenagers to make, build and sustain social relationships with their peers. 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Why do teenagers sometimes go through phases of being constantly angry and surly? Dr. Ken reviews the most common causes of teenager's anger and talks about some best ways to respond. We also take on the question of just how bad is it when your teenager seems to not like you. I mean, it gets better right?

Today we answer a common question from listeners, "How should I handle it when my teenager spends all their time in their room"? As you can guess, Dr. Ken starts with advice on avoiding a control battle but what to do after that? What is the reason they stay in there so much? Is this a sign of depression? 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

This week we finish up our discussion from last week about dealing with adolescents after they finish high school. Many young adults live at home at least for some period of time after they have reached adulthood. What are the best ways to deal with conflicts that might arise? Are parents required to let their adult children stay in their home if they need it? What about uncomfortable questions about an adult kid who wants his boy/girlfriend to sleep over? A very relevant and down-to-earth discussion. 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Is there a time when parents are really done parenting? We get so many questions from parents who have invested so much in parenting their teens that they're not sure what to do after high school. While you'll always be their parent, their is a point where you should no longer push your help on your kids. Dr. Ken offers even more clarity on parents as a "benevolent bank." 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

We've gotten email questions about adolescents who resist involvement in any sport or activity. How can parents continue to implement planned emancipation if they have to sit a watch their teenager sit around and avoid getting involved with anything? What if your teen has been successful in a sport, music or something else but they suddenly decide they want to quit? Today Jessica and Dr. Ken talk about ways to offer freedom while still requiring involvement. Plus, we talk just a bit about the state of Texas' weird fascination with homecoming mums! 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Did you see the Barbie movie? Should you take a 12 year old girl to see it? You're not still limiting your 13 and older kids on what PG-13 movies they can see are you? Today Jessica and Dr. Ken discuss the implications of the summer blockbuster hit. Some movies are worth seeing and discussing with your daughters because they reflect current cultural issues well. How can Christians make use of a movie that captures much of the confusion and disappointments that today's culture struggles with?

This week we conclude our discussion of "parenting" as the term has come to imply some "inside track" of parental knowledge that can, supposedly, guarantee a happy and successful kid. Dr. Ken shares the truth that not only is this burden carried mostly by moms but actually by middle-class, white moms. At least that's what New York Times columnist Ylonda Gault Caviness says. Carrying too much of this parenting burden can even result in adult children who blame parents when they should be taking responsibility for their own actions. Now, more than ever, Feeding The Mouth parents need to actively push back against these false expectations that leave too many parents feeling guilty and fearful. Maybe "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" T-shirts? 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Where did we get this idea that there's some "inside track" of techniques parents should be implementing to raise amazing children? Is there any evidence that parental influence can guarantee some level of success in their children? Why do so many parents live in fear that they're failing with their kids? Why does this fear burden mothers so much more than fathers? Today we take on the topic we hear most from our listeners. How to share helpful information to parents without burdening them with crushing expectations for themselves. 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 Music provided by the great John David Kent! - https://www.johndavidkent.com/