The Parenting Podcast: Recent Episodes
Cheryl Lange, Host
Parenting IS hard - oh, but there's hope! Moms, this is why The Parenting Podcast is here for you. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, we at TPP want to come alongside addressing your questions and concerns with helpful insight to lighten your load. Our goal is to encourage you by providing real-life, relevant information to equip you. TPP wants to help you and your family flourish together and as individuals. Join us as we share, answering your questions and bringing your heart hope.
Most of us spend more time getting ready for school than getting ready for the season we’re about to live together. Sometimes one small, intentional change in an ordinary evening can quietly change the culture of a family.
Most parenting decisions don’t feel life-changing. They feel ordinary. But what if some of the smallest choices we make every day are quietly shaping who our children are becoming? Sometimes the difference isn’t finding the right answer—it’s asking a better question.
Why has the idea of a “‘90s summer” struck such a chord with parents? Maybe we’re not trying to bring back another decade. Maybe we’re trying to hold onto something we don’t want our children to miss.
Sometimes our first response as parents isn’t wrong—it just comes too soon. We often speak or act before our children feel fully heard. What changes when our children no longer feel the need to edit themselves before they come to us?
Other people’s opinions will always be there. The harder question is how much influence they’ll have on your parenting. This conversation unpacks why those voices can feel so powerful and what helps us stand with greater confidence and clarity.
Most parents know the feeling. A look across the room. A raised eyebrow. A comment that li gers longer than it should. This conversation explores the pressure of parenting under the weight of other people’s opinions.
The desire to get parenting right can be a gift. It can also become a weight we were never meant to carry. Somewhere along the way, caring deeply can begin to feel a lot like carrying everything.
We all want to grow as parents. The question is whether we’re being shaped by wisdom—or by the pressure to become someone we think we’re supposed to be.
You spend years pouring your values into your children. Then one day they begin sorting through them for themselves. How do you hold onto what matters without letting go of each other?
Somewhere between good intentions and real life, a lot of parents end up feeling behind in this part of family life. This conversation pulls health back out of pressure and perfection and into something steadier, more realistic, and actually livable for everyday families.
Health and fitness can easily become tangled up with pressure, appearance, and performance — for parents and kids alike. This conversation pulls it back to something steadier: intentionality, sustainability, and the quiet ways families learn how to see themselves.
Resources Mentioned: Mullins Performance and Fitness. And Crawford Personal Training
Family life is full of moments that don’t go the way we hoped they would — and so much of love is built in what happens next. This conversation starts with young moms raising little kids, but it reaches into something every parent recognizes: the long, imperfect, deeply human work of finding our way back to each other again.
Why can the smallest parenting decisions start feeling so big in the little-kid years? This honest conversation gets into the real-life pressure, questions, and tensions parents quietly carry every day.
Knowing what’s healthy is one thing—living it out is another. This conversation makes that shift feel doable.
Everyone has an opinion about food—but what do you actually do with all of it? This conversation starts to bring it back to something simpler, steadier, and real.
The things your kids care about may not make sense to you—but how you respond matters. This episode looks at how stepping into their world builds lasting connection.
The world is talking to your kids—are you in that conversation too? We’re starting something new to help you stay close right in the middle of it.
It’s easy to think traditions are about holidays or special moments, but they’re often doing something deeper. This conversation looks at how the things we repeat as a family begin to form identity, connection, and that quiet sense of “us” over time.
I can walk into a moment with my kids already holding a picture of how it’s supposed to go—and without even realizing it, I start pressing that onto them… and it quietly distorts what’s actually happening between us.
When a moment doesn’t go the way you pictured, it can quietly pull you away from the people right in front of you. This conversation names that shift—and what it looks like to come back to what actually matters.
Sometimes the tension with our kids isn’t about love or effort—it’s about being in the wrong lane. In this episode, we explore a simple way of thinking about relationships that might change how you show up with your child tonight.
Parenting doesn’t follow a simple rulebook. In this conversation, we explore how recognizing the “lane” we’re in with our children can change the way we connect, guide, and love them through every stage of our relationship.
When there’s no margin left, even the life you love can feel tight. This conversation sits with that tension — and reminds you to stay steady in it.
Working motherhood isn’t about splitting yourself evenly. It’s about learning to live well inside the tension.
Working motherhood carries a real and heavy load that’s often unspoken. This conversation sits with the tensions, choices, and grace required along the way.
Sometimes you’re giving everything you have as a parent and still not seeing much come back yet. This episode names that stretch and why it’s part of loving over the long haul.
Parenting doesn’t happen in resets—it happens in motion. A thoughtful conversation about time, growth, and living well inside the everyday.
The calendar changed, but life didn’t reset. Four women talk honestly about growth, pressure, and parenting without the illusion of starting over.
Some of the most influential parts of family life don’t stand out while we’re building them. This episode looks at how traditions quietly hold families together—and why meaning matters more than appearance when deciding what we pass on.
The flood of parenting input hasn’t slowed down—so how do you keep your footing? This episode explores how to sift through the noise, to name what matters, and to let steady voices speak louder than trends.
It’s not that the parenting advice is wrong—it’s the overload. Today we talk about what gets overlooked when everything demands attention and why the people who know us still shape us in ways information can’t.
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Christie returns to explore what changes when your kids grow up—the awkward shifts, the grief you don’t expect, and the quiet work of staying connected without managing their lives. A candid look at how the relationship evolves and how love grows with it.
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What happens when all your good intentions meet real life? Christie opens up about raising four daughters and learning that parenting isn’t about perfect plans—it’s about seeing the child in front of you.
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We start out believing there’s one right way to parent—that if we just do it well enough, our kids will turn out fine. But parenting keeps proving there isn’t a formula. Instead, it’s messy, humbling, and full of grace—for our kids and for ourselves.
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In the age of streaming and earbuds, music is shaping our kids in ways we don’t always see. A mom and music teacher joins us to talk about helping kids choose well, listen wisely, and stay connected through the noise.
Resources mentioned: Soltani music.com
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Music does more than fill the background—it shapes who our kids are becoming. In this episode, a mom and longtime music teacher shares what years of teaching have revealed about perseverance, confidence, and connection—and why the lessons behind the music might matter more than the notes themselves.
Resources mentioned: Soltani music.com
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When love feels like a battle and boundaries feel impossible, you’re not alone. Cheryl, Christie, and Kyla talk about the courage it takes to hold steady, stay kind, and keep your heart soft when the pushback comes. Because real love doesn’t give up—it grows stronger in the tension.
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We’re going under the surface—past the “what” into the “why.” This conversation invites you to notice the motive behind your limits and help your kids act from love, truth, and real ownership instead of fear or guilt. Gentle, practical, and honest—something you can try at home tonight.
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We’re talking about the kind of boundaries that make home more connected: clear lines, calm voices, and letting outcomes do the teaching. From toddlers to teens—and for us as parents, too—if you’ve felt stuck between rescuing and resentment, this conversation offers a gentler way forward without losing closeness
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Boundaries aren’t about control—they’re about care. In this episode of The Parenting Podcast, Cheryl and Christie share their real-life struggles and growth with boundaries, exploring what it looks like to practice them with kids of all ages. From toddlers learning to treat toys with value, to teens learning responsibility and respect, boundaries help families show value, protect relationships, and cultivate freedom.
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We’re kicking off a new series on Boundaries with Kids. In this opening episode, Cheryl and Christie explore what boundaries really are, why they bring freedom instead of restriction, and how “This is me, this is not me” can transform family life.
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Summary You love your kids—but you’re running on fumes. In this episode, we explore the quiet, cumulative exhaustion that parents often carry—and what to do when trying harder isn’t helping.
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What does forgiveness really look like in family life? This episode explores the everyday moments—from toddler squabbles to teenage standoffs—where repair matters more than being right. If you’ve ever wondered how to teach it, model it, or live it out yourself, this one’s for you.
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The urge to rescue is strong—but the real growth comes when our kids carry the weight of their own choices. In this episode, we get real about what that looks like in everyday parenting—the tension, the mess, and the surprising freedom it brings.
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What if the real goal of parenting isn’t raising children, but launching adults? On this episode, we explore the mindset shift of giving freedom and responsibility along the way—so your kids step into adulthood more prepared, connected, and confident.
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The best reading lessons don’t always come from a book. Sometimes they happen in the car, around the dinner table, or when you’re laughing over a silly rhyme. In this episode, we’ll explore how everyday moments can spark curiosity, confidence, and a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
Learn more about Leslie Whittington’s tutoring work and resources at The Space to Learn: https://sites.google.com/view/thespacetolearn/home
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Reading isn’t just about phonics and fluency—it’s about imagination, identity, and how our kids connect with the world. In this episode, we talk with a seasoned educator about how reading shapes more than academics and why understanding your child’s unique journey as a learner matters more than ever.
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No matter where your kids go to school, the heart of parenting is the same. In this final episode of our series, we reflect on what unites us as parents—why it’s time to link arms, not draw lines—and how our shared love, values, and intentionality matter more than the location.
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This encore episode takes you inside the everyday world of homeschooling and parenting. From navigating sibling tension and academic pressures to embracing individuality and battling comparison, we explore what it means to raise kids while doing school under your roof—and why it matters for all parents, no matter your educational path.
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This encore episode explores parenting in a private school setting—but the conversation reaches beyond. From friendships to expectations, it’s about staying grounded in what matters most, wherever your kids go to school.
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Letting go isn’t easy—but in public school parenting, it often starts early. In this encore episode, we explore how one mom navigated the balance of trust and involvement, connection and independence, while raising her kids through the public school system. Whether your child is just starting out or you're deep into school years, this conversation offers real-life encouragement for staying present, intentional, and anchored in love.
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Training your kids isn’t about control—it’s about building confidence. Whether they’re four or fourteen, this episode explores how to break down life skills in doable ways that strengthen your child’s character and your bond at the same time.
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What does it look like to give your kids space to grow—without giving up your role as a parent? In this episode, we talk about holding steady in the push and pull: letting kids be their own person while still leading with clarity, connection, and calm.
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If you ever feel like you're missing the golden moments of parenting or just never have enough time, this episode is for you. Whether you work full-time or are simply feeling the pressure, we’re exploring how meaningful connection can still happen—in the margins, in the mess, and in the everyday. Let’s take the pressure down and focus on what really matters.
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We’re not just talking about kids and screens—we’re talking about us. In this final episode on parenting in the digital age, Cheryl and Christie reflect on what stuck, what’s still hard, and where real change begins. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead your family differently in a tech-driven world, this conversation is for you
Resources Mentioned:
– The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch
– The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin
– The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt
– How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
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We’ve heard the warnings about screens and devices —but what does real change look like in everyday family life in this digital culture? In this follow-up conversation, Cheryl and Christie unpack what’s still echoing in their minds, and what small steps are actually working for families.
Resources Mentioned:
– The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch
– The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin
– The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt
– How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
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Raising kids in a digital world doesn’t come with a manual—but it does come with community. In this final conversation with Crystal Coon, we talk about what’s working, what’s shifting, and how small decisions are shaping a bigger story.
Resources Mentioned:
– The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch
– The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin
– The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt
– How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
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Our kids are learning how to handle technology long before they ever get a phone—just by watching us. In this episode, Crystal Coon returns to explore what it looks like to model tech-wise habits with humility, honesty, and connection. It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about paying attention—and starting where you are.
• Resources Mentioned:
– The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch
– The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin
– The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt
– How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
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Screens are everywhere—but what are they doing to our kids, and to us? In this eye-opening episode, Crystal Coon joins us to unpack what’s really at stake in a screen-saturated world—and why awareness is the first step toward change.
Resources Mentioned:
– The Tech-Wise Family and The Life We're Looking For by Andy Crouch
– The Screen Time Solution by Emily Cherkin
– The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt
– How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
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Birthdays can be more than celebrations—they can be intentional moments to hand off growth. In this episode, we explore how “birthday boxes” can help parents pace privilege, responsibility, and freedom with purpose through every stage of childhood.
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Parenting and grandparenting aren’t separate stories—they’re deeply intertwined. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to honor both roles, navigate tensions with grace, and build bridges that hold strong through the seasons.
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What keeps the bridge open as our kids grow up? This episode explores how boundaries, emotional control, and quiet consistency can hold the weight of connection — especially in the teen years and beyond
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When connection with your child starts to feel shaky, what can you do? In this episode, we’re talking about the invisible—but powerful—relationship bridge between you and your child, and how to keep it clear, strong, and open at every stage.
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Friendships can feel so fragile, and loneliness hits hard—especially in the middle and teen years. Today, we’re unpacking how to walk beside our kids through the hurt, building connection and trust as we go.
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Why do our kids—raised in the same home—turn out so different? This episode explores how birth order shapes personalities, expectations, and family dynamics. From firstborn pressures to youngest-child freedom, we unpack what’s really going on—and how parents can respond with awareness, grace, and intention.
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We all start parenting with ideas of how it should go. But instead of getting stuck in regret, what if we saw those moments as part of the process? In this episode, we’re talking about the mistakes, the learning curves, and how growth happens—for us and our kids—one imperfect step at a time.
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It’s impossible to keep up—new apps, new shows, new trends. Do we allow it? Block it? Ignore it? In this episode, we’re tackling the challenge of guiding our kids through media without just saying no to everything.
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Ever feel like your kids should just get it by now? You’ve taught, reminded, and corrected—but the same struggles keep showing up. What if that’s not failure, but part of the process? Today, we’re talking about the hidden work of parenting and why real growth takes more time than we expect.
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A mom sat down with me and asked, How much do I guide, and how much do I let them figure out on their own? It’s a balance every parent wrestles with. In this episode, we talk about how to help our kids notice what they don’t see—without doing all the thinking for them.
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No matter how much kids get, it never seems to be enough. And if we’re honest, we know that feeling too. How do we help our kids feel content in a world that constantly tells them to want more? In this episode, we explore why gratitude is so hard to hold onto—and how we can build it into our family’s daily life.
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It’s easy to focus on outward success—getting kids to listen, behave, and meet expectations. But true parenting happens beneath the surface, shaping who they become, not just how they act. In this episode, we uncover the hidden trap of "apple nailing"—why surface-level parenting feels effective in the moment but ultimately may miss the heart.
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It’s instinctive—we see our kids struggling, and we want to step in, fix the problem, and make it better. But what if fixing isn’t always what they need?
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As children grow into adulthood, the dynamics of your relationship naturally evolve. This episode delves into effective ways to navigate these changes, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and mutual respect. Discover how to sustain meaningful connections without overstepping.
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Being a parent is part of who you are, but it’s not all of who you are. In this episode, we explore how to step back from the pressures of parenting to reconnect with your own identity. Join us as we discuss practical steps for separating your worth from your kids’ actions and embracing the person you were created to be.
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Parenting can stretch you, but it doesn’t have to define you. Tune in to learn how to maintain your sense of self, separate your worth from your kids’ actions, and celebrate who you are outside of parenting.
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What if life itself became your best parenting partner? Join us as we unpack the art of using real-world consequences to teach your kids lessons that stick—without the power struggles or endless reminders.
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In this episode, we’re exploring a game-changer for parents: allowing kids to learn lasting lessons through life experience. Join us as we dive into how consequences can do the talking, as we unpack the art of letting real-life consequences guide our kids—no lectures required.
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In today’s polarized world, it’s easy to tell kids what to think, but how do you teach them how to think? This episode uncovers strategies for guiding kids to navigate information thoughtfully while maintaining respect for others.
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Want to raise kids who stand up for what they believe—without putting others down? This episode unpacks ways to nurture conviction and kindness side by side.
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Sibling relationships can be tricky, but they also offer the chance for something truly special. In this episode, we talk about how to build bridges between your kids—helping them navigate their differences and grow closer, even through the daily challenges of growing up together.
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Releasing your young adult into the world is tougher than it looks. In this episode, we dig into how to trust their path, even when you’re holding your breath. Join us as we talk about letting them lead while finding your own way through this new chapter.
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No one said parenting would be easy, but it’s definitely worth it. If you’re navigating those early days with a new baby or thinking back on your own experiences, this episode offers honest conversations, support, and the reminder that growth happens in the hardest moments. Listen in and discover how to keep going, because your journey is just as important as your child’s.
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If you're expecting or just stepping into parenthood, the whirlwind of emotions and decisions can be overwhelming. In this episode, we dive into the real challenges of those early days—how to let go of perfection, embrace the unexpected, and find your own way through the ups and downs of new parenthood.
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Single parenting isn't just about surviving—it's about finding moments of joy, resilience, and connection amidst the challenges. Whether you’re walking this path or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insight and encouragement for the journey ahead.
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Step into the world of single parents—where every day is both a challenge and a celebration of strength. Whether you're a single parent or a friend to one, let’s share, learn, and grow together in understanding. Tune in for an episode that connects and uplifts.
Feeling like parenting is one challenge after another? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful reality of raising kids when things don’t go as planned. Through shared stories and insights, we’ll help you rediscover the joy and purpose in your parenting journey, even on the tough days.
When home becomes the classroom, parenting takes on a whole new dynamic. In homeschooling, how do you balance expectations, juggle responsibilities, and still create those meaningful moments with your kids? As part of our series on parenting in the various educational paths, join us as we explore what it truly means to parent in this intertwined world of learning and living.
There’s something about private school that conjures images of privilege and achievement. But as we dive in today, we’re not focusing on those elements. Instead, we’re talking about the parent’s journey—how do you stay grounded, offer support, and raise a well-rounded child in this complex world of privilege and pressure? Let’s talk parenting in private school—honestly, openly, and with heart.
Step into the shoes of parents making their way through public, private, and homeschooling paths. Our mini-series reveals the joys, challenges, and unexpected twists of parenting in different educational environments. Listen in for a fresh, heartfelt perspective on parenting. This episode spotlights parenting public schooled children.
Why do some people thrive while others struggle? The answer lies in soft skills. This episode takes you on a journey through some essential non-academic abilities that shape successful adults. Learn how to foster these skills in your kids, helping to prepare them for whatever life throws their way.
Enhance your parenting approach by weaving practical life skills into your daily routines. Discover how these simple yet powerful strategies can shape your children’s future, especially your teens, in profound ways.
Get real about parenting with us on this episode! Learn how to tackle everyday challenges like embracing natural consequences, all while showing yourself and your kids some much-needed compassion.
Peel back the layers of your child’s behavior with us in this eye-opening discussion on parenting that goes beyond behavior management. In this episode, we explore how understanding the root causes of your child’s behavior can lead to more effective and compassionate parenting.
Tired of dinner table chaos? This episode dives into the art of family communication. We share real-life stories and practical tips to help you move from noisy exchanges to meaningful conversations. Tune in to discover how to truly connect with your loved ones.
Ever wonder why - from toddler to young adult - your child keeps pushing back on your parenting? Join us as we explore why this resistance is crucial for their emotional development and a foundation for their healthy future. Tune in for practical strategies on navigating these milestones with positivity and understanding, fostering a strong parent-child bond along the way.
Unlock a summer of fun and learning with our tips for family-friendly activities for children of all ages. Discover how to enjoy these warm months without overspending and how to create lasting memories while keeping your kids active and engaged.
Step into this episode, where we open the door to your letters and dive into the world of parenting styles. Join us as we share listeners’ questions and explore the ways in which our approach to parenting shapes our children's growth and development - As well as our own.
Welcome to this episode where we dive into questions from parents about the everyday struggles of raising children and various parenting styles. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and insights to help you navigate the complexities of parenthood with confidence and compassion.
Dive into a lively coffee shop conversation where parenting styles take center stage. As we role-play different approaches, we explore various parenting lenses shedding light on the strengths and weaknesses of each and perhaps you may even recognize yourself in the mix. Our episode delves deep into the heart of parenthood, reminding us that there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
Step into the world of adaptive parenting, where flexibility meets structure to create a nurturing environment for both parents and children. Discover how this approach adapts to the unique needs of each child, nurturing their growth while maintaining a strong foundation of support and guidance.
Unlock the secrets of empowering parenting! Explore how to nurture your child's autonomy while offering the support they need. Listen now to this newest installment on parenting styles.
Discover the power of the attachment parenting style which prioritizes emotional connection, responsiveness, and positive discipline. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this perspective and whether it would strengthen your parenting.
Join us for this episode where we delve into both the challenges and the positive aspects of authoritarian parenting. Learn how clear boundaries and expectations can provide security and support for children and their parents.
Join us as we kick off our series on parenting styles, a big part of the complexities of modern parenting. With a mix of insight and understanding we delve into various approaches, Tune in to discover which methods resonate most with your family dynamics and values.
In response to questions from you our listeners, the teams tackles several issues - From handling strong-willed toddlers to navigating the uncharted waters of parenting young adults, listen in for support, guidance, and a few stories along the way.
Listen in as the team navigates the world of parenting teens, emphasizing the need for hands-on emotional support - whether either of you realizes it or not. Learn how empathy and active listening build strong parent-teen relationships.
Get ready to dive into our overflowing mailbag as we tackle questions from our listeners including picky eaters and dramatic kids. Join us on a journey of discovery and insights as we navigate these common parenting challenges together. Tune in now!
Hey parents! Ever wondered, "What's up with my kid?" Join us as we explore the ups and downs of normal parenting, from juggling events to connecting with your preteen, we offer insights and support. Tune in now.
From sibling squabbles to bedtime blues, gain confidence in navigating everyday issues with some practical insights. Join us as we dive into unraveling the mysteries of normal parenting with reassurance and practicality
Embark on a journey through the world of self-care for parents. Join us in this follow-up episode as we delve into the empowering journey of prioritizing self-care without guilt uncovering how investing in yourself ultimately benefits your entire family.
Explore the empowering journey of self-care for parents. The Team discusses prioritizing self-care without guilt. Tune in to learn how investing in yourself ultimately benefits your entire family
Join us as we explore the often unseen benefits of household responsibilities on children's character development. Together, we'll uncover how teaching responsibility throughout all ages helps kids build resilience and independence, setting them up for success as they grow. It's all about laying a strong foundation for their journey into adulthood, one chore at a time.
How do we help our children become flourishing adults? Guided by key insights from a renowned study on human development, the Team explores how love and a strong work ethic contribute to character development in children, empowering them for success in adulthood.
Join the recording team as we discuss parental burnout and its unexpected solution – grace. We address the struggles of perfectionism and share practical insights on embracing the imperfections of parenting. Tune in for some insightful tips that can make your parenting journey a bit easier.
This episode explores the importance of embracing conflicting emotions as parents but also how to introduce and use this concept for emotional health in our children and family culture. Using the creative and fun illustration of Yay Duck and Yuck Duck, we explain an engaging important tool for your parenting toolbox.
In today's episode, we navigate the intricate landscape of parental burnout and stress. Building on our previous discussion on recognizing burnout, we unveil the layers of contributing factors. Some are overt, while others disguise themselves as positives which make it a complex tapestry of common challenges.
This episode kicks off a series on parental burnout, addressing the often-hidden struggles that affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. From pervasive tiredness to unexpected habits like compulsive tidying, we uncover some of the multifaceted faces of burnout. Join us in this shared journey for understanding, support, and practical coping strategies.
In the final installment of our family yuletide series, we open up about the emotional challenges of changing family dynamics during the holidays. With authenticity and warmth, our team shares personal experiences, offering insights, coping strategies, and a reminder to find moments of joy amidst the inevitable changes.
Embrace the beautiful chaos of family holidays in our special TPP Yuletide series. Join us as we unwrap the complexities of seasonal stress exploring the art of setting realistic expectations, finding joy in simplicity, and truly embracing the spirit of the season.
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with TPP! In this special series, we unwrap the warmth and the reality of family holiday traditions. Join our team as we go beyond the 'picture-perfect' fantasies, peeling back the layers on our meaningful but sometimes messy celebrations.
Listen in as the TPP team explores the often-unrecognized benefits of creative, child-directed play for all ages, with a special focus on teens. This episode goes beyond the idea of play as mere entertainment and highlights its crucial role in cognitive, emotional, and social development. From the joyful messiness of child-directed play to the structure of organized activities, they navigate the spectrum, building a compelling case for integrating play into your family's daily life.
In this special 100th episode, join the TPP Team for an intimate conversation on the rollercoaster rides of their own parenting experiences. From overcoming challenges to relishing heartwarming moments, it's a candid exploration of their transformative journey. Listen in as they celebrate this milestone and encourage each listener to continue loving, persevering, and finding beauty in the chaotic yet rewarding adventure of parenting.
On this TPP episode join us as we examine how birth order shapes parenting. Does being the oldest, middle, or youngest child truly affect personality and parenting styles? Discover unique insights into this intriguing topic. Whether you're a seasoned parent or just starting your journey, understanding birth order's influence can reshape your approach. Listen in to unlock valuable tips and perspectives on this aspect of your family dynamics.
Today, we examine crafting a family media plan. It's about more than rules; it's fostering balance and digital savvy in your family. We'll discuss safeguarding privacy, setting boundaries, and addressing online risks, from clickbait to catfishing. We're here to empower you to navigate the digital landscape confidently. Together let’s ensure your media plan strengthens family connections.
Parenting in this quickly changing digital era can feel overwhelming, prompting thoughts of surrender to the cyberworld. But be encouraged, you're not alone - Your TPP Team is here with you to explore how your family can navigate technology and stay connected. Today, we emphasize your role as a media mentor, seeking media balance tailored for your family. You won’t want to miss the conversation.
Join the TPP Recording Team in an exploration of screen-wise parenting. In this episode, discover the significant impact you can make serving as a media mentor to your family. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of understanding the digital world, fostering self-regulation, and empowering wise choices. Remember, your role as a parent is essential on this journey.
Join the TPP Recording Team in an exploration of screen-wise parenting. In this episode, discover the significant impact you can make serving as a media mentor to your family. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of understanding the digital world, fostering self-regulation, and empowering wise choices. Remember, your role as a parent is essential on this journey.
Navigating baby sleep can be a maze, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Join us on this episode as we explore various aspects of this universal parenting challenge. We'll dive into different approaches, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and why flexibility and patience are the keys to success.
Join us in this captivating journey today as we uncover practical strategies for nurturing independence and confidence in our younger kids. From everyday tasks to more significant challenges, discover how to empower your child on their path to autonomy. Remember, at The Parenting Podcast, we're here to bring you hope and support, making your parenting adventure a little smoother.
Balancing nurturing and letting go isn't easy, but it's a journey worth taking. In today's episode, we delve into the art of nurturing independence in young children. Join us as we explore the tools of calculated risks, intentional choices, and embracing the unknown to raise confident, self-reliant kids.
We've been exploring the delicate balance between engaged parenting and helicoptering. And on this episode, we're going deeper into the heart of it, uncovering some strategies of how you can help your children learn from their choices and how to walk wisely alongside of them in their struggle, no matter how they turn out. Oh, and get ready from some analogies involving basketballs and breakfast cereals.
Today, we explore the subtle dance between involved parenting and hovering as helicopters. Our team shares personal experiences, helping you spot these tendencies and find balance. Join us as we take a closer look into how this style impacts us and our kids.
In this episode, we tackle a topic that hits close to home – the moment our older kids begin their own journey forward - whether to a college campus or into their careers. As we explore strategies for fostering trust and maintaining a strong bridge of connection, we aim to provide you with the tools to navigate this bittersweet transition with confidence. Join us as we delve into this unique season together, embracing our children's flight into the world with love and support.
It’s Back-To-School-Time! No matter the age of your child or the schooling path you've chosen, TPP is here to help you navigate this exciting yet sometimes challenging journey of diving back into the school routine and year. Listen in as the TPP Recording Team discusses ways to help you create an environment that nurtures your child's growth - Not only academically, but also emotionally: embracing meaningful connections, fostering open conversations and nurturing emotional wellbeing.
You know, as parents, we're like the architects of our kids' future, helping them build these incredible 'upstairs brains.' As we continue our discussion of the Whole Brain Child by Drs Siegel and Bryson, we're going to explore today how to use empathy and decision-making as our parenting tools to equip our children to use that miraculous upstairs brain through weaving intentionality into everyday parenting moments.
Sometimes, particularly when we're not aware of why it’s happening, we can feel like we've been taken hostage by terrorists - but it's in our own home and it's a 2 year old or our 15 year old teenager. On today's episode the TPP recording team talks about upstairs and downstairs tantrums and doesn't negotiate with the terrorists but exposes their tactics and how to deal successfully with them and to love our children better.
On this episode, we’re doing a little rewind. We're going to go back into our archives and repost a popular episode. We deal with two subjects. One is social media with our kids and the other is what to do when people are critical about your parenting. Listen in again as we re-dive into these very interesting, timely topics, no matter what the age or stage of your children.
Have you ever been surprised in noticing that maybe your teenager and your two year old sometimes kind of react to things in a similar way? Maybe a whole lot of emotion, a lot of self focus, and maybe not walking in the maturity that you think they should have? Well on this episode the team discusses what is really going on that causes those emotional responses and then how we parents might handle it. Listen in on our ongoing discussion of the book the Whole Brain Child as we go Upstairs and Downstairs.
As a parent do you ever struggle knowing what to do when your child is full of emotions and you aren't sure whether just kind of to cover it up or to dive into that broiling pool with them? Well listen in because today we are going to share great simple tools for handling and growing through emotions for your whole family. The strategy of Name it to Tame it
Do you ever struggle when your child is feeling a lot of emotion and yet, as a parent, you just aren’t sure what to do? The TPP recording team discusses this issue today in our series on the bestselling book, The Whole Brain Child. A very helpful and simple technique for handling ALL of our emotions – Connect and Redirect.
Today's episode begins a series of discussions on the Whole Brain Child - the best-selling book on developing emotional health and nurturing your children's minds. Regardless of what ages your children are, this book is an indispensable tool for your parenting. Be sure to listen in.
A listener asked, “How do we parent a strong personality child without breaking their spirit by constantly correcting?” That dominant personality has such incredible strengths that can be tapped into and invested but they can also make our parenting more challenging. Listen in because the team shares some very practical and insightful suggestions that I personally found effective and helpful.
Whether you have already released or are heading towards releasing your children, you are going to want to listen to this conversation. Although the launching years typically may be the least talked about in parenting, the TPP Recording Team intentionally addresses it because it is incredibly important since it actually never ends. On this segment, we focus on how to prepare yourself for this complex crucial season.
Just because they are old enough to vote, you don’t quit being a parent! On this episode the Team addresses an often-overlooked season of parenting – the Launching and releasing of our grown children. Be sure to listen as we talk about how to prepare both our children and us for this incredibly important investment in both our futures
Nagging may be on every parent’s list of Least Favorite Things about Parenting! So what do we do about it and not shut down relationships? Listen in as the Team tackles this thorny subject which a number of listeners have asked about. Does my no mean no or should they just keep bugging me?
Although it appears to be just a simple fix, the telling of lies; the telling of truth and our family culture of honesty and integrity are very important parts of our parenting. In response to a listener’s question the recording team explorers the complications and motivations behind why our children might lie and ways to approach the issue.
On today’s episode we continue the conversation about this last season of active parenting. Be sure to listen as the Team shares about 3 E’s of this season and how they build opportunities for growth and a relationship with that very special person who's getting ready to step into adulthood.
If you've ever had the opportunity to be the instructor helping a new driver learn how to drive it can be fun, maybe a little hair raising and character revealing. Not unlike Parenting during the teen years.. I'm joined in the studio by Ellen and Christie and we explore what your family's road trip might look like during this unique season.
This part of our Family Road Trip often seems a little like the Flyover States – a little simpler and maybe more easily navigated. On this episode the Team talks about how to use this time to “connect the dots” and invest in various ways with your middle ages.
Sibling issues are one of TPP’s listeners most frequent questions. How do we stop it? Is this normal? Listen in as the Team actually discusses how this struggle can be a growing tool for your family.
In part 2, the team continues the discussion of what the beginning season of our Family Road Trip might look like. Oh listen in and learn about a very helpful tool for all stages of parenthood -ZPD.
So what does the beginning season of our Family Road Trip look like? The Team discusses the reality of the great and the not so great of this special launching that all families must travel. Listen in for a dose of reality and encouragement for this period of initiation into parenting.
The Team continues our beginning conversation as we start a series on Your Family Road Trip through all the seasons of parenting. We explore more about a Destination vs Journey mindset and we each share aspects of what was particularly hard for us personally on our own Road Trips. Listen in as we lay down groundwork for all the ages of parenting.
Today we are starting a more in depth series of creating and applying the idea of the Family Road Trip of vision and practice to all the seasons of parenting. The team lays some beginning groundwork and discusses why you might take the time to map out that Trip for your family. But we get practical in some of the how-tos of real daily life as well. Glad you could join us - no matter where you are in your parenting journey.
On the last episode, Dr. Kelly Stevens introduced an intriguing concept that our kids are missing out when we avoid using the Gift of Failure in their lives. Today we plow further into this often-overlooked aspect of parenting and discuss the benefits and then get specific in how it might be applied in real life. Be sure to listen in!
Dr. Kelly Stevens joins us again in the recording studio. This time with the unusual idea of equipping our children with the gift of failure. He talks about a style of parenting where preparing our children for life rather than trying to curate the road in front of them. You're not going to want to miss this interesting but challenging conversation.
Today's episode is the continuation of a conversation which we started last week, but it was too full of good meat to cut short so we're going to jump right back in today where we left off. Now this isn't just a subject for parents with older children. What we talk about as the recording team is applicable to every stage of our parenting. So join us now and listen in about what to do when it's hard and they're rebelling but you want to love them well.
In response to some listeners' requests, on this episode, the TPP recording team tackles one of the harder things just to figure out when you're a parent - what to do when they rebel while they're still living at home and underage. Getting a little more practical we explore what it might actually look like as we walk through some of this hard stuff with our children. Listen in on the conversation about those conversations.
This week we reach back to one of our listeners' favorite episodes - hence "Second Helping." The focus is adolescence, but the principles and practical applications apply to all stages of parenting. It's the tricky balance of being engaged and yet not OVER reacting. Listen in as the TPP Team discusses this important and challenging aspect of parenting.
In this episode, the TPP Recording Team takes on extroverted parenting with all its energy, fun, and words, lots of words. Yes, they bring a larger battery to the job, but they also have their own particular challenges. Listen in as we explore their world and how "being" may be a great gift to add to their parenting toolbox.
In direct response to a lot of feedback that we have gotten from our listeners, the Team today explores parenting as an introvert. Now true, sometimes they may not be quite as visible as some of their more extroverted counterparts, but listen in as we talk about the challenges but also the superpowers of introverted parenting.
Once again Dr. Kelly Stevens comes before the TPP mic. This time he challenges and then equips us with the idea of premeditatio malorum - keeping low expectations for ourselves, our kids, and our parenting. And as usual, it isn't all theory but we get down to some very practical, useful applications for our everyday lives.
On today's episode the Recording Team discusses introverted children. They may not bring as much noise and energy to our families, but they do bring depth and richness. Listen in as we chat about their strengths and their struggles but also for practical ideas for parenting our wonderful introverts.
Yes they come with noise. Yes they have lots of words and energy. But our extroverted children bring such life and connection to everything. On this episode the TPP Team discusses how to nurture and develop these balls of energy along with some practical suggestions for directing and appreciating these forces of nature we are blessed with.
Some families are full of noisy loudness and others are more reflective and calm - what about yours? In this episode, the TPP Team begins a series on the beauty and the challenges that come in our families and lives with introverts and extroverts. Listen in to this conversation as we share experiences and work on defining this impacting aspect of our parenting.
Although we all would love perfect Hallmark Movie Holidays, all too often our realities just don't match up to those expectations. Join the TPP Team as they share their own struggles with evolving family situations, loss, and grief and listen in on the discussion about how to fight for joy amidst some of the hard.
The holidays are upon us so join the Recording Team as they talk about the lighter side of the season, discussing traditions and transitions. They also bravely tackle the perennial dilemma - white lights or multicolored - as well as other fun issues. Grab a hot drink and just sit back and listen in.
The economy is a bit crazy right now and that makes this a perfect time to intentionally begin teaching our children about money and how to control it instead of the other way around. Regardless of your children's ages or your financial situation listen in on the discussion as the Recording Team tackles this important and practical subject which turns out actually in the end to be all about the heart.
Dr. Kelly Stephens and Cheryl are joined by the TPP Recording Team for this special episode. The Quintet discusses the struggle to become a responsive rather than reactive parent. Dr. Kelly points out the dangers of being a YELP parent and the team shares some ideas for how to reset and move towards becoming the type of parent we want to be.
Celebrating our first year at TPP, we're going to take a little fall break. We'll be back in a few weeks. Great time to binge on missed episodes. See you next month!
The TPP Team Opens up and admits that we all originally thought WE were a gift to our children; yet on this episode, we share how parenting our children is a gift that changed US! Listen in and be encouraged how the mundane, the failures, the imperfections, and the hard things have been amazing tools in our lives and how we are better people because of it all. Oh and how we quit being Perfect-holics!
We all wish we could just have smooth easy responses in life and in our families but as the TPP Team shares, sometimes it is anger that blocks that dream. Listen in as they discuss their own struggles and move on to explore some root sources of anger, as well as suggestions for dealing with this emotion - in our children and more importantly in ourselves.
How do I continue to connect and have a relationship with our older teens and grown children? The TPP Team, all experiencing this age themselves, discuss the struggle of a healthy balance in this rather under-discussed stage of parenting. Join the conversation about the shift of focus and roles and how to cultivate conversations with your burgeoning adults.
Following up on Dr. Stephens' episode, the TPP Team jumps into adolescence. Listen in as they discuss the reality of parenting in this unique season of life – what helped them, what blindsided them, and some suggestions for deciding when you might and might not push the Alarm Button.
Sometimes the Middle Ages of 4-8 might be a little overlooked, so listen in as the TPP Team addresses this important season of training and relationship. Don't miss hearing them actually role-play how to talk with an emotional child and share some practical tips for this special but fleeting time with your children.
TPP friend and pediatrician Dr. Stephens joins Cheryl again at the microphone to talk about the often challenging years of adolescence. You aren’t going to want to miss hearing Dr. S as he demystifies this season and brings reality but also encouraging information and experience to equip and encourage all parents but especially those of teens.
With a lot of transparent honesty, the Recording Team shares some of their individual struggles with lies in their parenting. You may be in a hard season yourself, or battling lies of your own, so listen in to get some insight into fighting for Truth to conquer those Lies, as well as some encouragement to move towards more freedom and hope.
The Team addresses some of our listeners' questions. First, we're offering some practical ideas for how to handle evenings so that bedtimes are easier and flow better. Then these seasoned parents address a regularly asked question about what we would go back and change if we could. So listen in and maybe get a dose of encouragement for your day.
Boredom has gotten a bad rap. In fact, many parents and groups work overtime trying to erase that word from their kids' lives. However, science and the TPP team make a case for why creating a space for boredom in a child's over-structured and entertaining life is not only mentally healthy, it is a power-packed surprising friend that can bring creativity, peace, initiative, and fun to the entire family. Make the space to join in on the conversation.
One of the biggest heartaches for parents may be when their children turn their back and reject our deeply held values. How do we deal with that? How can we build bridges instead of walls in the relationship? Listen in on this timely and important conversation by the TPP team as they discuss these issues seeking to bring help but also hope in the midst of these challenges.
Putting feet to what we want to do is often a bit challenging. Join the TPP Team as they hash out some practical applications to Dr. Stevens' “Family Reality” concept. In addition to sharing honestly some of their own families’ struggles, they talk over ideas for how to love others even IF you are walking a different path as a family.
Cheryl sits down with Dr. Stephens again and this time explores his idea of creating your own Family Reality. No, he doesn’t recommend thinking you are pink elephants! But instead opens up this family-strengthening mindset and even talks about when we should and shouldn’t say “we.” Don’t miss Dr. S and his insights and experienced views on parenting.
Some dads have asked us – “Why do you just say ‘Moms?’ We are parents too and enjoy TPP.” So starting today The Parenting Podcast will begin to do just that – address ALL those in parenting roles and loving kids - and especially dads. To celebrate, we start with a question from a dad about connecting with his kids as they age.
Listen in as the TPP Team reads some questions from our inbox. Moms write asking for more application and practical ideas of when to do certain things and the use of Birthday Boxes and consequences. The discussion covers specifics but also the reality of the challenges of parenting and, oh, what makes Ellen want cake!
How do you argue well? Conflict is all too easily a part of our relationships even when we love each other. In answer to a mom’s question, the TPP Team steps into the ring and hashes out the difference between a discussion and a fight - How do I keep myself under control? - How do I steer the argument to a good resolution for what is best for my child and myself? It can be complicated but there is hope and help even when we are at odds.
The TPP Team unwraps thoughts and responses related to Dr. Stephens’ ideas on Birthday Boxes. (Epi 36) So how does this actually fit into real life? Is my child too young? Too old? Is this another to-do that is going to make my life harder? Listen in as the Quartet discusses the benefits they see to Boxes and how it is flexible, helpful for our kids at any age, reduces nagging, and makes our job as parents easier.
TPP is excited to begin a new feature – interviews with amazing people. In this inaugural episode of Table Guests, pediatrician Dr. Kelly Stephens joins Cheryl in the studio and discusses the idea of Birthday Boxes – not your typical gift but a very helpful tool for parenting our children through the ages and stages of life – Dr. Stephens is great and you are going to enjoy listening and learning from him.
Even if you don’t have a toddler, listen in to this conversation - the TPP team starts answering a mom’s question on potty-training and the conversation moves from practical advice and stories to peer pressure and encouragement on how to resist it and decide what’s best for your family – at this time, with this child, with these circumstances. Oh, and Cheryl throws in some bee-friendly gardening advice.
Mom Guilt! It is all too often a shadow creeping around many of us. It robs us of our joy. It can derail our hearts in parenting. But, can it also motivate us to become more of what we want to be and to love our children better? Yes! You will want to hear the TPP Team as they not only talk about the real struggles of Mom Guilt but how to recognize False Guilt and how to use Good Guilt as our friend.
Pulling back the curtain a little – One of the best parts of making TPP episodes is our conversations and processing with each other as friends as we come together to record. This particular session the mics were live but we were just sharing with each other and talking about stress in our own lives and just life struggles. So listen in on our unplanned conversation.
Whether it’s the parent, a toddler or an older teen, at times we all struggle with our emotions. The TPP Team unpack some of the struggles of parenting when there are meltdowns and share some of their stories and thoughts for coping with or even preventing outbursts and how to be more emotionally healthy as a family.
In response to an article by a writer who was confused and fearful by all the negative she heard before her son was born, the TPP Team discusses the false ideals that discouraged them as moms and then shares what is GOOD and true about this amazing calling and actually learning to enjoy our children.
In this episode the TPP Team deals with a practical subject – teens and clean rooms - and some deeper more personal challenges – mental and emotional health for us moms. But whatever the issue, the end of this episode summarizes one of TPP’s main goals for each of you, our listeners – to bring you hope and help, as well encouragement in your parenting and in your life.
How do I get my kids to listen without raising my VOICE? The Recording Team discusses this issue and how to train our kids - but again it looks like the big training is about us, the moms – we need to train ourselves to respond so we are connected to their hearts not just their ears. Be sure to listen in to this conversation.
It's so hard when people in our lives are critical of us as parents. It's easy to build walls, get angry, or take it personally. The TPP Team identifies with this struggle themselves and breaks it down to some of the deeper issues underneath our reactions and offers insight into some alternative responses.
The clock is always ticking and it's hard to manage schedules and time constraints with your very real life and everything that can happen. So, take some time to listen in as the TPP team shares some perspective and also tips for handling that tyrant of time to maybe help bring some peace to your days and to your heart.
The TPP Team starts by discussing the parenting struggle of interrupting kids then dives in to a deeper conversation on valuing others. Is this healthy self-care or just selfish? The Team talks about their own struggles with being a Martyr Mom or a Parenting Workaholic. Be sure to listen in for some encouragement and maybe some helpful insight.
Just seems like a part of regular life – tattling on siblings – but are there deeper issues underneath? – even in the mom’s heart? Listen as the TPP Team opens up this subject and shares some of their struggles and some insight on relationships and hearts.
The TPP team dives back in to discuss developing and maintaining friendships as moms. Keeping it relevant, they talk about the struggles and limitations of time and energy bouncing onto the wall of reality for a mom in that important area of friendship.
From pre-school to adulthood friends and friendships are important but can also be a challenge. In this episode, the team discusses moms’ questions on cliques and being excluded, what a friend is, and how to help our children learn how to be a good friend.
Sleep issues with our kids aren’t just about newborns. There can be challenges and bumps throughout our parenting years. The TPP Team chats over concerns such as sleepwalking, bedwetting, and what to do with teens and devices late at night.
Everybody enjoys a good night's sleep, but that's just not always the reality for a mom. Listen in as the TPP team shares stories and talks about sleep issues - not just with newborns but throughout all the seasons of parenting.
Our TPP recording team again sits around the mics and discusses some questions that you moms have sent us. How to teach gratefulness? Feeling guilty as a mom. Should kids say I am sorry? These question are just jumping off points for a lot of conversation and ideas. Join us and take a moment to text or dm your question to us. That is why we are here.
TPP wants to be relevant to your life, mom. In this episode (we hope the first of many) our Recording Team discusses and shares questions you our listeners have sent to us. So many interesting topics – sharing (not just toddlers); siblings warring with each other; and what if you know you aren't doing it perfectly - have you blown it? Join us for the discussion and don’t forget to share your questions with us – we want to know what you want to ask!
We often refer to the 4th season of parenting as The Graduate Years. But, we aren't talking about our kids doing the graduating! It's US the Moms! We have graduated from the Active Parenting Years. And instead of it always being a big Grad Party, this season has some special challenges of its own. Join us as we share from our own experiences and reality because all four of us are somewhere in this stage ourselves. TPP wants to walk alongside you, mom, encouraging and equipping you as your walk towards and through this last phase of parenting.
We hope to bring you a dose of encouragement with this episode – whatever your reality or situation is right now. Our team reflects and discusses what it really is like to be a mom in the middle of active parenting, - full of long nights, endless dirty dishes, and just plain weariness. Sit back with a cup of your favorite drink and just drink in our virtual arm around your shoulder as we seek to stir you up to hang in there and keep on loving -even though it’s hard – because Mom, it IS worth it!
The calendar page has turned all of us to a new year. The Team chats about changes and resolutions and plans for what lies ahead. Moms, we process together these concepts but hope to lay some groundwork to help you find more flourishing and growth as a mom but also as a special person. Listen in as we discuss developing grit and grace for the journey and for ourselves.
Our conversation continues about the Releasing Years of parenting. We left the mics running last time so we have some Bonus Material added in. The Team discusses the tricky balance of relationships and finances and giving advice – Yes, this is a complex season but it also has potential for richness and opportunity of growing with our kids. Grab a cup of coffee or do that needed task while listening to the chat around the TPP table on loving our releasing/released children.
Join us as we continue the conversation about the 4th season of parenting, The Graduate Years! But we aren’t talking about our kids doing the graduating! It’s US the Moms! We have graduated from the Active Parenting Years. And instead of it always being a big Grad Party, this season has some special challenges of its own. Join us as we share from our own experiences and reality because all four of us are somewhere in this stage ourselves. TPP wants to walk alongside of you, mom, encouraging and equipping you as you walk towards and through this last phase of parenting.
We often refer to the 4th season of parenting as The Graduate Years. But we aren’t talking about our kids doing the graduating! It’s US the Moms! We have graduated from the Active Parenting Years. And instead of it always being a big Grad Party, this season has some special challenges of its own. Join us as we share from our own experiences and reality because all four of us are somewhere in this stage ourselves. TPP wants to walk alongside of you, mom, encouraging and equipping you as you walk towards and through this last phase of parenting.
This conversation about the teen season of parenting jumps right into the middle of the issues of releasing our teens to make more decisions and be responsible when we know they are going to make mistakes. The moms around the table bring reality and insight as they discuss what this looks and feels like as they talk about the difficult balance between wisely allowing consequences while remaining a healthy safety net. You are going to be challenged and encouraged as we dive into the reality of this special season of moving our teens towards adulthood.
The Podcast Team is back in front of the mics discussing Holidays with a fistful of moms’ questions. Regardless of your situation or plans for this year, join us as the Four share their own struggles and stories of the holiday season, extended family, kids’ attitudes, Pinterest Perfect expectations, and Ellen’s Thanksgiving day with an overflowing house AND overflowing plumbing.
Happy Holidays from the TPP team! In this first episode of our two-part holiday special, Cheryl and Ellen, along with some friends of TPP, answer your parenting questions about the holidays! Don't miss this special episode and be sure to tune in next week for part 2!
Do you remember how aggravating dropped calls were in the early years of cell phones? That old problem may help us understand some of the confusing and fluctuating reactions of our teens – it actually has less to do with our parenting than it does with their changing brains! Listen in as moms discuss trying to become more engaged and aware of our teens – in the midst of the messiness, pressured schedules, and our blowing it. Join us as we dive into reality but also into hope and encouragement as we chat about this special season moving our teens towards adulthood.
Although sometimes it gets some bad publicity, parenting our teens can be an exciting and interesting time but not without its challenges. Listen in as moms talk about what their expectations and reality have been navigating the teen years. What are qualities that help us and what are real life roadblocks? Come and get a dose of reality but also hope and encouragement as we chat about this special season moving our children towards adulthood.
We’ve got moms of middle-aged kids in the studio on this episode. We share stories of struggles and victories and discuss the day-to-day of this special time period. We focus more on the practical and chat about how to put the ideas and principles of this season into practice: What does training actually look like in my day? What if I am a more internal processor and I run out of words and emotional energy? How do I quit repeating myself? Listen in as these real moms ask their questions and talk about real life in the second season of parenting.
Many moms feel the second season of parenting might be a little bit of a calm between stormier times. We are calling this your Master Chef season. These are wonderful training years for you to come alongside your “middlers” and equip them with tools and understanding that will lay a foundation for the future. Of course, that means a lot of practice with practical things like increasing responsibility and social skills… but it also is a golden season to build your relationship and their character through what they are learning and how you are walking beside them. We want to encourage you to invest in this special time, so join us.
In this TPP episode, we are Keeping It Real ( KIR) by having moms in the studio who are in the middle of the amazing (but sometimes a little overwhelming) first season of parenting. Listen in as they honestly discuss their thoughts, questions, and struggles in their real-time daily lives. Rather than being a more TO-DO mom with your young ones, we discuss changing to a TO-BE mom – how to love our little ones better and enjoy them more. Join us to hear the conversation and maybe get some encouragement or ideas for your season and your heart.
If your parenting season is with these little ones (ages 0-4ish) then you won’t want to miss hearing the conversation about the Big Picture of being their Hiking Guide including some practical suggestions. Instead of discussing which diapering method to use, or to sling or not to sling, or the pro and cons of sleeping arrangements, Cheryl and Ellen step back and talk about a much bigger view about loving your little ones well by being a responsive mom. Be encouraged by the opportunities this special time period offers and maybe pick up some hints along the way.
In this Chores KIR (Keeping It Real) episode, we have moms in the studio discussing their thoughts, questions, and struggles with chores in their real-time daily lives. Join us to hear our conversation and maybe get some encouragement or ideas in the midst of all the to-dos.
In a follow-up to Episode 1 where we discussed the deeper whys and benefits to family chores, Cheryl and Ellen get practical and talk about some of the what’s and how’s. As you hear their own experiences and mistakes, it is apparent that they each had a very different approach to “getting it done.” Maybe you can find help with your style and rhythm as you listen to their stories and catch some ideas and motivation with chores in your home.
Welcome to The Parenting Podcast, moms. We thought we'd just take some time to introduce ourselves and TPP to you. We’re your hosts - Cheryl Lange and Ellen Etzler. Together we bring decades of experience, perspective and mistakes! Join us as we dive into the reality of parenting through interesting interviews and engaging conversation. No matter what your parenting stage or situation, our goal is to give you practical ideas, wise insight from experts, and have honest discussions that give you heart and strengthen you both today and for the years ahead.