Healthy Parenting Handbook with Katie Kimball

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 dives into the science behind fermented foods, the gut-brain connection, and why kefir might be one of the most underrated health foods on your shelf. We also talk mom-to-mom about raising adventurous eaters, the role of dairy in women’s health, and the importance of modeling self-care for our kids.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why kefir supports gut health, immunity, and even mental healthHow fermented dairy reduces inflammation, and why that mattersWhat women should know before cutting dairy from their dietHow to introduce kids to kefir and other healthy foodsWhy kefir is 99% lactose-free (yes, even for sensitive stomachs)How food, family, and culture shape our health journeysPractical self-care tips for busy parentsWhether you're curious about the benefits of kefir or looking for real-life tips on raising healthy kids, this conversation will leave you inspired.Resources We Mention for a Healthy LifestyleInformation on Dr. Elie Metchnikoff's studies on fermented milk and kefir from 1904Read more about the effects of antibacterial everythingHere's a study on fermented milk and colon cancerA kid's perspective on going dairy-freeFind Lifeway onlineFollow Julie on social media: Instagram, LinkedInCheck out Julie's cookbook: The Kefir Cookbook: Amazon, Bookshop, eBookGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

We may all think and process information differently, but it’s true that some diagnoses make parenting feel a lot more difficult on a day-to-day basis.You’ll receive a heavy dose of empathy and understanding from this interview, along with some very practical strategies to create an environment in which your children can thrive.Ginny and I talked about:How ND kids struggle with executive function, big emotions, and emotional regulation, but can often be gifted with exceptional creativity, intellect, and problem-solving abilities.Why “routines” include both structure and flexibilityWhy a growth mindset must be in your toolboxThe beauty of suffering, how to infuse challenges with meaningWhere to find role models with differently wired brains for your kids!Resources We Mention for Neurodivergent ParentingGinny uses Ellyn Satter's division of responsibilityGet my best tips for picky eaters hereGinny has a list of saints who had some type of neurodivergenceGet Ginny's booksBlink and We'll Miss It: Amazon, BookshopGod's Kintsugi: Amazon, BookshopFind Ginny online: Quirky Catholic Kids, Get the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

We tend to think of "eyesight" as just needing glasses or not. But what if I told you that vision is actually a brain function, and if our kids are struggling visually, it could be impacting their learning, attention, and even behavior?In our chat, Dr. B doesn’t just talk science — he gives us practical tips that any parent can use to support healthy vision for kids, especially in our screen-soaked world. He unpacks the sneaky signs of vision issues, why screen time isn’t just an eye problem, and what we can actually do about it.But here’s what might surprise you…Many children are misdiagnosed with attention issues when the root problem is vision-related.Eyesight and vision aren’t the same thing (and that distinction is life-changing).The rise in screen time is truly affecting how our kids’ eyes — and brains — develop.There’s a simple at-home test you can do to check for red flags in your child’s vision.Vision therapy is not just for kids with glasses — it’s for brains that need support.Outdoor time isn’t just "nice" — it’s necessary for strong visual development.Functional eye doctors approach vision differently, and it’s exactly what so many kids need.And yes, the 20-20-20 rule? It’s real, simple, and super helpful!We also talk blue light, digital performance glasses, and how to balance a tech-filled life without turning into a screen-time tyrant. 😉So if you’re ready to understand what’s really going on behind your child’s eyes — and empower yourself with tools to help them thrive — don’t miss this one.Resources We Mentioned for Healthy VisionTry out ScreenFit for your family (get a discount with code "KCRF")How vision problems can be misdiagnosed as ADHDHere is the directory of eye doctors Dr. B mentionedHere's my review of the best blue light glasses I've foundFind Dr. B onlineFollow him on social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTokGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

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 happier less stressful life.We dig into a lot of practical and philosophical tips, including:First steps to get out of debtHow to STAY out of debt in the first placeLetting go of limiting beliefsCreating a “debt is bad” mindset - for the wrong kind of debtGetting more time freedom in your life – because time is the one thing we never get back!We dig into how to teach kids and teens about finances too: “We have to teach our kids what debt is and the risk it can have on your life and the choices you make…”Why financial health is a daily commitmentBrad is one of our valued #LifeSkillsNow Season 4 camp leaders, teaching teens and tweens about the real cost of “convenience” and what compound interest can do for our high school kids. It’s phenomenal! My own kids and other teen testers were blown away.Resources We Mention for Teaching Kids About DebtThe book Brad mentioned: Top Five Regrets of the DyingRocket Money can help you get rid of subscriptionsCheck out Brad's free video to help you reduce financial stressFind Brad onlineFollow him on social media: Facebook, TikTok, InstagramGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Today I'm doing something completely new! It's a podcast swap! Here is an episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast with Hunter Clarke-Fields.It's the third of a three-part series so definitely go check that out when you're done with this one!Find Hunter OnlineFollow her on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube  Get the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever yelled or lost your cool as a parent.Keep that hand up if you thought you would never yell as a parent.I know, right?It’s the story of many who go on to be mindful or positive or grounded parenting experts. “I never thought I would…”Me neither!That means we need tools, and today’s guest will give you some powerful ones in the form of mindfulness for parents.Resources We Mention for Parenting Without YellingGet Hunter's books:Raising Good Humans: Amazon, BookshopRaising Good Humans Every Day: Amazon, BookshopRaising Good Humans Guided Journal: Amazon, BookshopMindful Mama MentorFacebook, Instagram, YouTubeHunter's free guide to repair the relationship after yellingGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

In today's Healthy Parenting Handbook episode, I'm going to take 5 different arguments against kids doing chores and learning life skills and counter them with facts, stories, research, and a big ol' dose of common sense.These are real arguments I hear from both well-meaning parents AND keyboard warriors on social media, plus one from a well-established expert I heard on a podcast that I simply do not agree with!If you've ever had to listen to someone say it's cruelty to make your kids clean a bathroom or have felt yourself that maybe kids are busy enough - maybe life skills aren't important to learn now - this one's for you.Resources I Mention for Chores and Life SkillsGet 4 free life skills workshops now!Purchase access to Life Skills Now Season One from 2022, Season Two from 2023, Season 3 from 2024, or Season 4 from 2025.3 Reasons Giving Kids Responsibility is a GiftGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Moms take care of everyone…but sometimes we forget ourselves.If you’ve had those moments when you blow up at a kid or spouse and then realize, “Oh, I haven’t eaten in 4 hours,” you know what it’s like to feel ‘hangry.’My guest today draws upon personal and professional experience with nutrition and blood sugar to give us a masterclass on how to think about the contents of our food and fueling ourselves (and our families) for the day.You’ll learn:2 goals for daily eatinghow to anchor your food to feel better all-daythe real cause of mood swings, anxiety, and tirednesswhy grocery shopping and trying new recipes may sometimes seem like a fun challenge and other times be a draghow to teach our kids about healthy fuel and choosing balanced mealswhether calorie counting makes sense for moms in the thick of ithow to stay motivated to feed our families when it starts to get us downsome excellent grocery shopping tips to keep you on a budgetChandis created a Christian-based series of nutrition and food classes for the whole family to watch, and you’ll get a taste of how important they are in this interview.Resources We Mention for Balancing Blood SugarRead more about "hangry" symptomsIf food is causing burnout, it's probably time to pass some cooking skills on to the kidsI now have 3 kids who make dinner one night a week!Listeners can use the coupon code “handbook” for 20% off the “Eating Close to Nature” seriesGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

When you yell at your kids, it always works to improve their behavior and your relationship, right?Ha.But what’s a parent at the end of their rope to do?My guest today, Jennifer Kolari, has worked with some of the toughest, most challenging kids out there, and she has the answer: love them. Connect with them. Use the CALM technique so that your kids can truly learn better behavior in a safe environment.Resources We Mention for CALM ParentingFind Jennifer online at Connected ParentingHere's a protein-rich small snack that's easy to make with your kids.Here are tips to get your kid sleeping enoughFollow Jennifer on social media: Facebook, InstagramJennifer's free webinarGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Get four free workshops now at https://kidscookrealfood.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I love hearing about homeschoolers who have the space, time, and freedom to really find their passions, and that’s far from the only benefit of homeschooling. My guest today would have told you homeschooling was a crazy option when she first got married, and now she’s a passionate proponent.What changed?You’ll find out in the interview, and I have to say that the Swanson family genesis of homeschooling was a big surprise for me!Resources We MentionHelping teens pursue their passionsMonica's books:Becoming Homeschoolers: Amazon, BookshopRaising Amazing: Amazon, BookshopBoy Mom: Amazon, BookshopFollow Monica onlineListen to her podcastInstagram, FacebookGet the one-page summaries of each podcast at www.kidscookrealfood.com/Handbook! Take control of your stress with the Stress Mastery Challenge today! Kitchen Stewardship Kids Cook Real Food follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!