Healthy Parenting Handbook with Katie Kimball

My youngest got his first concussion at age 3.After this interview, I’m wondering if another child of mine has some post-concussion symptoms that we never realized had to do with a knock on the head!This interview is for parents of contact sport athletes FOR SURE but also anyone who wants to strengthen their family’s brain health.What’s brain health? It’s the development of your kids’ brains, the avoidance of cognitive decline as we age (yes please!), and everyone’s mental health.Here’s a little peek at what you’ll learn:Why a brain after a concussion is a bit like a sprained ankleHow many patients are surprised that their daily symptoms end up being connected to an unresolved concussion in their past!What modern conventional medicine gets wrong about concussions (spoiler: not much right at all!)The worst possible thing to do (and the second worst) for concussion recoveryA shocking fact about the CT scan you’ll get in the ER after a concussionConnections from brain health to mental healthA GOLDEN 30-second process you need to put your kids through at the beginning of every contact sport season (I’m going to start telling everyone this!)How to make any exercise (and even cooking with kids!) into a brain exerciseYour science geek brain and your practical brain will be so happy to learn all this information! With kids, it feels like it’s not a matter of IF your family will experience a concussion, but WHEN. Be ready with knowledge, and start to build your family’s brain health NOW, because like Dr. Zimmerman says: “The stronger you go into something, the better you’ll be coming out of it.”Resources We Mention for Building Strong, Healthy BrainsGet Dr. Spencer’s book Brain Reset at Amazon or Bookshop.orgVisit his website hereConcussions are on the rise, but it’s not why you thinkThe Best Way to Heal from a Concussion: How to Start Recovery Immediately After a Bump on the Head!One great supplement for brain health is Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil. Brain science can make you a better parent!Find Dr. Spencer online: Facebook, Instagram, Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Get your four free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I always thought menopause was something “older” women dealt with. You know, once the kids are gone and you’ve got gray hair and bifocals.But then... I hit 40.And weird stuff started happening.Was it perimenopause? Hormones? Stress? Just a fluke? Honestly, I didn’t know. I wasn’t even sure how to know—because no one really talks about this stuff in detail. This week on the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I got to sit down with Jenn Pike, a brilliant practitioner with a background in exercise science and a passion for helping women understand their bodies, hormones, and how to feel strong again—especially in our 40s and 50s. Here’s a sneak peek at what we covered:The real definition of perimenopauseWhy your workouts might stop “working” and how to adapt after 40Unexpected early signs of hormone shifts What kind of exercise actually helps your hormones... and what might be hurting themHow to start small and build sustainable health habits during this transitionWhy skipping breakfast is the worst idea for womenWhat to eat, when to eat, and how often to fuel your body the right wayIf you’re in your late 30s or 40s and you’ve been wondering, “What is happening to me?”... this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.Resources We Mention for Perimenopause SymptomsCheck out Jenn's Synced fitness membership program! Get 10% off with code KATIE10.Hormone Health Is Not Just about FertilityWomen Metabolize and Build Strength Differently Than MenHealthy Sleep Routines for the Whole FamilySome favorite helps for sleep: Magnesium Lotion Shop lotion; Earthley Good Night LotionCheck out Jenn’s books: The Simplicity Project, The Simplicity Body, and The Simplicity Kitchen.Find Jenn at her website or on her podcast, The Simplicity Sessions.Follow on socials: Facebook, Instagram, YouTubeVisit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Get your four free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Whitney Roban, a family and sleep specialist, shares her journey from psychologist to founder of Solve Our Sleep. She reveals how to determine your ideal sleep needs, the reasons behind teens' late-night struggles, and practical tips for improving sleep routines at home. Dr. Roban highlights the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on mood and behavior, while emphasizing simple changes to create a restful bedtime environment. Get ready to transform your family's relationship with sleep!

Let’s be honest, teaching kids about money can feel intimidating.This episode is packed with practical strategies and empowering encouragement.Here’s what you’ll take away from our conversation:Why budgeting is essential for teensHow emotional language can help kids process money stressOne simple phrase that opens the door to healthier financial habitsHow to model smart financial decisions—even when you make mistakesA free tool that empowers teens to track their money in just one hourYou don’t have to be a financial whiz, you just need to be willing to have the conversation.Resources We Mentioned for Money Management for TeensOne Hour Budget for Teens (Use code LIFESKILLS for $19!)10 side hustles for teens freebie15 financial skills for teens freebieGet Crystal's booksThe Time-Saving Mom: Azon, BookshopLove-Centered Parenting: Azon, BookshopMoney-Making Mom: Azon, BookshopSay Goodbye to Survival Mode: AzonThe Money Saving Mom's Budget: Azon, Bookshop21 Days to a More Disciplined Life: AzonVisit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Get your four free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

"I don't like fish."How many of us have a child, spouse, or self who says that?My guest today says that's off course - no one can accurately say they "don't like" "fish" - and I love her reasons!Whether you love fish or haven't learned to love it yet, this non-fishy interview all about the fish of the sea is a winner:Have you ever gotten to know your fisherman? Watch my surprise as I do for the first time...How to find the best fish for the biggest health benefitsWhy some fish are harder to cook well (and deliciously) than othersWhat to look for in a store or restaurant to make sure you're getting sustainable, healthy fishWhy ocean stewardship is of primary importance for fishermen and their familiesFind well-fished seafood with all the omega-3s at Sena Sea Seafood!Resources We Mention for Sourcing Sustainable FishGet Sena Sea Seafood on their websiteFind the best natural mineral sunscreen that's safe for the oceans!Follow Sena on Instagram When you sign up for Sena's email list, you'll get a free cookbook to expand your fish repertoire Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

In this enlightening discussion, Deidre Bloomquist, a functional nutritionist and naturopathic doctor, draws from her personal experience of her son's eczema to explore its root causes. She emphasizes the significance of testing for parasites and mold, explaining how toxic burdens can impact children's health. Deidre shares success stories, revealing that cleaning up environments can dramatically clear eczema. She also offers practical tips for parents on nutrition and improving air quality, underscoring the importance of daily bowel movements for toxin elimination.

ADHD is not just an attention disorder; it's an executive functioning disorder.The myths abound!If you’ve always thought of kids with ADHD as those who struggle in school, think again.If you expect ADHD kids to have trouble focusing, wrong again.If you think kids with ADHD are destined to struggle more throughout life, Mike McLeod is here to tell you that ADHD is not a limitation, just a different path.The ADHD brain is truly different from neurotypical brains, although some truths apply to both groups, like:Children learn best through play and unstructured time.Outdoor play is vital for developing real-world skills.Boredom is essential for self-regulation and creativity.Cooking teaches kids self-sufficiency and life skills.Unstructured time is crucial for children's development.Parents should set high expectations for their children.Removing screens can reveal hidden talents in kids.Parents need to place more importance on chores & balancing structure and freedom.Parents of kids with or without ADHD need the information in this episode, but especially stuff like this:Screen time can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, but it does not cause ADHD.The ADHD brain struggles with self-regulation and motivation for NON-preferred tasks.Varied experiences are vital for skill development.Executive functions are crucial for success in life.I love Mike’s energy and expertise, like sitting at the feet of a master. What an honor to work with him both for this podcast and as a #LifeSkillsNow Season 4 camp leader! Resources We Mentioned for ADHD MythsInterviews I've done on ADHD: Does ADHD always mean medication? and Practical Solutions for ADHDCheck out four free life skills workshops now!Find Mike online: GrowNOW ADHDInstagram, FacebookVisit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Get your four free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Emily’s stories are going to get your head nodding in empathy and connection - we’ve all been there with the kid who just will NOT put their shoes on, brush their teeth, or do as we ask!If you’ve ever felt the guilt after exploding all over your kids, those little beings you LOVE so much, you need this interview.We talk all about emotional regulation, how moms need to work on their own big emotions so that they can better help their kids, and how to raise emotionally healthy families. Today, we touch on:Motherhood is no joke! It’s way harder than it looks from the outside, especially when your own emotions get involved.In the heat of a meltdown, kids aren’t being “bad,” they’re stuck in their emotional brain, not their thinking brain.There’s no perfect time to work on emotional growth. Start where you are.Getting support isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.Kids learn emotional regulation by watching us. Imperfect parenting still teaches powerful lessons when we’re honest and intentional.Raising critical thinkers and independent problem-solvers starts with slowing down, naming emotions, and solving problems with our kids.Resources We Mention for Emotional RegulationThe Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne BrysonThe kitchen is a good place to build social emotional skillsThe Explosive Child by Ross GreenFind Emily onlineFollow her on social media: Instagram, FacebookListen to her podcastEmily's free masterclass on Emotional Regulation for Neurodivergent KidsGet four free life skills classes now!Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Get your four free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, shares her journey of transforming her family's immigrant food business into a kefir powerhouse. She discusses the surprising benefits of kefir for gut health and immunity, highlighting its role in reducing inflammation and supporting mental wellness. Julie imparts practical advice for introducing kids to nutritious foods and the importance of modeling self-care. With insights on dairy's vital role in women's health, this conversation is packed with inspiration for raising adventurous eaters.

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, GinnyKochis.comFollow her on InstagramVisit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food! Get your four free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!