Healthy Parenting Handbook with Katie Kimball

The world keeps getting more and more fast-paced, and our brains and bodies aren’t really keeping up.As moms, can we possibly create a home that is a peaceful space, a safe place from which our kids can explore?My guest today is Jennifer Pepito, author of Habits for a Sacred Home, and we talk about just that, including:Why moms are naturally fearful (and what we can do about it)What exactly IS a “sacred home” and how do we begin creating oneCreating order in chaotic times through basic rules of lifeThe joy and benefit of passing on life skills to our kids (and some practical tips to make it happen)The role of cooking in developing a community of shared values within (and without) the homeThe key to better outcomes and more responsible childrenWhy rules don’t work when done incorrectlyThe first step to creating a sacred home is so simple, it takes only about 10 seconds per day, per childJennifer is so grounded and yet practical, balanced in her approach and yet challenging.Resources We Mention for Creating a Peaceful HomeJennifer’s books: Habits for a Sacred Home (Amazon, Bookshop), Mothering by the Book (Amazon, Bookshop)There are many benefits to gathering together around the dinner tableRestoration at Home CommunityFind Jennifer onlineFollow her on social media: Instagram, FacebookJennifer’s podcast: Restoration Home 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!

Ever felt like your kids or teens want to do the opposite of what you recommend?Dr. Mandy Patterson and I are both moms of teens, and we talk today about the perils of parenting and how we work around the resistance. She has some great tips for finding a way “in” to what your kids care about when it comes to health and behavior.Since this is a parenting podcast, I’m guessing most of you have at least somewhat figured out “fertility” as it pertains to having babies - but that’s not all it’s about! Your fertility health really is a marker of your overall health and wellness, and if you can keep your hormones balanced, you’ll feel much better overall.We get dirty on my late-night eating habit (sigh) and some best practices for women, especially in the morning.Then we dive into how and WHY to help our tween and teen girls care for their own fertility right from the start, and the epidemic of PCOS.Resources We Mention for Hormone Health for TeensHere are the lists of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15.Find the best forms of magnesium for kids hereHelping teens thrive in spite of screensWhy you might not want to put your teens on hormonal birth controlLARQ water bottle filterMy review of Berkey filtersGRAYL water bottle filterFind Dr. Mandy onlineFollow her on social media: Instagram, FacebookGutsy Fertility Podcast 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 see a lot on social media about the “mental load” that women especially carry.Meal planning, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, getting kids where they belong on time, making sure they have proper snacks and meals if they won’t be home for dinner, homework, emails from everywhere…It’s a LOT.And a lot of the mental load we home managers carry has to do with FOOD.We gotta keep that family nourished!I’m pleased to share a bit of advice on one time-tested way to reduce your own mental load – by sharing it.In my own home, I admit that the mental load still falls mainly on me, but since I’m doing less of the physical work, it all feels lighter. Eventually, I think others in the family will think, “What IS for dinner tomorrow? Did someone plan dinner?” but I’m still working on that part.The secret to sharing it is good training, and in this episode, I’ll teach you how to pass on some cooking skills to the young people in your household so that your load is lighter – and honestly, their load over the long run of life is lighter too, because they won’t have to “figure it out” through trial and error once they’re mired in adulthood.Prepping for the holidays? Get our special BOGO deal on the Holiday Baking Challenge here!Resources We Mention for Mental LoadCheck out Kids Cook Real Food™ today!You can watch our free knife skills class hereBonding through creating can help heal traumaHere are some tips for helping a child heal from a concussion 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!

Way back when my husband and I were new-ish parents, he read a headline that talked about parents being “bone tired” at the end of the day.For years, we referred to that phrase: “We’re BONE TIRED. Parents are all BONE TIRED.” (Put a little lilt and emphasis on “bone” and you can hear us in your head now.)As it turns out, Dr. Evan Hirsch would recommend that we stop with those negative thoughts, because they’re not going to take us anywhere good. He’s an international expert on chronic fatigue (and now long haulers), and this was an interview I was HIGHLY looking forward to. I was right!Prepare to be fascinated by Dr. Hirsch’s wisdom on:The 33 causes of fatigueHow you KNOW you have chronic fatigue (and aren’t just bone tired like every other parent out there – and it’s way easier than I expected to figure it out!)Why solving your chronic fatigue may also make you live longerWhy some people become long haulers and others don’t (this has fascinated me for a while and I couldn’t wait to discuss it!)Dr. Hirsch’s process for helping people reverse chronic fatigue (that more or less translates to long haul)How you know if 5 jumping jacks is pushing your body too muchA simple “recipe” to raise healthy kids (i.e. what an integrative MD would tell you to do to prevent your kids from getting chronic illnesses and BOOST their real energy — not the sugar-laden kind — to help them live happier lives now)THE most important technique he recommends to everyone, preventative and restorative (and there are only 4 steps to it and zero cost!!!)I’m going to be thinking about this interview for a long time … can’t wait to hear what you think about it.This episode is sponsored by Chef Junior, the cookbook BY kids FOR kids! Check it out here: kidscookrealfood.com/chefjrResources We Mention for Chronic FatigueDr. Hirsch would like to give you a FREE PDF download of his book Tired of Being Tired that has helped thousands of exhausted humans resolve their fatigue and achieve more in their livesHere is Dr. Hirsch's book Fight the FatigueHere's an interview about one of those infections, Lyme diseaseHere's the Jack Canfield book The Success Principles we talked aboutFollow Dr. Hirsch on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube 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!

Let’s talk money!If you’re feeling stuck living paycheck to paycheck, you’re in the majority here in America - but it doesn’t have to be that way!Brie Sodano is a nationally recognized Personal Finance Expert, and she does things differently – today we flip some paradigms on their heads and get a peek into Brie’s wisdom and systems for money, including:The ineffectiveness of budgets and the importance of mindset in managing moneyThe worst financial advice Brie has ever heard (I bet you’ve heard it too!!)The interconnectedness of time, money, and energy in financial managementThe impact of college education and student loan debt on financial well-being – and how to evaluate college as an investmentThe best way for parents to build a healthy money mindset for their young childrenWhy systems work better than plans (and a few system recommendations that will make a massive difference)How to look at grocery spending, and why you might not need to cut back there!One step to take to spend less (and it’s not giving up yoga class or even that Starbucks latte!)A simple habit to add to your family’s life that will help you feel better about money - and it’s not a financial habit!Brie is a mom just like us, with all the surprises that come with parenting - like apparently having kids makes all your forks disappear. :) She’s funny and wise and a perfect person to have in your ear when it comes to thinking about money.Be sure to check out her Find Your Bleed course for more!Thank you to today's sponsor, Happsy! Check out their organic cotton mattresses at kidscookrealfood.com/Happsy. Resources We Mention for Money MindsetBrie's free Find Your Bleed seriesAll the books Brie mentioned: Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Think and Get Rich, The Science of Getting RichHere are a couple of previous interviews specifically about grocery budgets: developing a flexible grocery budget, feeding your family without going broke, and teaching kids about grocery budgetingFind Brie onlineFollow her on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YoutubeListen to her podcast: Cash Confident 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!

Will sleep become the new kale? Or the new cancer?Adults are shorting themselves on sleep in droves in our "always-on" culture, and I'm unfortunately leading the pack. That's why I begged sleep science coach Christine Hansen to join me for a half hour to get some important tips!!I started implementing a new way to wake up my kids immediately, and I know being a better parent means being well-rested (i.e. not angry mommy).If you feel like you're not getting a tight 8 in bed OR your sleep quality doesn't feel optimal, this is a must listen. We talk about:How adult sleep is so much more complicated than infant sleep.Our brain's many jobs during sleep - and why we can't catch up! :(Why caffeine and morning sleepiness are signs of sleep deprivation (ahem, anyone out there feel this??)The anatomy of sleep and how to wake up at the perfect timeProblems for "night owls"The BEST way to wake up your child (hint: it's not an alarm clock)As a nutritional therapist, Christine has unique and powerful insights into how our food affects our sleep!We dig into kids: bedtimes, sleepy at school, and even how dessert affects their sleep!How many hours DO you need? How about teenagers?This episode is sponsored by Just Thrive Probiotics. Check out their great, shelf-stable probiotics at kidscookrealfood.com/JustThive, and use coupon code Katie15 for 15% off! Resources We Mentioned on Sleep QualityChristine has moved on from sleep coaching, but you can now find her at Christine Means Business. Her sleep coaching site was passed on to another coach, if you still need help!Her book is on AmazonSunlight alarm clockBlue blocker glassesSleep is the new kale: 8 ways to improve sleep qualityCan sleep affect picky eating? 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!

Warning - sad statistic. :( The 2nd leading cause of death for kids ages 10-24 in America is...suicide.I'm not okay with this!Let's talk this Depression Awareness Month about prevention - there are research-based strategies that parents can use to reduce their kids' chances of being depressed. While depression isn't the only risk factor for suicide, it is certainly correlated.If we can make these practices a part of American culture, we can save American kids!!Today I'm expanding on these 3 things parents can do to raise depression-proof kids:Control stress - in yourself and then model and teach your kids to do it for themselvesBoost self-esteem - through genuine purpose-driven work, not empty complimentsIncrease resilience - by letting kids learn to cope with failure and difficultiesThis episode is sponsored by Just Thrive Probiotics! Check them out at kidscookrealfood.com/JustThrive. Use code Katie15 for 15% off!Resources We Mention About Depression PreventionMayo Clinic article on teen suicideMayo Clinic article on teen depression causes and preventionMy interview with Jessica Lahey on the gift of failureMy interview with Jess Sherman on raising resilienceMy Healthy Parenting Handbook episodes on Stress Mastery: part 1 and part 2My interview with Lisa Dorval on meditation for kids (includes 2 guided meditations)The Wellness Mama podcast episode with Margot BisnowRaising kids to follow their passions with Jonathan and Renee HarrisLife skills to teach your kids before they turn 18 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!

Cas of Clutterbug describes her “young mom” self as a hot mess – house a disaster and feeling horrible that she couldn’t get organized.She finally realized a few important pieces of her own personality and is now a Recovering Super Slob turned Organizing Expert who teaches others how to tap into their own unique organizing styles, which she says are part of a person from birth.Cas is a wizard at explaining how people work and how we can both get our homes in order AND pass on effective decluttering and organizing skills to our kids!Check out today's sponsor, Perfect Supplements!Resources We Mention for Organization StylesCas’s books: The Clutter Connection (Amazon, Bookshop), Real Life Organizing (Amazon, Bookshop), Cluttered Mess to Organized Success Workbook (Amazon, Bookshop), The Declutter Challenge (Amazon, Bookshop)The Kitchen Stewardship post on macro organizingHere’s Cas’s free macro organizing guideSome of my tips for organizing your kitchen for efficiencyHere are some 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!

Did you know that the way your child eats can affect their speech and vice versa?Melanie Potock is a Speech-Language Pathologist who became a pediatric feeding expert through her experience as a mom of a former picky eater. She uses her SLP expertise to help parents introduce new foods to kids, form healthy eating habits, and really lay the foundation for a lifetime of good nutrition.I’m honored to host her here today on the Healthy Parenting Handbook! I know you’ll love Melanie and these tips will really make a difference in your household immediately!Resources We Mention to Raise Adventurous EatersSign up for the No More Picky Eating ChallengeFind Melanie Potock MA, CCC-SLP online and take 10% off any of her amazing video courses using code MYMUNCHBUG10Melanie’s books: Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater, Adventures in Veggieland, Baby Self-Feeding, Happy Mealtimes with Happy KidsMy interview with Dina RoseMelanie’s New York Times article about pouchesSquooshi pouches and carrot baby food recipe on KSSippy cup info on Melanie’s siteOur knife safety classFeeding toddlers and more about snacks from Edwena Kennedy“The cooking connection” from Melanie’s siteMelanie’s articles on picky eating connected with autismMelanie’s interview on the 8 sensesPicky Eating vs. Sensory Processing Disorder 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!

Note: I mention in this interview to go to episode 38, but things got switched around and it's actually 39. Sorry! No one has to say school lunches are good or bad, healthy or unhealthy.That’s not my point today - although I think school lunches could use some improvement. :)Today let’s talk about picky eating specifically - could school lunches potentially contribute to or exacerbate picky tendencies for certain kids?I think so.Today I’ll explore 10 reasons why school lunch might not be friendly to your picky eater. Some might apply to your family, others might not. Let me know what you think!If you’re struggling with a child who isn’t a very adventurous eater, I’ve got just the invitation for you - please join me in the No More Picky Eating Challenge kicking off October 1st and 2nd, 2024! It’s a totally free, 5-day challenge with quick video lessons and action steps each day.Over half of the kids in the challenge try new foods in just 5 days, but that’s not even the point. The point is to create a less stressful environment at the dinner table, and that happens for 85+% of participants!!Join here!Resources We Mention for Picky EatingMy picky eater TEDx talkNo More Picky Eating challenge10 ways to serve vegetables to encourage kids to try themWhen a child eats less than 20 foods, it's considered problem feeding rather than picky eating and this is a serious problemHow we make homemade yogurtLearn more about the benefits of family dinners hereHere is the Instagram account I mentioned, kids.eat.in.colorHere are some of my resources on packing school lunches. I have a book, videos, and blog posts 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!