The Whole Parent Podcast

Betsy Bird, a renowned children's librarian and critic, shares her expertise on why reading aloud to kids is vital for brain development and empathy. She discusses how literary fiction enhances perspective-taking, helping children understand diverse thoughts and feelings in today's polarized world. Betsy confronts the rise of book bans, particularly against diverse and LGBTQ stories, revealing how these challenges often stem from a fear of new ideas. She also recommends three picture books that encourage emotional presence and understanding, perfect for parents to read with their kids.

My oldest son couldn’t read at seven. And me? I was writing a parenting book for a major publisher. Being asked to speak to thousands of parents. Teaching emotional development, brain-based learning, and motivation. The irony wasn’t lost on me.In this episode, I tells the vulnerable and surprising story of how we stopped trying to teach how to read, and started teaching why to read instead. What happened next wasn’t magic. It was science, patience, and a little bit of kiwi bird trivia.Along the way, I share:Why panic over “late readers” is often just parental shark musicThe real reason traditional reading instruction fails so many kidsWhat it looked like to let go of benchmarks and trust the processHow a graphic novel cracked everything openAnd why motivation, not instruction, is the foundation of literacyIf you’ve ever worried your child is falling behind… this episode is a deep breath. Not because everything resolves perfectly. But because it reminds you what matters most.“I don’t think we have a how problem in education. I think we have a why problem.”🎧 Listen now for the story, the science, and the shift that changed everything.Send us a textSupport the show

Alfie Kohn, a renowned author and parenting expert known for his critique of traditional parenting methods, discusses the dangers of prioritizing obedience in children. He connects historical events like the Nuremberg Trials and the Milgram experiment to parenting, illustrating how unquestioning compliance can undermine empathy and critical thinking. Kohn advocates for a shift towards punishment-free parenting that fosters emotional understanding, independence, and ethical decision-making, encouraging children to challenge authority and stand for justice.

In this engaging conversation, Eve Rodsky, bestselling author of *Fair Play*, reveals the hidden struggles of parenting dynamics. She breaks down the concept of 'invisible labor' that often leaves one partner overwhelmed, discussing how traditional gender roles contribute to inequity. Eve introduces her Fair Play framework, which encourages shared responsibilities and partnership in household management. Listeners will discover practical strategies to shift mindsets, challenge assumptions, and foster a more equitable parenting relationship.

Get your own copy of the audiobook HEREWhat do we do when we mess up as parents? In this Episode of the Whole Parent Podcast, I read a long section from the Chapter on Repair from my brand new book Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice. Every parent has moments they wish they could take back. Maybe it’s the sharp tone, the overreaction, or the moment frustration boiled over. But what happens next matters even more than the mistake itself. In this key section from my book, Punishment-Free Parenting, all about reconciliation and repair—how to rebuild trust, reconnect with your child, and model emotional responsibility. Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, even after we mess up.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why mistakes are inevitable in parenting—and why that’s okay✔️ How rupture and repair strengthen your relationship with your child✔️ A step-by-step approach to making things right after a parenting misstep✔️ The power of modeling apologies and accountability for your kids✔️ Why repair isn’t just about saying sorry—it’s about rebuilding trustKey Takeaways:Rupture is normal. Repair is what builds resilience.Apologizing to your child teaches them how to take responsibility for their own actions.Connection, not control, is what makes discipline truly effective.It’s never too late to make things right.Resources & Links:📖  Punishment-Free Parenting 📩 Join the Whole Parent Newsletter for weekly parenting insights – CLICK HERE🎙️ Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear this!Did You Enjoy This Episode?Leave a review, rate it 5 Stars and share it with a friend!Send us a textSupport the show

Resources Mentioned:Punishment Free-Parenting The Way of Play Emotional Regulation Game GuideTraditional Parenting Fails for ADHD Kids.Growing up with ADHD this is the episode I wish my parents had... In this episode, I’m sharing why traditional, compliance-based parenting doesn’t work for kids with ADHD and what we can do instead. I sat down with Dr. Josh Wyner and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson—two incredible experts—to break down the science behind ADHD and offer practical, brain-based strategies you can start using today.We talk about identifying ADHD in kids, what’s really happening in the ADHD brain, why traditional parenting (aka compliance and punishments) backfire. We also give an alternatives: collaboration, creativity, and especially play to  completely transform your relationship with your ADHD child. This episode is personal, practical, and, I hope, incredibly helpful for anyone raising an ADHD kid—or even just trying to parent differently.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why traditional parenting strategies fail kids with ADHD.How understanding emotional tagging and time blindness can change your perspective on ADHD behaviors.Three practical strategies to connect with ADHD kids: collaborative problem-solving, fostering autonomy, and using play to build essential skills.BONUS: An exclusive never before heard exerpt from my upcoming book Punishment-Free ParentingFeatured Guests:Dr. Josh Wyner: Neuroscientist and founder of Willow Family Health, a nonprofit focused on neurodiversity-affirming mental health care.Dr. Tina Payne Bryson: Co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and The Way of Play—and one of the most compassionate voices in parenting today.My Key Takeaways:ADHD isn’t about laziness or bad behavior—it’s about brain's placing different emotional value on things. Understanding those differences is the first step to parenting with empathy.Collaboration is everything. When we involve our kids in problem-solving, we’re building lifelong skills and deeper connections.Play isn’t just for fun; it’s one of the most effective ways to help ADHD kids build impulse control, emotional regulation, and attention skills.Call to Action:If this episode resonates with you, I’d love for you to preorder my book, Punishment-Free Parenting. It’s packed with practical tools and real stories, just like this episode, and it’s designed to help you parent with more connection and less stress—whether your child has ADHD or not.Thanks for listening to The Whole Parent Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend or on social media—I’d love to keep this conversation going.Follow Us:Send us a textSupport the show

Ever feel like you're speaking a different language to your kids? This discussion reveals why kids process information differently and how to bridge that gap. Discover five creative communication hacks, like turning tooth brushing into a game and using storytelling to make tasks enjoyable. Learn about the 'iPad bugs' technique to help manage screen time emotions. If you’re tired of tantrums, these playful tips will make parenting a lot more fun!

Help me out... My book is behind on pre-sales and I'm trying to make up a lot of ground before release on January 28th, 2025. If you love the podcast, please consider preordering—it’s the best way to support me right now. If you don't typically read parenting books, I also have the audiobook version! Thank you so much!Preorder the Book Preorder the AudiobookDescriptionThis week on The Whole Parent Podcast, why is change is so hard? How can we finally stick to our parenting resolutions this year? Katy Milkman's book "How to Change" has answers. If you want 2025 to be the year you parent with purpose and patience, this episode is for you.Here’s what I talked about:Traditions I reflected on my family’s holiday traditions—both the people we’ve lost and the new faces who’ve joined us. Traditions aren’t just fun; they ground us in who we are and what we value.Why Change is HardI explained how our brains are wired for routines and why we fall back on old patterns, even when we desperately want to do things differently. Spoiler: it’s not your fault. It’s science.The Fresh Start EffectOne of my favorite insights from Katie Milkman’s book How to Change is the idea of using milestone moments, like New Year’s, to kick-start a fresh start. It’s a game-changer.Identity-Based ResolutionsI shared why your resolutions should focus on who you want to be rather than just what you want to do. For me, it’s about being the kind of parent who stays calm, listens, and leads with curiosity.The Power of CommunityI talked about why the people you surround yourself with can make or break your goals—and how to build a community that supports the parent you want to become.My Key Takeaways for 2025:Start Fresh: Use moments like New Year’s to reset and feel optimistic about change.Anchor Your Goals in Identity: Instead of saying, “I’m going to stop yelling,” say, “I’m the kind of parent who stays calm under pressure.”Surround Yourself with the Right People: Community is essential to lasting change.A Few Quotes I Love:"It’s not about trying harder; it’s about trying smarter.""Every choice becomes an opportunity to affirm the parent you long to be."Your Turn:I’d love to hear your parenting resolutions for 2025! Email me at podcast@wholeparentacademy.com—research shows that when you share your goals with someone, you’re three times more likely to stick with them.If you’re curious, my resolution this year is simple: I am a punishment-free parent. It’s a journey, not a destination, but I’ve made so much progress by grounding my goals in the kind of parent I want to be.A Special Thank You:Thanks to everyone who sent in their resolutions to share on this episode. Listening to your goals inspires me, and I hope it inspires the rest of our community too.Resources I Mentioned:How to Change by Katie MilkmanMy upcoming book: Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice (available for pre-order now!)Thanks for listening to this sSend us a textSupport the show

Want to get ME a Christmas Present?  My book is behind on pre-sales and I'm trying to make up a lot of ground before release on January 28th, 2025. If you love the podcast, please consider preordering—it’s the best way to support me right now. If you don't typically read parenting books, I also have the audiobook version! Thank you so much!Preorder the Book Preorder the AudiobookMerry Christmas... sorta.The holidays are here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re juggling a million things at once—holiday parties, work deadlines, family traditions, and trying to make everything feel magical for your kids. It’s a lot. But the truth is, it’s not just the holidays. Everyday life as a parent feels more overwhelming than ever, and that’s exactly what we’re talking about in this special Christmas episode of The Whole Parent Podcast.I’m sitting down with Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, one of the world’s leading experts on stress and resilience, to talk about why parenting today feels so heavy—and, more importantly, what we can actually do about it. We dive into simple, science-backed strategies from her book The Five Resets that can help us change the way we experience stress. You’ll learn how to use tools like Stop, Breathe, Be and create digital boundaries that protect your mental health and your sleep.Dr. Nerurkar has so much wisdom to share, and I can tell you this conversation has already made a difference in my own life. If you want to go into the new year with less stress and more calm—not just during the holidays but every day—this episode is for you.Links Mentioned:Follow Dr. Aditi Nerurkar: @DrAditiNerurkarCheck out her book The Five ResetsSubscribe to her Substack: It's Not You It's, Your StressTake a deep breath, hit play, and let’s figure this out together.Send us a textSupport the show

I need your help! My book is behind on pre-sales and I'm trying to make up a lot of ground before release on January 28th, 2025. If you love the podcast, please consider preordering—it’s the best way to support me right now. If you don't typically read parenting books, I also have the audiobook version! Thank you so much!Preorder the Book Preorder the AudiobookIt’s the ultimate parenting conundrum: Do you tell your kids the truth about Santa? In this episode, I dive into the psychology, cultural traditions, and ethical questions behind the Santa myth. Why do kids believe so wholeheartedly, and how do we respond when the questions about Santa’s reality start rolling in? Plus, I explore the tricky balance between keeping the magic alive and maintaining honesty and trust with your children.This episode includes insights from child development experts, My personal parenting reflections, and an adorable interview with my own kids about their own feelings on Santa Claus.Whether you’re Team Santa or Team No Santa, this episode will help you navigate the holidays with intention and a deeper understanding of how magical traditions impact your kids’ development and emotional well-being.What We Covered in This Episode:The Big Question:When your child asks, “Is Santa real?” how do you respond in a way that honors both their wonder and your values?The Psychology of Belief:Why kids naturally embrace magical thinking until around age seven.How the Santa myth fosters imagination, perspective-taking, and moral reasoning.The Controversy:Should parents perpetuate the Santa myth?The downside of using Santa (and Elf on the Shelf) for behavior modification.Why the “naughty and nice list” might be doing more harm than good.Navigating Tricky Conversations:How to approach the Santa topic with sensitive or skeptical kids.Why honesty at the right age builds trust and helps children process big truths.Resources Mentioned:Alfie Kohn’s book, Punished by Rewards, for understanding the impact of extrinsic motivation on kids.The 1973 episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood where Fred Rogers talks about Santa Claus.Jon’s upcoming book, Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice.How to support Whole Parent:Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Your feedback keeps the podcast going and helps other parents find it!Share with Friends: Know someone grappling with the Santa conversation? Share this episode with three friends who have kids between ages 3 and 10.Pre-order Jon’s Book: Available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. Pre-order now to support the release and start 2025 with fresh parenting strategies!Thank you for tuning in! Wishing you and your family a joyful and meaningful holiday season, whether you’re celebrating with Santa or creating your own traditions. See you next week! 🎄Send us a textSupport the show