Many of the questions that listeners send us ask for more details on the "Freedoms List" and the "Expectations and Consequences" list. How are they different? Can't we just put both of these on one, big list? Today we take on part one of these questions and clarify what the freedoms list is for and why it's different from the expectations and consequences list (which we'll talk about next week). We answer many other questions like, should you present these 2 lists at the same time? Are there other ways to grant freedoms other than putting them on a list? We discuss these and other questions on this first of a two part discussion.

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Does your teenager have a job? Should you make them get one? When? How? Today we talk about the challenges and importance of adolescent job experiences. How should parents balance adolescent work over the summer with important family vacation time? Should a college kid "follow their heart" or get a marketable degree? Today we discuss all things job related including Jessica and Dr. Ken's work history as adolescents (SPOILER: Dr. Ken got fired... sorta).

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Today we take on the issue of teenagers' relationship with death. Do they think much about it? Why are some teens so focused on death in movies, games etc.? What's the deal with zombies? Jessica and Dr. Ken advise best ways to talk about the subject of death and the need to talk about and not run away from such an important subject, especially Christian parents.

In this episode we reference the Netflix documentary "Don't Die"

We also reference L.S. Dugdale MDs book "The Lost Art of Dying" https://a.co/d/e5vhDAq

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Today we talk about the sensitivity teenagers feel about their bodies and how to help them deal with struggles that arise around their physical development. Turns out, teenagers have control over how easily shamed they feel when facing criticism. We talk about ways to increase your teen's resilience to shame. When should parents step in to talk to school or other authorities to support their teenager who's struggling with being bullied? We also focus on the importance of encouraging adolescents to be supportive of their friends and siblings.

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

With recent political events, parents sometimes wonder how best to talk with adolescents about these issues. Jessica and Dr. Ken review the most effective ways to encourage teenagers to think and talk about political hot button issues. We also explore the odd situation of kids who are more conservative than their own parents. Guess who's kids we're talking about!

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Today we answer a listener question about dealing with a teenager who doesn't follow parents' rules and seem unfazed by any consequences parents give. Is this common? What about parents who "give up" on their teenager but let them live at home? Dr. Ken makes it clear that this is not a common problem and should be evaluated. Also, we talk about common reasons these situations occur.

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Now that we've reached the spring of 2025, it's time to review the best ways to finish out with a high school senior. Even the most dedicated "Feeding The Mouth..." parent can struggle with these last months of their kid's adolescent life. Today we talk about how a parent can be most effective in helping a high school senior with preparation for college, trade school or whatever path their young adult child will taking after high school. Being effective means clearly and continually announcing the freedoms your senior has and using that as a basis for open and regular communication about upcoming challenges. We talk about complicating factors like cell phone tracking, setting up doctor appointments and more.

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Today we discuss one of the most unusual chapters in any parenting book. In the new edition of "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" Dr. Ken includes a chapter titled "The Fire and the Knife - Lessons From Father Abraham." This is really a challenge for parents who are Christians or are practicing Jews at least. For parents who are serious about their faith, there can come points in the life of raising children that we are challenged with the incredibly hard choice, "who is more important to you, God or your child?" This was the choice that God gave Abraham and his choice shapes one of the great stories of faith in all of scripture. Knowing the right answer, for believers, can be the key to overcoming fear in parenting.

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Adolescents are more focused on their inner lives than ever before. But is this always a good thing? Jessica and Dr. Ken discuss yet another new chapter in the second edition of "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You." It's not enough to encourage teens to know their own feelings. This focus needs to be balanced with genuine concern for others. When your teenager tells you she's depressed or that he's anxious, is there ever a time to minimize or even ignore their complaints. Today we take on these and other important aspects of adolescent self-awareness.

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

When parents are busy raising children, a good marriage can seem like a luxury that they just don't have time for. Jessica and Dr. Ken argue that a good marriage is an essential part of raising healthy teens. As "Feeding The Mouth" parents know, adolescents need to be shown a path to their own emotional support and well-being. Marriage is not only essential for parents' emotional support but also important for you kids to see. How do parents deal with differences in parenting? We answer these and other important questions about marriage while raising teenagers.

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here: https://a.co/d/hBnlbzI

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you!

Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/