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/

With the second edition of the "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" book, today we discuss the tricky balance of homeschooling adolescents. Homeschool families have changed significantly over the past few years and is a more popular choice than ever. Dr. Ken reminds parents of the important issue of "who's in control here?" in dealing with arguing teens. What circumstances are good to start homeschooling a teenager and which conditions are bad for that same choice? We cover these and other aspects of homeschooling 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/

Grandparents are often playing a larger part in the lives of their grandchildren than in the past. Most grandparents are popular with their grandkids when they're young, but what about during the teenage years? Today we discuss how understanding "Feeding The Mouth" principles can improve a grandparent's relationship with teenage grandchildren. Not surprisingly, Dr. Ken recommends being careful to respect your grandkids' parents (your own kids) even if you disagree with their parenting. What should a grandparent do when their teenage grandchild complains about their parents? Is it bad that my teen grandkids still like me making them cookies and generally babying them? Should grandparents have their own communication line with a teenage grandkid (e.g. texting, DMing etc.)? We answer these and other questions about having the best relationship with your grandchildren even through the teenage years.

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/

There are many circumstances when adult children need to live at home. Some parents think Planned Emancipation means that's a bad thing. It isn't. Today we discuss the advantages and pitfalls of adult kids at home. What should parents pay for? What do you do when your adult kid doesn't help out around the house? Is it a good thing when parents and their adult kids become each other's best friend? We answer these and other important questions. Spoiler alert: It's not THAT an adult child is living in your home but why and for how long.

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 Jessica and Dr. Ken take on the issues related to teenagers who are adopted or are in foster care. Adolescence often brings up issues of identity and origin stories that can be upsetting to parents who have poured themselves into the lives of their teenagers. Dr. Ken suggests that adoptive and foster parents focus more on Planned Emancipation goals even when there's a strong impulse to slow this process down. We also focus on realistic goals that adoptive parents can maintain in order to fully appreciate their experience as parents of "chosen" kids.

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/

What does great communication with teens really look like and how can parents achieve that? Dr. Ken and Jessica outline the aspects of the parent-teen relationship that usually cause trouble in communication (spoiler alert: control battles). Also we discuss the more nuanced issue of what great communication with adolescents should really look like. Should parents really have the goal of being so close to their adolescents that "we talk about everything"? Are there even times when a parent should actually tell their teenager, "I don't think you should be telling me this"? Is it a good goal for parents to want to be their teenagers' constant "go to" relationship through the trials of adolescence?

You can preorder 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/