Feeding The Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teens Into Adulthood

Summer is almost here, which means more time together—and more opportunities to wonder if your kids can actually hear you. This week, Dr. Ken and Cynthia discuss why parents often feel ignored, why repeating ourselves rarely helps, and how small changes in communication can make a big difference.

From forgotten chores and sibling drama to screens and everyday family frustrations, they explore practical ways to get your message across without turning every conversation into a lecture. Dr. Ken shares why staying calm is often more effective than raising the volume, and how consequences can give your words weight. 

If you've ever wondered how to be heard without repeating yourself seventeen times, this episode is packed with encouragement, humor, and simple strategies you can put to work right away. Just in time for summer.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

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Dr. Ken and Cynthia tackle one of the trickiest parts of raising teenagers: what happens when the other parents in your world handle things very differently than you do. From phones and parties to dating rules, sleepovers, vaping, alcohol, and “everybody else is allowed,” they talk through how parents can stay consistent without trying to control every influence around their kids.

They discuss the tension that comes when your kid feels like everyone else has more freedom, why trying to micromanage your teenager’s environment usually backfires, and how parents can balance standing firm on important issues without turning every disagreement into a battle. Dr. Ken also explains why phones continue to be the biggest source of conflict in families today—and why helping teens grow in judgment matters the most. 

If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to hold boundaries while every other family seems to be doing something different, this episode is for you.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out Quince and use my code FEEDING for a great deal: https://www.quince.com


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Dr. Ken and Cynthia are talking all things summer — because somehow it’s already almost here, and if you have teenagers at home, now is the time to start thinking ahead. In this episode, they walk through a practical summer checklist for parents: screen time, jobs, sleep schedules, dating relationships, family vacations, summer reading, and how to keep teens from spending three straight months attached to a phone or gaming system.

Cynthia shares the story of the year she created an ambitious “Summer Bucket List” for her kids that completely fell apart within days, while Dr. Ken explains why boredom actually matters, why teens need meaningful responsibility during the summer, and how parents can create structure without making summer miserable for everyone involved.

They also tackle the tricky balance of family time versus independence, how to think about summer jobs and volunteering, and why dating boundaries become even more important once school is out and teens suddenly have endless free time.

If summer tends to sneak up on you every year, this episode will help you plan ahead.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out Quince and use my code FEEDING for a great deal: https://www.quince.com


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Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸🌸🌸

In this episode, Cynthia and Dr. Ken talk through some of the lies so many moms carry—especially when it comes to their teens. 

They unpack that nagging thought that if a teen is struggling, it must mean mom has failed, the pressure to hold everything together, and why a child pulling away might actually be a sign things are going more right than it feels.

Today’s show is an honest conversation around the exhaustion, the comparison, and that underlying fear that one misstep could ruin everything. But more than anything, this episode is meant to be a reminder that so many moms feel these same things—and we’re all in this together! 

If a little reset and reassurance is needed this Mother’s Day… this one is for you.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out Quince and use my code FEEDING for a great deal: https://www.quince.com


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Cynthia came into this conversation ready to defend self-esteem like it’s a parenting essential. Dr. Ken… not so much.

In this episode, they unpack what we actually mean when we talk about self-esteem in our adolescents—and why making it the ultimate goal might not work the way we think it does.

They get into why constantly telling kids they’re amazing doesn’t always lead to real confidence, what’s actually normal when your middle schooler suddenly feels insecure about everything, and how the very things we try to protect our kids from—failure, disappointment, rejection—might be doing more good than harm.

If you’ve ever wondered when to step in, when to hold back, or whether you’re accidentally raising an American Idol kid… this one’s worth a listen.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out Quince and use my code FEEDING for a great deal: https://www.quince.com


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In today’s conversation, we address a topic no parent wants to face—but many find themselves navigating: What happens when things at home feel truly out of control?

We move beyond typical discipline struggles and talk about the moments when a teen may no longer be functioning within the basic boundaries needed to live safely and responsibly at home.

Dr. Ken outlines three key areas parents should pay close attention to—situations that may signal it’s time to step back and consider whether additional help is needed. We also talk about the weight of that realization, and why needing outside support is not a reflection of failure as a parent.

Specifically, In this episode, we cover:

- how to recognize the difference between normal teenage behavior and deeper concerns

- why consistency matters—and what it can’t solve on its own

- how to approach difficult, honest conversations with your teen

- what residential treatment is, when it’s considered, and what it can offer families

If you’ve ever wondered where the line is—or what to do if you’re nearing it—this conversation will give you a clearer framework for how to think about those next steps.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
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INSERT NOTES

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sleepovers: kids love them and parents have… feelings about them. Today Cynthia and Dr. Ken are talking specifically about sleepovers in the adolescent years—when it’s no longer just pizza and movies, but brings up real questions around values and supervision. Dr. Ken reminds us that sleepovers have changed. We can’t always assume shared values anymore, which means we have to be more intentional in how we approach them.

With younger kids, we try to control the environment. With teenagers, we prepare them to handle environments that won’t match our own. That means having real conversations ahead of time—about phones, boundaries, peer pressure, and wise decision-making—rather than trying to manage every detail of someone else’s house.

We also talk about what to do when the sleepover is at your house—why it’s okay to expect respect and how to involve your teen in handling issues with their friends. At the end of the day, sleepovers aren’t just something to survive—they’re a great training ground for real life.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out Quince and use my code FEEDING for a great deal: https://www.quince.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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This episode tackles a question almost every parent of teens faces:

What do you do when you don’t agree with how your kids want to dress?

From short shorts to oversized hoodies (and everything in between), Cynthia and Dr. Ken walk through how to handle these moments without turning your home into a constant control battle.

Dr. Ken unpacks why these conflicts are often less about clothes and more about ownership and independence, and how to set boundaries early while clearly moving toward giving your teen more freedom. You’ll be encouraged to say, “This will be your decision soon—but not yet,” and notice how that changes the conversation.

They also talk through real-life pushback, how to approach piercings, what to do when your teen makes a decision without your permission, and why consequences only work if you’re actually willing to follow through.

The goal isn’t to control every choice—it’s to prepare your teen to make wise ones when you’re no longer there to weigh in.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out Quince and use my code FEEDING for a great deal: https://www.quince.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cynthia and Dr. Ken dive into one of the biggest parenting struggles right now—adolescents and their phones. From screen time issues to kids finding creative ways around the rules (hello, burner phones and smartwatches), it’s clear this isn’t going anywhere.

Dr. Ken reframes the whole conversation by reminding us this isn’t about controlling phones—it’s about raising young adults. That means setting clear limits (like when phones aren’t allowed), expecting pushback, and holding boundaries without being shocked when they try to get around them.

We also talk about what doesn’t work (reward systems and over-controlling) and what actually helps—shifting toward conversations, ownership, and preparing them for life after your house. And of course, we hit the frustration every parent feels—when they’re technically following the rules but still glued to their phone.

If this is a struggle in your house, you’re not alone—and this episode will help you think about it in a healthier, more realistic way.

If you have a minute, please leave us a review. We love hearing listeners encouraging other listeners. 

You can order Dr. Ken's book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You" here

You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here

You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here

 

Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! [email protected] 

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
* Check out Quince and use my code FEEDING for a great deal: https://www.quince.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy