My youngest got his first concussion at age 3.

After this interview, I’m wondering if another child of mine has some post-concussion symptoms that we never realized had to do with a knock on the head!

This interview is for parents of contact sport athletes FOR SURE but also anyone who wants to strengthen their family’s brain health.

What’s brain health? It’s the development of your kids’ brains, the avoidance of cognitive decline as we age (yes please!), and everyone’s mental health.

Here’s a little peek at what you’ll learn:

• Why a brain after a concussion is a bit like a sprained ankle
• How many patients are surprised that their daily symptoms end up being connected to an unresolved concussion in their past!
• What modern conventional medicine gets wrong about concussions (spoiler: not much right at all!)
• The worst possible thing to do (and the second worst) for concussion recovery
• A shocking fact about the CT scan you’ll get in the ER after a concussion
• Connections from brain health to mental health
• A GOLDEN 30-second process you need to put your kids through at the beginning of every contact sport season (I’m going to start telling everyone this!)
• How to make any exercise (and even cooking with kids!) into a brain exercise

Your science geek brain and your practical brain will be so happy to learn all this information! With kids, it feels like it’s not a matter of IF your family will experience a concussion, but WHEN. Be ready with knowledge, and start to build your family’s brain health NOW, because like Dr. Zimmerman says: “The stronger you go into something, the better you’ll be coming out of it.”

Resources We Mention for Building Strong, Healthy Brains

• Get Dr. Spencer’s book Brain Reset at Amazon or Bookshop.org
• Visit his website here
• Concussions are on the rise, but it’s not why you think
• The Best Way to Heal from a Concussion: How to Start Recovery Immediately After a Bump on the Head!
• One great supplement for brain health is Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil. 
• Brain science can make you a better parent!
• Find Dr. Spencer online: Facebook, Instagram,

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

Get your four free life skills workshops now!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I always thought menopause was something “older” women dealt with. You know, once the kids are gone and you’ve got gray hair and bifocals.

But then... I hit 40.

And weird stuff started happening.

Was it perimenopause? Hormones? Stress? Just a fluke? Honestly, I didn’t know. I wasn’t even sure how to know—because no one really talks about this stuff in detail. 

This week on the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I got to sit down with Jenn Pike, a brilliant practitioner with a background in exercise science and a passion for helping women understand their bodies, hormones, and how to feel strong again—especially in our 40s and 50s. 

Here’s a sneak peek at what we covered:

• The real definition of perimenopause
• Why your workouts might stop “working” and how to adapt after 40
• Unexpected early signs of hormone shifts 
• What kind of exercise actually helps your hormones... and what might be hurting them
• How to start small and build sustainable health habits during this transition
• Why skipping breakfast is the worst idea for women
• What to eat, when to eat, and how often to fuel your body the right way

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and you’ve been wondering, “What is happening to me?”... this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

Resources We Mention for Perimenopause Symptoms

• Check out Jenn's Synced fitness membership program! Get 10% off with code KATIE10.
• Hormone Health Is Not Just about Fertility
• Women Metabolize and Build Strength Differently Than Men
• Healthy Sleep Routines for the Whole Family
• Some favorite helps for sleep: Magnesium Lotion Shop lotion; Earthley Good Night Lotion
• Check out Jenn’s books: The Simplicity Project, The Simplicity Body, and The Simplicity Kitchen.
• Find Jenn at her website or on her podcast, The Simplicity Sessions.
• Follow on socials: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

Get your four free life skills workshops now!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

I’ll be honest: I’ve never had a consistent bedtime routine.

I teach kids to cook real food, I help families get healthier... and yet when it comes to sleep? Total kryptonite. That’s why I knew I needed to bring in a real expert—someone who doesn’t just say, “You should get more sleep,” but actually shows us how.

Dr. Whitney Roban is a clinical psychologist turned sleep consultant who works with families, schools, and even corporations to teach the why and the how of better sleep. And friends, her tips are not only practical but wildly doable, even if your current sleep situation feels like a disaster.

She breaks down:

• how to figure out your (and your child’s) ideal amount of sleep
• the real reason your teen can’t fall asleep before 11 p.m.
• what you should (and shouldn’t) do right before bed
• the surprisingly simple “test” to know how sleep deprived you are
• how to rewire your habits without overhauling your entire life
• what’s sabotaging your melatonin (hint: it’s probably in your hand right now)
• how sleep deprivation hurts more than just your mood
• and why it’s never too late to start respecting sleep in your household

This conversation was such a conviction for me and maybe it will be for you, too.

You’ll hear me admit my own struggles with sleep, the late-night screen time I know I shouldn’t do, and the tiny changes I’m working on. (I even share a little “mom guilt” about bedtime routines and my husband... can you relate?)

So if you’ve been meaning to “get better sleep” but have no idea where to start - or you’re just tired of being tired - this episode is your permission slip to pause and reset.

Let’s solve our sleep one baby step at a time!

Resources We Mentioned for Healthy Sleep

• Dr. Whitney’s website
• Dr. Whitey’s books that teach kids the importance of sleep
• Interview with Christine Hansen about sleep for parents
• The secret to healing sleep
• 5 weird tools to improve your sleep
• 8 strategies to improve sleep quality
• Blue light glasses I love
• Finding a non-toxic mattress
• Follow Dr. Roban on X, Facebook, Instagram

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Let’s be honest, teaching kids about money can feel intimidating.

This episode is packed with practical strategies and empowering encouragement.

Here’s what you’ll take away from our conversation:

• Why budgeting is essential for teens
• How emotional language can help kids process money stress
• One simple phrase that opens the door to healthier financial habits
• How to model smart financial decisions—even when you make mistakes
• A free tool that empowers teens to track their money in just one hour

You don’t have to be a financial whiz, you just need to be willing to have the conversation.

Resources We Mentioned for Money Management for Teens

• One Hour Budget for Teens (Use code LIFESKILLS for $19!)
• 10 side hustles for teens freebie
• 15 financial skills for teens freebie
• Get Crystal's books
  • The Time-Saving Mom: Azon, Bookshop
  • Love-Centered Parenting: Azon, Bookshop
  • Money-Making Mom: Azon, Bookshop
  • Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: Azon
  • The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Azon, Bookshop
  • 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life: Azon

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

Get your four free life skills workshops now!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

"I don't like fish."

How many of us have a child, spouse, or self who says that?

My guest today says that's off course - no one can accurately say they "don't like" "fish" - and I love her reasons!

Whether you love fish or haven't learned to love it yet, this non-fishy interview all about the fish of the sea is a winner:

• Have you ever gotten to know your fisherman? Watch my surprise as I do for the first time...
• How to find the best fish for the biggest health benefits
• Why some fish are harder to cook well (and deliciously) than others
• What to look for in a store or restaurant to make sure you're getting sustainable, healthy fish
• Why ocean stewardship is of primary importance for fishermen and their families

Find well-fished seafood with all the omega-3s at Sena Sea Seafood!

Resources We Mention for Sourcing Sustainable Fish

• Get Sena Sea Seafood on their website
• Find the best natural mineral sunscreen that's safe for the oceans!
• Follow Sena on Instagram 
• When you sign up for Sena's email list, you'll get a free cookbook to expand your fish repertoire 

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

My oldest struggled with eczema from time to time, but when our house presented us with a toxic mold issue, he really flared up.

It was the worst we’d ever seen, and after 3 weeks of completely ditching gluten, dairy, and sugar (by his own choice and motivation), nothing had changed. It was heartbreaking!

I can only imagine how tough it is for parents of toddlers with eczema who can’t even communicate their pain.

My guest today digs DEEP into eczema and all the potential root causes, the importance of testing, and the wide variety of pathways to healing individual children might need.

She says a lot of parents do research and get really really close to the answer their kids needs…and then get stuck. That’s where she comes in.

Here is just a tiny preview of what we’ll touch on:

• “Parasites overgrow in the body when there is a toxic burden!”
• “Bowel movements are the primary elimination pathway in the body.”
• “If kids are not having a bowel movement daily, figure out WHY that’s happening!”
• “Mold impacts the way the brain functions and communicates with the GI tract.”
• “Elimination depends on pooping, liver function, kidney function.”
• “If kids have skin issues, it’s typically a sign that there’s a liver stagnation issue - like the body is pulling the emergency brake.”

If your little darlings are struggling with eczema or other skin issues, or you know someone who needs this podcast, don’t hesitate to hit play or pass it on!

Resources We Mentioned for Eczema in Kids

• Deidre's book: Toxic Infertility: Detoxification Solutions to Improve Natural Fertility: Amazon, Bookshop
• Get to the root of eczema
• Healing inflammation from the inside out
• Find Deidre online
• Work with her for pediatric GI healing and skin health
• Follow her on social media: Instagram, Facebook, (her other Instagram focusing on infertility)

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

Get your four free life skills workshops now!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

ADHD is not just an attention disorder; it's an executive functioning disorder.

The myths abound!

If you’ve always thought of kids with ADHD as those who struggle in school, think again.

If you expect ADHD kids to have trouble focusing, wrong again.

If you think kids with ADHD are destined to struggle more throughout life, Mike McLeod is here to tell you that ADHD is not a limitation, just a different path.

The ADHD brain is truly different from neurotypical brains, although some truths apply to both groups, like:

• Children learn best through play and unstructured time.
• Outdoor play is vital for developing real-world skills.
• Boredom is essential for self-regulation and creativity.
• Cooking teaches kids self-sufficiency and life skills.
• Unstructured time is crucial for children's development.
• Parents should set high expectations for their children.
• Removing screens can reveal hidden talents in kids.
• Parents need to place more importance on chores & balancing structure and freedom.

Parents of kids with or without ADHD need the information in this episode, but especially stuff like this:

• Screen time can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, but it does not cause ADHD.
• The ADHD brain struggles with self-regulation and motivation for NON-preferred tasks.
• Varied experiences are vital for skill development.
• Executive functions are crucial for success in life.

I love Mike’s energy and expertise, like sitting at the feet of a master. What an honor to work with him both for this podcast and as a #LifeSkillsNow Season 4 camp leader! 

Resources We Mentioned for ADHD Myths

• Interviews I've done on ADHD: Does ADHD always mean medication? and Practical Solutions for ADHD
• Check out four free life skills workshops now!
• Find Mike online: GrowNOW ADHD
• Instagram, Facebook

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

Get your four free life skills workshops now!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

Emily’s stories are going to get your head nodding in empathy and connection - we’ve all been there with the kid who just will NOT put their shoes on, brush their teeth, or do as we ask!

If you’ve ever felt the guilt after exploding all over your kids, those little beings you LOVE so much, you need this interview.

We talk all about emotional regulation, how moms need to work on their own big emotions so that they can better help their kids, and how to raise emotionally healthy families. Today, we touch on:

• Motherhood is no joke! It’s way harder than it looks from the outside, especially when your own emotions get involved.
• In the heat of a meltdown, kids aren’t being “bad,” they’re stuck in their emotional brain, not their thinking brain.
• There’s no perfect time to work on emotional growth. Start where you are.
• Getting support isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.
• Kids learn emotional regulation by watching us. Imperfect parenting still teaches powerful lessons when we’re honest and intentional.
• Raising critical thinkers and independent problem-solvers starts with slowing down, naming emotions, and solving problems with our kids.

Resources We Mention for Emotional Regulation

• The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
• The kitchen is a good place to build social emotional skills
• The Explosive Child by Ross Green
• Find Emily online
• Follow her on social media: Instagram, Facebook
• Listen to her podcast
• Emily's free masterclass on Emotional Regulation for Neurodivergent Kids
• Get four free life skills classes now!

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

Get your four free life skills workshops now!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you’ve ever passed kefir in the grocery store and wondered, “Is that stuff actually good for you?”—you’re not alone. In this episode, I talk with Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Kefir, who shares how this tangy, probiotic-rich drink became a lifeline for her immigrant family—and a powerful tool for mental and physical wellness.

Julie dives into the science behind fermented foods, the gut-brain connection, and why kefir might be one of the most underrated health foods on your shelf. We also talk mom-to-mom about raising adventurous eaters, the role of dairy in women’s health, and the importance of modeling self-care for our kids.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why kefir supports gut health, immunity, and even mental health
• How fermented dairy reduces inflammation, and why that matters
• What women should know before cutting dairy from their diet
• How to introduce kids to kefir and other healthy foods
• Why kefir is 99% lactose-free (yes, even for sensitive stomachs)
• How food, family, and culture shape our health journeys
• Practical self-care tips for busy parents

Whether you're curious about the benefits of kefir or looking for real-life tips on raising healthy kids, this conversation will leave you inspired.

Resources We Mention for a Healthy Lifestyle

• Information on Dr. Elie Metchnikoff's studies on fermented milk and kefir from 1904
• Read more about the effects of antibacterial everything
• Here's a study on fermented milk and colon cancer
• A kid's perspective on going dairy-free
• Find Lifeway online
• Follow Julie on social media: Instagram, LinkedIn
• Check out Julie's cookbook: The Kefir Cookbook: Amazon, Bookshop, eBook

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

Get your four free life skills workshops now!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

We may all think and process information differently, but it’s true that some diagnoses make parenting feel a lot more difficult on a day-to-day basis.

You’ll receive a heavy dose of empathy and understanding from this interview, along with some very practical strategies to create an environment in which your children can thrive.

Ginny and I talked about:

• How ND kids struggle with executive function, big emotions, and emotional regulation, but can often be gifted with exceptional creativity, intellect, and problem-solving abilities.
• Why “routines” include both structure and flexibility
• Why a growth mindset must be in your toolbox
• The beauty of suffering, how to infuse challenges with meaning
• Where to find role models with differently wired brains for your kids!

Resources We Mention for Neurodivergent Parenting

• Ginny uses Ellyn Satter's division of responsibility
• Get my best tips for picky eaters here
• Ginny has a list of saints who had some type of neurodivergence
• Get Ginny's books
  • Blink and We'll Miss It: Amazon, Bookshop
  • God's Kintsugi: Amazon, Bookshop
• Find Ginny online: Quirky Catholic Kids, GinnyKochis.com
• Follow her on Instagram

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

Get your four free life skills workshops now!

• Kitchen Stewardship
• Raising Healthy Families
• 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 raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!