Feeding The Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teens Into Adulthood

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" hereYou can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" hereYou 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/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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" hereYou can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" hereYou 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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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" hereYou can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" hereYou 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/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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" hereYou can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" hereYou 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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 familiesIf 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.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy