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The Whole Parent Podcast

Jon Fogel - WholeParent

Welcome to 'The Whole Parent Podcast,' where we dive deep into evidence-based parenting strategies, blending cutting-edge psychology with real-world experience. Each episode offers insightful discussions, expert interviews, and practical tips to empower you and your family through the joys and challenges of raising children. Join us as we explore not just the highs of parenting, but navigate the complexities and embrace the journey together.

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  • 30 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

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  • Yesterday · 44 min

    Teaching Kids REAL Accountability #106

    Your kid blames everyone else, denies what you literally watched happen, or melts down when you ask them to clean up and it can feel like they’re refusing to take responsibility on purpose. We slow that moment way down and look at what’s actually happening underneath the behavior, because “accountability” isn’t a switch kids flip. It’s a set of emotional and developmental skills we build over years. We answer three real parent questions from our Parent Lab coaching call, and they all point to the same goal: moving a child from defensiveness to genuine ownership. We talk about why blame is often protection from shame, especially for highly sensitive kids who experience criticism as threat. You’ll hear simple scripts for naming emotions first (without rewarding rudeness), then circling back later to teach repair, problem-solving, and responsibility. We also unpack why many kids ages 4 to 7 start telling untruths, not always because they’re being manipulative, but because theory of mind is developing and they’re experimenting with what “true” means. From there we shift to chores and cleanup, explaining how refusal is often an executive function gap. We share a practical method: narrate the steps while you clean, break tasks into small parts, and build responsibility one habit at a time so your child can eventually do it independently. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a parent friend who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find the Whole Parent Podcast. What’s the hardest “responsibility” battle in your house right now? Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • November 4 · 45 min

    Did Becoming a Parent Make You Resent Your Spouse? #105 (with Eli Weinstein)

    My guest today is Eli Weinstein author of "From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years" Link: https://link.amazon/B07hEPsMF Marriage can feel like it breaks “out of nowhere” after kids, but it usually breaks in a thousand small, exhausting moments: handoffs at bedtime, conversations that turn into schedules, and fights about chores that are really fights about being seen. I’m joined by Ellie Weinstein, licensed clinical social worker, couples therapist, and host of the Dude Therapist Podcast, to talk about what actually drives resentment in the parenting years and how couples can repair without pretending life isn’t loud. We get practical about the invisible load and mental load and why partners often have totally different vantage points on what it takes to run a family. Ellie shares tools he uses with couples and in his own marriage, including journaling to find the “headline” under the argument, building a daily habit of gratitude, and learning how to ask for help without guilt or shame. We also challenge some common shortcuts, including the way people cling to love languages instead of rebuilding friendship, kindness, and trust. Then we dig into Ellie’s “Holy Trinity” framework: expectations shape perceptions, and perceptions shape reality. When expectations stay unspoken, disappointment becomes automatic and your brain starts scanning for proof that your partner does not care. We talk over-communication, benefit of the doubt, and why sympathy is often the bridge you can actually reach when empathy feels impossible at the end of a long day. If you want a stronger partnership while raising kids, listen now, share it with a parent who needs it, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. If this helped, leave a review and tell me what topic you want us to tackle next. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • October 28 · 49 min

    You're Fighting the Wrong Battles With Your Kids (Here's How to Stop) #104

    Want to ask me YOUR questions live like these parents? Join Parent Lab where we have a call like this every Friday morning: https://myparentlab.com/ If you give in to your child, are you teaching them that tantrums work? Or are you fighting a battle that never needed to happen in the first place? One of the hardest parts of parenting is figuring out when to hold a boundary and when to let something go. We're constantly told to be consistent, never give in, and stand our ground. But what happens when that advice turns every bedtime, mealtime, and morning routine into an exhausting power struggle? In this episode of the Whole Parent Podcast, I'm answering real questions from parents inside Parent Lab about the battles that seem impossible to win. We talk about: Bedtime battles: Why kids behave differently for different parents and how to create routines that actually work. Food and tantrums: What to do when your child suddenly announces they're starving right before bedtime. Picking your battles: Why giving your child autonomy isn't the same as rewarding bad behavior. Activities and commitments: When to encourage your child to push through something difficult and when it's okay to quit. Setting boundaries: How to be consistent without turning every disagreement into a contest of wills. Here's the big takeaway: Good parenting isn't about proving you're in charge. It's about knowing which boundaries matter and giving your child freedom everywhere else. You can hold your kids accountable without fighting battles that never needed to happen. Join Parent Lab: https://myparentlab.com/ Get access to weekly live group coaching, my complete parenting course library, and a community of parents learning how to raise emotionally healthy kids without punishment. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Why every parenting battle isn't worth fighting 04:13 — When bedtime becomes chaos with one parent 15:16 — Food battles, ADHD, and bedtime hunger 20:33 — Why giving in isn't always a parenting mistake 28:46 — Making mornings easier without more power struggles 30:25 — Should you make your child stick with an activity? 37:36 — When it's okay to let your child quit 40:51 — Final thoughts and resources Subscribe for more practical, brain-based parenting advice from Whole Parent. #ParentingTips #GentleParenting #ParentingBoundaries Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • October 21 · 54 min

    Raising Capable Kids (with Lenore Skenazy) #103

    What if the biggest threat to your child's development isn't screen time, social media, or even the dangers we're constantly trying to protect them from? What if it's the fact that we're not letting them do anything on their own? Today, I'm joined by Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Free-Range Kids movement, president of Let Grow, and the woman once labeled "America's Worst Mom" for letting her nine-year-old ride the New York City subway alone. We're raising what might be the most supervised generation of children in history. Kids are expected to perform academically at younger and younger ages, yet we're increasingly reluctant to let them walk down the street, play outside without an adult, or solve their own problems. And Lenore believes we're paying a serious price for it. In this conversation, we explore how parental fear has transformed childhood, why independence is essential for developing confidence and resilience, and why simply taking away our kids' phones won't solve the problem. We also talk about the surprising research on what kids actually want to do with their free time, how our obsession with safety can create entirely different risks, and what parents can do TODAY to start raising more capable, confident, independent kids. Because our job isn't to eliminate every possible risk from childhood. It's to raise children who can navigate the world without us. Resources mentioned: Let Grow: https://letgrow.org — Free resources and programs to help families and schools give kids more independence. Lenore's Book: Free Range Kids Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • October 14 · 30 min

    Your Kid Isn't a Perfectionist. They're Afraid... #102

    Want to know if your kid is an HSK? TAKE THE QUIZ 👇 https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66676edb5288b4a99ab96f52 Have you ever watched your child completely fall apart over something that seemed incredibly small? You said "maybe" instead of "yes." Their teacher corrected a spelling mistake. Plans changed. And suddenly, you're dealing with a full-blown meltdown. It's tempting to think your child needs to toughen up, learn to handle disappointment, or stop being such a perfectionist. But what if you're misunderstanding what's actually happening in their brain? In this episode of the Whole Parent Podcast, I'm sharing two real conversations from our Parent Lab group coaching sessions about kids who struggle with uncertainty, frustration, and the fear of making mistakes. We'll talk about why highly sensitive kids can experience seemingly minor disappointments as enormous emotional threats, why what looks like perfectionism might actually be a fear of failure, and how to build real frustration tolerance without dismissing your child's feelings or intentionally overwhelming them. You'll learn practical strategies for handling the dreaded word "maybe," helping kids become more comfortable with mistakes, giving them the autonomy they desperately need, and teaching them that disappointment isn't something they have to fear. Because the goal isn't to raise kids who never get frustrated. It's to raise kids who know they can handle frustration when it comes. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • September 30 · 54 min

    ADHD: Get it done and HAVE FUN (with Kim and Penn Holderness) #101

    “You know how to do this, so why can’t you just do it?” That sentence haunts a lot of ADHD kids and the parents who are trying their best. I sit down with Kim and Penn Holderness, award-winning creators and bestselling authors, to name what’s actually missing: executive function, working memory, and the brutal reality that starting can be the hardest step. We get practical fast. We talk why chores and hygiene can feel harder than creative work, how boredom can feel like physical pain, and how shame builds when adults moralize mess or assume disrespect. Kim and Penn share the thinking behind their playful picture book, Get It Done And Have Fun: ADHD Hacks For Awesome Kids, including how their character Squeaky McGee helps kids feel less alone while learning real strategies. We also go deeper into the emotional side of ADHD that rarely gets airtime: emotional dysregulation, “flooding,” and how school experiences can shape identity for years. We hold the nuance of “explanation, not excuse,” and why connection before correction changes everything when big feelings hit. Along the way, you’ll hear doable ADHD parenting tools like body doubling, timers, music, reducing friction in the home, and knowing when medication versus behavioral interventions makes sense. If you’re raising an ADHD child (or realizing you might have ADHD too), this conversation will help you trade blame for understanding and build systems that actually work. Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review with the one ADHD “stuck point” you want help solving. Get "Get It Done And Have Fun" HERE Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • September 23 · 1 hr 2 min

    How to Stop Hitting, Biting, or Teasing (Episode 100!!)

    What do you do when your five-year-old won’t stop hitting? Your three-year-old keeps biting? Or your older kid has discovered that getting their younger sibling in trouble is apparently the funniest thing on earth? For episode 100, I’m doing something different. I’m bringing you directly into one of my live Parent Lab group coaching calls: real parents, real problems, and my real-time answers. We talk about why a child who knows not to bite may keep doing it anyway, what to do when one sibling deliberately pushes another sibling’s buttons, why hitting can sometimes be a sign that a child needs a healthier way to experience power and autonomy, and how to respond when sibling teasing finally ends with yogurt smeared across the kitchen. But underneath all of these questions is one bigger idea: Your kids are not competitors. They’re teammates. The goal isn’t just to stop the hitting, biting, teasing, and fighting today. It’s to build the kind of sibling relationship where, decades from now, your kids still know: We’re on the same team. This is parenting advice for what happens in actual homes, not hypotheticals. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • September 16 · 36 min

    Raising Conscious Sons And Daughters (with Dr. Shefali) #99

    Today on the Whole Parent Podcast we bring back friend of the show Dr. Shafali to talk about about why she wrote Raising Conscious Sons and Raising Conscious Daughters right now and why the parenting crisis is being intensified by algorithms that target kids at the level of biology. CLICK HERE to get Raising Conscious Sons CLICK HERE to get Raising Conscious Daughters We break down what boys and girls are up against and how we can respond with conscious parenting that builds real competence, real safety, and a stronger inner self: • why a documentary on adolescence triggered two fast-tracked books • why parenting is about changing ourselves, not controlling kids • how algorithms exploit neurochemistry differently in boys and girls • what testosterone drives in boys and how it gets misdirected • how social media magnifies perfectionism, comparison, and body dysmorphia in girls • why boys go quiet, miss initiation, and get pulled toward the manosphere • what healthy rites of passage can look like in modern family life • practical tips for young kids: movement for boys, emotional safety for girls If it did, there's a couple of things that you can do that would really, really help me out. The first one is to go right now and subscribe to my channel at Whole Parent on YouTube. The second thing that you can do is actually go to the link in the description... find the link for the Parent Lab. The third thing that you can do... is to share this episode or this podcast in general with people in your life. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • September 9 · 50 min

    Training Wheels Are A Menace (with Strider Bike Founder Ryan McFarland) #98

    Watching your kid learn to ride a bike can feel weirdly intense. It looks like a simple childhood skill, but it pokes at something bigger: our fear of seeing our kids struggle, our urge to step in, and the thin line between support and rescue. I sit down with Ryan McFarland, founder of Strider Bikes, to talk about why this milestone is so emotional and why it can shape a child’s confidence far beyond two wheels. Ryan built the first Strider balance bike in his garage for his two-year-old son, then watched how mobility changed everything: focus, decision making, strength, and that quiet “I can do hard things” energy. We dig into the practical side too, including why so many kids’ bikes are basically shrunken adult bikes that are too heavy, too tall, and too mismatched for short legs. When the gear doesn’t fit, kids don’t just fail, they get scared, and fear can stick. We also get a little nerdy in the best way about skill development. Balance is the foundation; pedaling is just propulsion. Ryan explains why training wheels can actually teach the wrong steering pattern, making the transition to two wheels feel confusing and risky for thoughtful kids. The parenting takeaway is simple and hard: let learning look like learning. Struggle often means growth is happening. Our job is to be a cheerleader, protect play, and give kids the right-sized challenge so resilience can form naturally. Get a Strider for YOUR Toddler HERE If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a parent who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find the show. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • September 2 · 57 min

    Survival Of The... Friendliest? (with Jessica Joelle Alexander) #97

    Denmark shows up near the top of the Happiness Index year after year, yet it is not topping every academic ranking or outspending everyone else. So what is going on? We talk with author, speaker, and cultural researcher Jessica Joelle Alexander about the Danish Way of Parenting and why Danish children are so often described as secure, resilient, and genuinely happy. We dig into the simplest but most overlooked driver of well being: meaningful relationships. From hygge and “weefulness” to collaboration over comparison, Jessica explains how Danish culture builds connection on purpose and how that changes the way kids handle stress, emotions, and belonging. We also unpack why Denmark treats play as essential learning, why respect based parenting matters, and how empathy becomes something kids live rather than something they memorize. Then we get practical. Jessica walks us through her PARENT framework (Play, Authenticity, Reframing, Empathy, No Ultimatums, Togetherness) and we wrestle with a uniquely American trap: turning even the healthiest parenting ideas into another achievement badge. Finally, we shift to modern parenting pressure around screens and phones, including Jessica’s digital citizenship conversation cards that help families set values around consent, bullying, critical thinking, communication, and online well being in a calm, in person way. Get Jessica's Book HERE Visit her website HERE Subscribe for more conversations on conscious parenting, child development, emotional safety, and family culture, and if this helped you, share it with a parent who needs it and leave a review. What is one Danish idea you want to try first? Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • July 21 · 46 min

    Honest Motherhood (With Libby Ward) #96

    This conversation on honest motherhood explains why so many parents feel like they’re disappearing—and what actually helps. If you’ve ever snapped at your kids, felt crushed by the mental load, or wondered why parenting feels so much harder than everyone else makes it look, this episode with Libby Ward (Diary of an Honest Mom) will hit deeply. We talk about people-pleasing, perfectionism, emotional regulation, childhood trauma, mom guilt, resentment, and the invisible pressure many parents carry every day. Most importantly, we unpack how self-abandonment quietly fuels burnout—and why meeting your own needs is not selfish parenting. What You’ll Learn: • Why overwhelmed moms often feel angry, resentful, or emotionally exhausted • The hidden connection between people-pleasing, burnout, and parenting triggers • How childhood experiences shape the way we respond to stress, tantrums, and emotional overwhelm • Why “being a good parent” doesn’t mean ignoring your own needs • Practical mindset shifts that reduce shame, power struggles, and emotional reactivity This episode is grounded in developmental psychology, nervous system science, and the real emotional realities of parenting young kids. No perfect-parent messaging. No guilt. Just honest conversations that help parents understand what’s happening beneath the behavior—both in their kids and in themselves. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself, carrying the entire mental load, or feeling like you’re failing during hard moments, this channel is here to help parenting feel calmer, clearer, and more manageable—one small shift at a time. Libby Ward’s book “Honest Motherhood” Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • July 7 · 44 min

    Parenting A Spicy One (with Mary Van Geffen) #95

    In this conversation, parenting coach Mary Van Geffen explains why “spicy kids” don’t respond to traditional discipline—and what actually helps instead. If your child refuses to listen, melts down over small things, pushes back on everything, or seems emotionally intense all day long, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the behavior. We talk about emotional regulation, ADHD and PDA traits, shame cycles, demand avoidance, connection vs. control, and why some kids need a completely different parenting approach. This is a grounded, practical conversation for overwhelmed parents who are exhausted by yelling, punishment, and constant conflict—and want calmer, more connected ways to parent without losing authority. What You’ll Learn: • Why strong-willed and deeply feeling kids often resist traditional discipline • How shame, punishment, and power struggles make behavior worse • What “connection over control” actually looks like in real life • Practical ways to reduce meltdowns, increase cooperation, and stay calm under pressure • How to parent explosive, sensitive, ADHD, PDA, or demand-avoidant kids without walking on eggshells This episode blends developmental psychology, neuroscience, and real-world parenting tools in a way that’s actually usable when you’re in the middle of hard moments. The focus isn’t on “perfect parenting.” It’s on understanding behavior more deeply so you can respond with clarity, confidence, and connection—even when your child is intense, reactive, or hard to reach. If you’ve been second-guessing yourself, wondering why typical parenting advice isn’t working, or feeling stuck in daily battles with your toddler or preschooler, this channel is here to help parenting feel lighter, calmer, and more doable—one hard moment at a time. Check out Mary Van Geffen's book: Parenting a Spicy One Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • June 23 · 40 min

    DILF Dad I'd Like to Friend (with Kevin Seldon) #94

    In this Father’s Day conversation, we unpack the hidden mental health struggles of modern fatherhood, from postpartum anxiety in dads to feeling isolated, shut out, or unsure how to bond with your baby. If you’ve ever felt like parenting changed your identity, strained your relationship, or left you quietly struggling while everyone focused on the baby, this episode will hit home. Jon sits down with Kevin Seldon — founder of Dad Supporting Dads and author of The DILF Handbook — to talk about the emotional realities of fatherhood, why so many men suffer silently, and how better support for dads helps the entire family. This conversation covers paternity leave, emotional regulation, parenting partnerships, burnout, mental health, and what kids actually need most from us. What You’ll Learn: • Why many dads don’t feel an instant bond with their baby — and why that’s more common than people think • The hidden signs of paternal postpartum depression and perinatal anxiety • How parenting can trigger a major identity shift for both moms and dads • Why “good parents always put their kids first” can quietly lead to burnout and resentment • Practical ways dads can become more confident, connected, and emotionally engaged parents This episode is grounded in developmental psychology, attachment research, and the real lived experience of parenting young children. The goal isn’t perfection or “expert parenting” — it’s helping families feel more connected, supported, and less alone in the hard moments that nobody prepares you for. If parenting has felt heavier lately — more overstimulating, more isolating, more emotionally exhausting than you expected — this channel is here to help you make sense of what’s happening beneath the behavior so you can respond with more confidence and less second-guessing. Check out Kevin Seldon's book: "The DILF Handbook" Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • June 16 · 47 min

    I Can Do It (With Mama Nous) #93

    Toddler emotional regulation feels impossible some days—especially when your child melts down over socks, refuses to listen, or completely falls apart at bedtime. In this conversation with Mama Nous, we talk about why music can calm tantrums, reduce power struggles, and actually help kids build confidence and resilience in everyday moments. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your toddler cooperate without yelling, how to stay calm during hard parenting moments, or why emotionally intelligent songs seem to “work” when nothing else does, this episode connects the neuroscience with real life. We talk about toddler meltdowns, emotional regulation, parenting triggers, power struggles, confidence-building, and the hidden ways our own childhood experiences shape how we parent today. What You’ll Learn: • Why singing can help toddlers transition, cooperate, and calm down faster • How music supports emotional regulation and reduces power struggles • Practical ways to help kids build confidence without pressure or shame • Why “good enough parenting” matters more than perfection • How to model emotional resilience without hiding your own feelings This episode blends developmental psychology, neuroscience, and honest parenting conversations in a way that’s practical enough to use during the hardest parts of the day. No rigid parenting scripts. No shame. Just tools that help parents stay regulated, connected, and more confident while raising emotionally healthy kids. If parenting feels overwhelming lately, and you want calmer days, fewer battles, and more confidence in how you respond to your child’s behavior, this channel is here to help. Subscribe so you have grounded, research-informed support the next time your toddler melts down, refuses to cooperate, or pushes every button you have. Check out Mama Nous' book: "I Can Do It!" Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • June 2 · 45 min

    The Thing MORE important than Emotional Regulation (with Dr Ross Greene) #92

    In this conversation with Dr. Ross Greene, we unpack why so many kids struggle with frustration, big emotions, and power struggles… and why the usual parenting advice often makes things worse. If you’ve ever wondered why your child explodes over small things, refuses to cooperate, or seems overwhelmed by everyday expectations, this episode will completely shift how you see challenging behavior. We talk about toddler tantrums, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, ADHD, anxiety, school stress, collaborative problem solving, and why kids do well if they can—not when we punish them hard enough. This is a practical, research-backed conversation for exhausted parents who want fewer meltdowns, less yelling, and a calmer way to parent through hard moments. What You’ll Learn: Why emotional regulation is not the first skill kids need What toddler meltdowns and explosive behavior are actually communicating How to reduce power struggles without becoming permissive Why punishment and consequences often fail with “challenging” kids A simple mindset shift that helps parents stay calmer during difficult behavior This conversation is grounded in developmental psychology, neuroscience, and decades of real clinical experience working with kids who struggle with frustration, flexibility, and emotional overwhelm. The goal isn’t to control behavior—it’s to understand what’s beneath it so parents can respond more effectively and raise emotionally healthy, resilient kids. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself every time your child melts down, refuses to listen, or spirals emotionally, this channel is here to help parenting feel clearer, calmer, and more doable in real life. Check out Dr. Ross Greene's Book: The Kids Who Aren't OK Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • May 26 · 42 min

    The REAL thing leading to mental disorders in kids and teens (not technology) with Dr. Peter Gray #91

    In this conversation with Dr. Peter Gray, we unpack what may actually be driving the mental health crisis in kids—and why so many parents still feel overwhelmed trying to help. If you’ve ever wondered whether technology is really the problem, why your child seems more stressed than you remember being as a kid, or how modern parenting and schooling may be affecting emotional regulation, independence, and resilience… this episode will challenge a lot of assumptions in the best way. We talk about toddler and preschool behavior, autonomy, anxiety, school stress, emotional health, and what kids actually need to thrive. What You’ll Learn: • Why many researchers don’t believe screens are the main cause of rising anxiety in kids • The hidden ways stress, pressure, and over-structured childhoods affect behavior • Why autonomy, free play, and independence matter for emotional regulation • What overwhelmed parents can do to reduce power struggles and raise more resilient kids • How to think critically about parenting trends without fear or guilt This channel is built around practical, evidence-based parenting that helps you understand what’s happening underneath your child’s behavior—not just react to it in the moment. Every episode is designed to help you stay calmer, feel more confident, and make parenting feel a little less overwhelming. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself during tantrums, meltdowns, bedtime battles, or emotional outbursts, subscribe and follow along. The goal here isn’t perfect parenting—it’s helping you understand your child well enough that hard moments start feeling easier to navigate. 📚 Check out Peter Gray's book “Restoring Childhood”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784213/restoring-childhood-by-peter-gray/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • May 19 · 36 min

    Is it HARMFUL to Ask Older Siblings to Help? #90

    A viral clip says that telling your older child to “help your sister” damages both kids. I get why that message spreads fast, especially if you grew up as the oldest and felt like too much landed on your shoulders. But developmental psychology is more nuanced than a scroll-stopping soundbite, and mixing up parentification with age-appropriate help can leave parents stuck and anxious about every request they make. I break down what the research actually supports: yes, it can be unhealthy when an older child feels like the parent, carries ongoing responsibility, or becomes the default caregiver. That’s real, and it matters. But it’s also true that families thrive on cooperation, and small, bounded responsibilities can build autonomy, confidence, and trust. We talk about the difference between equality and equity, why “everyone gets the same” often fails in real homes with real ages and stages, and how to give kids what they need without trying to force a perfectly balanced scoreboard. You’ll hear practical ways to frame sibling teamwork, assign roles that fit each child’s capacity, and avoid resentment by keeping parents in charge while still letting kids contribute. If you want less sibling conflict and more cooperation, this conversation gives you a clear line between healthy helping and too much. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • May 12 · 1 hr 7 min

    MOTHER'S DAY Shenanigans with Emily Vondy #89

    Toddler parenting feels hardest when your child won’t listen, melts down over everything, or you’re running on empty trying to stay calm through the chaos. In this Mother’s Day conversation with Emily Vondy, we talk honestly about what parenting little kids actually feels like—and why so many overwhelmed parents feel both exhausted and deeply grateful at the same time. From toddler tantrums and emotional overwhelm to screen time, mom guilt, nap traps, and the hilarious reality of raising little kids, this episode is full of relatable moments and grounded parenting wisdom. If you’ve ever hidden snacks from your kids, questioned every parenting decision at 2 a.m., or wondered if you’re “doing enough,” this conversation will make you feel a little less alone—and a little more confident in the season you’re in. What You’ll Learn: • Why connection matters more than perfect parenting • How to stay grounded when parenting feels nonstop and overstimulating • The hidden pressure modern parents feel from social media and comparison • Why “enjoying your kids” can feel harder than it sounds—and how to reconnect • Practical mindset shifts that reduce guilt, power struggles, and overwhelm This channel is built around evidence-based parenting, emotional regulation, child development, and the real-life challenges of raising toddlers and preschoolers. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s helping parents understand behavior, stay calmer during hard moments, and build stronger relationships with their kids in ways that actually work in everyday life. If parenting has been feeling loud, exhausting, or like you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, subscribe here so you have practical, research-backed support that helps daily life feel lighter, calmer, and more manageable—especially in the moments nobody prepares you for. Check out Emily Vondy's Book: Nap Trapped! Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • May 5 · 49 min

    The Thing Hijacking Your Kid's Brain With Michaeleen Doucleff #88

    If your toddler refuses to listen, has big meltdowns after screens, or seems obsessed with “just one more,” this video will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the behavior. We break down how dopamine drives your child’s need for more—not because they love it, but because their brain is being pulled into a loop. You’ll learn how this affects emotional regulation, why transitions feel so explosive, and what to do instead of constant limiting, negotiating, or power struggles. What You’ll Learn: Why your child’s brain treats screens and snacks like a “need,” not just a want What’s actually happening during tantrums when you turn something off The difference between real enjoyment vs. dopamine-driven “wanting” Why limiting alone often backfires—and what works better Simple, realistic ways to reduce meltdowns and shift habits quickly This approach is grounded in modern neuroscience and behavioral psychology—but translated into real-life parenting. The goal isn’t perfection or eliminating screens entirely. It’s helping you stay calm, reduce daily friction, and guide your child toward things that actually leave them feeling good (not just wanting more). If you’re tired of second-guessing your decisions or dreading the next meltdown, this channel is here to make those hard moments feel more manageable—and a lot less confusing. Michaeleen Doucleff's book: Dopamine Kids Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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  • April 28 · 46 min

    Why Smart Kids Shut Down In School #87

    Homeschool vs traditional school: a former principal explains what helps kids learn (and what gets in the way). If your child is melting down after school, refusing to listen, or suddenly “shutting down” around learning, this conversation will likely hit close to home. We unpack what’s really happening beneath behaviors like school resistance, emotional outbursts, and loss of motivation—and how factors like environment, pacing, and lack of autonomy can quietly overwhelm kids. Whether you’re considering homeschooling or staying in the system, this episode gives you a clearer, research-informed lens on how kids actually learn and what they need to feel safe, engaged, and regulated. What You’ll Learn: Why kids often fall apart after school (and what it says about their nervous system) What “learning” is supposed to feel like for toddlers and young kids How traditional classrooms can unintentionally block curiosity and independence Simple ways to advocate for your child inside the school system How to trust your child’s pace without constant fear of them “falling behind” This episode is grounded in developmental psychology and real classroom experience—from a former teacher and principal who saw firsthand how the system works (and where it breaks down). The goal isn’t to tell you what choice to make—it’s to help you understand your child more clearly, reduce daily power struggles, and respond in ways that actually support long-term learning and emotional health. If you’ve ever second-guessed your parenting when your child resists school, or wondered if things could feel easier and more aligned, consider staying connected here. The more you understand what’s driving your child’s behavior, the more confident and calm you’ll feel in those hard, everyday moments. Check out Mandy Davis' book: The Homeschool Bible: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners to Curriculum, Lesson Planning, State Laws, and Daily Schedules Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

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