The Weekly Parent

Perfectionism is a trap — and most of us don’t even realize we’re in it. In this episode, therapist Emily Cox explains why we keep chasing the impossible golden ring, how the mental health system makes getting help harder than it should be, and why choosing “mediocre” on purpose might be the most freeing thing you do all year. We also dig into parenting teens, modeling emotional regulation, and ho...

One-third of women leave their jobs within 18 months of returning from parental leave — not all of them do so because they want to stay home, but because their workplace let them down when they needed support the most. This week, I sit down with Beth Wanner, founder + CEO of Mother Cover , whose own jaw-dropping story of IVF,pregnancy discrimination, and being fired at eight months pregnant launch...

What if teaching your kids about money didn’t have to beawkward, overwhelming, or a little… stressful? In this conversation, Kiyah and financial expert Todd Christensen dive into exactly how families can make money talk normal. Todd shares age-specific tips for kids and teens, the biggest mistakes parents make, tools for saving and allowances that actually work, and how blended families can align...

What happens when food becomes both your biggest challenge and your greatest calling? In this episode, Dr. Kiyah Duffey sits down with The Allergy Chef , Kathlena, whose 200+ food allergies inspired a mission to help families everywhere navigate restricted diets with confidence and joy. Kathlena shares how she transformed struggle into purpose,offering practical advice for managing allergies day-t...

In this episode, Dr. Erica Buchholz — parent coach andfounder of Becoming Playful — reminds us that joy isn’t a luxury in parenting, it’s a lifeline. She shares her path from academic psychology to helping parents rediscover creativity, laughter, and lightness as antidotes to burnout. You’ll learn her three pillars of recovery — Recharge, Inner Power, and Time to Thrive — and even get a taste of l...

Confused about “how much to gain,” what to eat, or why your toddler suddenly hates veggies? Nutrition scientist Dr. Beth Widen shares clear, evidence-backed advice for pregnancy, postpartum, and picky eating. ** Key Takeaways ** Dr. Widen's research focuses on maternal diet and its impact on child development. Personal experiences can drive professional interests in nutrition science. Pregnanc...

Getting kids to actually try new foods can feel like an Olympic sport. In this solo episode, TWP host Kiyah Duffey shares playful, practical ways to turn “No thanks!” into “Okay, I’ll try it.” From the magic of repeated exposure to the power of sauces and dips, she shows parents how to make tasting fun, pressure-free, and—believe it or not—something kids might look forward to. Maybe. ** Free Resou...

In this solo episode of The Weekly Parent, Dr. Kiyah Duffey unpacks why food variety matters for kids’ long-term health and how parents can actually make it happen without stress. From the daily struggle of picky eating to the subtle ways our own habits shape what kids are willing to try, Kiyah shares simple, practical strategies to expand your child’s palate. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas for...

Co-parenting isn’t easy — and no two parents bring the same history, habits, or instincts to the table. In this episode, Kiyah talks with Dr. Emily Racic about why parenting styles often clash, how family of origin shapes our responses, and what it really takes to parent as a team. From building emotional awareness to modeling healthy conflict resolution for kids, we unpack practical strategies an...

What if creativity wasn’t about perfection, but about making the thing, a thing —today? Dr. Kiyah Duffey and middle school art teacher (and damn good artist!) Simon Adams dig into Big-C vs little-c creativity, showing how practice, constraints, and the “magical yet” turn “I can’t” into “I can’t… yet.” They tackle fear of failure (especially in middle schoolers), share how to praise specifics inste...

What happens when science meets the messy reality of food, cravings, and parenting? In this episode, Dr. Kiyah sits down with Emily Brown, MS, RDN and certified Intuitive Eating Coach, to dive into intuitive and mindful eating: what they mean, why they matter, and how they collide with everything from childhood snacks to adolescent body image. With honesty and humor, Emily shares how curiosity (no...

In this solo episode, Dr. Kiyah unpacks the surprising ways your parenting style might be messing with your kid’s eating habits. Because, it’s not just about what’s on their plate that matters for creating life-long healthier eaters ... it’s about the tone you set, the rules you make (or don’t), and the baggage you bring from your own food past. Are you ready? ** Resources Mentioned ** Learn more...

In this episode, Kiyah speaks with Robin Fivush, a professor emeritus of psychology, about the significance of family stories in shaping identity, memory, and emotional well-being. They explore how storytelling plays a crucial role in the development of adolescents, the importance of validating emotions, and the impact of intergenerational narratives. The discussion also touches on the challenges...

In this week’s episode of  The Weekly Parent , Kiyah digs into the power of words at the dinner table. From turning “I don’t like this” into real feedback, to showing how naming emotions reshapes memories and builds resilience, this episode is all about why mealtime talk matters. ** Free Resources ** 📥 Descriptive Terms for Mealtime: https://bit.ly/mealtime-terms 🥦 Guide to Picky Eating: https:/...

In this episode, Kiyah discusses the implications of food promotions on consumer behavior and public health, particularly in light of Scotland's decision to ban price promotions on unhealthy foods. ** Let's Connect! ** 📩 Read the Weekly Parent Newsletter 📩 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent 📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram ** About** Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Ch...

In this solo episode, Kiyah gets real about the five mealtime expectations she holds for her kids—not about what they eat, but how they show up at the table. From chewing with mouths closed (her #1 pet peeve!) to clearing the table when dinner’s done, she breaks down the small habits that teach big lessons in respect, responsibility, and being part of a family. It’s part rant, part reflection, and...

In this episode, Kiyah talks with Zac Garthe — patent attorney, tech founder, and deeply engaged dad — about what it really takes to build a business while raising a family. They get into the messy truth behind fundraising, the pressure of investor expectations, and the power of surrounding yourself with the right team. The conversation also opens up into a thoughtful discussion about legacy, self...

In this episode Erin Walsh, parenting expert and author of It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence, joins Dr. Kiyah Duffey for a candid conversation about raising teens in today’s tech-saturated world. Together, they dig into the science of adolescent development, the importance of healthy risk-taking, and why curiosity (not control) is your best tool as a parent. From scr...

In this episode we dive (deep) into the complexities of aging, finding our purpose (in our late 40s), and questioning our legacies. Shit gets real, fast. Consider yourself warned. ** Connect & Follow ** Learn More About ⁠Amanda⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Grab her book, ⁠The Chameleon Diaries⁠ Subscribe to the ⁠⁠Weekly Parent Newsletter⁠⁠ Follow Dr. Kiyah on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ , or ⁠⁠at her website⁠ ** Chap...

This week, I’m talking with Nicole Runyon, a psychotherapist, parent coach, parent, and author of  Free to Fly . We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from how parenting has shifted in the digital age to what it means to build resilience - real resilience - foster independence, and support kids’ mental health, not just protect it. We talk about body image, food choices, and how to help ou...

** Summary ** In this solo episode, Dr. Kiyah Duffey discusses the concept of baby-led weaning, exploring its benefits and challenges. She emphasizes the importance of allowing children to control their eating, continually introducing a variety of textures and flavors, and the significance of family meals. She also addresses potential nutritional gaps and the need for flexibility in feeding practi...

In this episode, Michelle Swaney, founder and CEO of The Potty School and author of The Complete Guide to Potty Training. Michelle discusses the complexities and stresses of potty training. She explores the role of cultural influences, the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and the need for education and planning in the potty training process. Michelle emphasizes the significance of...

Stop giving-in to your kids' requests (demands?) for "something else" for dinner. In this solo episode of the Weekly Parent Podcast, Dr. Kiyah Duffey discusses the challenges parents face during meal times, particularly with picky eaters. ** Resources Mentioned ** Learn more about The Division of Responsibility Subscribe to the Weekly Parent Newsletter Read The Weekly Parent Read Dr....

In this solo episode, Dr. Kiyah Duffey explores the changing landscape of breakfast cereals, highlighting a recent study that reveals a decline in nutritional quality over the years. She discusses the implications of these changes for children's health and offers practical advice for making informed choices in the cereal aisle. ** Free Resources ** 🥦 ⁠Guide to Picky Eating⁠ ✅ ⁠Meal Planning...

Welcome to The Weekly Parent —a podcast for parents who Google everything, overthink most things, and occasionally spiral wondering if they’re totally screwing it all up. I’m your host Dr. Kiyah Duffey, Former perfectionist, and current entrepreneur, nutrition expert, and mom of 3. I’m not here to hand out gold stars or add one more item to your to-do list. I’m here to ask questions, gather advice...