The Parenting Podcast

The Team addresses some of our listeners' questions. First, we're offering some practical ideas for how to handle evenings so that bedtimes are easier and flow better. Then these seasoned parents address a regularly asked question about what we would go back and change if we could. So listen in and maybe get a dose of encouragement for your day.

​Boredom has gotten a bad rap. In fact, many parents and groups work overtime trying to erase that word from their kids' lives. However, science and the TPP team make a case for why creating a space for boredom in a child's over-structured and entertaining life is not only mentally healthy, it is a power-packed surprising friend that can bring creativity, peace, initiative, and fun to th...

One of the biggest heartaches for parents may be when their children turn their back and reject our deeply held values. How do we deal with that? How can we build bridges instead of walls in the relationship? Listen in on this timely and important conversation by the TPP team as they discuss these issues seeking to bring help but also hope in the midst of these challenges.

Putting feet to what we want to do is often a bit challenging. Join the TPP Team as they hash out some practical applications to Dr. Stevens' “Family Reality” concept. In addition to sharing honestly some of their own families’ struggles, they talk over ideas for how to love others even IF you are walking a different path as a family.

 Cheryl sits down with Dr. Stephens again and this time explores his idea of creating your own Family Reality.  No, he doesn’t recommend thinking you are pink elephants! But instead opens up this family-strengthening mindset and even talks about when we should and shouldn’t say “we.”  Don’t miss Dr. S and his insights and experienced views on parenting. 

Some dads have asked us – “Why do you just say ‘Moms?’ We are parents too and enjoy TPP.” So starting today The Parenting Podcast will begin to do just that – address ALL those in parenting roles and loving kids - and especially dads.  To celebrate, we start with a question from a dad about connecting with his kids as they age. 

 Listen in as the TPP Team reads some questions from our inbox.  Moms write asking for more application and practical ideas of when to do certain things and the use of Birthday Boxes and consequences.  The discussion covers specifics but also the reality of the challenges of parenting and, oh, what makes Ellen want cake! 

 How do you argue well? Conflict is all too easily a part of our relationships even when we love each other. In answer to a mom’s question, the TPP Team steps into the ring and hashes out the difference between a discussion and a fight - How do I keep myself under control? - How do I steer the argument to a good resolution for what is best for my child and myself? It can be complicated but there i...

The TPP Team unwraps thoughts and responses related to Dr. Stephens’ ideas on Birthday Boxes. (Epi 36) So how does this actually fit into real life?  Is my child too young? Too old?  Is this another to-do that is going to make my life harder? Listen in as the Quartet discusses the benefits they see to Boxes and how it is flexible, helpful for our kids at any age, reduces nagging, and makes our job...

TPP is excited to begin a new feature – interviews with amazing people.  In this inaugural episode of Table Guests, pediatrician Dr. Kelly Stephens joins Cheryl in the studio and discusses the idea of Birthday Boxes – not your typical gift but a very helpful tool for parenting our children through the ages and stages of life – Dr. Stephens is great and you are going to enjoy listening and learning...

 Even if you don’t have a toddler, listen in to this conversation - the TPP team starts answering a mom’s question on potty-training and the conversation moves from practical advice and stories to peer pressure and encouragement on how to resist it and decide what’s best for your family – at this time, with this child, with these circumstances.  Oh, and Cheryl throws in some bee-friendly gardening...

Mom Guilt! It is all too often a shadow creeping around many of us. It robs us of our joy. It can derail our hearts in parenting. But, can it also motivate us to become more of what we want to be and to love our children better? Yes! You will want to hear the TPP Team as they not only talk about the real struggles of Mom Guilt but how to recognize False Guilt and how to use Good Guilt as our frien...

 Pulling back the curtain a little – One of the best parts of making TPP episodes is our conversations and processing with each other as friends as we come together to record. This particular session the mics were live but we were just sharing with each other and talking about stress in our own lives and just life struggles.  So listen in on our unplanned conversation.  

Whether it’s the parent, a toddler or an older teen, at times we all struggle with our emotions. The TPP Team unpack some of the struggles of parenting when there are meltdowns and share some of their stories and thoughts for coping with or even preventing outbursts and how to be more emotionally healthy as a family. 

In response to an article by a writer who was confused and fearful by all the negative she heard before her son was born, the TPP Team discusses the false ideals that discouraged them as moms and then shares what is GOOD and true about this amazing calling and actually learning to enjoy our children. 

In this episode the TPP Team deals with a practical subject – teens and clean rooms - and some deeper more personal challenges – mental and emotional health for us moms. But whatever the issue, the end of this episode summarizes one of TPP’s main goals for each of you, our listeners – to bring you hope and help, as well encouragement in your parenting and in your life.

 How do I get my kids to listen without raising my VOICE?  The Recording Team discusses this issue and how to train our kids - but again it looks like the big training is about us, the moms – we need to train ourselves to respond so we are connected to their hearts not just their ears. Be sure to listen in to this conversation. 

It's so hard when people in our lives are critical of us as parents. It's easy to build walls, get angry, or take it personally. The TPP Team identifies with this struggle themselves and breaks it down to some of the deeper issues underneath our reactions and offers insight into some alternative responses.

The clock is always ticking and it's hard to manage schedules and time constraints with your very real life and everything that can happen. So, take some time to listen in as the TPP team shares some perspective and also tips for handling that tyrant of time to maybe help bring some peace to your days and to your heart.

The TPP Team starts by discussing the parenting struggle of interrupting kids then dives in to a deeper conversation on valuing others. Is this healthy self-care or just selfish? The Team talks about their own struggles with being a Martyr Mom or a Parenting Workaholic. Be sure to listen in for some encouragement and maybe some helpful insight.

Just seems like a part of regular life – tattling on siblings – but are there deeper issues underneath?  – even in the mom’s heart? Listen as the TPP Team opens up this subject and shares some of their struggles and some insight on relationships and hearts.

The TPP team dives back in to discuss developing and maintaining friendships as moms. Keeping it relevant, they talk about the struggles and limitations of time and energy bouncing onto the wall of reality for a mom in that important area of friendship.

From pre-school to adulthood friends and friendships are important but can also be a challenge.  In this episode, the team discusses moms’ questions on cliques and being excluded, what a friend is, and how to help our children learn how to be a good friend.

 Sleep issues with our kids aren’t just about newborns.  There can be challenges and bumps throughout our parenting years. The TPP Team chats over concerns such as sleepwalking, bedwetting, and what to do with teens and devices late at night. 

 Everybody enjoys a good night's sleep, but that's just not always the reality for a mom. Listen in as the TPP team shares stories and talks about sleep issues - not just with newborns but throughout all the seasons of parenting.