Feeding The Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teens Into Adulthood

Your college kid is back home for the summer... and suddenly you're wondering whether they're still your child, a guest, or a roommate who leaves dishes in the sink. This week, Dr. Ken and Cynthia tackle one of the trickiest parenting transitions: when young adults return home after months of living life on their own. From curfews and chores to tracking apps and family vacations, they discuss why many of the rules that worked in high school don't work anymore.
They also dive into the harder stuff—what happens when your child comes home with different beliefs, different priorities, and a strong desire to spend most of their time somewhere other than your living room. If you've ever felt hurt, frustrated, or completely unsure of your role now that your child is growing up, this conversation will help you navigate the tension between holding on and letting go. Turns out, the very independence you've been working toward all these years feels surprisingly personal when it finally arrives.

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" here
You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here
You can order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here
 
Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com 
Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

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Fake Instagram accounts. Secret relationships. Hidden piercings. Skipped classes. Every parent eventually discovers something their teen didn't tell them—and it raises the question: Is this normal teenage behavior, or is there something deeper going on? In this episode, Dr. Ken and Cynthia discuss why teens become "sneaky" and how to tell the difference between healthy independence and behavior that deserves closer attention.
Together, they tackle everything from Finstas (fake Instagram accounts) and hidden relationships to bad grades, skipping school, tattoos, piercings, and phone privacy. Along the way, Dr. Ken explains why some sneaky behavior is actually a normal part of adolescence, how certain parenting styles can unintentionally encourage secrecy, and what parents should do when they discover something they don't like. If you've ever found yourself wondering whether your teen is hiding something—or simply growing up—this episode offers practical guidance for raising honest kids while helping them become independent adults.

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" here
You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here
You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here
 
Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com 
Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Parents today are raising kids in a world of sports betting apps, online casinos, fantasy leagues, and gambling opportunities that didn't exist a generation ago. In this episode of Feeding the Mouth That Bites You, Dr. Ken and Cynthia discuss the rise of teen gambling, why it's become so much more accessible, and how to know when it's simply part of the culture—or a risk worth paying attention to.
Dr. Ken explains the connection between gambling and the teenage brain, offers practical guidance on sports betting, fantasy football, casinos, and online gambling, and shares the warning signs to watch for in our kids. If you've ever wondered where to draw the line, how to start the conversation, or what behaviors deserve a closer look—today’s show 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" here
You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here
You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here
 
Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com 
Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Anxiety seems to be everywhere these days, which leaves many parents wondering what's normal, what's not, and how much we should be worried about our kids—or ourselves. This week, Cynthia and Dr. Ken have an honest conversation about anxiety, anxious thinking, and why understanding the difference matters.
They discuss how worry can become a cycle we unintentionally reinforce, why overthinking often makes anxiety worse, and how helping teens recognize their thought patterns can be a powerful step toward change. Along the way, they tackle common misconceptions about anxiety, medication, and the temptation to protect our kids from every uncomfortable feeling.
If you've ever wondered whether anxiety is something we're stuck with or something we can learn to manage differently, this episode offers an encouraging perspective. You'll walk away with practical tools for helping teens—and yourself—recognize anxious thinking and respond to it in healthier ways.

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" here
You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here
You can order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here
 
Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com 
Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Summer is almost here, which means more time together—and more opportunities to wonder if your kids can actually hear you. This week, Dr. Ken and Cynthia discuss why parents often feel ignored, why repeating ourselves rarely helps, and how small changes in communication can make a big difference.
From forgotten chores and sibling drama to screens and everyday family frustrations, they explore practical ways to get your message across without turning every conversation into a lecture. Dr. Ken shares why staying calm is often more effective than raising the volume, and how consequences can give your words weight. 
If you've ever wondered how to be heard without repeating yourself seventeen times, this episode is packed with encouragement, humor, and simple strategies you can put to work right away. Just in time for summer.

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" here
You can order Cynthia's book "Life Is Messy, God Is Good" here
You can pre-order Cynthia's book "How'd I Miss That" here
 
Got questions or feedback? We want to hear from you! podcast@feedingthemouth.com 
Music provided by the great John David Kent - https://www.johndavidkent.com/

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy