Feeding The Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teens Into Adulthood

Kenneth Wilgus, Cynthia Yanof
  • 4.8 (797)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

A weekly podcast on parenting teens and launching them into the world. Hosted by Cynthia Yanof with Dr. Ken Wilgus, author of the book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You."

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 264: Should Teens Share a Room?

    Does your teenager really need their own room? This week, Dr. Ken and Cynthia tackle a question that stirs up plenty of parent guilt: are we hurting our kids if they have to share a bedroom? Dr. Ken explains that while, in a perfect world, giving a teenager their own room can be a helpful way to communicate growing independence, it's far from a requirement for raising healthy, well-adjusted kids. They discuss the surprising benefits of sharing a room, why parents shouldn't feel guilty if space is limited, and how to continue giving teens more freedom and responsibility—even when they're sharing with a sibling. You'll also hear practical advice for handling conflicts over messes, sleep schedules, and personal space, why older siblings should be held to a higher standard without becoming a second parent, and when it's time for boys and girls to have separate rooms. It's a practical, encouraging conversation that will help parents focus less on square footage and more on preparing their teens for adulthood. 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/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  2. Aug 11

    Episode 263: Picky Eaters: What Now?

    Have kids always been picky eaters...or have we accidentally helped create them? This week, Dr. Ken and Cynthia talk about the fascinating book Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History and what it says about why so many kids today struggle with food. But don't worry—this isn't an episode about feeling guilty over what happened when they were little. It's about what to do if your teen or young adult is still a picky eater. You'll hear why it's time to stop being the family short-order cook, how getting teens involved in shopping and cooking changes the conversation, and why, as they get older, their eating habits become their responsibility—not yours. They also talk about food sensitivities, "clean eating," medications that affect appetite, and how to help your teen prepare for real life without turning every meal into a battle. It's an encouraging conversation that just might take a little pressure off parents around the dinner table. 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/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. Aug 4

    Episode 262: Back to School: What if they hate it?

    Does your teen have to like school? This week, Dr. Ken and Cynthia tackle a challenge lots of parents face this time of year: "I hate school!" They discuss when it's just normal back-to-school complaining...and when it's something parents should pay closer attention to. You'll also hear why parents shouldn't rush in to fix every school problem, how to help teens take ownership instead of expecting mom and dad to solve it, and why changing schools isn't always the fresh start we think it will be. Plus, Cynthia shares the infamous (and traumatizing) story of her "1985" sweatshirt—and why she's still talking about it decades later. It's a practical, encouraging, and funny conversation that will help you head into the school year with a little more perspective. 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/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 261: Best of July - Defiant or Dysregulated?

    This July we are doing re-releases of our favorite episodes! Episode 222: Defiant or Dysregulated? This week on Feeding the Mouth That Bites You, Dr. Ken unpacks a word every parent has heard lately—dysregulation—and what it really looks like in teenagers. Spoiler: it’s not always as clinical or mysterious as it sounds. Sometimes it’s just what we used to call “spiraling” or “losing it.”   We talk about how to tell the difference between a teen who’s simply being disrespectful and one who’s truly overwhelmed by emotion, and why calling everything “dysregulation” can actually make parenting harder. Dr. Ken breaks down what’s happening when your teen crosses that line from moody to out-of-control, why they can usually hold it together outside the home, and what to do when they can’t.   We also get real about what happens when we join the chaos. If you’ve ever found yourself matching your teen’s energy (or volume), this conversation will give you a few tools—and probably a laugh—to help you step back and respond differently. It’s a practical, hope-filled episode for every parent navigating big emotions, slammed doors, and late-night drama. 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/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. Jul 21

    Episode 260: Best of July - Does My Teen Really Need Counseling?

    This July we are doing re-releases of our favorite episodes! Episode 234: Does My Teen Really Need Counseling? This week’s episode was important enough to re-record: when (and if) you should push your teen to go to therapy. Cynthia and Dr. Ken unpack what therapy actually is, why forcing a resistant teen rarely works, and the surprising ways counseling can sometimes do more harm than good. Dr. Ken explains how to recognize when therapy becomes necessary, why parent coaching often helps more than sending a reluctant teenager, and what to consider when choosing a counselor—including privacy boundaries, insurance realities, and whether your teen truly needs a Christian therapist. They also address one of parents’ biggest fears: what to do when you’re worried about your child’s safety. With a practical, steady framework, Dr. Ken walks through how to assess real risk versus normal emotional overwhelm and how to respond without panic. Today’s show is for anyone wondering whether counseling is the right next step.  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/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. Jul 14

    Episode 259: Best of July - When Spouses Disagree on Planned Emancipation

    This July we are doing re-releases of our favorite episodes! Episode 221: When Spouses Disagree on Planned Emancipation This week Dr. Ken and Cynthia discuss a challenge almost every parent faces—what to do when you and your spouse don’t see eye-to-eye on planned emancipation. From different approaches to devices and curfews, it’s not always easy to stay on the same page while raising young adults. We discuss why keeping your marriage first changes the conversation, how to navigate disagreements without turning them into power struggles, and what it looks like to support each other even when you don’t fully agree. We also touch on blended families and shared custody, and why it’s never too late to start giving teens the message that they’re growing into adulthood. It’s a practical, hope-filled conversation with plenty of humor (including a surprise iPad cameo from Cynthia’s youngest) and the kind of perspective every parent needs when the plan and the parenting don’t always match up. 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/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. Jul 7

    Episode 258: Best of July - You're Only Human Part 2 with Dr. Kelly Kapic

    This July we are doing re-releases of our favorite episodes! Episode 144: "You're Only Human" Part 2 Dr. Ken Interviews Dr. Kelly Kapic Today we finish our great interview with Dr. Kelly Kapic, professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. His book, "You're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's Design and Why That's Good News" is a breath of fresh air for Christian parents who constantly struggle with their own limitations as parents. In this second part, Kelly talks about how personal limitations reflects the human need for support from others. Should we be careful about "co-dependency" and other toxic relationships? What does humility really mean from a Christian perspective? This is part two of two episodes. You can find Kelly's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Only-Human-Limits-Reflect/dp/1587435101 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/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. Jun 30

    Episode 257: Best of July - You're Only Human with Dr. Kelly Kapic

    This July we are doing re-releases of our favorite episodes! Episode 143: "You're Only Human" Dr. Ken Interviews Dr. Kelly Kapic Most all parents constantly feel guilty that they're not doing enough for their kids. For Christian parents, does our faith make any difference when we suffer like this? Theology professor Kelly Kapic's most recent book, "You're Only Human" takes on this constant guilt and self-judgment. He reminds us that human limitations are not the same as sin. As a college professor he has seen first hand how so many of our kids are taught to have those same demands on themselves. Kelly is the author of several books including his award-winning, "Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering." He reminds us that our stress isn't a time-management problem, it's a theological problem of knowing who God is and how he wants us to live into the world he created. This is part one of two episodes. You can find Kelly's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Only-Human-Limits-Reflect/dp/1587435101  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/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Amazing Generation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
797 Ratings

About

A weekly podcast on parenting teens and launching them into the world. Hosted by Cynthia Yanof with Dr. Ken Wilgus, author of the book "Feeding The Mouth That Bites You."

Information

  • Creator
    Kenneth Wilgus, Cynthia Yanof
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    264
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Feeding the Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teenagers into Adulthood Copyright © 2024 by Kenneth Wilgus. All rights reserved. Cover and interior illustration of mouth by Ron Kaufmann. Copyright © 2024 by Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Feeding The Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teens Into Adulthood

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