Parenting Solutions for Teen & Pre-Teen Education & Behavior

Ryan Kimball + Mike Tyler Educators and Teen & Pre-Teen Behavior Improvement Experts
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Parenting Solutions for Teen & Pre-Teen Education & Behavior Podcast, the podcast dedicated to parents searching for root-cause solutions & educational tools to help their teens thrive.  Hosted by holistic health experts and long-time educators Mike Tyler and Ryan Kimball, who bring over 50 years of combined experience saving teens and improving families, this show explores teen anxiety, stress, and behavior challenges through education, nutrition, and behavior-based solutions—not just diet and supplements.  Our mission is to help people by empowering them with the tools and guidance they need to fill in the gaps in their education, cultivate future studies, and enhance their capacity to envision and create their own prosperous future. Each episode delivers practical tools and holistic insights for family wellness, natural parenting, and emotional healing, so you can feel confident supporting your teen. Whether you’re seeking natural remedies for teenage anxiety, holistic approaches to mental health, or root-cause healing strategies, you’ll find answers and encouragement here. This podcast is for parents who believe in natural solutions, family connection, and holistic wellness to help their teens overcome struggles and reclaim joy.  With over 50 years of combined experience helping teens and families, this podcast is for you if you’re asking: What are the best natural remedies for teen anxiety?How can I help my teenager’s mental health without medication?What holistic solutions work for teenage depression and stress?Are there natural ways to reduce teen anxiety and panic attacks?How do nutrition and diet affect teen mental health?What root-cause approaches can help my struggling teen?How can holistic parenting improve teen behavior and mood?Are there herbal remedies that are safe for teen anxiety?What lifestyle changes reduce stress and improve teen mental health?How does the gut-brain connection affect teenage anxiety and depression?What natural approaches improve teen sleep and focus?How can I support my teen’s emotional health naturally at home?What alternatives to therapy and medication help teens with anxiety?How do family wellness practices impact teen mental health?What are the top holistic tips for raising resilient teenagers?

  1. 2D AGO

    19: Rethinking ADHD And Dyslexia Through The Simple Power Of Words

    CLICK HERE to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! A fast-food billboard shouldn’t be a study lesson, but “Welcome to delicious” says a lot about how language really works—and why so many teens feel lost when textbooks, teachers, and everyday speech don’t match. We dig into that gap with Mike, exploring how creative phrasing can be both inspiring and misleading, and we show parents how to turn confusion into confidence without leaning on empty labels. We walk through what changed in modern education: less practice, softer texts, and a quick slide into diagnoses that don’t teach skills. Instead of treating ADHD and dyslexia as endpoints, we focus on building blocks that work in the real world—alphabet fluency forward and backward, common letter blends and their sounds, parts of speech with purpose, and short, daily drills that speed up dictionary use and sharpen comprehension. You’ll hear a surprising moment from an engineer who struggled with the alphabet sequence and what happened when that simple gear finally clicked. Most of all, we make the case that parents are the key. You don’t need a linguistics degree to help your child. Start by proving they can learn—tie shoes, layer a jacket, adjust and retry—and connect those wins to language. Then run a tight routine: look at real examples, learn with trustworthy references, and practice in small, repeatable steps. As skills grow, we add source evaluation so teens can navigate the internet’s noise with a clear head and a stronger voice. We unpack how flexible language—like a billboard that says “Welcome to delicious”—can both inspire and confuse learners, and why labels such as ADHD or dyslexia don’t replace real teaching. We lay out simple tools parents can use to build their child’s confidence through sequence, practice, and purpose. • creative language versus dictionary rules • why labels don’t teach or solve problems • what changed in modern education and curricula • the value of sequence and simple drills • parents becoming effective language guides • everyday wins that prove a child can learn • the look, learn, practice routine • evaluating sources and using dictionaries well If you’re ready to swap labels for tools and turn study time into real progress, this conversation is your map. Subscribe, share with a parent who needs it, and leave a quick review to help more families find practical, judgment-free support. Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! © 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

    24 min

  2. FEB 8

    18: Why Kids Feel Sick Of or From Studying

    CLICK HERE to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! Ever watch a kid wake up queasy on school days but bounce back on weekends? We dig into a counterintuitive truth: sometimes the “sick” feeling isn’t a virus or avoidance—it’s the body’s response to information overload when lessons stack up without any hands-on anchor. Mike and I share why even high-performing students can feel dizzy, nauseous, or headachy while genuinely understanding the material, and how a small shift toward doing can bring quick relief. You’ll hear a memorable geometry story where a student who could define a great circle still arrived with a brutal headache—until a few minutes with clay turned theory into something he could slice, compare, and grasp physically. No pills, no lectures, just a model that linked words to the real world. We map out how this “too much significance, not enough mass” pattern shows up in reading-heavy classes, cram sessions, and well-intentioned homework that forgets movement and manipulation. Then we break down how to spot the difference between confusion and overload so you don’t apply the wrong fix. Expect a practical playbook you can use tonight: targeted questions that reveal whether study is the trigger, quick ways to bring in real objects or stand-ins, simple activities to convert abstract ideas into action, and a mindset that prioritizes “show me” over “explain it again.” From kickball to life skills to math, anchoring concepts in objects, models, and short demos helps the body settle and the learning stick. The result is fewer mystery illnesses, calmer study sessions, and a student who trusts their own understanding because they can see, touch, and do. We connect a surprising dot between school-induced headaches and the imbalance of too much theory with too little hands-on learning. Practical steps show how simple physical activities can dissolve stress, nausea, and resistance while making study stick. • why information overload without action triggers real physical symptoms • how a geometry concept and clay modeling erased a splitting headache • the difference between confusion and overload and why it matters • simple home remedies that anchor ideas in objects and movement • when to use dictionaries versus when to use hands-on fixes • a parent’s playbook for spotting study-related illness and responding fast • the mindset shift from explaining more to doing first If this resonates, share the episode with a parent who needs a gentler, smarter path through school stress.  Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! © 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

    23 min

  3. FEB 1

    17: How Small Learning Gaps Can Boil Over Into Tantrums & Trouble

    Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! Ever wondered why a calm afternoon can explode into a full-blown tantrum? We pull back the curtain on what’s really driving those blowups and show how small, fixable issues—skipped steps, unclear words, and mismatched levels—can snowball into big emotions. Through Nicole’s journey, you’ll hear how moving a child up too quickly in swim class and limiting her to a tiny book selection at the YMCA quietly fueled daily frustration. Once we reset the level, expanded her reading choices, and cleared up a few deceptively simple words, the outbursts faded and motivation returned. We walk through a practical, parent-first approach: identify “skipped gradients,” bring activities back to a zone of competence, and treat vocabulary as a core part of behavior support. That quick “collage vs. college” mix-up? It’s a perfect example of how language gaps erode confidence. We use a visual staircase to make learning tangible, then teach kids to notice confusion early and ask for help. Add short memory and focus drills that anchor wins, and you’ll see behavior shift because success becomes routine again. This conversation is about turning chaos into traction without labels or blame. You’ll leave with simple questions to ask after school, ways to rebuild mastery one step at a time, and a sanity-saving rule of thumb: when behavior heats up, go earlier, make it easier, and make it fun. Parents are the first educators, and small moves—right level, right words, right wins—can change a child’s trajectory. If learning isn’t fun, something specific is off, and we show you how to find it and fix it fast. We trace tantrums back to skipped steps and unclear words, then rebuild momentum with practical fixes that restore fun to learning. Nicole’s story shows how adjusting levels, clarifying language, and adding choice can turn meltdowns into motivation. • Why “skipped gradients” create stress and blowups • Adjusting levels in activities to rebuild mastery • Expanding book choice to match a voracious reader • Clearing misunderstood words to restore attention • Teaching kids to spot confusion and ask for help • Simple memory tools to shift focus toward wins • Parents as first educators with practical steps • The rule of thumb: when in doubt, go earlier • The north star: learning should feel fun Subscribe for more real-world tools, share this with a friend who needs a lifeline, and email us your questions at learn@thecompetenceinstitute.org. Your next calm evening might start with one step back. Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! © 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

    25 min

  4. JAN 18

    16: Solve Dyslexia With Simple Educational Steps

    Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! What if dyslexia isn’t a life sentence but a familiarity gap you can close with a simple plan? We dig into the practical side of helping kids and teens read with confidence by focusing on what actually trips them up: a small set of letter-sound patterns and the sequence they learn them in. With 26 letters and a finite group of common letter combinations, reading becomes less of a mystery and more of a map you can follow at home. We start by flipping the script on labels and overwhelm. Instead of chasing diagnostics, we show you how to back up to text your child can read smoothly, bank quick wins, and then move forward one sound pattern at a time. Along the way, we share the Look, Learn, Practice formula that ties everything together: inspect what’s on the page, learn the precise sound and meaning, and practice out loud until accuracy turns into ease. Reading aloud, short daily reps, and clear feedback help wire sight to sound and meaning. Hands-on tools matter, too. We explain how to use Play-Doh, tiles, or blocks to turn abstract letters into tangible chunks kids can build, swap, and blend. That tactile step slows the moment so the individual can notice what changes and why. As decoding gets easier, comprehension rises, attention frees up, and motivation grows. We talk about agency—how kids shift from being taught to choosing what to learn—and why letting them chase interests like sports or music turns reading into a habit rather than a hurdle. If you’re a busy parent, you’ll leave with a weekend-by-weekend plan: validate what’s known, target one or two new letter combos, mix in read-aloud practice, and end with an easy win. Over time, small steps compound into fluent, confident reading and stronger study skills. Ready to turn mystery into method and help your child love books again? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review to help more families find these tools. Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! © 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

    18 min

  5. JAN 11

    15: Why Misbehavior Often Starts With Misunderstanding

    Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! If school feels like a daily battlefield at home, there’s a deeper cause most families miss: confusion masquerading as misbehavior. We pull apart how unclear words, shaky reading skills, and assumed “basics” create stress that kids eventually fight—by checking out, acting up, or hiding behind test tricks that raise grades but kill understanding. We start by mapping the hidden influences beyond home—teachers, peers, curriculum—and show how a simple gap in meaning can snowball into teasing, skipping class, or vandalism. Then we zoom in on the turning point: the moment memorization becomes a false fix. That short-term boost can look like success, but it cements a fragile identity built on recall, not comprehension. Along the way, we tie abstract subjects to real life: geometry as earth-measuring and property lines, algebra as a language of unknowns that shows up in projects, budgets, and repairs. When students see the “why,” motivation stops being forced and starts being chosen. From there, we offer a clear path forward for parents. First, make it safe to talk. Ask what happened and what else without turning honesty into instant punishment. With the air cleared, stop chasing last week’s grade and back up to fundamentals—especially reading, vocabulary, and the habit of defining terms. Then rebuild competence through small, visible wins: setting the table to a standard, following a recipe, fixing something simple, or looking up a word and teaching it back. Link each academic concept to the child’s interests so learning connects to life. Pride grows from results, not rules, and behavior follows pride. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with one question you want us to tackle next. Your feedback helps more families turn confusion into clarity and bring curiosity back to learning. Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! © 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

    23 min

  6. JAN 4

    14: Education Breakthrough: Unlock Better Learning At Home

    Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! Ever feel like homework wars and school stress are symptoms, not the cause? We pull back the curtain on why family tension and unspoken issues quietly sabotage learning, then show how a simple practice—clearing the air—restores trust, focus, and momentum. Not with lectures or guilt, but with practical tools, safer conversations, and a shared set of principles the whole family can use. To make this real, we share free resources: The Way to Happiness, a common-sense guide for parents, and How to Make Good Choices, a kids’ version written for accessible reading levels. Use them to spark your first family reset: review simple principles together, name where things went off track, agree on repairs, and design small wins that rebuild confidence. We also preview upcoming deep dives on the anatomy of learning—how to spot confusion early, convert it into competence, and help kids discover genuine interest through doing. We share how honest, targeted conversations at home remove the hidden friction behind school struggles and behavior. A simple framework, plus free parent and kids booklets, helps families create fresh starts without shame and build momentum toward real learning. • why clearing the air unlocks progress at home • confusion as the driver of misbehavior and school issues • how to make honesty safe without harsh penalty • using The Way to Happiness as a shared guide • kids’ booklet for simple, age-appropriate choices • when to disclose and who actually needs to know • building confidence through small wins and mastery • what we’ll cover next on learning and motivation Get a download or request free physical copies of The Way to Happiness and How to Make Good Choices using the link in our show notes. We’ll send enough for the whole family at no cost, postage included. Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! © 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

    24 min

  7. 12/28/2025

    13: Bullying: Root Cause Learning Strategies Stop, Defuse & Eliminate

    Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! Bullying doesn’t start on the playground; it often starts where learning breaks down. We take you inside the root causes that push teens and preteens into the bullying game, then show how mastery, purpose, and true engagement pull them out—for good. Drawing on personal stories and practical tools, we map a path parents can use to make their kids “bulletproof” by restoring control over study, connecting lessons to real goals, and clearing confusion that hides beneath decent grades. You’ll hear how partial understanding compounds into frustration and acting out, why a B can still mean 15 percent confusion, and how a simple shift to 100 percent mastery changes peer dynamics fast. We share the small consultations that spark purpose—questions that help a teen link reading, math, or science to independence and future work—and the exact moves to back up to fundamentals without shame. From misunderstood words and symbols to pacing and self-direction, we break down how to rebuild confidence step by step so progress becomes more rewarding than drama. We also tackle the tough moments. Safety comes first: separate parties and remove threats. But the durable fix lives in study control, interpersonal skills, and a “defensive learning” mindset that keeps attention steady even when peers are unpredictable. Whether your child is being targeted or doing the targeting, the core repair is the same: restore purpose, master the basics, and give them the steering wheel. By the end, you’ll have a daily routine for visible wins, language to coach calm boundaries, and a lens that sees bullying as a replaceable game—not a life sentence. We unpack how confusion and low engagement in school feed both sides of bullying, and how mastery-based learning restores purpose, confidence, and control. Practical steps show parents how to make teens “bulletproof” by linking study to personal goals and clearing gaps. • why partial understanding fuels bullying dynamics • engagement and purpose as the strongest antidotes • backing up to fundamentals to rebuild mastery • defining a real student as self-directed and in control • using manners and interpersonal skills to steady social storms • safety first, then address root educational causes • one approach that works for both bullies and victims • a daily cycle for visible wins and lasting confidence Feel free to reach out to us anytime. We love to get feedback of people taking action with these simple but very powerful and well-researched tools. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a parent who needs it, an Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! © 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

    23 min

  8. 02/01/2025

    12: Unlocking Creativity Through Music and Lifelong Learning

    Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! Join us for an enriching conversation with Danny from Danny Tyrell Studios, a musician who has journeyed through Detroit's iconic music scene. From playing his first gig at just 14 to opening for Motown legends like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, Danny brings a wealth of experience and nostalgia from an era that shaped modern music. As we talk about the vibrant live music culture of Detroit, Danny shares how being surrounded by talented peers nurtured his growth and creativity in a thriving industry. We also explore the significance of effective study techniques and how these can be applied across various fields. Drawing from personal experiences in education and corporate training, we emphasize the role of structured learning processes in personal growth and leadership development. Discover how these principles have been successfully applied in substance abuse rehabilitation and innovative music programs, enriching communication and learning experiences through the integration of Native American traditions. Finally, we celebrate the power of community collaboration and lifelong learning. Hear inspiring stories of homeschoolers and rehab patients joining forces on practical projects, leading to positive societal reintegration. Our episode concludes with a compelling account of how study technology turned unused song ideas into award-winning compositions during the pandemic, illustrating the profound impact of following one's passions and adapting to change. With insights from our guest, Dan, we highlight how these learning approaches have been crucial in achieving life goals and fostering personal growth. To contact Danny, email him here: Dannythemanzz1@gmail.com. Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets! © 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Parenting Solutions for Teen & Pre-Teen Education & Behavior Podcast, the podcast dedicated to parents searching for root-cause solutions & educational tools to help their teens thrive.  Hosted by holistic health experts and long-time educators Mike Tyler and Ryan Kimball, who bring over 50 years of combined experience saving teens and improving families, this show explores teen anxiety, stress, and behavior challenges through education, nutrition, and behavior-based solutions—not just diet and supplements.  Our mission is to help people by empowering them with the tools and guidance they need to fill in the gaps in their education, cultivate future studies, and enhance their capacity to envision and create their own prosperous future. Each episode delivers practical tools and holistic insights for family wellness, natural parenting, and emotional healing, so you can feel confident supporting your teen. Whether you’re seeking natural remedies for teenage anxiety, holistic approaches to mental health, or root-cause healing strategies, you’ll find answers and encouragement here. This podcast is for parents who believe in natural solutions, family connection, and holistic wellness to help their teens overcome struggles and reclaim joy.  With over 50 years of combined experience helping teens and families, this podcast is for you if you’re asking: What are the best natural remedies for teen anxiety?How can I help my teenager’s mental health without medication?What holistic solutions work for teenage depression and stress?Are there natural ways to reduce teen anxiety and panic attacks?How do nutrition and diet affect teen mental health?What root-cause approaches can help my struggling teen?How can holistic parenting improve teen behavior and mood?Are there herbal remedies that are safe for teen anxiety?What lifestyle changes reduce stress and improve teen mental health?How does the gut-brain connection affect teenage anxiety and depression?What natural approaches improve teen sleep and focus?How can I support my teen’s emotional health naturally at home?What alternatives to therapy and medication help teens with anxiety?How do family wellness practices impact teen mental health?What are the top holistic tips for raising resilient teenagers?

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