The Whole Parent Podcast

Jon Fogel - WholeParent
  • 5.0 (314)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to 'The Whole Parent Podcast,' where we dive deep into evidence-based parenting strategies, blending cutting-edge psychology with real-world experience. Each episode offers insightful discussions, expert interviews, and practical tips to empower you and your family through the joys and challenges of raising children. Join us as we explore not just the highs of parenting, but navigate the complexities and embrace the journey together.

  1. 5d ago

    The Thing MORE important than Emotional Regulation with Dr Ross Greene #92

    In this conversation with Dr. Ross Greene, we unpack why so many kids struggle with frustration, big emotions, and power struggles… and why the usual parenting advice often makes things worse. If you’ve ever wondered why your child explodes over small things, refuses to cooperate, or seems overwhelmed by everyday expectations, this episode will completely shift how you see challenging behavior. We talk about toddler tantrums, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, ADHD, anxiety, school stress, collaborative problem solving, and why kids do well if they can—not when we punish them hard enough. This is a practical, research-backed conversation for exhausted parents who want fewer meltdowns, less yelling, and a calmer way to parent through hard moments. What You’ll Learn: Why emotional regulation is not the first skill kids needWhat toddler meltdowns and explosive behavior are actually communicatingHow to reduce power struggles without becoming permissiveWhy punishment and consequences often fail with “challenging” kidsA simple mindset shift that helps parents stay calmer during difficult behaviorThis conversation is grounded in developmental psychology, neuroscience, and decades of real clinical experience working with kids who struggle with frustration, flexibility, and emotional overwhelm. The goal isn’t to control behavior—it’s to understand what’s beneath it so parents can respond more effectively and raise emotionally healthy, resilient kids. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself every time your child melts down, refuses to listen, or spirals emotionally, this channel is here to help parenting feel clearer, calmer, and more doable in real life. Check out Dr. Ross Greene's Book: The Kids Who Aren't OK Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings FreeFollow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

    43 min

  2. May 26

    The REAL thing leading to mental disorders in kids and teens (not technology) with Dr. Peter Gray #91

    In this conversation with Dr. Peter Gray, we unpack what may actually be driving the mental health crisis in kids—and why so many parents still feel overwhelmed trying to help. If you’ve ever wondered whether technology is really the problem, why your child seems more stressed than you remember being as a kid, or how modern parenting and schooling may be affecting emotional regulation, independence, and resilience… this episode will challenge a lot of assumptions in the best way. We talk about toddler and preschool behavior, autonomy, anxiety, school stress, emotional health, and what kids actually need to thrive. What You’ll Learn: • Why many researchers don’t believe screens are the main cause of rising anxiety in kids • The hidden ways stress, pressure, and over-structured childhoods affect behavior • Why autonomy, free play, and independence matter for emotional regulation • What overwhelmed parents can do to reduce power struggles and raise more resilient kids • How to think critically about parenting trends without fear or guilt This channel is built around practical, evidence-based parenting that helps you understand what’s happening underneath your child’s behavior—not just react to it in the moment. Every episode is designed to help you stay calmer, feel more confident, and make parenting feel a little less overwhelming. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself during tantrums, meltdowns, bedtime battles, or emotional outbursts, subscribe and follow along. The goal here isn’t perfect parenting—it’s helping you understand your child well enough that hard moments start feeling easier to navigate. 📚 Check out Peter Gray's book “Restoring Childhood”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784213/restoring-childhood-by-peter-gray/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings FreeFollow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

    40 min

  3. May 19

    Is it HARMFUL to Ask Older Siblings to Help? #90

    A viral clip says that telling your older child to “help your sister” damages both kids. I get why that message spreads fast, especially if you grew up as the oldest and felt like too much landed on your shoulders. But developmental psychology is more nuanced than a scroll-stopping soundbite, and mixing up parentification with age-appropriate help can leave parents stuck and anxious about every request they make. I break down what the research actually supports: yes, it can be unhealthy when an older child feels like the parent, carries ongoing responsibility, or becomes the default caregiver. That’s real, and it matters. But it’s also true that families thrive on cooperation, and small, bounded responsibilities can build autonomy, confidence, and trust. We talk about the difference between equality and equity, why “everyone gets the same” often fails in real homes with real ages and stages, and how to give kids what they need without trying to force a perfectly balanced scoreboard. You’ll hear practical ways to frame sibling teamwork, assign roles that fit each child’s capacity, and avoid resentment by keeping parents in charge while still letting kids contribute. If you want less sibling conflict and more cooperation, this conversation gives you a clear line between healthy helping and too much. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings FreeFollow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

    33 min

  4. May 12

    MOTHER'S DAY Shenanigans with Emily Vondy #89

    Toddler parenting feels hardest when your child won’t listen, melts down over everything, or you’re running on empty trying to stay calm through the chaos. In this Mother’s Day conversation with Emily Vondy, we talk honestly about what parenting little kids actually feels like—and why so many overwhelmed parents feel both exhausted and deeply grateful at the same time. From toddler tantrums and emotional overwhelm to screen time, mom guilt, nap traps, and the hilarious reality of raising little kids, this episode is full of relatable moments and grounded parenting wisdom. If you’ve ever hidden snacks from your kids, questioned every parenting decision at 2 a.m., or wondered if you’re “doing enough,” this conversation will make you feel a little less alone—and a little more confident in the season you’re in. What You’ll Learn: • Why connection matters more than perfect parenting • How to stay grounded when parenting feels nonstop and overstimulating • The hidden pressure modern parents feel from social media and comparison • Why “enjoying your kids” can feel harder than it sounds—and how to reconnect • Practical mindset shifts that reduce guilt, power struggles, and overwhelm This channel is built around evidence-based parenting, emotional regulation, child development, and the real-life challenges of raising toddlers and preschoolers. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s helping parents understand behavior, stay calmer during hard moments, and build stronger relationships with their kids in ways that actually work in everyday life. If parenting has been feeling loud, exhausting, or like you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, subscribe here so you have practical, research-backed support that helps daily life feel lighter, calmer, and more manageable—especially in the moments nobody prepares you for. Check out Emily Vondy's Book: Nap Trapped! Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings FreeFollow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

    1h 4m

  5. May 5

    The Thing Hijacking Your Kid's Brain With Michaeleen Doucleff #88

    If your toddler refuses to listen, has big meltdowns after screens, or seems obsessed with “just one more,” this video will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the behavior. We break down how dopamine drives your child’s need for more—not because they love it, but because their brain is being pulled into a loop. You’ll learn how this affects emotional regulation, why transitions feel so explosive, and what to do instead of constant limiting, negotiating, or power struggles. What You’ll Learn:  Why your child’s brain treats screens and snacks like a “need,” not just a want  What’s actually happening during tantrums when you turn something off  The difference between real enjoyment vs. dopamine-driven “wanting”  Why limiting alone often backfires—and what works better  Simple, realistic ways to reduce meltdowns and shift habits quickly This approach is grounded in modern neuroscience and behavioral psychology—but translated into real-life parenting. The goal isn’t perfection or eliminating screens entirely. It’s helping you stay calm, reduce daily friction, and guide your child toward things that actually leave them feeling good (not just wanting more). If you’re tired of second-guessing your decisions or dreading the next meltdown, this channel is here to make those hard moments feel more manageable—and a lot less confusing. Michaeleen Doucleff's book: Dopamine Kids Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings FreeFollow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

    46 min

  6. Apr 28

    Why Smart Kids Shut Down In School #87

    Homeschool vs traditional school: a former principal explains what helps kids learn (and what gets in the way). If your child is melting down after school, refusing to listen, or suddenly “shutting down” around learning, this conversation will likely hit close to home. We unpack what’s really happening beneath behaviors like school resistance, emotional outbursts, and loss of motivation—and how factors like environment, pacing, and lack of autonomy can quietly overwhelm kids. Whether you’re considering homeschooling or staying in the system, this episode gives you a clearer, research-informed lens on how kids actually learn and what they need to feel safe, engaged, and regulated. What You’ll Learn:  Why kids often fall apart after school (and what it says about their nervous system)  What “learning” is supposed to feel like for toddlers and young kids  How traditional classrooms can unintentionally block curiosity and independence  Simple ways to advocate for your child inside the school system  How to trust your child’s pace without constant fear of them “falling behind” This episode is grounded in developmental psychology and real classroom experience—from a former teacher and principal who saw firsthand how the system works (and where it breaks down). The goal isn’t to tell you what choice to make—it’s to help you understand your child more clearly, reduce daily power struggles, and respond in ways that actually support long-term learning and emotional health. If you’ve ever second-guessed your parenting when your child resists school, or wondered if things could feel easier and more aligned, consider staying connected here. The more you understand what’s driving your child’s behavior, the more confident and calm you’ll feel in those hard, everyday moments. Check out Mandy Davis' book: The Homeschool Bible: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners to Curriculum, Lesson Planning, State Laws, and Daily Schedules Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings FreeFollow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

    44 min

  7. Apr 21

    Do Schools Kill Curiosity? #86

    Why some kids stop asking questions (and what to do at home to protect their curiosity). If your child seems disengaged, says “I’m not good at this,” or melts down over learning, it’s easy to assume it’s about attention, behavior, or motivation. But often, what looks like defiance or lack of focus is actually a loss of curiosity. In this video, we break down what’s happening in your child’s brain when learning becomes about performance instead of exploration—and how that shift can lead to resistance, overwhelm, and disconnection from learning itself. What You’ll Learn:  Why toddlers and preschoolers are naturally wired to learn—and what disrupts that  The hidden impact of rewards, praise, and “getting the right answer”  How to respond when your child says “I can’t” or “I’m bad at this”  Simple ways to rebuild curiosity and intrinsic motivation at home  How to reduce power struggles around learning, homework, or skill-building This approach is grounded in developmental psychology and neuroscience, but translated into real-life parenting. No scripts, no quick fixes—just a clear understanding of how kids actually learn, and how to support that without shutting it down. The goal isn’t to make your child perform better—it’s to help them stay connected to their natural drive to explore, think, and figure things out. If you’re tired of second-guessing how to handle resistance, meltdowns, or “not listening,” this channel will help you respond with more clarity and confidence—especially in those everyday moments that feel the hardest. Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings FreeFollow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

    39 min

  8. Apr 16

    How To Deal With Your %&#$ So Your Kids Don't Have To #85

    If you feel overwhelmed, snap more than you want to, or keep repeating parenting patterns you swore you’d break… this will explain why (and what to do instead). Most parenting advice focuses on what to do when your toddler refuses to listen, has meltdowns, or pushes every limit. But what if the real challenge isn’t just their behavior, it’s what gets activated in you? In this conversation, we unpack why parenting can feel so triggering, how your own emotional patterns show up in daily moments, and how learning to regulate yourself can dramatically reduce power struggles, overwhelm, and reactivity. What You’ll Learn:  Why toddler behavior feels so triggering (and what’s actually happening in your brain and body)  How to stop repeating reactive parenting patterns, even if they’re deeply ingrained  A practical way to handle emotions like anger, anxiety, or feeling rejected by your child  What “emotional regulation” actually looks like in real-life parenting moments  How to become the calm, steady parent your child can rely on, without being perfect This approach is grounded in developmental psychology and attachment science, but translated into something you can actually use on a hard day. It’s not about fixing your child, it’s about understanding yourself well enough to respond differently, even when things feel intense. If you’re tired of second-guessing your reactions or feeling like you’re “messing it up,” this is where things start to get easier. Subscribe so you have clear, grounded guidance to come back to in those moments when parenting feels the hardest, and you want to handle it differently. Check out Eli Harwood's book: How To Deal With Your ____ So Your Kids Don't Have To: An Encyclopedia For Ditching Your Emotional Baggage Send us Fan Mail Support the show If parenting has felt hard lately… you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside The Parent Lab, I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on underneath your child’s behavior — and give you simple, in-the-moment tools that actually work in real life. You’ll get access to my full course library, live coaching calls with me, practical workshops, and our 21-Day Sibling Challenge designed to help reduce the fighting and build better relationships between your kids. If you want support, tools, and a clear plan instead of just guessing your way through parenting… come join us inside The Parent Lab. CLICK HERE to Try the Parent Lab Today Other Links to help you and me: Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings FreeFollow Whole Parent on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook,...

    40 min
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5
out of 5
314 Ratings

About

Welcome to 'The Whole Parent Podcast,' where we dive deep into evidence-based parenting strategies, blending cutting-edge psychology with real-world experience. Each episode offers insightful discussions, expert interviews, and practical tips to empower you and your family through the joys and challenges of raising children. Join us as we explore not just the highs of parenting, but navigate the complexities and embrace the journey together.

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Fogel - WholeParent
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Whole Parent Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Whole Parent Podcast

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