Parenting for Thought

Emry Kettle, Child Behavior Specialist
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Parenting for Thought is a podcast for curious, compassionate grownups raising (and becoming) better humans. Hosted by child behavior specialist Emry Kettle, each episode explores what it actually takes to parent with clarity, connection, and intention — without shame, pressure, or perfection. Through real conversations with guests and personal reflections, Emry dives into the messy, meaningful parts of parenting — from power struggles and neurodivergence to emotional regulation and inner child healing. Whether you’re deep in the toddler trenches or rethinking your parenting approach from the ground up, you’ll find grounded insights, practical tools, and just the right amount of gentle swearing. Come for the validation. Stay for the growth.

Episodes

  1. 07/22/2025

    Claiming Your Space: Invisible Labor and Your Home

    Professional organizer George Tanner joins Emry to unpack what clutter really represents—and how organizing your home is deeply entwined with gender, parenting, neurodivergence, and societal pressure. From dishwasher arguments to invisible labor, this episode is a heart-opening reminder that reclaiming your space is reclaiming your power. Learn more or work with George: www.simplifybygeorge.com Follow her on Instagram: @simplifybygeorge Connect with Emry and explore parenting resources: www.emrykettle.com Follow along at @emrykettle.coach

    45 min

  2. 07/21/2025

    Music: Not Just a Playlist, but Coping Strategies and Healing

    What even is music therapy—and why does it matter to parents? In this heart-filled episode, Emry sits down with music psychotherapist Al Hoberman to explore how music supports connection, regulation, and resilience in everyday life. From singing in the bath to powering through surgery with Idina Menzel on loop, they unpack how music lives in our bones, our memories, and our relationships. Whether you’re raising kids, healing your nervous system, or just trying to survive the day—this episode offers both soulful insight and practical tools. 03:05 – What is music therapy? 07:20 – Music as our first language 10:20 – Emry’s cancer and music story 16:10 – How music held every emotion 21:00 – Songs from childhood as connection 26:20 – Helping kids transition with music 29:45 – Music as regulation for parents Find out more about Al Hoberman: https://www.soundbalancetherapy.com/ Learn more about working with Emry Kettle: https://www.emrykettle.com/

    35 min

  3. 05/17/2025

    Letting Go to Show Up: Identity, Self-Care & Parenting with Kristin Schmoke

    Welcome back to Parenting for Thought! In this episode, we chat with Kristin Schmoke, a seasoned teacher and parent coach with over 25 years of experience. Kristen discusses her diverse teaching background, the concept of parent fragility, and the importance of self-care in parenting. We explore the impact of regional and cultural differences on parenting styles and dive into the challenges parents face in letting go of old identities to foster better relationships with their children. Join us for an enlightening conversation packed with laughter, insights, and practical tips for becoming the best parent you can be!   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:41 Kristin's Background and Experience 02:51 Regional Parenting Differences 06:03 Parent Fragility and Coaching Challenges 08:19 Generational Growth and Identity 20:26 Discipline vs. Punishment 21:56 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents 32:47 Systemic Challenges in Parenting 35:08 Conclusion and Contact Information   Find Kristin here www.kristinschmoke.com www.instagram.com/kristin.schmoke.parenting   Find Emry here www.emrykettle.com www.instagram/emrykettle.coach

    36 min

  4. 03/04/2025

    Mastering Empathic Dialogue with Raffi Bilek

    Join us on Parenting for Thought with host Emry Kettle as we dive into calm and effective communication strategies with marriage counselor and author Raffi Bilek. In this episode, Raffi discusses key principles from his book 'The Couple's Communication Handbook,' emphasizing the value of taking breaks, empathic dialogue, and separating exploration from resolution in discussions. Perfect for parents, couples, and anyone looking to improve their relationships. Tune in for practical advice and real-life examples! 00:00 The Importance of Timing in Communication 01:38 Effective Communication in Relationships 02:56 Handling Emotional Spikes in Parenting 05:36 The Myth of Never Going to Bed Angry 12:22 Empathic Dialogue: A Framework for Better Communication 19:09 Applying Communication Strategies Beyond Marriage 24:59 Balancing Emotions and Taking Breaks 32:57 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Find Raffi’s book here https://www.thecommunicationbook.com/ Connect with Emry here www.emrykettle.com www.instagram.com/emrykettle.coach

    34 min

  5. 02/26/2025

    Navigating Childcare: Tips, Tricks, and Communication Hacks with Larissa Hazell

    Today's guest on Parenting for Thought is Larissa, a childcare navigator, shares invaluable insights on choosing the right childcare options—be it a nanny, babysitter, or nursery. Larissa emphasizes the vital role of communication between parents and childcare providers to ensure the best care for children.    Tune in to learn practical advice on managing expectations, discussing key issues like food and behavior, and understanding the importance of aligning values. Larissa also talks about her book, 'Questions to Ask Prospective Child Care Settings and Child Minders,' packed with over 140 questions to help parents make informed decisions. Whether you're a seasoned parent or just starting this journey, this episode is a must-watch!   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Childcare as a Third Parent 00:40 Meet Larissa: The Childcare Navigator 02:55 Finding the Right Childcare: Tips and Advice 04:48 The Value of In-Home Childcare 10:39 Balancing Childcare and Personal Values 23:14 Behavior Management and Childcare 29:20 The Importance of Communication 35:15 Resources for Parents   Connect with Larissa here: https://www.thechildcarenavigator.com   Get Larissa’s book here: https://thechildcarenavigator.com/product-details/product/ultimateguide   Connect with Emry here: https://www.emrykettle.com https://www.instagram.com/emrykettle.coach/

    34 min

  6. 02/19/2025

    Preventing Eating Disorders with Good Foundations: Food Neutrality with Dr. Anna Colton

    In this episode of Parenting for Thought, host Emry Kettle, a Child Behavior Specialist, sits down with Dr. Anna Colton, a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working with eating disorders. They explore how parents can help their children develop a balanced and confident relationship with food, reducing the risk of eating disorders. Dr. Colton shares insights from her new book, How to Talk to Children About Food, unpacks the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating, explains the importance of food neutrality, and offers practical guidance for navigating conversations about food and setting supportive boundaries. 00:00 Introduction & Meet Dr. Anna Colton 02:30 Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating 06:55 Parenting & Food Conversations 20:17 Food Neutrality & Diet Culture’s Impact 30:05 Repairing Parenting Mistakes & Reducing Shame 41:26 Final Thoughts & Resources   More about Dr Anna:  https://www.dranna.co.uk/about https://www.instagram.com/drannacolton/   Get the book here:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Talk-Children-About-Food/dp/1785120557   More about Emry https://www.emrykettle.com https://www.instagram.com/emrykettle.coach

    43 min

  7. 01/13/2025

    Understanding Stress Response: A Chat with Rachel Mark

    In this episode of Parenting for Thought, I’m joined by Rachel Mark, an acupuncturist and integrative health coach, to unpack how our nervous system handles stress. Rachel breaks down what "activation" really means—it’s not just about being obviously stressed—and shares relatable examples from daily life. We chat about how the sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) nervous systems work, why modern stress feels so overwhelming, and how our emotional responses (like anger!) are often misunderstood. Rachel shares practical tips for hitting pause and resetting your system, plus we explore neuroplasticity and how the patterns we picked up as kids can be rewired. Come hang out with us for this inspiring, down-to-earth conversation about stress, emotions, and building a calmer, healthier life—for you and your kids. Here’s the breakdown: 00:00 Activation & Stress (it’s not what you think!) 01:17 Intro to Parenting for Thought 02:09 Meet Rachel Mark 05:36 How the Nervous System Works 11:56 Fight/Flight vs. Rest/Digest 17:15 Real-Life Stress Responses 21:28 The Invisible Load of Moms 22:52 What a Healthy Nervous System Really Looks Like 25:38 Safe Ways to Express Emotions 30:21 Childhood Experiences & Nervous System Patterns 36:01 How to Rewire Your Stress Response 40:35 Stress-Busting Tips for Parents 43:42 Wrap-Up & Resources   Find and connect with Rachel here:  http://www.rachelmark.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/rachelmark.ca/ Website: https://www.rachelmark.ca/ Free quiz to find out how much stress is affecting your hormones: https://www.rachelmark.ca/quiz Free sleep meditation: https://www.rachelmark.ca/sleep-meditation $22 Reset to Ditch Stress and Recharge your Hormones: https://www.rachelmark.ca/10DayReset   Find and connect with Emry here: https://www.emrykettle.com https://www.instagram.com/emrykettle.coach/

    45 min

  8. 01/10/2025

    Navigating Postpartum Challenges with Tiff D'Amico

    In this heartfelt episode of 'Parenting for Thought,' we dive deep into the postpartum journey with Tiff D'Amico. Tiff shares her expertise on postpartum depression and personal experiences with loss. They discuss the societal pressures and systemic issues new parents face, especially in neurodivergent communities.  The conversation covers a range of critical topics, including the lack of postpartum support, the challenges of managing new motherhood, and the stigma around seeking help. Tiff also introduces the Fair Play system and offers practical advice for preparing for parenthood. Tune in for a raw and insightful discussion aimed at helping parents build a supportive community and ensuring the safety and well-being of their families. Note: trigger warning for loss around the 32 minute mark. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting for Thought 00:34 The Struggles of Postpartum Depression 02:07 Meet Tiff D'Amico: A Postpartum Strategist 03:23 Challenges Faced by Birthing Parents 07:33 The Lack of Postpartum Support 12:05 The Impact of Societal Expectations 18:58 The Reality of Birth and Parenting 21:57 Understanding Postpartum Depression 22:43 The Isolation of New Mothers 23:50 Fear of Change and Seeking Help 24:44 Financial Struggles and Support Systems 26:00 Establishing Equitable Family Systems 27:15 The Importance of Preparation 31:22 Recognizing Risk Factors 32:31 The Broken Healthcare System 34:26 Final Thoughts and Resources   Find and connect with Tiff here:  https://www.tiffdee.com/   Find and connect with Emry here: https://www.emrykettle.com https://www.instagram.com/emrykettle.coach/

    39 min

  9. 12/30/2024

    Embracing Queer Identities: Parenting with Love and Acceptance with Maarit Grönroos

    Join us on Parenting for Thought as I sit down with Maarit Grönroos, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in gender, sexual, and relationship diversities. In this episode, we explore the importance of parental support for LGBTQ+ teens and how acceptance goes beyond words. Hear valuable insights for parents on fostering an open, loving, and safe environment for their children to express their true selves. Don't miss this enriching conversation that bridges the generational gap and promotes understanding and emotional intelligence in the home. 00:00 Generational Shifts in Understanding Gender 00:59 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:08 Maarit Grönroos: Background and Expertise 02:35 Supporting Queer Teens: Personal Stories and Insights 03:58 Parenting Challenges and Emotional Intelligence 11:16 Acceptance and Values: A Personal Reflection 17:09 Practical Tips for Parents: Books, Art, and Conversations 25:24 Repairing Past Mistakes and Moving Forward 27:29 The Importance of Pronouns and Connection 29:10 Conclusion and Future Collaborations Find Maarit Grönroos here: https://www.instagram.com/coach_maarit_g/ Find Emry Kettle here: https://www.instagram.com/emrykettle.coach/ https://www.emrykettle.com/

    29 min
  10. Meditation and Parenting: Breaking Generational Cycles

    11/25/2024

    Meditation and Parenting: Breaking Generational Cycles

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Jason Dobbie, life coach and founder of Transformative Pathways. In this episode of Parenting for Thought, Jason shares his journey from being a professional chef to becoming a life coach, the impact of meditation on his life and parenting, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for men. Discover practical parenting tips, the significance of inner child work, and how calmness and self-awareness can transform your family dynamics. 00:00 Introduction: The Bedtime Struggle 01:53 Meet Jason Dobbie: From Chef to Life Coach 05:35 The Power of Meditation in Parenting 09:46 Breaking the Cycle: Parenting with Emotional Awareness 21:53 Inner Child Work and Forgiveness 31:32 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Find Jason Dobbie here: https://www.transformativepathways.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/transformative__pathways/ Find Emry Kettle here: https://www.emrykettle.com https://www.instagram.com/emrykettle.coach/

    32 min

  11. 11/14/2024

    The Confidence Cycle: Confident Parents Raising Confident Kids

    Host Emry Kettle, a child behavior specialist, introduces the 'Parenting for Thought' podcast, aiming to equip parents with knowledge for raising emotionally healthy children. Emry discusses the importance of understanding child development and addressing parents' confidence issues. Guest Kelsey Wesley, a confidence coach, shares her personal journey of overcoming facial differences and developing self-confidence. The conversation delves into the impact of parental self-confidence on raising confident children, emphasizing the need for parents to model healthy behaviors and engage in self-development. The episode highlights the significance of play, responding versus reacting, and maintaining a positive, self-accepting attitude. They conclude by acknowledging the necessity for more discussions on raising confident children, hinting at a part two. Links 👇 Kelsey Wesley  Kelsey's Instagram   Emry Kettle Emry's Instagram Get my free parenting workbook 🎁 Book a consult 💻

    34 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Parenting for Thought is a podcast for curious, compassionate grownups raising (and becoming) better humans. Hosted by child behavior specialist Emry Kettle, each episode explores what it actually takes to parent with clarity, connection, and intention — without shame, pressure, or perfection. Through real conversations with guests and personal reflections, Emry dives into the messy, meaningful parts of parenting — from power struggles and neurodivergence to emotional regulation and inner child healing. Whether you’re deep in the toddler trenches or rethinking your parenting approach from the ground up, you’ll find grounded insights, practical tools, and just the right amount of gentle swearing. Come for the validation. Stay for the growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Emry Kettle, Child Behavior Specialist
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Parenting for Thought