Feeding The Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teens Into Adulthood

Kenneth Wilgus, Cynthia Yanof
  • 4.8 (773)
  • 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. 6D AGO

    Episode 235: Is Nicotine Really a Big Deal?

    In this episode, Cynthia and Dr. Ken respond to a listener question many parents are facing: how to handle nicotine use with adolescents. The situation raises important questions about legality, respect, boundaries, and how parental authority shifts as kids grow older. Dr. Ken offers perspective on how nicotine use differs from alcohol and marijuana, why not all “bad choices” carry the same level of risk, and how parents can respond without overreacting or minimizing the issue. They discuss why consequences still matter, how those consequences should change as kids mature, and what it looks like to set clear household standards without turning the conversation into a power struggle. 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

    28 min

  2. JAN 20

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

    30 min

  3. JAN 13

    Episode 233: Where’d You Hear That? Sorting Through Today’s Parenting Advice

    This week, Cynthia and Dr. Ken talk about the flood of parenting advice online—reels, headlines, podcasts, and posts that claim to have “the secret” to raising great kids. Cynthia admits she often hears something, remembers it later, and never actually checks where it came from. Dr. Ken steps in to help parents think wisely about sources, research, and trends—especially when videos or articles lean heavily on “brain science” that doesn’t actually match the data. Together, they look at a recent viral headline about teens’ brains “no longer listening” to parents and use it as a reminder that not everything labeled as research is solid or helpful. They also discuss why over-medicalizing normal behavior can accidentally excuse responsibility instead of building it. Tune in for a good reminder that being picky about the source of our parenting information is important. 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

    23 min

  4. JAN 6

    Episode 232: New Year, Same Teen? 3 Parenting Resets for 2026

    Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Cynthia and Dr. Ken kick off the year by ditching the pressure of New Year’s resolutions and instead encouraging parents to look at their parenting trajectory—if nothing changes, is that a good thing or not so much?  Dr. Ken shares three foundational areas parents should revisit as the year begins—places that often create the most tension at home and the most confusion for parents trying to do the right thing. Along the way, they address control, conflict, and the emotional weight parents carry when things aren’t going smoothly with their teens. Today’s show ends with an important reminder: your child’s choices are not a report card on your worth as a parent. Tune in today for a few thoughts on where to focus as we parent teens in the New Year. 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

    29 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Episode 231: Why Entitlement Is Shaping Our Kids More Than We Realize

    This week on the show, Cynthia and Dr. Ken dig into the age-old issue of entitlement—how it shows up in American culture and how it shapes our teens. They talk about the everyday behaviors that reveal deeper beliefs about self-respect, responsibility, and personal standards. Dr. Ken explains why raising kids who expect rewards without effort creates long-term problems, especially when it comes to character, resilience, and financial responsibility. Together, he and Cynthia unpack how well-intentioned parents can unintentionally undermine gratitude by giving too much without teaching kids how to earn, wait, or steward what they’ve been given. They also explore the power of perspective—how serving others, seeing real-world needs, and broadening kids’ experiences can dramatically reduce entitlement and build empathy. The episode wraps with a practical reminder: gratitude and responsibility don’t happen by accident—they’re taught, and they stick best when kids see their parents modeling them first.   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

    29 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Episode 230: Why Adult Friendships Matter More Than You Think

    This week on the show, Cynthia and Dr. Ken dive into the often-overlooked world of adult friendship—why it matters for your emotional health and your parenting. They unpack new research on the “friendship recession,” why adults have fewer close friends than ever, and how that loneliness also impacts our parenting.  Dr. Ken explains why parents need real community as their teens grow up and leave home, why your marriage can’t be your only source of companionship, and why having your teen as your “best friend” can be a warning sign—not a win. They also tackle what healthy friendships look like while raising teens, why reconciling well matters, and how to model connection in a screen-obsessed culture. Cynthia shares practical encouragement for making and keeping friendships—prioritizing connection, filling the gaps with positive assumptions, and not letting insecurity sabotage community. They wrap up with a conversation on introverts vs. extroverts and why neither gets a pass on building real relationships. It’s honest, insightful, and a much-needed reminder that friendships aren’t optional—they’re foundational.   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

    24 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    Episode 229: You Asked, We Answered: Parenting Q&A with Dr. Ken

    This week on the show, Dr. Ken and Cynthia dig into listener questions. They start with digital monitoring: What do you do when Life360 tells you your teen is speeding or texting while driving? Dr. Ken breaks down when consequences help, when they don’t, and why too much monitoring can accidentally communicate, “Your life is still our life.” Next up: a 21-year-old daughter who wants to stay at her boyfriend’s apartment when she comes home. Dr. Ken tackles how parents can hold to their moral convictions without assuming financial threats will change a child’s heart. Then they move to the rise in occult-ish curiosity—numerology, crystals, spells—and how to talk to teens about what’s concerning, what’s just cultural noise, and how to communicate your beliefs without panic or power struggles. Finally, they take on a question every parent asks at some point (okay fine… at least Cynthia asks it weekly): How do you connect with a teen who barely says three words? Dr. Ken explains why silence doesn’t mean distance, how to keep communication open without pushing, and why sometimes the most meaningful parenting happens when your teen grunts in your general direction. Today’s show is practical, relatable, and filled with answers to the questions you’re asking. Thanks for listening!   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

    30 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    Episode 228: Winning the Game: How to Parent Well Through Teen Athletics

    This week on the show, Cynthia and Dr. Ken dive into the wild, wonderful, and occasionally mind-numbing world of youth sports. Dr. Ken breaks down what’s really going on inside our teens—whether they’re thriving, quitting, or somewhere in between. He unpacks why control is the number-one issue in teen athletics, why even highly talented kids sometimes walk away from their sport, and how parents can set fair expectations without taking over their child’s identity.   There are also discussions on injuries, identity loss, parent pressure, car-ride conversations, and the subtle emotional pitfalls that come with living in a sports-centered family culture. It’s a practical, compassionate, and eye-opening conversation for every parent navigating the highs, lows, and hard lessons of teenage sports.   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

    25 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
773 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
    235
  • 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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