Healthy Parenting Handbook with Katie Kimball

Katie Kimball

Truth: Kids don’t come with a handbook! But what if there was a parenting handbook that aligned with your healthy living values? In each episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook Podcast, mom of 4 Katie Kimball interviews experts in fields like nutrition, medicine, psychology, parenting, technology, entrepreneurship, and more to give parents tools to raise healthy, independent kids. Intentional parents, here comes clarity about what you can DO to keep your kids physically and mentally healthy!

  1. 6d ago

    131: Chores Matter More Than Extracurriculars for Teens — Here’s Why

    If you’ve ever looked around your house thinking, “Why am I still doing everything for these capable humans?” — this episode is for you. I’m deeply passionate about helping parents raise kids who are not only healthy, but independent, resilient, and prepared for real life. And honestly? Chores and family responsibilities are one of the most powerful tools we have to make that happen. In this conversation with Hunter Clarke-Fields from the Mindful Mama Podcast, we talk about why chores are about so much more than getting help around the house. They help kids build confidence, ownership, problem-solving skills, and even better mental health. We also talk about: Why responsibility protects teen resilienceHow to start chores with toddlers and preschoolersWhat to do if your teen has never really helped beforeWhy contribution matters more than perfectionHow to stop nagging and build systems that actually workAnd yes — I share the exact chore system we’ve used in our family for over 10 years. Whether your child is 4 or 14, it’s never too late to start building the life skills they’ll carry into adulthood. Resources We Mention for Chores for Teens Building Strong Families, Connected Kids with Father Leo of Plating GraceThe Kimball Family Chores System That Works!Can Mindfulness Make You a Better Parent? (+ Bonus Guided Meditations for Kids!)Get some life skills, right now! Easy workshops for kids and teens to take ownership.Start your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Shop Third Rock Essentials at kidscookrealfood.com/thirdrock, and use code KITCHENSTEW for 20% off! Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

    53 min
  2. Jun 4

    130: Food Allergies, Inclusion, and Building Community with The Allergy Chef

    If your family does not deal with food allergies, it can be easy to assume this episode is not for you. But after this conversation with Kathlena, The Allergy Chef, I think every parent will walk away with more empathy, awareness, and practical tools for helping all kids feel included. Kathlena’s stories are powerful, heartbreaking, and deeply hopeful. We talked about the hidden isolation many families experience and the surprisingly simple ways we can make our homes, classrooms, and communities safer and more welcoming for everyone. In this episode, we discuss: Why many families with food allergies feel socially isolated — even during everyday gatheringsThe emotional story of a 12-year-old receiving her very first safe birthday cakeSimple ways to include kids with food allergies without making things complicatedWhy “food-free” gatherings can sometimes be the best solutionWhat parents often misunderstand about severe food allergies and cross-contaminationHow empathy and communication can completely change a child’s experienceWhy schools and parents need to advocate earlier and more openlyPractical ways to teach kids kindness, flexibility, and inclusion around food differencesThis conversation is such an important reminder that connection matters more than perfection — and that small acts of thoughtfulness can have a lifelong impact on a child. You can watch Kathlena in action at this year’s #LifeSkillsNow summer camp. She teaches teens how to turn basic ground meats into an amazing variety of dinners. Her workshop is SO GOOD! Don’t miss out – register now.  Resources We Mention for Including Kids with Allergies 45 Easy Non Food Birthday Celebration Ideas for SchoolFood Allergies and the Art of Hospitality: Tips for Hosts and GuestsAllergies are also a good reason to eliminate team sports snacksSee Kathlena’s cookbooks hereStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

    19 min
  3. Jun 2

    129: Hope for Families with Food Allergies: The Allergy Chef’s Incredible Story with Kathlena, the Allergy Chef

    I have to tell you, this episode completely stretched my understanding of food allergies, chronic illness, and what it means to truly listen to your body. Kathlena, also known as The Allergy Chef, has one of the most unbelievable stories I have ever heard. She personally manages more than 200 food allergies and intolerances, was once given 30 days to live, and today somehow works as a chef helping other families navigate food restrictions with creativity and hope. But this conversation is not just about extreme allergies. It is also about paying attention to our kids, respecting what their bodies may be telling us, and understanding that no two humans respond to food the same way. Kathlena brings so much wisdom, humor, and perspective to a topic that can feel incredibly overwhelming for families. In this episode, we cover: How Kathlena went years without proper diagnosis despite severe reactionsWhat happened when she finally started eliminating foods on her ownWhy she believes kids should never be forced to eat foods they rejectWhat daily life looks like when you can safely eat only a handful of foodsHow food allergies changed the way her whole family cooked and ateWhy involving kids in food preparation builds confidence and resilienceThe surprising connection between chronic inflammation and obesityThe “five pillars of health” that helped transform her family’s healthYou can watch Kathlena in action at this year’s #LifeSkillsNow summer camp. She teaches teens how to turn basic ground meats into an amazing variety of dinners. Her workshop is SO GOOD! Don’t miss out – register now.  Resources We Mention for Food Allergies and Healing What’s It Like for a Kid to Get Diagnosed with a Food Allergy?The No More Picky Eating Challenge isn't just for picky kids, but any families struggling with eating and tension at the dinner table Elimination diet tips and tricks for families with childrenFree knife skills class to start on the path to cookingSee Kathlena's cookbooks hereStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

    27 min
  4. May 28

    128: Family Dinners, Tech Boundaries, and Resilience: A Recipe for Teens Who Launch Well with Tania Johnson

    If you listened to part one of my conversation with Tania Johnson, you already know how powerful it was to understand what is happening inside the teenage brain. In this second half, we move from the “why” into the “what now?” We talk about the practical side of parenting teens in today’s world, including chores, emotional intelligence, resilience, family connection, and of course… technology. One thing I really appreciated about this conversation is how balanced and hopeful it felt. Tania does not come from a place of fear or perfectionism. Instead, she reminds us that parenting teens is about relationship, repair, and helping our kids gradually build the skills they need to become capable adults. We also talk honestly about screens and smartphones, and I think every parent of tweens and teens will feel seen in this conversation. In this episode, we cover: Why emotional intelligence may matter more than IQ long-termHow parents teach EQ through everyday conversations and reactionsWhy family dinners and chores build confidence and connectionHow to hold expectations without constant power strugglesThe reason more teens seem afraid of failure and independenceWhy resilience grows through small risks and mistakesWhat parents often get wrong about smartphones and social mediaWhy it is okay to “rewind” and change tech decisions laterResources We Mention for Raising Resilient Teens Check out Tania's book: The Parenting Handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children by Tania Johnson and Tammy Schamuhn (Amazon / Bookshop.org)The Kimball Family Chores SystemRaising Digital Citizens conversation cardsPassing along ownership to your teensSome more thoughts on teens and tech from me and one of my interviews with Andrea Davis of Better Screen TimeStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

    25 min
  5. May 26

    127: Why Teenagers are Like Toddlers (& What That Means for Practical Parenting) with Tania Johnson

    If you have ever looked at your teenager and thought, “Why are we suddenly having toddler-level emotional meltdowns again?” this episode is going to make so much sense. I had such a fascinating conversation with Tania Johnson from the Institute of Child Psychology about what is actually happening inside the teenage brain, and honestly, it completely reframed some things for me as a parent. We talk about why teens and toddlers are surprisingly similar from a brain development perspective, why emotional outbursts and withdrawal are actually normal parts of development, and what parents can do to stay connected without smothering their kids. I especially loved how practical this conversation became. Tania has such a gift for taking complicated psychology concepts and making them feel doable in real life. One of my biggest takeaways from this episode was the reminder that connection is still the foundation of parenting during the teen years. Even when they roll their eyes, shut their doors, or seem like they do not want us around, attachment and relationship still matter deeply. In this episode, we cover: Why the teenage brain develops similarly to a toddler’s brainWhat co-regulation actually looks like during emotional momentsWhy talking less can sometimes help more with teensWhat is happening when your teen explodes and then withdrawsWhy parents should step back into connection after conflictHow attachment continues shaping mental health during adolescenceSimple family rituals that help teens feel loved and connectedWhy family meals matter more than most parents realize! Resources We Mention for Parenting Teens with Connection Check out Tania’s book: The Parenting Handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children by Tania Johnson and Tammy Schamuhn (Amazon / Bookshop.org)What Is Nervous System Work, and Why Is It Important?Teens Want to Be in Control. Here’s Why They’re NOT (& What They Can Do About it) Direct from a Teen AuthorTable talk: why you need to prioritize family mealsStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

    24 min
  6. May 21

    126: What's Still Worth Teaching to Prepare Our Kids for the AI Age

    Artificial intelligence is changing so quickly that honestly? I don’t think any of us can accurately predict what our kids’ jobs will look like in 10 or 20 years. But I also don’t think parents can afford to throw up our hands and say, “Well, who knows?” and ignore the conversation. In this second part of my AI series on the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I’m digging into the question I think every parent is asking right now: What skills will actually matter in the age of AI? Not coding. Not memorizing facts. Not just following directions. The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that our kids are going to need to become more fully human, not less. In this solo episode, I share the seven skills I believe will help kids thrive in a rapidly changing future, whether they become entrepreneurs, tradespeople, creators, leaders, or something none of us can even imagine yet. We’re talking about the kinds of skills AI can’t practice for us: communication, resilience, critical thinking, emotional regulation, adaptability, and learning how to learn. I also share some surprising thoughts about which college paths may already be becoming obsolete, why hands-on skills may actually become more valuable again, and what I’m seeing firsthand as AI completely transforms the way my husband works every single day. If you’ve been wondering how to prepare your kids for a future nobody can fully predict, this episode will help you focus on the skills that actually last. Resources We Mention for Raising Kids in an AI World Get those kids #LifeSkillsNow!Dr. Michele Borba’s episode on raising resilient kidsRaising kids who know how to problem solveTeaching Kids the Value of Money and Joy in Spending — and SavingHow Kids Can Learn to Deal with Big Challenges and Big Emotions with Counselor and Coping Skills Expert Janine HalloranStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

    29 min
  7. May 19

    125: Why Bother Teaching Life Skills When Robots Will Do Everything?

    What happens when the future changes faster than parenting advice can keep up? Artificial intelligence is already transforming jobs, schools, communication, creativity, and even the way businesses run day to day. And as parents, it can feel equal parts fascinating and terrifying. Should we be worried? What skills will our kids actually need? And how in the world do we prepare children for jobs that don’t even exist yet? In this solo episode, I dive into the rapidly changing world of AI through the lens of parenting, critical thinking, life skills, and human connection. I’m exploring why parents can’t afford to ignore this conversation… but also why panic probably isn’t the answer. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why AI might eliminate some jobs… but create entirely new industries we can’t yet imagineThe surprising historical parallels between AI and the decline of family farmsWhy trying to predict your child’s future career may be impossible (and that’s actually okay)What Back to the Future got hilariously wrong about the year 2015The reason “human touch” jobs may become even more valuable in the AI eraHow my husband uses AI all day long and why he says he may never code manually againThe parenting mindset shift we need if technology keeps evolving faster than schools can adaptWhy life skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and human connection still matter more than everIf you’ve ever wondered whether AI is something to fear, embrace, resist, or simply learn alongside your kids, this episode is the beginning of an important conversation for every modern parent. Resources We Mention for Parenting in the Age of AI Get those kids #LifeSkillsNow!Here’s my TEDx talk on why kids need critical thinking skillsMore about confidence and competence (especially as it has to do with learning to cook)Why chores aren’t punishment – and here is my simple chores system if you need it!How to Help Kids Thrive with (and in spite of) Tech and ScreensNurturing Young Skeptics: Essential Guide to Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids and TeensStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

    22 min
  8. May 14

    124: Raising Kids Who Can Problem Solve and Become Independent Adults with Amy Carney

    Do you ever feel that tension between wanting to help your kids… and knowing you probably shouldn’t step in so fast? Because if we’re honest, it’s almost always easier and quicker to just do it ourselves. Open the bottle. Fill out the form. Solve the problem. But what if that instinct is exactly what’s holding our kids back? In this episode, I’m talking with Amy Carney about what it really takes to raise kids who are ready for the real world. Not just capable on paper, but confident, resilient, and able to handle life when things don’t go smoothly. This is part two of our conversation, and we’re digging into the everyday moments that actually shape independent kids. (Here’s part 1 if you missed it.) Here’s what we cover: Why so many young adults struggle with basic problem-solving (and what parents are unintentionally doing that contributes to it)The surprising power of letting kids struggle instead of stepping inHow to create family fun that actually works, even with teens who “don’t want to” participateThe mindset shift from doing things for your kids to mentoring them through lifeReal-life examples of skills that fall through the cracks (even in great homes)Why “easier and quicker” should be your red flag as a parentPractical ways to start handing over responsibility, one small step at a timeIf you’ve ever wondered how to raise kids who can actually handle adulthood, this conversation will both challenge and encourage you in the best way. Resources We Mention for Raising Independent Kids Get those kids some life skills at #LifeSkillsNow summer camp!Letting toddlers help in the kitchenMy interview with Jessica Lahey on letting kids failAmy’s viral post on 8 things you should stop doing for your kidsStart your kids making simple snacks now at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastsnacks. Kitchen StewardshipRaising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or FacebookSubscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updatesYouTube shorts channel for HPHFind the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcastAffiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

    21 min
5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Truth: Kids don’t come with a handbook! But what if there was a parenting handbook that aligned with your healthy living values? In each episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook Podcast, mom of 4 Katie Kimball interviews experts in fields like nutrition, medicine, psychology, parenting, technology, entrepreneurship, and more to give parents tools to raise healthy, independent kids. Intentional parents, here comes clarity about what you can DO to keep your kids physically and mentally healthy!

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