In this episode, Katie Kimball, award-winning speaker, author and podcaster, shares a refreshing and practical approach to parenting teens, centered on building independence, confidence, and real-life capability. She explains why the teen years don’t have to feel chaotic if a strong foundation is laid early, and how a gradual release of responsibility, from toddlerhood through adolescence, can set kids up for success. Katie walks through simple systems families can implement to foster independence, including managing chores, creating routines, and encouraging decision-making, all while shifting toward an “external locus of control” that empowers teens to take ownership of their own challenges.

The conversation is packed with actionable strategies, from teaching essential life skills like cooking and time management to motivating teens through their own interests, especially when it comes to food. Katie also dives into the impact of screen time on teen mental health and offers guidance on creating healthier boundaries around technology. She shares insights from her work teaching over 400 life skills through hands-on learning experiences, and highlights the powerful role of community and shared responsibility among families. This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to raise capable, confident teens without constant power struggles.

Links:
https://raisinghealthyfamilies.com/
https://www.instagram.com/raisinghealthyfamilies/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this thought-provoking episode, Tara chats with journalist and author Fortesa Latifi to unpack the complicated world of influencer culture through the lens of her new book, Like, Follow, Subscribe. Together, they explore the rise of family vlogging and the often-blurred lines between sharing and oversharing, especially when children are involved. Fortesa shares how a viral story she wrote for Teen Vogue sparked a deeper investigation into the financial incentives, ethical gray areas, and emotional realities behind influencer parenting. From staggering earnings to the quiet cost of constant visibility, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to build a life (and a livelihood) online.

Tara and Fortesa also dive into the pressures facing modern mothers in the age of social media, where expectations can feel both amplified and unattainable. They discuss how community and connection can coexist with isolation, and how cultural influences shape the identities of influencers and their audiences alike.

Rather than offering black-and-white answers, this episode invites listeners to embrace nuance and ask more thoughtful questions about the content they consume and create. It’s an honest, eye-opening conversation that challenges us to rethink what we value, what we share, and at what cost.

Links:

https://amzn.to/42jwpXS

https://www.instagram.com/hifortesa/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring episode, Tara sits down with Libby Ward, the author behind Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself to talk about what it really means to show up as a mom without the filters. Libby shares her powerful journey from feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of motherhood to building a platform rooted in radical honesty and authenticity. They dive into the pressures moms face to “do it all,” how social media can both help and harm, and why telling the truth about motherhood can be a catalyst for connection, healing, and real change.

They also explore the intersection of motherhood and social justice, and how raising kids with awareness and intention can help break generational cycles. Libby offers thoughtful insights on self-care, parenting with purpose, and redefining what it means to be a “good mom.” This conversation is a refreshing reminder that you’re not alone and that embracing radical honesty might just be the most powerful parenting tool we have.

Links:

https://libbyward.com/

https://libbyward.com/honest-motherhood-book

https://www.tiktok.com/@libbywardofficial

https://www.instagram.com/libbyward

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.