Tired of mealtimes feeling like a circus? Kids jumping up every two minutes, running after them with food, or resorting to screens just to keep them in their seats? You're not alone—and there's a better way.

In this episode, we tackle one of parents' biggest daily battles: getting kids to actually sit and eat their meals. Whether you have toddlers or elementary-aged children, these four practical Family Mealtime Rules will transform your dinner table from chaos to calm.

You'll learn:

• Why chasing kids with forks or allowing screens at dinner creates more problems than it solves
• The four essential boundaries that make mealtimes work (including the ONE rule that changes everything)
• Exactly what to say when your child gets up from the table—and how to handle the meltdowns
• A simple compromise for parents who worry their child will starve
• Why consistency in the first few days is absolutely critical

The key? A loving but firm approach that teaches natural consequences. When kids know the boundaries and trust that you'll stick to them, mealtimes become peaceful for everyone.

If you're exhausted from the daily dinner battle, this episode gives you a clear, actionable plan you can start implementing tonight. Your 20-minute meals are just four rules away.

Perfect for: Parents of toddlers through elementary age children struggling with mealtime behavior

Email me at info@parentingdecoded.com or go to my website at www.parentingdecoded.com.

Have a blessed rest of your day!

Are you planning to give your child their first smartphone, tablet, gaming console, or smartwatch this holiday season? Before you wrap that gift, there's crucial work you need to do! In this week's episode of Parenting Decoded, I'm sharing essential guidance from Defend Young Minds on how to set up digital devices the RIGHT way—before your child ever touches them.

I walk you through the step-by-step process of configuring parental controls, testing safety settings, and creating a family tech contract that establishes clear boundaries from day one. Whether your child is 8, 10, or 15, this episode will help you choose protection over peril and set your family up for digital success. Plus, I'm sharing a free sample digital contract you can download and customize for your own family. Don't let the excitement of gift-giving leave you scrambling—tune in now and parent with confidence!

References to look up:

LINK TO BLOG TRANSCRIPT

Defend Young Minds website

Sample Digital Contract from Parenting Decoded

Defend Young Minds and their article "7 Essential Rules for New Tech to Safeguard Your Child."

Email me at info@parentingdecoded.com or go to my website at www.parentingdecoded.com.

Have a blessed rest of your day!

How to Stop Nagging Your Kids (And Get Better Results)

The Problem: You're repeating yourself constantly, and it's exhausting everyone. Nagging doesn't work, damages relationships, and prevents kids from developing independence.

What You'll Learn:

• Why nagging fails and what it teaches your children
• How to use natural consequences effectively
• The power of saying things once (and meaning it)
• Creating routines that eliminate daily battles
• Transferring ownership so kids manage their own responsibilities

The Goal: Raise responsible, independent kids while building a stronger relationship—without being the household taskmaster.

Perfect for: Parents tired of the nagging cycle and ready to try strategies that actually work.

Email me at info@parentingdecoded.com or go to my website at www.parentingdecoded.com.

Have a blessed rest of your day!