Today in the US, way over half of 11-14 year-olds wear braces and a growing number of adults have joined those ranks. Correcting a child's bite is about more than appearances. How do you know if your child might need braces? How early should you check with an orthodontist? In this episode, we're talking about experiences in our own families and hearing from an expert: Dr. Alex from Atlas Orthodontics. atlasbraces.com

The thought of accidentally leaving your child in a car seems unthinkable--something only careless or negligent parents would do. But science and real-world cases tell a different story. Today's guest is Michael Israel, nephew of one of the inventors of CLEVERELLY, a unique & effective reminder device that disrupts our normal patterns--even when we zone out. cleverelly.com

If you're not a teacher, you're not as likely to know how to teach reading to your child. It's easier to miss signals your child might be struggling or know how to help them. Guest Daniela Feldhausen teaches us how to recognize early signs of dyslexia and dysgraphia and gives some helpful early intervention tips to set kids on the right track to reading well. Kids Up Reading Tutors

One of our favorite podcast guests ever, Kathy Cunningham gets real about what it's like navigating our changing role when our kids are adults out in the world on their own journeys. It's often tough on a parent's heart, but it's God's invitation into surrender and a stronger faith. @kathycunningham717 Listeners of JAM can get a 10% discount on membership via Kathy's website by entering the code: GRMEM10 Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.kathycunningham.org/ Doing Life ...

Generational patterns, the behavioral, belief, and value systems that are passed down through families across generations, can be positive, but often the negative ones, like unhealthy coping mechanisms or repetitive relationship dynamics, are more noticeable. Dr. Carol Chu-Peralta, a trauma psychologist, talks us through how to recognize and diffuse the negative patterns to build better foundations for our families.

If you feel like you're treading water all the time as a parent, you're at the mercy of culture's current. Our guest, Josh Poteet, lead pastor of 180 Life Church in West Hartford, CT, talks with us on this episode about ways to keep your family anchored, and what discipleship looks like in a family setting. Parenting Against the Current: Taking Back Discipleship in Your Home Parentingagainstthecurrent.com

When Rachael gave birth to her first child the same year her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, she found herself part of the 24% of caregivers in the US who are millennials. During one of the busiest transitional times of life, this group of caregivers faces challenges unique to their age group. For them, the sandwich generation has additional layers. The Millennial Caregiver: Caring For Loved Ones in the Busiest Years of Your Life

Today’s topic might fuel some conversation around your family dinner table, especially if you’ve got older elementary kids or tweens. How do you know if your child’s current interests are “worth it?” Worth the money, time, and energy; worth the schlepping to and from lessons, wrestling with their boredom or waning interest when things get hard? Today’s guest is RENEE HARRIS, a mom who’s got some skin in the game. There are NINE children in her family, and their approac...

As a follow-up to our episode about middle school friendships with Jessica Speer, we had our own conversation about friendship: what it means, what it doesn't, what you can or should expect or not. Friendships are different from family. They're essential but--like everything that has to do with humans--they can be tricky!

Is there anyone who's on the other side of middle school who loved it and wishes they could go back? It's just hard, and one of the toughest aspects can be navigating friendships, especially with girls. Jessica Speer, award-winning author of several interactive books about middle school, joins us for this important conversation! #podmatch jessicaspeer.com BFF or NRF Jessica's book Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised

“Half of families face substance abuse or mental health issues, yet 90% of them don’t seek help.” That alarming stat is from the STEPS Ministries website. In this episode, we're talking with founder, Steve Ward, about red flags parents should be aware of and steps you can take to help. Steve is candid about his own family's struggles with addiction, so he's got skin in the game.

In our lively conversation with Simone & Olivia, we get into where confidence comes from, what influence inside and outside voices have on us (including those from an early abusive relationship), and how we can be brave enough to forge new roads. Simone's an author, speaker, and mom of 6, one of those being her 22-yr-old daughter and podcast co-host, Olivia. simoneknego.com The Extraordinary, Unordinary You (Simone's book) Her Unshakeable Confidence podcast

Conflict in families is a matter of when, not if, but it's not necessarily something we should shy away from. Done well, working through conflict can help you grow and can teach your children how it's done. Who you fight with, what you fight about, and how often you fight matters less than HOW you do it.

Our favorite pelvic floor PT is back as our guest, and in honor of C-section month, we're talking all about belly births. Once again, Jenny taught us a lot! If you're expecting (or know someone who is) or if you've delivered via cesarean, this episode could change your life! https://archerphysicaltherapy.com/

Author and down-to-earth SAHM, Karen Johnson is our guest as we talk about healthy mothering. What to do with all that perfectionism, anxiety and resentment that seems to come with the job. Get her new book: What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? And Other Thoughts from a 40-something Mom !! Follow Karen @21stcenturysahm

We talk with Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, IRL Atlanta mom of a teenager, and author of a newly released book, Parental Control: A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Era. Titania's appeared on many of your fav nat'l media outlets and is at the forefront of kids & internet safety. Do you know what the #1 app your child shouldn't have is? Which video games and apps have decent parental controls and which are a joke--and would you know how to know?&nb...

Guest Karen Johnson, a.k.a. @21stcenturysahm, talks with us about her new book for moms in the final stretch. In the trenches with 3 teenagers at home, she's thinking proactively about her soon-to-be-empty nest and talks to us about some things moms can be thinking about to prepare themselves for their kids' launch. You can order her book & subscribe to her blog here: https://www.the21stcenturysahm.com/ Follow on IG @21stcenturysahm

While we're out of pocket this week, we're re-releasing one of our most popular episodes. Our guest, Matthew Houser, of Seeds Family Worship, shares some fantastic insights into the life of a teenager and what parents need to know.

Does it matter how a society talks about children or people who choose to raise them? In this episode, we look at some recent opinions that highlight the divide between those with kids and those who are childfree. What might our words really be communicating (often unintentionally)?

If it's been awhile since you purged your closet or if you'd describe your fashion style as "whatever" or "at least it's clean," join us for this conversation with our budget-savvy fashion friend, Emma Goodwyn. With an eye for what looks good, no matter your body type or age, she gives us some tips that anyone can use. @emma_goodwyn