What happens when food becomes both your biggest challenge and your greatest calling? In this episode, Dr. Kiyah Duffey sits down with The Allergy Chef, Kathlena, whose 200+ food allergies inspired a mission to help families everywhere navigate restricted diets with confidence and joy.
Kathlena shares how she transformed struggle into purpose,offering practical advice for managing allergies day-to-day, building safer kitchens, and advocating for your child’s needs. Together, they explore the emotional side of living with dietary restrictions—the overwhelm, the mental health impact, and the unexpected joy that can come from reclaiming control in the kitchen.
It’s a conversation about resilience, radical responsibility, and the power of finding freedom within limits.
**** Let's Connect! ****
🌐 Visit The Allergy Chef Website: https://theallergychef.com/
📺 Subscribe to the Allergy Chef on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/theallergychef
📷 Follow Kathlena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theallergychef
📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/
**** Chapters ****
00:00 Introduction to Kathlena, The Allergy Chef
00:54 Kathlena’s Journey: From Misdiagnosis to Advocacy
07:03 The Importance of Parental Advocacy in Health
11:49 Navigating Food Allergies: Personal Experiences and Insights
19:51 Understanding Food Intolerances and Allergies
27:43 Practical Steps for Identifying Food Issues
33:45 The Broader Context: Food Allergies and Environmental Factors
38:05 Empowering Parents in Managing Allergies
42:03 Engaging Kids in Healthy Eating
43:08 Mental Health and Family Dynamics
52:31 Navigating the Journey of Food Allergies
55:10 Taking Radical Responsibility for Health
**** About ****
Kathlena, widely known as The Allergy Chef, is an educator, recipe developer, and advocate dedicated to empowering individuals and families living with food allergies and special dietary needs. After being diagnosed with more than 200 food allergies and intolerances, Kathlena transformed her personal challenges into a global mission to make safe,inclusive eating accessible to everyone.
Through her platform, The Allergy Chef, and her online community, RAISE (Recipes and Resources for Allergy Intolerant and Special diet Eaters), she provides meal plans, educational tools, and practical strategies for managing restricted diets without sacrificing joy or nutrition. Her work bridges the gap between safety and simplicity—helping parents confidently navigate everything from kitchen organization and cross-contact prevention to school planning and family mealtimes.
Kathlena has become a trusted voice in the allergy and special diets community, offering hope and hands-on support to those newly navigating diagnoses as well as seasoned families seeking fresh ideas. Her message is simple but powerful: with the right tools and understanding, every family can thrive—no matter their dietary needs.
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
**** KEYWORDS ****
food allergies, dietary restrictions, parenting, health,nutrition, advocacy, cooking, mental health, food journaling, allergy management
In this episode, Dr. Erica Buchholz — parent coach andfounder of Becoming Playful — reminds us that joy isn’t a luxury in parenting, it’s a lifeline. She shares her path from academic psychology to helping parents rediscover creativity, laughter, and lightness as antidotes to burnout. You’ll learn her three pillars of recovery — Recharge, Inner Power, and Time to Thrive — and even get a taste of laughter yoga. This one’s a powerful reminder that play isn’t just for kids — it’s how grown-ups heal, too.
** Let's Connect! **
🌐 Visit Erica’s Website: https://becomingplayful.com/
😂 Get Erica’s Playful tips on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EveryoneHappier
📷 Follow Erica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingplayfulcoaching/
📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/
** Key Takeaways **
Play for adults is about creativity and creation.
Burnout is a chemical change in the brain, not just exhaustion.
Laughter yoga can improve mental health and well-being.
Self-care is essential for effective parenting.
Curiosity about oneself is crucial for personal growth.
Intentional laughter can shift your mood and mindset.
Modeling self-care for children teaches them its importance.
Habit stacking can help integrate play into daily routines.
Taking breaks is not neglecting responsibilities.
You don't have to parent alone; support is available.
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction to Playfulness and Parenting
02:56 The Journey from Psychology to Parent Coaching
06:08 The Importance of Play for Adults
09:09 Burnout Recovery: Three Pillars Explained
16:54 Curiosity and Self-Care in Parenting
23:00 Laughter Yoga: A Tool for Joy
29:55 Practical Strategies for Overcoming Burnout
36:28 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Support
** About **
Dr. Erica Buckholz is a parent coach with a doctorate inApplied Developmental Psychology and the founder of Becoming Playful. She helps parents recover from burnout and rediscover joy through play, flow, and even intentional laughter — also known as laughter yoga. Drawing from her own experiences as a mom and from the science of play, Erica teaches practical ways for parents to recharge, reconnect with themselves, and thrive.
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhDfrom UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
** Keywords **
parenting, playfulness, burnout recovery, laughter yoga,self-care, creativity, mental health, joy, adult play, parent coaching
Confused about “how much to gain,” what to eat, or why your toddler suddenly hates veggies? Nutrition scientist Dr. Beth Widen shares clear, evidence-backed advice for pregnancy, postpartum, and picky eating.
** Key Takeaways **
Dr. Widen's research focuses on maternal diet and its impact on child development.
Personal experiences can drive professional interests in nutrition science.
Pregnancy nutrition is complex and requires understanding individual needs.
Weight gain during pregnancy varies and is influenced bymany factors.
Guidelines for weight gain in pregnancy may not be applicable to all populations.
Long-term effects of pregnancy weight gain can impact postpartum health.
Research is needed to develop better guidelines for diverse populations.
Intuitive eating can empower caregivers and promote healthy eating habits.
Listening to hunger cues is crucial for both mothers and infants.
Support for caregivers is essential in fostering healthy
feeding practices.
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction to Maternal Nutrition Research
02:53 Personal Journey into Nutrition Science
04:39 Understanding Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy
06:59 The Complexity of Weight Management in Pregnancy
08:45 Long-term Impacts of Pregnancy Weight
10:06 Breastfeeding and Postpartum Weight Changes
15:58 Postpartum Nutrition and Physical Activity
17:22 Intuitive Eating and Individual Choices
19:49 Self-Regulation in Feeding Babies
24:07 The Role of Caregivers in Feeding
26:24 Understanding Hunger and Fullness Cues
26:53 Personal Reflections on Nutrition and Parenting
** Free Resources **
🥦 Guide to Picky Eating: https://drkiyahduffey.com/picky-eating/
✅ Meal Planning Cheat sheet: https://drkiyahduffey.com/meal-planning-tips-2/
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids): https://drkiyahduffey.com/50-snack-ideas/
** Let's Connect! **
🌐 Beth's Research Page, University of Austin: https://nutrition.utexas.edu/directory/elizabeth-widen
📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/
** About **
Dr. Beth Widen is a nutrition scientist and registered dietitian whose work focuses on the critical window of pregnancy and early childhood. She is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin with joint appointments in nutritional sciences, pediatrics, and women's health. Beth's research looks at how maternal diet, weight gain, and other factors during pregnancy influence not just birth outcomes, but also a mother's long-term health and a child's growth and development well into adolescence. She has published widely on topics like gestational weight gain, maternal diet quality, and childhood nutrition, and her work is helping to shape the guidance that we as parents and providers rely on every day.
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
Getting kids to actually try new foods can feel like an Olympic sport. In this solo episode, TWP host Kiyah Duffey shares playful, practical ways to turn “No thanks!” into “Okay, I’ll try it.” From the magic of repeated exposure to the power of sauces and dips, she shows parents how to make tasting fun, pressure-free, and—believe it or not—something kids might look forward to. Maybe.
** Free Resources **
📥 Descriptive Terms for Mealtime: https://bit.ly/mealtime-terms
🥦 Guide to Picky Eating: https://drkiyahduffey.com/picky-eating/
✅ Meal Planning Cheat Sheet: https://drkiyahduffey.com/meal-planning-tips-2/
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids): https://drkiyahduffey.com/50-snack-ideas/
** Key Takeaways**
Encouraging kids to taste new foods is essential for health.
Exposure to new foods should be non-pressuring.
Kids need about 15 exposures to a food before acceptance.
Contextualizing new foods helps kids feel more comfortable.
Using dips and sauces can make foods more appealing.
Taste tests can build trust and willingness to try new foods.
Modeling tasting behavior is important for kids.
Engaging kids in food preparation increases their interest.
Variety in diet is linked to better health outcomes.
Parents should share their own strategies for encouraging tasting.
** Chapters**
00:00 Strategies for Encouraging Kids to Taste
02:54 Creating Context for New Foods
05:12 Making Foods More Appealing
06:22 Building Trust Through Taste Tests
** About **
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhDfrom UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years ofexperience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves andtheir children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker andentrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to helpyou transform your family’s relationship with food.
** Keywords**
tasting new foods, kids nutrition, food variety, parenting tips, healthy eating, food exposure, kids food preferences, encouraging kids to eat, food strategies, health outcomes
In this solo episode of The Weekly Parent, Dr. Kiyah Duffey unpacks why food variety matters for kids’ long-term health and how parents can actually make it happen without stress. From the daily struggle of picky eating to the subtle ways our own habits shape what kids are willing to try, Kiyah shares simple, practical strategies to expand your child’s palate. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas for turning mealtimes into a fun, low-pressure place where curiosity and healthy habits can grow.
** Free Resources **
📥 Descriptive Terms for Mealtime: https://bit.ly/mealtime-terms
🥦 Guide to Picky Eating: https://drkiyahduffey.com/picky-eating/
✅ Meal Planning Cheat Sheet: https://drkiyahduffey.com/meal-planning-tips-2/
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids): https://drkiyahduffey.com/50-snack-ideas/
** Key Takeaways **
Eating a wide variety of foods leads to better health outcomes.
Kids are naturally skeptical of new foods due to evolutionary habits.
Establishing a habit of diverse eating takes patience and practice.
Color-themed meals can encourage creativity in food choices.
Serving familiar foods at different times can break eating habits.
Different textures can make familiar foods more appealing.
Involving kids in meal planning can increase their interest in food variety.
Modeling diverse eating habits is crucial for influencing children.
Buying different brands of the same food can introduce variety.
Encouraging kids to taste new foods is essential for expanding their diet.
** Let's Connect **
📩 Read the Newsletter: https://theweeklyparent.com
📷 Follow Dr. Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiyahduffey/
** About **
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
Co-parenting isn’t easy — and no two parents bring the same history, habits, or instincts to the table. In this episode, Kiyah talks with Dr. Emily Racic about why parenting styles often clash, how family of origin shapes our responses, and what it really takes to parent as a team. From building emotional awareness to modeling healthy conflict resolution for kids, we unpack practical strategies and the mindset shifts that can make co-parenting less about battles and more about balance.
** Let's Connect **
Learn about Capital Crescent Collective
Read The Weekly Parent Newsletter
Follow Kiyah on Instagram
** Resources Mentioned **
Dr. Dan Siegel's other books
** Key Takeaways **
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges
01:21 Understanding the Difficulty of Co-Parenting
03:15 Common Conflict Areas in Co-Parenting
05:28 Navigating Parenting Differences
08:49 The Importance of Communication in Co-Parenting
12:13 Shifting Perspectives on Parenting Differences
16:19 Effective Communication Strategies
20:02 Utilizing External Resources for Parenting
22:42 The Role of Time in Resolving Conflicts
25:13 Reframing Stories in Co-Parenting
26:53 Navigating Co-Parenting Dynamics
29:08 Parenting Styles and Family Origins
31:12 Understanding Childhood Needs
33:30 Self-Reflection in Parenting
37:06 The Importance of Communication
39:35 The Ongoing Journey of Parenting
42:08 Managing Anxiety in Parenting
44:01 Resources for Parenting Growth
44:30 Active Parenting: Taking Ownership
** Keywords **
#coparenting, #parentingchallenges, #parenting #communication, #teamwork, #familydynamics, #emotionalawareness, #conflict #conflictresolution, #parentingresources, #familyoforigin, #selfreflection
** About **
Dr. Emily Racic is the owner of Capital Crescent Collective (formerly Emily Cook Therapy). From 2010 through 2022, Emily practiced as a licensed marriage and family therapist. Now practicing as a life and relationship coach, she continues to help clients within an evidence-informed, trauma-sensitive, and client-centered coaching framework. She is able to work with clients worldwide, especially if you and your partner or family member live long-distance. In 2018, Emily’s first relationship workbook was published by Althea Press. The Marriage Counseling Workbook: 8 Steps to a Strong and Lasting Partnership contains some of her best ideas, strategies, and metaphors to help couples pinpoint the cause of their troubles and recreate deep, lasting connections without therapy.Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
What if creativity wasn’t about perfection, but about making the thing, a thing —today? Dr. Kiyah Duffey and middle school art teacher (and damn good artist!) Simon Adams dig into Big-C vs little-c creativity, showing how practice, constraints, and the “magical yet” turn “I can’t” into “I can’t… yet.” They tackle fear of failure (especially in middle schoolers), share how to praise specifics instead of fluff, and explain why screens can act like junk food—filling boredom without feeding the mind. Because Creativity isn’t a talent, bestowed upon precious few of us. It’s a trainable muscle that we all have, and that we can all apply. Let’s learn how!
** Let's Connect **
🌐 Visit Simon's website
📷 Follow Simon on Instagram
📩 Read The Weekly Parent Newsletter
📥 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram
** Key Takeaways **
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
01:06 Pop Culture References and Personal Connections
01:13 Exploring Creativity: Big C vs. Little C
03:31 The Importance of Practice in Creativity
08:31 Fostering Creativity in Middle Schoolers
12:39 Navigating the Fear of Failure
16:52 The Rise of Anxiety in Young People
17:49 Navigating Emotional Resilience
18:49 The Role of Creativity in Education
20:23 Practicing Creativity and Overcoming Self-Doubt
23:20 The Importance of Daily Creative Habits
25:18 Modeling Creativity for Children
28:56 The Impact of Screens on Creativity
33:03 Managing Stress and Anxiety in Kids
38:44 Exploring Creative Outlets for Children
39:48 Embracing Curiosity in Parenting
42:19 The Power of Online Learning
44:19 Understanding the Reality of Creativity
47:09 The Importance of Just Starting
** About **
Simon Adams has been drawing forever and makes every kind of art. For the past several years he has been living the dream inspiring middle schoolers to embrace their inner artist. In his free time, he can also be found creating illustrations for fantasy and science fiction role-playing games, working for companies like Gygax magazine, Rogue Blade Games, and Art of the Genre. He also does portraits of people and their pets. Simon lives in 200 year old Maine farmhouse with his wife, kids, and two cats.
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
What happens when science meets the messy reality of food, cravings, and parenting? In this episode, Dr. Kiyah sits down with Emily Brown, MS, RDN and certified Intuitive Eating Coach, to dive into intuitive and mindful eating: what they mean, why they matter, and how they collide with everything from childhood snacks to adolescent body image. With honesty and humor, Emily shares how curiosity (not guilt) can transform the way we eat and the way our kids see us at the table.
** Key Takeaways **
- Intuitive eating helps individuals connect with their body's needs.
- Mindful eating focuses on being present during meals.
- Curiosity about food preferences can lead to better eating habits.
-It's important to model healthy eating behaviors for children.
-Food should be seen as nourishment and enjoyment, not guilt.
- The science supports intuitive eating for better mental health.
- Consistency in eating helps regulate hunger signals.
- Parents should create a safe space for children to discuss food.
- Body image concerns are common during adolescence.
- Support from a dietitian can aid in the intuitive eating journey.
** Let’s Connect! **
🌐 Visit Emily's website
🎧 Listen to Emily's Podcast
📖 Read Her Recommended Books
📩 Read The Weekly Parent Newsletter
📥 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent
** Chapters **
00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood and Nutrition
01:58 Understanding Intuitive Eating vs. Mindful Eating
10:44 The Science Behind Mindful and Intuitive Eating
15:34 Curiosity and Self-Discovery in Eating Habits
19:54 Meal Planning Strategies for Different Needs
23:38 Teaching Kids About Food and Intuitive Eating
29:05 Navigating Body Image Conversations with Teens
33:55 Creating a Safe Space for Open Conversations
37:38 Resources for Mindful Eating and Nutrition Education
**** ABOUT ****
Emily Bown is a non-diet, weight-inclusive Registered (and Licensed) Dietitian and certified intuitive eating coach who helps people improve their relationship with food and their bodies through compassionate and inclusive nutrition practices. She believes wellness and eating disorder treatments occur best through love, empathy, and compassion. She has worked in a diversity of places including residential eating disorder facilities, outpatient facilities, the Women Infant and Child Governmental Nutrition Program, as well as several substance abuse rehab and mental health facilities.
She serves on the board of the Orange County chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and is a member of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians.
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
In this solo episode, Dr. Kiyah unpacks the surprising ways your parenting style might be messing with your kid’s eating habits. Because, it’s not just about what’s on their plate that matters for creating life-long healthier eaters ... it’s about the tone you set, the rules you make (or don’t), and the baggage you bring from your own food past. Are you ready?
** Resources Mentioned **
Learn more about Ellen Satter
Buy How to Raise a Mindful Eater
Stop Picky Eating with the CHATT Framework
Learn more about focusing on HOW you feed, not just what
** Let's Connect **
📩 Read the Newsletter: https://theweeklyparent.com
📷 Follow Dr. Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiyahduffey/
** Key Takeaways **
- What actually has the biggest influence is your parenting.
- Parenting style is shaped by your beliefs, upbringing, and stress levels.
- Authoritative parenting is characterized by high warmth and high control.
- Kids raised in authoritative households have better self-regulation and higher fruit intake.
- Meals are powerful opportunities for learning about boundaries and independence.
- Your parenting style is influenced by your own upbringing and experiences with food.
- Becoming aware of inherited patterns is the first step to change.
- Setting clear boundaries about food can help children learn to trust themselves.
- Consistency in feeding practices is crucial for developing healthy eating habits.
- Feeding our family is hard, but it can lead to deeper connections.
** Chapters **
00:00 The Influence of Parenting on Eating Habits
01:38 Understanding Parenting Styles
04:45 Parenting Styles and Meal Time Dynamics
07:29 The Impact of Parenting Styles on Children's Eating Behaviors
09:21 Inherited Patterns and Their Effects
11:04 Practical Strategies for Shifting Parenting Approaches
13:39 Resources for Further Learning
** About **
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
In this episode, Kiyah speaks with Robin Fivush, a professor emeritus of psychology, about the significance of family stories in shaping identity, memory, and emotional well-being. They explore how storytelling plays a crucial role in the development of adolescents, the importance of validating emotions, and the impact of intergenerational narratives. The discussion also touches on the challenges of parenting in today's digital age and the necessity of community support in fostering healthy family dynamics.
** Connect & Follow **
Read Robyn's Blog on Psychology Today
Subscribe to the Weekly Parent Newsletter
Follow Dr. Kiyah on Instagram, YouTube, or at her website
** Key Takeaways **
- Family stories are essential for identity formation.
- Stories help individuals make sense of their experiences.
- Adolescents benefit from hearing their parents' stories.
- Validation of feelings is crucial in family storytelling.
- Intergenerational narratives provide models for understanding relationships.
- Community support enhances family storytelling.
- Stories are not static; they evolve over time.
- Listening to children's stories is as important as telling your own.
- Difficult stories can be shared mindfully and appropriately.
- Parents should not fear sharing challenges with their children.
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction to Family Narratives
02:37 Understanding Family Stories
07:55 The Role of Stories in Identity Formation
12:36 Supporting Adolescents Through Storytelling
17:18 The Importance of Emotional Context in Stories
19:41 Intergenerational Narratives and Their Impact
23:07 The Role of Community in Storytelling
23:47 Navigating Identity in Adolescence
26:44 Overcoming Social Isolation and Its Effects
27:37 Reintroducing Storytelling in Education
28:52 Digital Lives: The Impact of Online Engagement
30:18 Navigating Social Media and Real-Life Interactions
31:33 The Importance of Listening and Validation
33:39 Dealing with Loss and Family Narratives
35:33 Sharing Difficult Stories: A Delicate Balance
37:42 The Role of Intergenerational Narratives
39:11 Mindful Storytelling: Relax and Embrace It
41:40 Validation: A Key to Understanding
44:47 The Importance of Science in Family Well-Being
** Keywords **
#familystories #identityformation #identity #storytelling, #emotionalwellbeing #intergenerationalnarratives #adolescentdevelopment #community #communitysupport #validation #trauma #parenting
In this week’s episode of The Weekly Parent, Kiyah digs into the power of words at the dinner table. From turning “I don’t like this” into real feedback, to showing how naming emotions reshapes memories and builds resilience, this episode is all about why mealtime talk matters.
** Free Resources **
📥 Descriptive Terms for Mealtime: https://bit.ly/mealtime-terms
🥦 Guide to Picky Eating: https://drkiyahduffey.com/picky-eating/
✅ Meal Planning Cheatsheet: https://drkiyahduffey.com/meal-planning-tips-2/
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids): https://drkiyahduffey.com/50-snack-ideas/
** Let's Connect! **
📩 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/weeklyparent
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiyahduffey/
** About **
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
** Takeaways **
Using words to describe feelings can change emotional processing.
Descriptive language helps children articulate their experiences.
Family meals contribute to higher self-esteem and better academic performance.
Talking through experiences can reshape memories and reduce distress.
Regular family meals foster stronger family connections and lower stress levels.
Children learn to express their preferences through descriptive feedback.
Engaging in family storytelling builds resilience and identity.
Modeling emotional awareness is crucial for children's development.
Using descriptive terms at meals enhances vocabulary and understanding.
Creating a safe space for sharing stories strengthens family bonds.
** Chapters **
00:00 The Power of Words in Parenting
02:08 Using Descriptive Language at the Dinner Table
05:39 Memory Reconsolidation and Emotional Processing
08:35 The Importance of Family Meals
10:09 Practical Tips for Engaging Conversations
** Keywords **
#parenting #communication #familymeals #emotionalintelligence #resilience #childdevelopment #descriptivelanguage #memory #storytelling #familyconnection
In this episode, Kiyah discusses the implications of food promotions on consumer behavior and public health, particularly in light of Scotland's decision to ban price promotions on unhealthy foods.
** Let's Connect! **
📩 Read the Weekly Parent Newsletter
📩 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram
** About**
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
** Keywords **
food promotions, public health, Scotland, grocery shopping, healthy choices, marketing tactics, obesity, consumer behavior, parenting, nutrition
** Chapters **
00:00 The Impact of Promotions on Food Choices
04:39 Scotland's Bold Move: Banning Price Promotions
09:00 Navigating Grocery Shopping: Tips for Healthier Choices
In this solo episode, Kiyah gets real about the five mealtime expectations she holds for her kids—not about what they eat, but how they show up at the table. From chewing with mouths closed (her #1 pet peeve!) to clearing the table when dinner’s done, she breaks down the small habits that teach big lessons in respect, responsibility, and being part of a family. It’s part rant, part reflection, and fully relatable for any parent trying to raise decent humans one meal at a time.
** Free Resources **
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids):
** Let's Connect! **
📩 Read The Weekly Parent Newsletter
📥 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram
** Chapters**
00:00 Setting the Stage for Family Meals
02:46 Expectations for Mealtime Etiquette
05:39 Teaching Table Manners and Responsibilities
08:35 Encouraging Participation in Cleanup
10:56 Reflections on Parenting and Mealtime Values
**Keywords**
family meals, table manners, parenting, expectations, mealtime etiquette, children, respect, responsibility, family dinner, parenting tips
In this episode, Kiyah talks with Zac Garthe — patent attorney, tech founder, and deeply engaged dad — about what it really takes to build a business while raising a family. They get into the messy truth behind fundraising, the pressure of investor expectations, and the power of surrounding yourself with the right team. The conversation also opens up into a thoughtful discussion about legacy, self-doubt, and how we talk to our kids about the work we do — or don’t. It’s honest, smart, and surprisingly emotional.
**Resources Mentioned **
Read Die With Zero
Watch our extended interview, here.
Learn more about Zac's company, Sigil
Sign up for the Weekly Parent Newsletter
Read Kiyah's blog
Follow Kiyah on Instagram or YouTube
** Key Takeaways **
Balancing family and business is a continuous challenge.
Support structures are crucial for managing responsibilities.
Raising capital requires understanding investor motivations.
Building a strong team culture is essential for success.
Fundraising is a relationship-building process.
Comparison can undermine personal achievements and joy.
Legacy is about the impact on others, not just personal success.
Parenting influences entrepreneurial decisions and vice versa.
Flexibility in work can enhance productivity as a parent.
It's important to recognize the value of small contributions.
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
01:12 Parenting and Potty Training Experiences
01:35 Exploring Business Ownership and Parenting Dynamics
07:18 Building Support Structures
09:17 Creating a Positive Company Culture
11:49 Navigating the Challenges of Fundraising
13:41 Understanding Investor Dynamics
17:50 The Importance of Relationships in Business
21:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life
27:42 The Role of Co-Founders in Success
31:37 Parenting and Entrepreneurship: A Unique Perspective
34:13 Balancing Parenting and Entrepreneurship
36:29 Navigating Financial Challenges in Business
38:02 The Journey of Building a Unique Product
41:02 Defining Entrepreneurship and Personal Identity
43:33 The Impact of Choices on Legacy
45:49 Teaching Children About Business and Life Lessons
49:34 Reflections on Legacy and Personal Impact
In this episode Erin Walsh, parenting expert and author of It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence, joins Dr. Kiyah Duffey for a candid conversation about raising teens in today’s tech-saturated world. Together, they dig into the science of adolescent development, the importance of healthy risk-taking, and why curiosity (not control) is your best tool as a parent.
From screen-time battles to social media stress, Erin offers practical, judgment-free strategies to help you foster open communication and build digital agency in your kids. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of tech or unsure how to guide your teen through it all, this episode will leave you feeling more grounded, confident, and connected.
Minneapolis-based Erin Walsh has spent over a decade translating brain science into practical strategies for families navigating tech, mental health, and modern adolescence. In her forthcoming book, It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence (May 13, 2025), she helps parents move beyond fear and toward a research-based, developmentally grounded approach to raising teens in the digital age.
** Resources Mentioned **
AAP Conversation StartersHarvard Center for Digital Thriving:
** Connect & Follow **
Learn More About Erin at Spark & Stitch
Subscribe to the Weekly Parent Newsletter
Follow Dr. Kiyah on Instagram, YouTube, or at her website
This week, I’m talking with Nicole Runyon, a psychotherapist, parent coach, parent, and author of Free to Fly. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from how parenting has shifted in the digital age to what it means to build resilience - real resilience - foster independence, and support kids’ mental health, not just protect it. We talk about body image, food choices, and how to help our kids develop real-world social skills in a tech-saturated world.
I met Nicole in 2024 and felt an immediate connection with her. Not just because we both are deeply for parents and helping them become the best version of themselves that they can, but because Nicole bring her authentic self into her work. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
** Key Takeaways **
** Connect & Follow **
Get your own copy of her book, Free to Fly
Follow Nicole on LinkedIn or Instagram
Subscribe to the Weekly Parent Newsletter
Follow Dr. Kiyah on Instagram, YouTube, or at her website
** Chapters **
00:00 The Journey from Psychotherapy to Parenting Coaching
02:00 Understanding Technology's Impact on Children
07:30 The Role of Parents in Child Development
10:20 Building Resilience in Children
15:27 Effective Communication with Teens
20:42 Navigating Family Dynamics and Boundaries
26:14 Differentiating Painful Experiences from Trauma
29:34 The Connection Between Food, Health, and Parenting
33:14 Navigating Food Choices and Family Dynamics
36:13 The Challenge of Body Image and Health Conversations
40:19 Independence and Parenting: Balancing Freedom and Guidance
44:12 Technology and Social Media: Setting Boundaries for Kids
56:51 Fostering Independence: The Importance of Life Skills
** Keywords **
#parenting #technology #resilience #mentalhealth #independence #food #trauma #criticalthinking #socialskills #childdevelopment
** Summary **
In this solo episode, Dr. Kiyah Duffey discusses the concept of baby-led weaning, exploring its benefits and challenges. She emphasizes the importance of allowing children to control their eating, continually introducing a variety of textures and flavors, and the significance of family meals. She also addresses potential nutritional gaps and the need for flexibility in feeding practices. Ultimately, Kiyah advocates for a balanced approach to feeding that fosters a positive relationship with food for children.
** Free Resources **
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids):
** Let's Connect! **
📩 Read The Weekly Parent Newsletter
📥 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram
** Keywords **
baby-led weaning, parenting, nutrition, feeding, child development, family meals, self-feeding, food relationships, healthy eating, parenting tips
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction to Baby-Led Weaning
03:10 Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning
06:03 Challenges and Critiques of Baby-Led Weaning
10:09 Conclusion and Personal Reflections on Feeding
** About**Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
In this episode, Michelle Swaney, founder and CEO of The Potty School and author of The Complete Guide to Potty Training. Michelle discusses the complexities and stresses of potty training. She explores the role of cultural influences, the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and the need for education and planning in the potty training process. Michelle emphasizes the significance of positive reinforcement and the role of consultants in guiding families through this challenging milestone. The discussion also highlights the unique challenges faced by parents of children with special needs.
** Connect & Follow **
🔗 Visit The Potty School
📖 Read The Complete Guide to Potty Training
📥 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent Newsletter
📩 Read The Weekly Parent
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram
** About **
Michelle is the founder and CEO of The Potty School, a team of caring parents who earnestly desire to see progress with your pottying journey. We give you the skills to help your family make progress with potty training. All of our consultants are thoroughly trained by The Potty School, and all consultants are background checked and cleared regularly.
We serve families across the United States via in-home consultations, and have the privilege of serving families around the globe via phone/video chat consultations and our online courses and membership.
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction to Potty Training Expertise
04:02 Understanding the Stress of Potty Training
07:01 Cultural Influences on Potty Training
09:49 Motivation: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic
12:55 Positive Approaches to Potty Training
15:42 The Importance of Education and Planning
18:40 Working with a Potty Training Consultant
21:35 Resources for Parents
24:28 Cultural Perspectives on Potty Training
27:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
** Keywords **
potty training, parenting, child development, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, cultural influences, potty training consultant, education, special needs, parenting support
In this solo episode, Dr. Kiyah Duffey explores the changing landscape of breakfast cereals, highlighting a recent study that reveals a decline in nutritional quality over the years. She discusses the implications of these changes for children's health and offers practical advice for making informed choices in the cereal aisle.
** Free Resources **
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids):
** Let's Connect! **
📩 Read The Weekly Parent Newsletter
📥 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram
** Keywords **
cereal, nutrition, breakfast, health, kids, food choices, sugar, fiber, protein, dietary habits
** Chapters **
00:00 The Cereal Dilemma: A Closer Look at Breakfast Choices
03:02 Understanding Nutritional Changes in Breakfast Cereals
05:37 Making Informed Choices: Reading Labels and Ingredients
08:27 Practical Breakfast Alternatives and Strategies for Families
Stop giving-in to your kids' requests (demands?) for "something else" for dinner.
In this solo episode of the Weekly Parent Podcast, Dr. Kiyah Duffey discusses the challenges parents face during meal times, particularly with picky eaters.
** Resources Mentioned **
Learn more about The Division of Responsibility
Subscribe to the Weekly Parent Newsletter
Read The Weekly Parent
Read Dr. Kiyah's Blog
** Free Resources **
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids):
** Let's Connect! **
📩 Read The Weekly Parent Newsletter
📥 Subscribe to The Weekly Parent
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram
** Keywords **
parenting, meal time, kids eating, division of responsibility, picky eaters, family meals, healthy eating, parenting strategies, meal planning, food autonomy