THE PARENTING IQ PODCAST

Understand your child & parent with confidence

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Parenting advice is everywhere. Knowing what fits your child and your family can feel really hard.

The Parenting IQ Podcast helps you make everyday parenting decisions with greater understanding and confidence. Join Dr. Kelly Cagle and her guests for practical conversations that connect research with real family life so you can understand your child, weigh your options, and confidently choose your next step.

Hosted by Dr. Kelly Cagle, a PhD in K-16 education, ADHD researcher, and homeschooling mom of three boys, each episode helps you better understand your child’s needs, so you feel confident teaching life skills, character, and emotional intelligence that go far beyond the textbook and last a lifetime.

Some of the topics we cover include:

  • ADHD-friendly parenting strategies

  • How to motivate your kids without nagging

  • Building confident, connected families

  • Teaching life skills that stick

  • Rethinking academics for real-world success

  • Managing sibling dynamics and home rhythms

  • Biblical wisdom + brain science and so much more

The show is proudly part of The Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

Our mission is to help you understand your child so you can parent with confidence.

The Engaged Dad Kelly Cagle The Engaged Dad Kelly Cagle

Why Dads Feel So Overwhelmed and the Surprising Solution w/ Joshua Becker

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with bestselling author Joshua Becker to discuss why so many dads feel overwhelmed and how simplifying life can create more space for faith, family, and purpose. Joshua shares how consumerism, clutter, and the pursuit of "more" often distract us from what matters most. Together, they explore practical ways to reduce overwhelm, become more present with your family, and prioritize spiritual growth. This conversation will encourage parents to live with greater intention and focus on building a lasting legacy.

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Kelly Cagle Kelly Cagle

Stop the Power Struggles: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child w/ Mary Van Geffen

In this episode of the Parenting IQ Podcast, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with Mary Van Geffen to unpack why strong-willed “spicy” kids push every button and how parents can stop the exhausting power struggles without punishment, shame, or constant yelling. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is everything such a battle with this child?” this conversation will give you practical tools, fresh perspective, and hope for creating more connection and peace at home.

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Kelly Cagle Kelly Cagle

How to Reduce Tantrums Without Punishment or Bribes w/ Dr. Kim Van Dusen

In this episode of the Parenting IQ Podcast, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen to discuss how parents can reduce tantrums, meltdowns, and power struggles through connection, play, and emotional regulation instead of punishment or bribes, while also creating a more peaceful home and avoiding burnout in motherhood.

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What If Burnout Isn’t About Your Schedule at All? w/ Yvette Henry

In this episode of the Parenting IQ Podcast, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with Yvette Henry to unpack a powerful question many parents are asking: What if burnout isn’t really about being too busy? Together, they explore the emotional, mental, and spiritual weight that moms and families carry behind the scenes, and why true healing often starts beneath the surface. Yvette shares practical encouragement for recognizing burnout, creating healthier rhythms, and learning how to care for yourself without guilt so you can show up more fully for the people you love.

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Mom Burnout: 5 Ways to Avoid Exhaustion and Enjoy Motherhood Again

Feeling exhausted in motherhood? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle dives into the hidden causes of mom burnout and shares five powerful shifts to help you reclaim peace, energy, and joy in your home. This is your reminder that you don’t have to live in survival mode—you were meant to thrive.

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Unpacking Human Development Kelly Cagle Unpacking Human Development Kelly Cagle

Young Adult Brain Explained: Why Ages 18-30 Feel So Hard w/ Dr. Shannan Crawford

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with Dr. Shannan Crawford to unpack why the years between 18 and 30 can feel so difficult emotionally, mentally, and relationally. They explore what’s happening in the developing brain, why young adults often struggle with confidence and identity, and how parents can support without over-helping. This conversation offers practical wisdom for raising resilient young adults who are prepared to face life with confidence.

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Unpacking Human Development Kelly Cagle Unpacking Human Development Kelly Cagle

Why Teens Act the Way They Do w/ Dr. Amy Moore

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with Dr. Amy Moore to unpack what is really happening in the teenage brain and why teens often act the way they do. They discuss emotional development, the need for autonomy, ADHD and motivation, and practical ways parents can build stronger connection during these challenging years. You’ll walk away with encouragement and strategies to parent your teen with more understanding, confidence, and grace.

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Unpacking Human Development Kelly Cagle Unpacking Human Development Kelly Cagle

The Hidden Cost of Busy Childhoods w/ Natalie Gonzalez

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with Natalie Gonzalez, author of The School Zone Mentality, to discuss the hidden cost of busy childhoods and why slowing down matters for healthy child development. They explore how overstimulation, packed schedules, excess stuff, and lack of sleep can impact children’s emotional well-being and growth. You’ll walk away with practical encouragement to simplify family life and create rhythms where your kids can truly thrive.

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Speaking Topics

ADHD Conversations:

  1. Parenting Beyond the ADHD Label— Understanding a child’s strengths, challenges, and needs without letting a diagnosis “define” them.

  2. Why Won’t You Just Do It?— Exploring why getting started, following directions, and finishing tasks can be difficult, and how parents can help through systems, not more nagging and yelling.

  3. Homework, ADHD, and the Parent-Child Relationship— Creating a more supportive homework experience through realistic expectations and school partnerships.

  4. ADHD and Big Feelings— Navigating frustration and emotional overwhelm with compassion, clear boundaries, and opportunities to reconnect.

  5. Building Independence When Your Child Has ADHD— Helping children practice responsibility with support that grows and changes alongside them.

Home Rhythms Conversations:

  1. Creating a Home That Works for Your Family— Establishing predictable patterns that bring structure while making room for joy, hiccups, and real life.

  2. Less Rushing, More Connection— Using simple moments as anchors, making busy life feel more manageable and less chaotic.

  3. The After-School Reset— Creating space for kids’ needs while juggling homework, activities, and family time.

  4. Running a Home Like a Business— Using systems to create a healthier flow, accomplish more, bring clarity and unity, and build skills

  5. When the World Becomes Your School— Recognizing there are many lessons no school will teach and how we can weave them into our day-to-day.

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