THE PARENTING IQ PODCAST

Family Rhythms, Neurodivergence, &
Parenting Challenges and Solutions

Subscribe on Apple or Spotify and join us as lifelong learners!

The Parenting IQ Podcast is your go-to show for turning real-life parenting struggles into powerful learning opportunities. Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child, homeschooling, or navigating the pressures of academics and behavior, this podcast will equip you with practical tools and research-backed strategies to build a thriving home culture.

Hosted by Dr. Kelly Cagle, a PhD in K-16 education, ADHD researcher, and homeschooling mom of three boys, each episode unpacks how to use the daily little moments (yes, even the messy ones!) as opportunities to teach life skills, character, and emotional intelligence that go far beyond the textbook.

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 use the daily little moments as big learning opportunities.

Teaching Kids Body Boundaries Without Scaring Them w/ Sara Ernst

How do we teach kids about body boundaries without making them afraid of the world? In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle talks with Sara Ernst about helping children recognize “tricky” behavior, trust when something feels uncomfortable, and confidently use their voice. They share practical ways parents can teach body safety, respect a child’s boundaries, and build skills that will serve them from childhood into their teen years and beyond.

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5 Boundaries You Need If You Have ADHD

In this episode of Parenting IQ, Dr. Kelly Cagle shares five essential boundaries that can help adults and kids with ADHD thrive. She explores how setting intentional guardrails around friendships, commitments, intake, stagnation, and ideas can protect your time, attention, and capacity. You’ll learn why boundaries aren’t about restriction—they’re about creating the structure your ADHD brain needs for greater focus, follow-through, and freedom.

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The Greatest Gift You Can Give Before Your Child Leaves Home w/ Douglas McKelvey

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with bestselling author Douglas McKelvey to discuss the greatest gift parents can give their children before they leave home: a personal, enduring relationship with Jesus. Together, they explore how spiritual rhythms like prayer, trusting God's truth, and developing a faith of their own can prepare young adults to navigate life's challenges with confidence. This conversation offers hope and practical encouragement for parents raising children to stand firm in their faith long after they leave the nest.

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The Biggest Mistake Parents Make When Launching Their Adult Child w/ Dr. Kathy Koch

Launching your child into adulthood can be one of the hardest seasons of parenting but it doesn't have to be filled with fear. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with parenting expert Dr. Kathy Koch to discuss the biggest mistakes parents make when preparing their adult children for college, careers, marriage, and beyond. Together, they explore how to replace control with trust, help young adults build resilience, encourage dependence on God, and maintain healthy relationships during one of life's biggest transitions.

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How to Stop Getting Triggered in Your Marriage w/ Dr. Kelly Flanagan

Why do small disagreements in marriage sometimes turn into big arguments? In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Kelly Flanagan to explore what really happens when we get triggered. Together, they discuss the hidden needs beneath conflict, why couples react so differently, and practical ways to stay connected instead of becoming defensive. If you want healthier communication and a stronger marriage, this conversation will give you simple, actionable tools you can start using today.

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Kelly Cagle Kelly Cagle

Our Top 20 Lessons After 20 Years of Marriage w/ Joshua Cagle

Marriage isn't built in a day, it's built one intentional choice at a time. In this special anniversary episode, Dr. Kelly and Joshua Cagle celebrate 20 years of marriage by sharing the biggest lessons they've learned about communication, conflict, parenting, faith, finances, fun, and keeping God at the center. Whether you're newly married or decades into your journey, this honest conversation will encourage you with practical wisdom to help your marriage grow stronger through every season.

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How to Love Your Spouse So They Really Feel It w/ Dr. Gary Chapman

What if your spouse is trying to love you but you simply aren't feeling it? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman to unpack why even the strongest marriages can experience emotional disconnect. Together, they explore the five love languages, the surprising role of personality and "love language dialects," and how intentional choices can help you better understand your spouse, strengthen your connection, and build a marriage where both of you truly feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

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The Engaged Dad Kelly Cagle The Engaged Dad Kelly Cagle

What Michael Jr. Says Every Dad Needs to Hear Right Now

What does it really mean to be a great dad? In this powerful and hilarious conversation, Michael Jr. shares hard-earned wisdom on fatherhood, faith, marriage, and personal growth. From learning to trust God over hustle culture to viewing conflict as an opportunity for transformation, Michael challenges parents to lead from a place of curiosity, grace, and purpose. You'll laugh, reflect, and walk away encouraged by his reminder that God isn't asking parents to be perfect—He's asking them to stay connected to the perfect Father.

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  • A mind shift between student & learner

  • What every American home desperately needs: Less chaos, more connection

  • Being a healthy mom in an overstimulating world

  • When the world is your school: Learning that happens at home

  • Three character traits every child needs: Competence, creativity, and curiosity

  • Avoiding parental burnout

  • How to fight the current mental health crisis

  • Eight ways people are wired as learners through the 8 Multiple Intelligences theoretical lens

  • Improving home life with an ADHD child: Simple habits that make a big difference

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