Practical Parenting

Melatonin may help some children fall asleep, but Dr. Terry Nguyen says it shouldn't be the first solution for sleep struggles. In this episode, she explains when melatonin may have a role, why sleep routines should come first, and what parents should know before giving their child an over-the-counter supplement.

Parents everywhere embraced the idea of a 90s summer this year, harkening back to the days of more boredom, more outdoor play, and fewer screens. Journalist and The Art of Screen Time author Anya Kamenetz joined us to discuss why this trend resonated, how to find balance with technology, and practical ways to create more connection at home.

With fruit-flavored vapes becoming more accessible, what should parents know about the risks for kids and teens? We break down the immediate and potential long-term effects of vaping and share how parents can talk to their kids about making informed choices without simply telling them what not to do.

Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant? In this practical guide built for the moms of 2026, we walk through the art of choosing a pediatrician, what to expect during your hospital stay, common NICU experiences, and how to prepare yourself and your support system for life with a newborn.

One in two families with young children experiences diaper insecurity, and many working parents struggle to afford essential items that aren't covered by SNAP or WIC. In this episode, ShareBaby Executive Director Nadia Dein joins us to discuss how communities can support families, reduce barriers to childcare, and help ensure every baby has a healthy start.

Motherhood, entrepreneurship, weight loss surgery, postpartum recovery, and building a village—Zuryna Livermore has navigated it all. In this candid conversation, she shares what she's learned about resilience, self-compassion, asking for help, and balancing ambition with motherhood.

June is Pride Month, which may bring up questions from curious kids. Many parents wonder how to answer them honestly, respectfully, and in an age-appropriate way. In this episode, we discuss how to encourage curiosity and create a safe space for open conversations about differences and identity with respect.

Expectations placed on fathers today look very different than they did a generation ago. Dads are expected to be emotionally present, active caregivers, co-parents, providers, and partners, often without clear role models or support systems to help guide them. In this episode, psychiatrist and father Dr. Anthony Chico joins us for an honest conversation about what fatherhood actually looks like today, where dads struggle, and what support really matters.

Summer is almost here, and with it comes the age-old parenting question: how do you balance structure and downtime? In this episode, we discuss why free play and boredom matter, how much learning kids actually lose over the summer, and creative ways to keep reading and math skills sharp without turning summer into school.

Parents today are under enormous pressure to protect their children from discomfort, but what if constantly “fixing” anxiety is actually making it worse? In this live conversation, Dr. Nguyen talks with clinical child psychologist Dr. Meredith Elkins on how avoidance fuels anxiety, what keeps families stuck, and how parents can help kids build resilience by facing hard feelings instead of escaping them.

Challenging behavior spikes once the weather gets nice aren't just in your house. In this episode, we explain why kids at all ages hit burnout as the school year winds down and what parents can do to help.

Neurodivergence is a normal variation of the human condition, but many parents still struggle to understand what it means for their child. In this episode, we discuss what neurodiversity really is, why early identification matters, and how a strengths-based approach can help kids thrive.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its screen time guidance, shifting the focus from hours to a broader “digital ecosystem” that includes the child, caregiver, content, and larger systems. In this episode, we break down the new framework, including the 5 Cs and practical tools parents can use to support healthy media use at home.

Body image pressure is no longer just affecting girls—more boys are now struggling with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. In this episode, we discuss where these pressures come from, how they show up differently for boys and girls, and what parents can do to support healthier relationships with food and body image.

Nutrition guidance evolves as science evolves, and that can feel overwhelming for parents who are simply trying to feed their kids well. In this episode, we unpack the recent changes to the federal food pyramid and explain what these tools are really meant to do.

Most of parenting has very little to do with our kids.In this episode, we explore how our childhood experiences show up in moments of parenting stress, why everyday parenting moments can trigger us, and how this can lead us to respond in ways we might not intend, all through the lens of Internal Family Systems framework. This isn't another parenting style or item we need to check off the list. This episode simply offers another way of understanding ourselves, so we can parent with calm, clarity, and connection.

We are well into January, but it's never too late to reflect. In this episode, we review key parenting themes from 2025 and share what parents should leave behind and what they should bring into 2026.

Play is fun, but it's also how children communicate. In this episode, we are joined by psychologist and play therapy expert Dr. Rachel Altvater to explore what kids express through play and why it’s such a powerful therapeutic tool. From understanding play themes and symbolic behavior to learning why children need control, autonomy, and emotional safety, this conversation helps parents see play as a window into their child’s internal world.Dr. Altvater practices at Creative Psychological Health Services. Follow her and her work!

It happened; you yelled. You swore you never would, but you did. You are not alone. There isn't a parent in the world who hasn't lost their cool, and honestly, it's important you did. Repair is an essential skill for parents to learn and to model for our kids. 

Entitlement shows up in many families — whether it’s resistance to chores, frustration when things don’t go their way, or racing through Christmas gifts and asking, “Is that it?” In this episode, we break down the roots of entitlement in kids and why today’s instant gratification culture makes it even harder for them to wait, cope, and problem solve.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. If you're wondering how much tech is too much, what counts as responsible AI use, or how to protect your child’s cognitive development in a digital world, this episode offers actionable insights straight from the research.

The digital world can literally feel like its own world. In this episode, we discuss the importance of media and digital literacy, the benefits and risks of media, and how to protect their own safety, privacy, and sovereignty. This conversation empowers families to build safer, healthier digital habits together.

TW: discussion of suicideIn this episode, we outline how to co-create a suicide prevention safety plan with your adolescent—what it is, what goes in it, and how to keep it accessible. Talking about suicide doesn’t put the idea in kids’ heads. Open conversations are where it starts. Plan templates to use:Stanley-Brown Safety PlanSAMHSAChild Mind InstitutePeer-to-Peer Support988 (call or text)The Trevor Project for LGBTQ youthBorn This Way Foundation’s Be There Certificate

Legal for adults doesn’t mean safe for teens. In this episode, we detail adolescent risks, clarify medical uses, and walk parents through how to talk with teens about smoking, vaping, and edibles. Enjoy this practical, fact-forward guidance for having ongoing, open conversations at home.

This episode shares fluid targets, when electrolytes matter (and a DIY recipe), the surprising recovery power of chocolate milk, and why sleep and nutrition are integral to a hydration strategy—quick, evidence-based tips to keep your athlete safe and performing their best.

Sports and activities offer a slew of benefits for our kids, but can often come with burnout, battles, and blown budgets. We break down how to balance structured sports with free play and how to help your child discover what truly lights them up inside. And, once we are in the sports, reframing quitting, the sports scholarship myth, building resiliency, and more.Articles mentioned: The Double Shift, by Katherine Goldstein 

Vaccine information this fall has been confusing, to say the least. But recommendations from professional medical societies are clear and have not changed. Get the information you need to make the best decision for your family here. 

Sleep is the secret weapon for learning, growth, and a strong immune system. We break down how much sleep kids really need, how to shift sleep schedules to get back on track (hello, 30–60-minute steps), and daytime habits that make nights easier ... to make your life easier. 

Back-to-school without the chaos. We answer all your burning back-to-school questions with practical tips for resetting sleep and morning routines, handling first-day jitters, making homework more manageable, and more. Quick wins, zero guilt, totally doable, a perfect recipe for that first week back!

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. We have our first guest! Ameka, Executive Director, Early Childhood at the Y in Central Maryland is answering the question: “What is the one thing you believe parents need to know before sending their kids to school for the first time?” 

From poison ivy and bug bites to eczema and heat rash, we dive into common summertime skin conditions every parent should know about. Find out what causes these rashes, how to prevent them, and practical tips for soothing your child’s discomfort.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. We have all been in this situation: We ask 14 times to put their shoes on because it’s time to go. We argue with our teen about practicing the piano they chose to play. It’s stressful for all parties involved, and the arguing gets us nowhere. How do we lay the groundwork for kids to develop good time management?

Unstructured play and boredom are not only okay, they're essential for your child’s development. In a world filled with scheduled activities and endless screens, allowing kids the time and space to engage in free play can help build creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience. This episode gives practical tips on balancing structured activities with creative, independent play and how to give your child the freedom they need to thrive.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Accidental drowning is one of the most common causes of death and injury for young children as well as teenagers. As pools open and vacations begin, we want you to have water safety information top of mind. 

The connection between your gut microbiome and mental health is fascinating. We explain how the gut and brain are intricately connected through physical and chemical pathways, and how the food we eat can influence mood, behavior, and mental wellbeing. Tune in to learn how you can use nutrition to enhance emotional wellness and mental clarity.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Social media dominates conversations around effective parenting, and where it typically starts is managing screen time. Parents often struggle with setting effective, realistic boundaries, and we have practical tips for parents trying to navigate tech.

From everyday worries to more serious concerns like self-harm, this episode explores practical strategies for empowering kids with emotional regulation skills, building emotional awareness, and encouraging problem-solving. Tune in for actionable tips on supporting your child through life's stressors and fostering resilience.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Sleepovers were a common childhood event growing up, but we've learned a lot since then. Should these still be a thing? Is there a way to say yes to sleepovers and feel good about it?

From middle school friendships to high school relationships, parents can help their teens develop healthy boundaries, recognize signs of unhealthy relationships, and navigate the tricky balance between trust and independence. We talk about respect, consent, and setting boundaries to ensure your teen is a part of safe and respectful relationships.Resources mentioned: gbmc.org/safeCall 1-866-331-9474Text "love is" to 22522loveisrespect.org

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Disciplining is often way more than teaching kids how to behave in the world. For parents, it brings up a lot from our childhoods. When two parents with different lived experiences try to blend their styles and beliefs, it can be a challenge. How do we navigate when our partner disagrees with our discipline approach?

Discipline is a loaded word and shows up in numerous ways during our parenting journeys. How parents show up when teaching children how to be in the world is laced with our own journeys and upbringings. How do we know the most effective and loving way to support our children while also preparing them to be confident, capable adults? 

On Feb. 26, 2025, a school-aged child died from the measles outbreak in West Texas. The child was unvaccinated and otherwise healthy. This was a preventable death. Vaccines. Save. Lives. They are imperative in keeping our children safe and healthy. We are revisiting this previously-recorded episode so parents can get all the facts from an expert. 

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Sibling dynamics are a learning curve for everyone, but adding in a child who needs extra attention can create an additional layer of challenge and potential resentment. How can parents help navigate sibling dynamics when one has higher level needs?

Sibling dynamics come down to teaching our children how to navigate conflict or problem solve, but it can be draining, especially when everyone is around each other all the time. Here, we outline common sibling conflicts and how to navigate them. 

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Tis the season … for illness. Coughs are one of the most prominent symptoms for a variety of illnesses, and how do we know when it is just a run-of-the-mill winter cold or something more serious?

We dig deeper on another touchy (no pun intended) topic parents can get hesitant to broach with their teens and tweens—sex and bodies. The Sex Talk as we knew it left something to be desired, but we have more tools now. This ongoing conversation prepares your kids for healthy relationships and comfort with their body for years to come. Listen for tips! 

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Routines during divorce are particularly important for kids and can be made complicated when the rules differ between households. How do you develop consistent routines, prevent children from using differences against parents, and keep the focus on what’s best for the child?

Divorce is tricky. You can decide not to be life partners, but if you have children, you still need to maintain a partnership for your children. We help you navigate the mixed emotions, tricky situations, and tough decisions that come with this transition. 

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Pneumonia cases in children have been in the news a lot recently. We are here to give you all you need to know and look out for.

Young people don't need your advice on becoming an adult. It’s counterintuitive to how you have been parenting up until this point, but when your child becomes an adolescent, your role needs to change. Hosts discuss how to support your young adult in developing agency, learning from mistakes, building the foundation of confidence and resilience, all while fostering connection between you and them. Dr. Nguyen's TEDx Talk on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9zkJejNlo4