Routines, habits, schedules, and systems are different but interconnected. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna share personal examples of how they have implemented systems in their own lives, such as organizing art supplies and keeping track of iPads. They also discuss the importance of buy-in from children and how to get them involved in the system-building process. Together they discuss the need to adapt and modify systems as children grow and circumstances change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you think you were going to be packing bento boxes or going on every field trip, but then never did? That’s ok, us too. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna discuss their expectations of parenthood versus the reality. They explore how our expectations can be way different than the realities of parenting, focusing on various aspects such as teaching kids to drive, cooking creative meals, taking family photos, managing screen time, and participating in sports activities. Together, they highlight how the challenges and joys of parenting expand when we adapt and adjust to the reality of expectations as children grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kids say the darnedest things. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna discuss how to handle kids saying mean sh*t. They emphasize teaching children about social norms, empathy, and the impact of their words. They also stress the importance of teaching intent versus impact and navigating sarcasm and phrases like "no offense" and "just kidding." To close they read off some listener emails about childhood memories and Furby nightmares. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bring out the feelings wheel! In this episode, Gwenna and Tori emphasize the importance of allowing children to experience and express their emotions. They share practical tools like the ‘feelings wheel’ and ‘catastrophe scale’ to help children regulate their emotions, and discuss the role of boundaries, including the necessity of making children mad to enforce them. They share their own experiences, highlighting the need for parents to model emotional intelligence, repair mistakes, and distinguish between big feelings and trauma. The Feelings Wheel: Feelingswheel.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This will definitely be a core memory. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori discuss their issues with the movie Inside Out and how it introduced 'core memories' into society. They share how comparing themselves to their own highlight reels is a common occurrence among parents, but even their bloopers aren't as bad as they think. The duo swap core memory stories from both their past as well as ones they have unintentionally given their kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer has begun! In this episode, Gwenna and Tori share their excitement and challenges of the summer season, including the chaos of end-of-school-year activities and the need for balance between structured activities and free time. They share their summer bucket list activities like learning to swim, digging a hole, and going to the library. They close with listing off the wacky rules their families have to implement during summer vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I think it's time we have "The Talk". Tori and Gwenna are joined by Rachel Coller Mulholland, a nationally certified counselor and author of 'The Birds, The Bees and The Elephant in the Room,' to discuss the importance of having tough conversations with kids about sex and other sensitive topics. Rachel provides advice for parents feeling shame or discomfort around these conversations and emphasizes comprehensive sex education. The book is divided by age appropriateness and covers topics like body awareness, puberty, consent, and healthy relationships, offering a framework for discussing sensitive topics and building trust. Pre-Order 'The Birds, The Bees and The Elephant in the Room': https://shorturl.at/NZjBW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’t be nervous! This week, Gwenna and Tori are joined by Philippa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran to discuss their children's book 'Piper Chen Sings' and the inspiration behind it. They talk about the importance of kids acknowledging and navigating through their bigger emotions like stage fright. The book aims to empower children to embrace their feelings and find their voice. To close out, Gwenna and Tori play a game of Dry Side or Wet Side, brought to you by Splash Refresher. Do you look at the dry side or wet side of life? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Childproof’s first birthday approaches, Gwenna and Tori are thrilled to bring you a special mailbag episode. Listeners have submitted questions about managing the never ending energy of a two year old to supporting their kids through divorce, and even teaching boundaries with preteens. Plus, they’re back again with a game of Dry Side or Wet Side, brought to you by Splash Refresher. Do you look at the dry side or wet side of life? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s your biggest pet peeve? This week, Gwenna and Tori are here to rant. The duo vents about everyday parental frustrations and pet peeves from Kidz Bop to Frozen karaoke, and even self-flushing toilets. What do all of these have in common? The robot revolution. To close out, they are back with another round of Dry Side or Wet Side, brought to you by Splash Refresher. Do you look at the dry side or wet side of a problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The simple solution is… you should listen to this episode. This week, Tori and Gwenna discuss the challenges of parenting and finding those simple solutions. They introduce us to the lesson of Occam’s razor, which states that the simplest answer is often the best solution. Drawing from personal experiences, they share their own stories from navigating online information overload, teaching children the art of drinking from a glass, and managing one’s emotions. With each story, they hammer home how the best results always came from the simplest solutions. To close out, Gwenna challenges Tori to a game of Dry Side or Wet Side, brought to you by Splash Refresher. Do you look at the dry side, or wet side of a problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharing is caring... well, sometimes. This week, Tori returns, and the dynamic duo dives into the topic of sharing. They explore the nuances of sharing, whether it's about food, toys, or even navigating the grocery store aisles. With tips, tricks, and sayings, they reflect on their experiences in guiding their children through interactions with others. As they say, "We look with our eyes, not with our hands," imparting a valuable lesson on the importance of respecting boundaries and fostering cooperation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kids music parents will actually like?! This week, Tori and Gwenna are joined by Tim Kubart, a Grammy Award winning children’s musician, to share his journey into the world of children's music and his approach to creating engaging and meaningful songs for kids. Together they discuss the importance of finding a balance between not talking down to kids and not talking over their heads, while making music that is accessible and enjoyable for parents, too! Tim delves into the importance of honesty and kindness, his approach to tackling real issues like children’s mental health, and his collaboration with illustrator Laurie Richmond on his book 'Oopsie Do'. Plus, Tim discusses his new song, 'Really Real You' - trust us, you won’t be able to resist a dance party with your kiddos! @timkubart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Gwenna is joined by Dr. Sujay Kansagra, pediatric neurologist and director of the pediatric neurology sleep medicine program at Duke Health. The duo dives into the intricacies of sleep training, discovering its true meaning, and its unique application within each family dynamic. They also explore the complexities of sleep cycles, circadian rhythms, and the surprising impact a mere 5-minute nap can have. Wrapping up, they offer insights into effectively communicating with your pediatrician when your child is experiencing sleep difficulties. Get Dr. Kansagra's Book: https://shorturl.at/crJP8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's let go, together. This week, Gwenna and Tori dive into the art of lowering expectations, both for themselves and their children. They kick off their discussion with school, acknowledging the struggle surrounding grades as a significant aspect of expectations. While recognizing that grades aren't the sole measure of a child's worth, they can give parents a peek into a kids holistic wellbeing. Transitioning into extracurricular activities, they share their experiences of striving to provide their children with diverse opportunities while also learning the importance of establishing healthy boundaries. Amidst the whirlwind of daily life, they discovered the necessity of showing themselves grace, particularly during meal times, recognizing that ensuring their children are nourished and content is what's important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Gwenna and Tori find themselves halfway through spring break and already found themselves in the pit of the avocado (IYKYK). They share stories about supporting their children in preparing for emergencies, fostering their interests, and handling anger. This episode is just as jam-packed as your "week off," so be sure to tune in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Okay, I'm going to need some space. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori delve into the topic of spaces within their homes. From shared living areas to designated play zones, the duo discusses the dynamics of family spaces. They explore the intricacies chore systems with their children, highlighting tips and tricks of finding organizational methods that suit each child's temperament. Wrapping up, they reflect on the importance of aesthetics in their homes, sharing insights into the specific aesthetic styles they resonate with and how they manage to maintain them as well as their kids's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Gwenna and Tori are thrilled to welcome Megan McNamee, one of the minds behind the Instagram account @feedinglittles. Recognizing the profound impact that Megan's platform has had on their own approaches to navigating the realm of food with their children, they eagerly invite her to delve deeper into the topic. The discussion starts with the myth surrounding "picky eaters" and the importance of respecting children's individual preferences. From there, the trio delves into practical strategies and tools aimed at enriching children's dining experiences, while also addressing the perennial question of when to introduce dessert into the equation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is a special dedication to our very own TikTok sensation, Gwenna. Her recently released book, "Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting & Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kid Needs Therapy," is now available, and we're thrilled to get a glimpse behind the curtain. Tori asks Gwenna to delve into her journey, starting from the moment she realized her passion for writing, to her audience, and the significant role her family played in the writing process. Order Gwenna's Book: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/momma-cusses/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations, you've reached your podcast listening milestone. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori dive into the long list of developmental milestones that your kids are expected to meet. They offer reassurance to listeners, acknowledging the immense pressure felt by parents and emphasizing that you don't need to feel guilty if your children deviate from the list. However, they recount their own encounters with detecting early signs of developmental delays, shedding light on potential implications. CDC’s Developmental Milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't cry, we're back with another episode! This week, Gwenna and Tori chat a little more about how to help your kids, help you, help them identify their emotions. They start off detailing the unique paths they take to get to the same result, avoiding a meltdown. They share how they introduce their kids to disappointment, stop a tantrums once they start, and how to avoid them in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Valentine's Day! On this episode, Gwenna and Tori air out their grievances about celebrating the day of love. They share what their favorite Valentine's gifts are and which ones get shuffled around the house for a couples days (or months). Then, they introduce a new segment highlighting a listener email who asks how to handle a pre-teen who "doesn't know". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your favorite coffee, tea, or Four Loko and get ready to find yourself again. This week, Gwenna and Tori found inspiration from a fellow mom friend who has reached that stage in parenthood where she can carve out time for herself. They reflect on their own journeys, discussing the challenges of losing one's identity after having a baby and the newfound self-discoveries that have emerged in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tori and Gwenna dive into the complexities of parenting with wisdom and humor as they tackle the tough questions: Should you skip errands on a rough day? How can parents help kids manage their fears? They offer invaluable advice on staying flexible, regulating emotions, and embracing the silly moments with your little ones. Drawing from personal experiences, they offer insights on navigating transitions like moving homes and helping kids transition from cribs to big beds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gather 'round, children (and parents), it's story time! In this week's episode, Gwenna and Tori share their favorite parenting stories. From sleeve beans, tree floofs, and giant Elsa's they reflect on the lessons learned by both themselves and their kids. We want to hear from you! Head to Childproof@betches.com to share stories of your own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back for seconds already? Don’t worry, Gwenna and Tori have plenty of leftovers from last week. They dive into their perspectives on addressing the topic of body image with their children (as well as with themselves) and explore its connection to diet. Then, they offer valuable tips, tricks, and resources that you can employ to guide your children in navigating a world centered around body awareness. Referenced Accounts: @feedinglittles @andydoeshealthy @kids.nutritionist @kids.eat.in.color Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Gwenna and Tori have their plates full with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In this episode, the duo chats all about their kids' preferred palate. From tacos de lengua to strictly dino nuggets, they share how they’ve adjusted to their kids' ever-evolving tastes and how they encourage them to try new foods. The short answer is bribery. Yes you may be excused, but make sure to come back next week for the second course of this conversation. Preorder Momma Cusses : https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/momma-cusses/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Knock knock. Who’s there? It’s Gwenna and Tori ready to kick off the New Year. In this episode, they delve into the topic of children’s privacy. Is it a right or a privilege? They cover when introduce the concept of privacy to their kids, how they maintain it, and how if differs from kid to kid. Preorder Momma Cusses : https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/momma-cusses/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter the weather, we’re in it together. This week, Gwenna and Tori are preparing their children (and themselves) for inclement weather conditions. They share stories and offer valuable tips and tricks to guide you in navigating through a snowy day or a potential power outage with your kids. Emergency Radio: https://amzn.to/3uZIUKY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is your New Year's resolution? Ours is to not make resolutions. In the final episode of 2023, Gwenna and Tori chat about their post-Christmas relaxation and New Year celebrations. Then, they delve into a reflection on the goals they set for 2023 and explore the intricacies of crafting new aspirations for the upcoming year, 2024. 2024 Vision Board - https://www.mommacusses.com/services-1  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your wish is our command! In this week, Gwenna and Tori present you with an early Christmas gift—an episode without the timer. They kick off the conversation by delving into their sources of inspiration and passions, recounting the moments of discovery and their gradual evolutions. Then, they open up about the exciting journey of witnessing their own children uncover and explore their individual sparks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caution: Christmas spoilers ahead—proceed with care! In this episode, Gwenna and Tori chat about the magic of Christmas, from Dancer, Prancer, Donner, and Blitzen, to the iconic red man himself. This leads them to the one question that occupies the minds of parents during the holiday season: Is Santa Claus a lie we tell our kids? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s giving season, and in this episode, Gwenna and Tori explore the essence of the 'Three Gs' of Christmas: Gratitude, Giving, and Gifts. The conversation encompasses helping your kids understand the significance of gratitude, as well as recounting a few of their own gifting mishaps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your questions have been received, and we are here with the responses you seek. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori delve into the contents of the Childproof inbox to address your questions. Whether it's defining the concept of "Gentle Parenting" or navigating the decision of when to let your kids experiment with makeup, the duo gives valuable advice and offers reassurance to accompany you on your parenting journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Who is ready for their kids to go back to school?!” If you raised your hand, you’re in good company. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori discuss the buzz of the new school year, the challenges of back-to-school shopping, and strategies for buying school supplies. Their mantra: "Reuse, reuse, reuse!" In this anticipatory episode, they touch on everything from drop-off line etiquette to uncomfy school shoes to finding peace in not being a Bento-box parent. Plus, the importance of involving teachers in decisions about fidgets and school supplies that double as toys (because we all know it's coming). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well actually... you should listen to this episode. This week, Gwenna and Tori take a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on both their cherished and cursed phases that ultimately shaped their journey into parenthood. From the ear-worm enchantment of Baby Shark, to the 'The Redditor inquisitor', and the notorious 'Why?' phase, the duo explores the significance of these experiences and how they contribute to shaping one's identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you cringe at the sight of Christmas commercials popping up immediately after Halloween, then this episode is for you. This week's, Tori and Gwenna guide you and your kids through the preparations for Thanksgiving. They discuss everything from creating sample plates and cherishing core memories to deciding which traditions are worth keeping and which ones you might want to bid farewell. As for them, the annual dog show no longer graces their television screens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready to start the timer because in this episode, Gwenna and Tori dive into the topic of the countless (or meticulously counted) hours parents spend on their kids. From patiently waiting for them after school to waiting on them to finish their story, the duo shares about all the instances when they found themselves in ‘Mom Wait Mode.’ But don’t worry, as Gwenna and Tori spill the rules on their favorite games to make the wait time fly by. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How frequently is your house 'Company Clean'? This week, Gwenna and Tori are joined by their IRL friend, Emily Feret, to discuss how they embrace the everyday chaos of life. They openly explore the decision to showcase their unfiltered reality, embracing the clutter in their content as a way to assure fellow parents that it's okay not to be perfect. The conversation then shifts to their perspective on self-care, highlighting the importance of acknowledging that sometimes, opting out of an activity can be a better form of self-care than indulging in a bubble bath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bad moms never wonder if they're doing a good job, and good moms never stop worrying that they're doing a bad one. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori want to talk about their (and probably your) Bad Mom moments. From Rock 'n Plays, iPads, vitamins, and bribery, the duo swaps the many ways they failed at being perfect parents. But in the midst of the chaos, they're here to remind you that there's no such thing as a perfect parent; we're all doing the best with what we have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for a scare? Fright this way. With Halloween a few weeks away, Gwenna and Tori are here to get you ready for all the candy, costumes, and scares… oh my. The duo shares their own stories from Halloweens past and present, delving into how they prepare for a spooky, but safe holiday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, just how big is 10 centimeters? In this episode, Gwenna and Tori join forces with labor and delivery nurse, Jen Hamilton, to assist you in shaping your ‘Birth Vibes,’ because pregnancy rarely adheres to any plan. The trio discusses their own pregnancy plan expectations vs. reality and delves into the challenging journey of coping with the grief that comes with those deviations. Wrapping up the conversation, they play a game of Pet, Kids, or Husband?. Who did Gwenna ask, "Is that a spider in your mouth? Spit it out!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When did you know you wanted kids? Some of us are still waiting for that moment, and that’s okay. After reading a recent article about how friendships are affected when a child is introduced, Gwenna and Tori wanted to open a conversation about how society's mindset towards children has changed. They also delve into the difference between choosing to be childless and simply disliking children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Don’t talk back to me!" "I hope you have kids exactly like you!" Have you heard these phrases before? We certainly have. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori are ready to break some cycles, starting with the main offender: toxic parental phrases. They provide examples from their own upbringing and explain how they've consciously decided not to use them with their own kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All right, we all just need to calm down. If you're a regular listener, you've probably heard Gwenna and Tori mention regulation a time or two. In today's episode, they define the difference between regulation and co-regulation. Then, they delve into the many ways they practice regulation with their kids, themselves... and others Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tori and Gwenna delve into the intricate world of parenting children with deep passions, exploring how their kids' intense interests shape their family dynamics. Reflecting on the influence of pop culture on their kids' knowledge and the importance of finding common ground, they discuss the nuances of malicious compliance and various ways children express emotions. From the joys of discovering glitter's allure to appreciating life's small wonders, they explore sensory preferences in clothing and the valuable lessons learned from their children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Gwenna and Tori bring on two very special guests. Sisters Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel join us to talk about their new book, "Proud Mouse," a lyrical picture book about a proud sister learning to find her own way. The sisters share how their sibling relationship and childhood inspired the characters, along with intertwining personal parenting stories that, in our opinion, everyone can relate to. Guests: Cara Mentzel, @authorcaramentzel & Idina Menzel, @idinamenzel Pre-Order Proud Mouse: https://books.disney.com/book/proud-mouse/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Part Two episode is dedicated to everyone who hates the timer as much as we do. This week, Gwenna and Tori continue the ‘I don’t make my kids do homework’ conversation by sharing their own personal stories and how that shaped the way they handle take-home work today. Then, they dive into the dreaded test days or what we like to call ‘just days’ because no one actually cares how your kid did in middle school math...we just want them to learn something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The kids are back to school... now what? In this episode, Gwenna and Tori celebrate (and commiserate) together about all things related to going back to school. From signing your kids up on six separate platforms to having an empty house all to yourself. But what happens when your kids return from school with a mountain of homework? Do you make them do it? For Gwenna and Tori, the short answer is no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does one keep a tidy house? Asking for a friend. This week, Gwenna and Tori invite the founder of Space + Mind, Ashley La Fond, onto the show to talk about all things related to home organization. Keeping your home tidy is already a significant feat on its own, and when you become a parent, it seems almost impossible. As a mom, Ashley shares her best tips and tricks to organize your spaces, helping them work best for you and your family. Guest: Ashley La Fond, @ashleylafond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices