Do you look in your bank account and wonder where all your money has gone? We asked our listeners for the small ways they save and and budget every month to make money less of a mystery. Molly and Blaire discuss: Blaire's amazing Poshmark selling skills Why it's important to pay yourself first Sinking funds Investing a little bit of time in some of these solutions reaps big rewards budget-wise, so seriously, start eensy teensy tiny. Look in your fridge to see what you need to use up before going to the store. Join Facebook Marketplace or your local "Buy Nothing" group. Budgeting is a muscle that you have to exercise consistently in order to get good at it, so give yourself some grace! Here are all the resources we mentioned in the episode! Here's the original thread in the What Fresh Hell Facebook group Flipp Fetch Rewards Receipt Hog ibotta YNAB (You need a budget) Mint eMeals FB Marketplace or your local "buy nothing" groups Mercari Poshmark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to have "happy motherhood?" And is it even a realistic goal to have, given the ups and downs of being a parent? We asked our listeners about their tips to help new parents have a "happier" first year. Molly and Blaire discuss: The perils of Mom Instagram Ways to make extra room for joy in your early motherhood How to sit in discomfort Managing your expectations was a key theme in the answers we got - so many moms want everything to be perfect, so they are inevitably disappointed when they don't get their twins out the door in matching outfits every single morning! But guess what? No one is perfect, even though it may seem every other mom on Earth has it more together than you. Join our Facebook group for more advice, laughs, and support: www.facebook.com/groups/whatfreshhellcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any one who has had a toddler knows the terror that surfaces whenever a lovey (let's say Mr. Bunny) goes missing. About 60% of babies adopt some sort of transitional object at around 9 months old. This is when little ones start to separate from parents (and, in fact, when they begin to understand that their parent is a separate person). Once a kid bonds with "Mr. Bunny", you may worry they'll be taking him to college. But there are ways to gently wean your child off comfort items in time. In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss: Why comfort items are a sign of healthy growth How to start the weaning process Why there will be ups and downs as kids learn to live without their comfort items Here are links to some of the resources referenced in this episode: Alice Allan for La Leche League International: "Comfort Items and Attachment Parenting" Lindsey Konkel for What to Expect: Why Do Some Babies Need Comfort Items (Or "Transitional Objects")? Marnell Jameson for Parents.com: "6 Tips for Weaning Your Child's Comfort Object" Special thanks to our sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com for more info. Skylight Frames is a touchscreen photo frame you can send photos to, straight from your phone, and they appear in seconds! Get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go SkylightFrame.com/TODDLER.   KiwiCo - Unwrap super fun science, technology, and art projects for kids with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We asked those in our Facebook group how they maintain friendships with childless friends. The answers ranged from hilarious to heartbreaking. Keeping childless friends in our lives involves self-reflection, perspective taking, FaceTime, texting, and roller skating. Oh, and, unfortunately, "hard pants." In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss: How maintaining friendships with childless friends is an act of self care How to take on the perspective of childless friends How to let go of and mourn friendships that have run their course Here is the link to the article mentioned in the episode: Rachel Bertsche for The New York Times: "Staying Close to Your Friends Without Kids" Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Hiya Health gummies are non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, allergy-free, gelatin-free, nut-free and basically free of all the stuff you don’t want. For 50% off your first order, go to HiyaHealth.com/TODDLER With Auto Approve, vehicle owners can lower their monthly payment, get a better rate, or both. To find out how much you could save, get your free quote at autoapprove.com/adalyst Prose is the healthy hair regimen with your name all over it. Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today! Go to prose.com/toddler With Thrive Market, you can shop everything from healthy pantry essentials and sustainable meat and seafood to nontoxic cleaning and beauty products - all delivered right to your door. Go to thrivemarket.com/laughing to get 40% off your first order AND a FREE gift worth over fifty dollars. Peloton has workouts for every schedule, every goal, and every fitness level. The Peloton Bike+ is now $500 less, its best price yet! That includes FREE delivery and setup. Visit onepeloton.com to learn more. Little Passports offers globally inspired, award-winning monthly subscription kits designed for curious kids to fuel their inner explorer. For listeners of the show, Little Passports is offering new customers 20% off when you go to littlepassports.com/purgatory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the most relaxing 24 hours of the year! What’s your one wish, moms? Breakfast in bed? Lunch in bed? Dinner in bed? Oh, all day in bed. That’s actually an excellent wish… In this special Mother’s Day episode, Molly and Blaire interview their own mothers to find out what their mothers wished were different in their own time and how they view motherhood today. In this episode, Molly’s and Blaire’s mothers, Lynn and Peggy, discuss: What they wish they’d had when they were raising kids Which is better—being a mom or a grandmom How phones and social media have impacted parenting  Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Hiya Health gummies are non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, allergy-free, gelatin-free, nut-free and basically free of all the stuff you don’t want. For 50% off your first order, go to HiyaHealth.com/TODDLER With Auto Approve, vehicle owners can lower their monthly payment, get a better rate, or both. To find out how much you could save, get your free quote at autoapprove.com/adalyst Prose is the healthy hair regimen with your name all over it. Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today! Go to prose.com/toddler With Thrive Market, you can shop everything from healthy pantry essentials and sustainable meat and seafood to nontoxic cleaning and beauty products - all delivered right to your door. Go to thrivemarket.com/laughing to get 40% off your first order AND a FREE gift worth over fifty dollars. Peloton has workouts for every schedule, every goal, and every fitness level. The Peloton Bike+ is now $500 less, its best price yet! That includes FREE delivery and setup. Visit onepeloton.com to learn more. Little Passports offers globally inspired, award-winning monthly subscription kits designed for curious kids to fuel their inner explorer. For listeners of the show, Little Passports is offering new customers 20% off when you go to littlepassports.com/purgatory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just a heads up: this episode mentions the correct anatomical names for private body parts, as well as mention of good and bad touches. Help! My child is playing whipping it out at the playground and I don't know what to do! Before you crawl into a hole, take a listen to this episode and let Molly and Blaire share some tips for talking to kids about private body parts without stigma or euphemisms. In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss: Why kids are so curious about their bodies How to use correct language for anatomy as a teaching tool How to address your own anxiety on the subject so it doesn't cloud your judgment Resources/books we mentioned in this episode: Jenny Marder for The New York Times: "Keeping Kids Curious About Their Bodies Without Shame" "It's Not the Stork! A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends" by Robie Harris "Bodies are Cool" by Tyler Feder And for a bonus--Doctor Lindsey Doe of "Sexplanations" has this to say about removing stigma from discussion of kids' bodies: "What Should You Say to Kids About Their Genitals?" Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Auto Approve makes vehicle refinancing easy and gets your more money for what matters most. Get your free quote at autoapprove.com/adalyst. Firstleaf Wine Club delivers personalized wines you'll love right to your door. Join today and you'll get 6 bottles of wine for $29.95 and free shipping. Just go to tryfirstleaf.com/toddler Hiya Health makes sugar-free gummy vitamins for kids. Go to hiyahealth.com/toddler to get 50% off your first order. Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Plant People makes doctor-formulated, regenerative plant and mushroom supplements that unlock people's potential. Go to try.plantpeople.co/toddler to get 15% off your first order. Prep Dish is the best way for busy people to get healthy meals on the table without stress. Subscribers receive an email every week with an organized grocery list and instructions for prepping meals ahead of time. Check out prepdish.com/laughing for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom." The call of the wild toddler rouses us from the deepest sleep. It's nice to be needed, right? Well, not CONSTANTLY. You do have a life, after all. (You do have a life, right?) It may seem like your toddler is unable to play alone, but that's not unusual. Teaching your kid to entertain himself is a process, and luckily there are some methods you can use to make that process a little more bearable and a little less tearful. (His tears and yours.) In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss: How to start your kid (and yourself) off slowly The specific challenges of only children How to have patience with yourself during this process Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in today's episode: janetlansbury.com: "Stop Entertaining Your Toddler (In 3 Steps)" Laura Grande for Today's Parent: "5 ways to get your kid to play alone" Meghan Leahy for The Washington Post: "When Kids Want Parents to Play All the Time" Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Auto Approve makes vehicle refinancing easy and gets your more money for what matters most. Get your free quote at autoapprove.com/adalyst. Firstleaf Wine Club delivers personalized wines you'll love right to your door. Join today and you'll get 6 bottles of wine for $29.95 and free shipping. Just go to tryfirstleaf.com/toddler Hiya Health makes sugar-free gummy vitamins for kids. Go to hiyahealth.com/toddler to get 50% off your first order. Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Plant People makes doctor-formulated, regenerative plant and mushroom supplements that unlock people's potential. Go to try.plantpeople.co/toddler to get 15% off your first order. Prep Dish is the best way for busy people to get healthy meals on the table without stress. Subscribers receive an email every week with an organized grocery list and instructions for prepping meals ahead of time. Check out prepdish.com/laughing for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it that kids are so darn honest? Turns out the "filter" that the rest of us try to apply to our everyday interactions just doesn't exist in our young ones. Their little brains aren't capable of fabricating lies like older kids and adults. And, as we all know, the constant honesty of little kids is a double-edged sword. Listeners wrote in with some of the most ruthless truths their toddlers have voiced, and man oh man, kids really can be frank! In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss: How little toddler brains are wired for truth How to model honesty for kids 'Good and bad' versus 'truth and lies' Here are some of the resources mentioned in today's episode: Lizzy Francis for Fatherly: "How to Raise an Honest Kid (But Not a Narc)" Brook Bolen for Vice: "Behind the Brutal Honesty of Drunks and Toddlers" Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Auto Approve makes vehicle refinancing easy and gets your more money for what matters most. Get your free quote at autoapprove.com/adalyst. Firstleaf Wine Club delivers personalized wines you'll love right to your door. Join today and you'll get 6 bottles of wine for $29.95 and free shipping. Just go to tryfirstleaf.com/toddler Hiya Health makes sugar-free gummy vitamins for kids. Go to hiyahealth.com/toddler to get 50% off your first order. Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Plant People makes doctor-formulated, regenerative plant and mushroom supplements that unlock people's potential. Go to try.plantpeople.co/toddler to get 15% off your first order. Prep Dish is the best way for busy people to get healthy meals on the table without stress. Subscribers receive an email every week with an organized grocery list and instructions for prepping meals ahead of time. Check out prepdish.com/laughing for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All parents look forward to the day when they can get their kids out of diapers once and for all, but when it comes to potty training the process is rarely a straight line. In our Facebook group a listener wrote in to say: I'm a first-time mom to an almost 3-year-old. We started potty training and I am starting to understand why some animals eat their young. Our very strong-willed daughter seems to know EXACTLY what buttons to push to send me right to the edge of the edge! Can someone tell me how to not scream into a pillow each night after the constant potty training power struggle? Good news! Potty training IS survivable. Some keys to success are: Looking for signs your child is ready Being careful not to push potty training when other developmental milestones are occurring Remembering to focus on what kids are doing right Finding the methods that work for you and your child Accepting that regressions happen and that they are not a sign of failure Whatever method you choose remember to keep it fun (yes, we know, easier said than done). With a positive outlook potty training can be about quality time between you and your child– and most importantly, it can work! Here are links to some things we mention in today's episode: pull-ups.com: 6 Signs Your Child is Ready Jarrod Rendle for KiwiFamilies.co.nz: 4 Most Common Potty Training Methods Here's a link to Blaire's disposable potty covers Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Auto Approve makes vehicle refinancing easy and gets your more money for what matters most. Get your free quote at autoapprove.com/adalyst. Firstleaf Wine Club delivers personalized wines you'll love right to your door. Join today and you'll get 6 bottles of wine for $29.95 and free shipping. Just go to tryfirstleaf.com/toddler Hiya Health makes sugar-free gummy vitamins for kids. Go to hiyahealth.com/toddler to get 50% off your first order. Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Plant People makes doctor-formulated, regenerative plant and mushroom supplements that unlock people's potential. Go to try.plantpeople.co/toddler to get 15% off your first order. Prep Dish is the best way for busy people to get healthy meals on the table without stress. Subscribers receive an email every week with an organized grocery list and instructions for prepping meals ahead of time. Check out prepdish.com/laughing for a free 2-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any one who has had a toddler knows the terror that surfaces whenever a lovey (let's say Mr. Bunny) goes missing. About 60% of babies adopt some sort of transitional object at around 9 months old. This is when little ones start to separate from parents (and, in fact, when they begin to understand that their parent is a separate person). Once a kid bonds with "Mr. Bunny", you may worry they'll be taking him to college. But there are ways to gently wean your child off comfort items in time. In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss: Why comfort items are a sign of healthy growth How to start the weaning process Why there will be ups and downs as kids learn to live without their comfort items Here are links to some of the resources referenced in this episode: Alice Allan for La Leche League International: "Comfort Items and Attachment Parenting" Lindsey Konkel for What to Expect: Why Do Some Babies Need Comfort Items (Or "Transitional Objects")? Marnell Jameson for Parents.com: "6 Tips for Weaning Your Child's Comfort Object" Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day! Get a one-year supply of Vitamin D plus 5 free travel packs at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more, all built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/toddler to get up to $40 off your first box! Lumineux makes toothpaste, mouthwash, and whitening with certified non-toxic ingredients which leave the good bacteria in your mouth alone! Find Lumineux on Amazon and get $7 off today!  Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Plant People makes doctor-formulated, regenerative plant and mushroom supplements that unlock people's potential. Go to try.plantpeople.co/toddler to get 15% off your first order with the code TODDLER. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Educators have long known that bringing therapy animals like dogs into schools helps developmentally-challenged kids learn. Now they're finding that all children can benefit from the presence of a nonjudgmental pal with paws. Pets don't just help children learn. There are actually a lot of benefits to bringing pets of all different types into your home when your kids are young. We'll walk you through the how, the when, and the why. In this episode, we discuss: How pets help children learn better How pets improve children's health How pets increase empathy and compassion in children Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Elizabeth Greenwood for the New York Times: How to Introduce Pets to Babies Bill Strickland for Parents: The Benefits of Pets for Kids Jennifer Stauffer for Care.com: Best Pets for Kids At Every Age and Stage Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day! Get a one-year supply of Vitamin D plus 5 free travel packs at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more, all built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/toddler to get up to $40 off your first box! Lumineux makes toothpaste, mouthwash, and whitening with certified non-toxic ingredients which leave the good bacteria in your mouth alone! Find Lumineux on Amazon and get $7 off today!  Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Plant People makes doctor-formulated, regenerative plant and mushroom supplements that unlock people's potential. Go to try.plantpeople.co/toddler to get 15% off your first order with the code TODDLER. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Little kids may be cute, but boy, are they self-centered. Turns out that’s how they’re wired: the egocentrism of toddlers gives them confidence to explore and express themselves. But it also can make them a tad inflexible about points of view that might differ from their own.  In this episode, we discuss:  A theory as to why little kids may be terrible at hiding Where experts agree (and disagree) on what causes kids’ egocentric behavior  How to deal with the tiny egocentrists that we live with  Experts tend to agree that by the ages of 5 or 6, most children understand and take into consideration the feelings of others. So hang on: you’re going to have a real group thinker by first grade.  Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Being the Parent: Understanding Egocentrism in Children Scholastic: Must-Have Books to Teach Social-Emotional Skills The Conversation: Young children are terrible at hiding– psychologists have a new theory why Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day! Get a one-year supply of Vitamin D plus 5 free travel packs at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more, all built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/toddler to get up to $40 off your first box! Lumineux makes toothpaste, mouthwash, and whitening with certified non-toxic ingredients which leave the good bacteria in your mouth alone! Find Lumineux on Amazon and get $7 off today!  Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Plant People makes doctor-formulated, regenerative plant and mushroom supplements that unlock people's potential. Go to try.plantpeople.co/toddler to get 15% off your first order with the code TODDLER. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

True listening requires true presence. But in the household whirlwind that is life with little ones, sitting and eye-contacting and breathing deeply, in order to fully take in a monologue about "Dinosaur Train," has its challenges. In this episode, we discuss how giving our kids the gift of empathetic listening can benefit them throughout their lives how to practice "active listening" how what kids are saying, and their underlying feelings, may not always match... and how to tune in to that Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Catherine Newman for Parents: 5 Easy Ways to Be A Better Listener to your Child Dr. Michael Nichols: The Lost Art of Listening Centers for Disease Control: Active Listening Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day! Get a one-year supply of Vitamin D plus 5 free travel packs at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more, all built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/toddler to get up to $40 off your first box! Lumineux makes toothpaste, mouthwash, and whitening with certified non-toxic ingredients which leave the good bacteria in your mouth alone! Find Lumineux on Amazon and get $7 off today!  Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Plant People makes doctor-formulated, regenerative plant and mushroom supplements that unlock people's potential. Go to try.plantpeople.co/toddler to get 15% off your first order with the code TODDLER. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We asked our listeners what they would pay good money for if it made their lives just a touch easier. The answers....will probably not surprise you. In this episode, Molly and Blaire plot to patent: Self-buckling seatbelts Eyeball cameras Toddler volume buttons Thanks to everyone who wrote in with their excellent ideas for these inventions! Special thanks to our sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com for more info. Skylight Frames is a touchscreen photo frame you can send photos to, straight from your phone, and they appear in seconds! Get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go SkylightFrame.com/TODDLER.   KiwiCo - Unwrap super fun science, technology, and art projects for kids with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are kids so weird about washing hands and brushing teeth and taking baths? How often do kids really need to bathe, anyway? Is hygiene a battle worth fighting? Yes. Sometimes. In this episode we discuss the expert advice on how often kids need to get clean, plus our own tips for making it fun or interesting enough that our kids will go along with it. Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode: Susan Stiffelman for HuffPost: My 5-Year-Old Won’t Wash His Hands! What To Expect: Resisting Bathtime Dr. Claire McCarthy for Harvard Health: Does your child need to bathe every day? Colgate: How To Help a Child Who Won’t Brush Their Teeth Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day! Get a one-year supply of Vitamin D plus 5 free travel packs at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/laughing to get up to $40 off your first box! Outschool's fun online classes help kids get excited about learning. To save $15 off your child's first class, go to outschool.com/toddler and use the code TODDLER. Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember the other important relationship in your life? The person you decided to build a life with? Parent alongside, for better and for worse?  After kids arrive and take over your lives, it can suddenly feel more like you’re angry co-workers at a 24/7 daycare. That part gets better with time. But experts say we need to nurture our marriages along with our children, so there’s an “us” left when the kids leave home.  Reconnecting with our partners takes focus, and planning ahead, and getting intentional– but it’s also totally possible. In this episode Molly and Blaire talk about how it’s working for them– and interview two very special guests: their husbands!  Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Christina Caron for NY Times: How To Reconnect With Your Partner After Having Kids Motherhood Sessions podcast Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day! Get a one-year supply of Vitamin D plus 5 free travel packs at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/laughing to get up to $40 off your first box! Outschool's fun online classes help kids get excited about learning. To save $15 off your child's first class, go to outschool.com/toddler and use the code TODDLER. Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever find yourself saying the same thing over and over to your kids? The answer isn’t to yell louder, as tempting as that can be. It might be more effective to consider the true capabilities of our kids at the stages they are at, and look at whether it might be our expectations that need a slight adjustment. Once you’ve done that? You’re a “gentle parent.” Sarah Ockwell-Smith, parenting expert and author of The Gentle Parenting Book, sums up gentle parenting in three words: empathy, understanding, and respect. But gentle parenting isn’t pushover parenting. Discipline is still possible– it’s just focused on lessons to be learned more than on punishments. It’s about shutting off our autopilot as parents and beginning a practice of remembering that a child is a child. In this episode we discuss How to set boundaries in this new paradigm (yes, still possible) How to model the behavior we want our kids to learn How gentle parenting helps our kids learn emotional maturity sooner. Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Sarah Ockwell-Smith: Five Steps To Effective Discipline Renee Plant for Very Well Family: What Is Gentle Parenting?  Natalia Oliver for Guidepost Montessori: A Beginner’s Guide To Gentle Parenting Vicky McKeever for CNBC: This ‘gentle parenting’ guru gives her tips for raising confident kids Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day! Get a one-year supply of Vitamin D plus 5 free travel packs at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/laughing to get up to $40 off your first box! Outschool's fun online classes help kids get excited about learning. To save $15 off your child's first class, go to outschool.com/toddler and use the code TODDLER. Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kids today only spend half as much time playing outside as we did. It can be a hassle to get them bundled up and to the playground on a drizzly spring afternoon– or to clean half the floors in your house after a trip to your own snowy backyard. But there are many skills that kids gain both from self-directed and “purposeful play,” and experts say that's particularly true when that play happens outdoors. Our guest Meghan Fitzgerald is the co-founder of Tinkergarten, which offers purposeful play opportunities for children and families that gets them away from screens and outdoors together in nature. Meghan tells us her favorite get-them-outside activities, and why even the coldest or rainiest days offer rewards that really are worth bundling everyone up.  Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/04/parenting/kids-winter-play-outside.html https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/parenting/viking-parenting-childhood-risk-fresh-air-mental-health/?fbclid=IwAR2sM-84dC7xYVEmyMLjKG7ijFQCm2QiIQOr1AZoPJpDTfFZm-mXVeRG2No https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-reasons-children-need-to-play-outside-2018052213880 And our episode "Danger Babies": https://www.toddlerpurgatory.com/danger-babies-why-are-some-kids-such-risk-takers/ Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day! Get a one-year supply of Vitamin D plus 5 free travel packs at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/laughing to get up to $40 off your first box! Outschool's fun online classes help kids get excited about learning. To save $15 off your child's first class, go to outschool.com/toddler and use the code TODDLER. Peloton has thousands of workouts on their app for every goal, day, and mood! We're fans of the yoga, meditation, and dance cardio, but there's truly something for everyone. Learn more: onepeloton.com. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding our balance as working parents is a double challenge. It's not just about being a great parent while maintaining a job; it's about being great at that job while also being a parent. In this episode, we discuss: scheduling our time so we have time for work, parenting, and "non-mom stuff" creating systems for "pain points" finding the optimal amount of childcare support managing our own expectations as well as we manage the expectations of others We also refer to statistics from this PDF: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Characteristics of Families- 2020 Special thanks to our sponsors for this month: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day. Get a free one-year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more, all built on organic fruits + vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/laughing to get up to $40 off your first box! Outschool's fun online classes help kids get excited about learning. To save $15 off your child's first class, go to outschool.com/toddler and use the code TODDLER. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. Peloton has thousands of workouts for every goal, day, and mood. Try the Peloton App free for 2 months! Go to onepeloton.com/app by January 31, 2022. Terms apply. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all muddling through right now, and while we are definitely Team Lowered Standards at this time, there's only so many viewings of Encanto a parent can withstand. Here are some easy, fun ways to change things up around the house and keep things fun. From cleanup races to "spooky baths," our listeners have some great ideas, and in this episode we discuss them all! Special thanks to our sponsors for this month: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day. Get a free one-year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more, all built on organic fruits + vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/laughing to get up to $40 off your first box! Outschool's fun online classes help kids get excited about learning. To save $15 off your child's first class, go to outschool.com/toddler and use the code TODDLER. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. Peloton has thousands of workouts for every goal, day, and mood. Try the Peloton App free for 2 months! Go to onepeloton.com/app by January 31, 2022. Terms apply. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes little kids lack the ability to express their frustration, fear, and anger in words. That’s usually when they decide to whack the other 3-year-old with the toy dump truck, instead of pleasantly sharing.  Experts say aggression often gets a little better once kids can express themselves verbally– although not always, if what goes on in our houses is any indication.  In this episode we discuss how to handle our kids becoming aggressive when we’re there to witness it, when we’re *not* there to witness it (like at preschool), and what clear, consistent messaging we need to model to move things in a more peaceful direction.  Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Emily Fromm and Nicole Harris for Parents: How to Handle Aggressive Toddler Behavior Emily Edlynn, Ph.D for Parents: My Child Won't Stop Hitting Other Children at Daycare Laura Markham for Psychology Today: 10 Steps to Stop Your Child from Hitting Other Kids Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com to learn more. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place To get 30% off your first delivery and free veggies, go to Hungryroot.com/TODDLER. Magnetic Me was created to make dressing easier with magnetic closures. No snaps, no buttons…no fuss You can try Magnetic Me for yourself by visiting magneticme.com and using code TODDLER for 20% off your next order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you filled out our listener survey? Help us bring you sponsors you'll love! http://bit.ly/ToddlerPurgatorySurvey Temper tantrums are the way that young children express emotions they are not developmentally able to express in other ways. Does knowing that the kicking and screaming is completely developmentally appropriate make it any easier for parents to deal with? Sometimes.  In this episode, we discuss the differences between tantrums and meltdowns, what the most common tantrum triggers are, and the most helpful ways for us to react when our little ones are going Full Ham Freakout.  Here are links to some writing on the topic that we mention in this episode:  Stanford Children’s Health: Temper Tantrums Sarah and Larry Nannery for Psychology Today: What Is the Difference Between a Meltdown and a Tantrum? Shaun Dreisbach for Parents: How to Deal with Toddler Temper Tantrums Special thanks to our sponsors for this month: Athletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day. Get a free one-year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/laughing. Daily Harvest delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more, all built on organic fruits + vegetables. Go to dailyharvest.com/laughing to get up to $40 off your first box! Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Outschool's fun online classes help kids get excited about learning. To save $15 off your child's first class, go to outschool.com/toddler and use the code TODDLER. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. Peloton has thousands of workouts for every goal, day, and mood. Try the Peloton App free for 2 months! Go to onepeloton.com/app by January 31, 2022. Terms apply. Snow Days taste like the pizza bites we remember eating as kids, but without the junk! Use promo code TODDLER to save $15 off your first order at www.snowdays.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're enjoying listening to Toddler Purgatory, we'd love for you to take our listener survey. One page, two minutes. We promise! http://bit.ly/ToddlerPurgatorySurvey “Making memories” with our kids is always a fraught proposition, but when they’re checking for the elf every morning and whipped into a general holiday frenzy, the tears and tantrums are often pretty close to the surface.  Child specialist Merete Kropp says we can reset the “gimme gimmes” by teaching our kids that giving and receiving are reciprocal actions. By explain the gifts you’re giving to others, and the intentions behind them, kids can focus more on the joy of giving than their own expectations. At least sometimes.  It’s always worth doing what we can to soften into the joys of karaoke Christmas carols and driving around looking at the lights. When we create memories with our children, the true gifts we are giving them are the tools to become who they are. There is so much fun and joy in the surrender of being just a little bit silly. Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Merete Kropp for Washington Post On Parenting: What children need even more than presents this holiday season Samantha Parent Walravens for HuffPost: 8 Ways To Teach Your Kids An Attitude Of Gratitude This Holiday Season @busytoddler on Instagram Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Jane.com is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women’s fashion, accessories, home decor, children’s clothing, and more. And you will not believe the prices! Visit jane.com/laughing. Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. KiwiCo is the perfect kids' gift this holiday season– a fun, hands-on educational experience. Get 50% off your first month plus free shipping on any crate line with the code LAUGHING at kiwico.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have more than one kid, you are pretty familiar with sibling rivalry. The constant squabbling can drive us nuts, but it’s important to remember that it’s less about whatever toy they’re fighting over at the moment than about birth order, family dynamics, and their competing desires for our attention. We can’t stop the bickering forever, but there are ways to minimize conflict and maximize productive resolution. We discuss the best ways to set our kids up for success.  Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials: 10 Tips For Dealing With Sibling Rivalry Ask Dr. Sears: Sibling Rivalry: 20 Tips to Stop the Friction Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Jane.com is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women’s fashion, accessories, home decor, children’s clothing, and more. And you will not believe the prices! Visit jane.com/laughing. Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. KiwiCo is the perfect kids' gift this holiday season– a fun, hands-on educational experience. Get 50% off your first month plus free shipping on any crate line with the code LAUGHING at kiwico.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're enjoying listening to Toddler Purgatory, we'd love for you to take our listener survey. One page, two minutes. We promise! http://bit.ly/ToddlerPurgatorySurvey “Making memories” with our kids is always a fraught proposition, but when they’re checking for the elf every morning and whipped into a general holiday frenzy, the tears and tantrums are often pretty close to the surface.  Child specialist Merete Kropp says we can reset the “gimme gimmes” by teaching our kids that giving and receiving are reciprocal actions. By explain the gifts you’re giving to others, and the intentions behind them, kids can focus more on the joy of giving than their own expectations. At least sometimes.  It’s always worth doing what we can to soften into the joys of karaoke Christmas carols and driving around looking at the lights. When we create memories with our children, the true gifts we are giving them are the tools to become who they are. There is so much fun and joy in the surrender of being just a little bit silly. Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Merete Kropp for Washington Post On Parenting: What children need even more than presents this holiday season Samantha Parent Walravens for HuffPost: 8 Ways To Teach Your Kids An Attitude Of Gratitude This Holiday Season @busytoddler on Instagram Special thanks to our sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com for more info. Skylight Frames is a touchscreen photo frame you can send photos to, straight from your phone, and they appear in seconds! Get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go SkylightFrame.com/TODDLER.   KiwiCo - Unwrap super fun science, technology, and art projects for kids with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/TODDLER. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're enjoying listening to Toddler Purgatory, we'd love for you to take our listener survey. One page, two minutes. We promise! http://bit.ly/ToddlerPurgatorySurvey When we hear our kids say something negative about themselves, sometimes we freak out a little. Where did they hear this? Where is this coming from? Who is messing with my baby? ! Most often, if a kid calls herself “stupid” because she’s frustrated with homework, she might just be venting. Or joking. She might be showing us that she has a little rigidity around perfection.  But when negative self-talk is insistent, consistent, and persistent, it can also be a sign of stress or anxiety.  In this episode we discuss how to better understand our kids’ negative self-talk, and the most productive ways of responding. There’s a bonus: turns out most of those strategies also work for our own “No, are you kidding? I look horrible, the pandemic has aged me a decade!” moments. Here are links to two resources we discuss in this episode:  Andrew M.I. Lee for Understood: Why Kids Say Negative Things About Themselves  https://www.understood.org/articles/en/child-negative-self-talk @transformingtoddlerhood on Instagram Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Jane.com is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women’s fashion, accessories, home decor, children’s clothing, and more. And you will not believe the prices! Visit jane.com/laughing. Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. KiwiCo is the perfect kids' gift this holiday season– a fun, hands-on educational experience. Get 50% off your first month plus free shipping on any crate line with the code LAUGHING at kiwico.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The list of typical parenting fears is longer than a CVS receipt, and for us, researching this episode didn’t exactly make that list shorter. Turns out there are big picture, hypothetical fears, most common before the baby actually arrives; there are societally imposed, nightly-news sort of fears; and for most of us, a few more “I know this sounds crazy but” fears, which we have made up all on our own.  It’s hard not to want to bubble wrap our kids until college… but since there are probably some negative side effects to that as well, in this episode we discuss how to manage our relationships with some of the most common parenting fears. Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode: Connie Mattiessen for BabyCenter: Top 5 parenting fears and what you can do about them Paul Donahue: Parenting Without Fear: Letting Go of Worry and Focusing on What Really Matters Dr. Minne Fekkes et al: Effects of Antibullying School Program on Bullying and Health Complaints Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Jane.com is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women’s fashion, accessories, home decor, children’s clothing, and more. And you will not believe the prices! Visit jane.com/laughing. Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. KiwiCo is the perfect kids' gift this holiday season– a fun, hands-on educational experience. Get 50% off your first month plus free shipping on any crate line with the code LAUGHING at kiwico.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regression is what happens when a child revisits an earlier stage of his or her development– and behaves accordingly. Paradoxically, regression can happen right after a child makes a developmental leap or meets a new milestone. Dr. Tovah Klein, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, suggests that regression is a manifestation of the constant push-and-pull little kids feel between the need for dependence and the desire for independence. But how are parents supposed to react? Are we supposed to let them start dragging their blankie to pre-K? Is pushback totally required or a terrible idea? In this episode, we discuss what works to discourage the regressive behavior, how to know when to just allow or ignore it, and how to do with our own stress that yes, actually our child will be the first person in history to walk down the aisle at college graduation still using a pacifier.  Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Caroline Vollans for Nursery World: An Essential Guide To Regression Melinda Wenner Moyer for the New York Times: Wait, I Thought You Had Outgrown This Unity Point: Regressive Behavior: Signs of Child Regression & What to Do Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Jane.com is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women’s fashion, accessories, home decor, children’s clothing, and more. And you will not believe the prices! Visit jane.com/laughing. Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. KiwiCo is the perfect kids' gift this holiday season– a fun, hands-on educational experience. Get 50% off your first month plus free shipping on any crate line with the code LAUGHING at kiwico.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are parents so tired all the time? Perhaps it’s the whole not sleeping thing. But a recent study on maternal exhaustion found that perfectionism is also a huge factor. In other words, we run ourselves ragged making things nice for our loved ones, and then are too exhausted to enjoy those things ourselves.  In this episode, we talk about how our exhaustion affects our parenting, how the pandemic has made it all even harder, and what we’re trying in order to get just a little more rest.  Here are links to some of the writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Dr. Sarah Hubert et al: Parental Burnout: When Exhausted Mothers Open Up Gabriela Garcia for The Every Mom: 5 Ways To Fight Mom Fatigue @kids.eat.in.color on Instagram Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Home Chef meals come right to your door with fresh, perfectly pre-portioned ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe card. For a limited time, go to homechef.com/laughing for $90 off your first month. That’s a value of 10 free meals!  Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients and packaged in grab-and-go pouches. Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code LAUGHING for 25% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transitions are hard for little kids, and it’s not hard to see why: they usually move a kid from something that they’re absorbed in and enjoying to something a lot less interesting and fun. In this episode we talk about how to deal with the meltdowns, talking back, and general resistance around transitions, and how to make those moments easier, whether it’s a “big picture” transition like starting school, or just time to leave the playground. We talk about Claire Lerner’s excellent advice in this episode– check out What Fresh Hell’s recent interview with Claire: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/claire-lerner And here are links to some of the writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Dyan Robson for the CBC: How To Help Kids Who Struggle With Daily Transitions Claire Lerner for PBS Kids: How to Help Your Child Successfully Transition Back to School Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Home Chef meals come right to your door with fresh, perfectly pre-portioned ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe card. For a limited time, go to homechef.com/laughing for $90 off your first month. That’s a value of 10 free meals!  Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. dosist health offers an advanced assortment of plant-based CBD+ products designed to help address specific needs like, sleep, calm and relief. Use promo code TODDLER20 for 20% off your purchase through 11/30/21 at dosisthealth.com. Jane.com is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women’s fashion, accessories, home decor, children’s clothing, and more. You will not believe the prices! Visit jane.com/laughing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have a kid who insists that a sandwich is inedible unless it is cut in half instead on the diagonal? A child who won't allow you to sing in the car? A little one who insists that every truck that is not a pickup truck must be deemed a "regular truck"? If so, you have labored under the strict dictatorship of Little Kid Rules. On this episode Blaire and Molly dive in to why little kids have such strong rules, why they expect adults to follow them, and which members of the What Fresh Hell Facebook Group are currently toiling under some very specific dictates from their tiny bosses! Articles Cited: Claire Lerner on Getting Kids to Be Flexible Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Calm is the # 1 mental wellness app that gives you the tools to improve the way you feel. Go to calm.com/toddler to get 40% off a CalmPremium Subscription! Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your play kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Home Chef meals come right to your door with fresh, perfectly pre-portioned ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe card. For a limited time, go to homechef.com/laughing for $90 off your first month. That’s a value of 10 free meals!  Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. dosist health offers an advanced assortment of plant-based CBD+ products designed to help address specific needs like, sleep, calm and relief. Use promo code TODDLER20 for 20% off your purchase through 11/30/21 at dosisthealth.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A good morning starts with a good night before. Kids who are well-rested tend to have an easier morning the next day. Any prep we can do the night before– laying out clothes, prepping breakfast and lunches in advance– can help make the morning routing less chaotic. The morning routine also brings us back to the classic parenting rule "Put your own oxygen mask on first." If you can take even a little time for yourself while you let your kids play in the morning, it can help you face the rest of your day, and your kids, in a better headspace. On busy mornings, consider turning off the tech once everyone is up. Fighting over when it's time to turn off screens and get ready can add conflict to a situation that's already chaotic. But we say do what works for you and your family. Don't try to completely revamp your morning routine all at once. Start small with one change, like taking a shower before the kids wake up or making a protein-rich breakfast for the whole family. Don't try to make everything perfect right away. Not every morning will be smooth sailing, but small changes can make a big difference in making your mornings just a little less stressful. Articles cited in this episode: The Self-Aware Parent: Resolving Conflict and Building a Better Bond with Your Child (featuring Dr. Jerry Bubrick of the Child Mind Institute) Busy Toddler This Simple Balance Special thanks to our sponsors: Hey Honey is the first complete skin care line infused with Honey and Bee Propolis. Get 20% off your first order by going to heyhoney.com and using code FRESH at checkout. Calm is the # 1 mental wellness app that gives you the tools to improve the way you feel. Go to calm.com/toddler to get 40% off a CalmPremium Subscription! Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your play kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Home Chef meals come right to your door with fresh, perfectly pre-portioned ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe card. For a limited time, go to homechef.com/laughing for $90 off your first month. That’s a value of 10 free meals!  Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. dosist health offers an advanced assortment of plant-based CBD+ products designed to help address specific needs like, sleep, calm and relief. Use promo code TODDLER20 for 20% off your purchase through 11/30/21 at dosisthealth.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Studies indicate that up to 50% of children experience a sleep problem. When babies and kids don't sleep moms don't sleep either– so this week we're talking to a sleep expert! Becca Campbell is the founder and creator of Little Z’s® Sleep Consulting , where parents can easily get sleep help through online courses for children ages 0-5 years old. Becca's courses and her Little Z's Sleep Podcast have helped thousands of families around the world make sleep a thing. In this episode Becca brings the knowledge on the four types of newborns how sleep schedules should change a little bit every month during your child's first year of life the right age to drop the naps for good when kids can successfully share a room (and sleep at night) what "overtired" looks like in a toddler what to do when your kid naps at daycare, and then isn't tired at bedtime Doing the extra work around sleep is worth it in the long run– and Becca is full of terrific advice. Special thanks to our sponsors: Calm is the # 1 mental wellness app that gives you the tools to improve the way you feel. Go to calm.com/toddler to get 40% off a CalmPremium Subscription! Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your play kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Home Chef meals come right to your door with fresh, perfectly pre-portioned ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe card. For a limited time, go to homechef.com/laughing for $90 off your first month. That’s a value of 10 free meals!  Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. dosist health offers an advanced assortment of plant-based CBD+ products designed to help address specific needs like, sleep, calm and relief. Use promo code TODDLER20 for 20% off your purchase through 11/30/21 at dosisthealth.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mom guilt. Mom rage. Shame. We feel the things. Then we feel bad about feeling the things. Which doesn't help us feel any better. In this episode we discuss how to acknowledge, anticipate, sit with, process, and redirect these feelings, without beating ourselves up for having felt them in the first place. Here are links to some of the writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode: Pooja Lakshmin for The New York Times: Saying No Is Self-Care For Parents Motherly: Mom Rage is Real-and it's a sign that mother's needs aren't being met  Lauren Smith Brody for Today's Parent: Why mom guilt is the biggest lie of all Special thanks to our sponsors: Calm is the # 1 mental wellness app that gives you the tools to improve the way you feel. Go to calm.com/toddler to get 40% off a CalmPremium Subscription! Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your play kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Home Chef meals come right to your door with fresh, perfectly pre-portioned ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe card. For a limited time, go to homechef.com/laughing for $90 off your first month. That’s a value of 10 free meals!  Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. dosist health offers an advanced assortment of plant-based CBD+ products designed to help address specific needs like, sleep, calm and relief. Use promo code TODDLER20 for 20% off your purchase through 11/30/21 at dosisthealth.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you have little ones, you end up with a mountain of stuff you probably didn't need to buy– and a few things that are total sanity-savers. In this episode we're talking about all the stuff that got us through, and still is! Most of these are to help us take care of the kids. A few of them are just for us. Here's a list of all the must-haves we discuss.... If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, you can also find this list on our website: https://www.toddlerpurgatory.com/things-we-cant-live-without. Blaire & Molly’s Suggestions: Boppy Nursing Pillow https://amzn.to/2XEGIrI Oxo Wipe Dispenser https://amzn.to/3nKkfnU Utility Cart https://amzn.to/3CshR9D Inglesina Fast Table Chair https://amzn.to/3CshR9D Baby Brezza Formula Dispenser https://amzn.to/2XBhpH1 Baby Merlin Sleep Suit https://amzn.to/3zkcpU0 SwaddleMe Swaddle https://amzn.to/39daMgo Keekaroo Changer https://amzn.to/3lwXdOM Boon Countertop Drying Rack https://amzn.to/2VVdQec Yeti Coffee Tumbler https://amzn.to/3kjJCuM WildBird Ring Sling Carrier https://amzn.to/3zjL4l0 Disposable Placemats https://amzn.to/3klyaPk Boudreaux’s Butt Paste https://amzn.to/3zt4TGB Frida Nose Sucker https://amzn.to/3kpHv8D Listener Suggestions: Yeti Rambler https://amzn.to/3zsp5Iu Thermos Funtainer https://amzn.to/3km7HRA Fillable Baby Spoons https://amzn.to/3zpzsx0 Hatch Clock https://amzn.to/3krXd3g Sleek Socket Outlet Protector https://amzn.to/3tVBbJ3 Kindle Fire for Kids https://amzn.to/3nPnydv Eufy Security Camera https://amzn.to/3AvjLFJ Magnatiles https://amzn.to/39kpQZN As an Amazon Associate, Toddler Purgatory may earn affiliate income from qualifying purchases. Special thanks to our sponsors: Calm is the # 1 mental wellness app that gives you the tools to improve the way you feel. Go to calm.com/toddler to get 40% off a CalmPremium Subscription! Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your play kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. dosist health offers an advanced assortment of plant-based CBD+ products designed to help address specific needs like, sleep, calm and relief. Use promo code TODDLER20 for 20% off your purchase through 11/30/21 at dosisthealth.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it that kids are so darn honest? Turns out the "filter" that the rest of us try to apply to our everyday interactions just doesn't exist in our young ones. Their little brains aren't capable of fabricating lies like older kids and adults. And, as we all know, the constant honesty of little kids is a double-edged sword. Listeners wrote in with some of the most ruthless truths their toddlers have voiced, and man oh man, kids really can be frank! In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss: How little toddler brains are wired for truth How to model honesty for kids 'Good and bad' versus 'truth and lies' Here are some of the resources mentioned in today's episode: Lizzy Francis for Fatherly: "How to Raise an Honest Kid (But Not a Narc)" Brook Bolen for Vice: "Behind the Brutal Honesty of Drunks and Toddlers" Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com for more info. Skylight Frames is a touchscreen photo frame you can send photos to, straight from your phone, and they appear in seconds! Get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go SkylightFrame.com/TODDLER.   KiwiCo - Unwrap super fun science, technology, and art projects for kids with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/TODDLER. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place To get 30% off your first delivery and free veggies, go to Hungryroot.com/TODDLER. Magnetic Me was created to make dressing easier with magnetic closures. No snaps, no buttons…no fuss You can try Magnetic Me for yourself by visiting magneticme.com and using code TODDLER for 20% off your next order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mom tribes and parent posses: do we need friends who are also fellow parents? If we don’t have a group of those, how do we set about finding or creating one?  70% of moms agree that their “inner mom circle” is their primary means of daily support. Some of us find that soft place to fall really quickly, and some of us struggle, for reasons that are in and/or out of our control.  In this episode we discuss how to create our own mom tribe– or parent posse– and what expanding our friend circle beyond just female parents can bring our own bumpy experiences finding mom friends, and why it was hard at first how the pandemic has made it harder how text and Facebook connections can be really helpful too Speaking of virtual mom groups and parent posses– join us in the What Fresh Hell Facebook group! and tag us: #toddlerpurgatory Here are links to some of the writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Dr. Sarah Blaffer Hrdy: Mothers and Others: The Evolutionary Origins of Mutual Understanding Coffee and Carpool: 10 Easy Steps For Introverts To Find New Mom Friends  Jenna Autuori Dedic for Parents: How to Make New Mom Friends During the Pandemic Special thanks to our sponsors: Calm is the # 1 mental wellness app that gives you the tools to improve the way you feel. Go to calm.com/toddler to get 40% off a CalmPremium Subscription! Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your play kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Betterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health– no matter where you live! Go to betterhelp.com/laughing to get 10% off your first month of counseling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are our kids ready to start school? Are *we* ready to let them go? It's complex. In this episode we talk about how we've gotten our kids ready for their new school experiences, what "school readiness" actually entails, and what options might be available if you believe your youngster is not developmentally ready for the demands of an all-day academic program. Here are links to some resources and articles we discuss in this episode: Fiona Tapp for Parents: Kindergarten Readiness Skills: A Checklist for Parents Scholastic Parents: Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? The Skills They'll Need This Fall Jessica Smock for Scary Mommy: It’s Okay If Your 5-Year-Old Isn’t Ready For Kindergarten allianceforchildhood.org parentsacrossamerica.org kaboom.org Special thanks to our sponsors: Calm is the # 1 mental wellness app that gives you the tools to improve the way you feel. Go to calm.com/toddler to get 40% off a CalmPremium Subscription! Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your play kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nobody tells you that the four-day potty training plan might take 6 weeks. Or that you should always have crayons and paper in the diaper bag. This episode is full of boredom busters, potty training tips, and all the best stuff somebody really should have told us ahead of time! Got a topic idea or a question you'd like to hear on the podcast? Leave us an email on our website: https://www.toddlerpurgatory.com/contact/ Special thanks to our sponsors, including: Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Babies are mysterious creatures, which is why Molly and Blaire took to the What Fresh Hell Facebook group to ask: "What is something you wish someone had told you before having a baby?" From how long it can take to get pregnant, to the likelihood your little one will love carrots for a year before turning on them for no apparent reason, laugh along as Toddler Purgatory gets to the bottom of all the things nobody ever told us before we had kids. Please "follow" or "subscribe" us wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Find all the places you can listen on toddlerpurgatory.com. Special thanks to our sponsors, including: Choose Lovevery and take the guesswork out of your child’s play! Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most kids are somewhat finicky about what they'll eat. Some are full-blown picky eaters, who won't eat chicken nuggets unless they're dinosaur-shaped. And even then only if the ketchup isn't touching them on the plate. People who say "Your kids will eat when they're hungry enough!" mean well. They are also incorrect. So what's a parent to do? Keep feeding the picky eater the three foods she'll eat, or keep offering her other foods she won't? In this episode, we discuss why kids are so often picky in their eating, what parents can do to encourage eating new things without causing huge battles, and how to recruit our picky eaters in that process. Enjoying our podcast? Please give us a rating/review on Apple Podcasts! https://www.podpage.com/toddler-purgatory/rate/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kids are bananas. Some particularly so. But why are some kids seemingly born to scale the kitchen cabinets before they can walk? And are there are any future upsides to having been a “danger baby”?  In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss the many benefits of “free play,” the differences between danger and risk, how we can teach our little ones to be safely courageous, and what child development specialist Rebecca Weingarten calls “constructive failure.” Here are links to some of the writing on the topic and other things discussed in this episode:  https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/2017-05-11/9-ways-to-cultivate-courage-in-kids https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/kids-health/why-our-kids-should-take-risks-sometimes-even-slightly-dangerous-ones/ Shakira’s song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” https://youtu.be/pRpeEdMmmQ0 Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode:  Lovevery's play kits are designed by experts for your child’s developing brain, with unique, one-of-a-kind activities and playthings that are built to endure plenty of play. Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at lovevery.com/laughing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The sun is out, the masks are coming off, and we’re just beginning to come to terms with what the heck that all was. For our little ones, pandemic life *was* normal life. In this episode, Molly and Blaire talk about their toughest pandemic moments and what worked to get their families through.  Molly mentions What Fresh Hell's interview with Dr. Harold Koplewicz- you can find that episode here: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/fresh-take-dr-harold-koplewicz-on-the-best-way-to-support-our-kids/ Check out the first three episodes of Toddler Purgatory right now- and help a new podcast out hitting "subscribe" or "follow" for Toddler Purgatory in your favorite podcast player: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/toddlerpurgatory Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nYMJbs Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vV0ZIMTcyMzIwMDk5Mg== iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/81711771/ Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/toddler-purgatory You can also find us at toddlerpurgatory.com or on the socials at #toddlerpurgatory. New episodes every other Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kids whine because it works– studies show that the human brain is uniquely unqualified to tune it out. Because it’s a “low-power strategy of dominance.” And because we often cave to it pretty quickly– which unfortunately leads to more of the same. In this episode, Molly and Blaire talk about when their little ones whine, and what they've been doing to escape from Whine Town. Check out the first three episodes of Toddler Purgatory right now- and help a new podcast out hitting "subscribe" or "follow" for Toddler Purgatory in your favorite podcast player: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/toddlerpurgatory Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nYMJbs Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vV0ZIMTcyMzIwMDk5Mg== iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/81711771/ Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/toddler-purgatory You can also find us at toddlerpurgatory.com or on the socials at #toddlerpurgatory. New episodes every other Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aren’t toddlers just the best? Are they not also, at times, the WORST? Blaire Brooks and Molly Lloyd welcome you to Toddler Purgatory, where life with littles is not all bad, but definitely less than perfect. In this premiere episode Blaire and Molly discuss the many challenges of life with the tiny, ruthlessly honest, tantrum-having, often stinky carbon copies of themselves they have running around their respective homes. Check out the first three episodes of Toddler Purgatory right now- and help a new podcast out hitting "subscribe" or "follow" for Toddler Purgatory in your favorite podcast player: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/toddlerpurgatory Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nYMJbs Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vV0ZIMTcyMzIwMDk5Mg== iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/81711771/ Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/toddler-purgatory You can also find us at toddlerpurgatory.com or on the socials at #toddlerpurgatory. New episodes every other Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Toddler Purgatory. Parenting little kids isn't awful. It's just... intense. With Blaire Brooks and Molly Lloyd as your guides, raising little ones just became a lot more fun. Molly's the mom of a 4-year-old. Blaire has 2 and 4-year-olds. They're both hilarious, smart, and ready to tackle new parenting topics in every episode with some real talk, some expert advice, and a ton of laughs. If you're a fan of What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood and have kids six and under– or have just been wondering where to find another fun, funny, and helpful podcast–you're going to love Toddler Purgatory. New episodes every other Tuesday. Thanks for following, subscribing, and listening! You can also find us at toddlerpurgatory.com, and on social media #toddlerpurgatory syU9EspIo5fOzFHh7MSr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mom tribes and parent posses: do we need friends who are also fellow parents? If we don’t have a group of those, how do we set about finding or creating one?  70% of moms agree that their “inner mom circle” is their primary means of daily support. Some of us find that soft place to fall really quickly, and some of us struggle, for reasons that are in and/or out of our control.  In this episode we discuss how to create our own mom tribe– or parent posse– and what expanding our friend circle beyond just female parents can bring our own bumpy experiences finding mom friends, and why it was hard at first how the pandemic has made it harder how text and Facebook connections can be really helpful too Speaking of virtual mom groups and parent posses– join us in the What Fresh Hell Facebook group! and tag us: #toddlerpurgatory Here are links to some of the writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:  Dr. Sarah Blaffer Hrdy: Mothers and Others: The Evolutionary Origins of Mutual Understanding Coffee and Carpool: 10 Easy Steps For Introverts To Find New Mom Friends  Jenna Autuori Dedic for Parents: How to Make New Mom Friends During the Pandemic Special thanks to our sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com for more info. Skylight Frames is a touchscreen photo frame you can send photos to, straight from your phone, and they appear in seconds! Get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go SkylightFrame.com/TODDLER.   KiwiCo - Unwrap super fun science, technology, and art projects for kids with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/TODDLER. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place To get 30% off your first delivery and free veggies, go to Hungryroot.com/TODDLER. Magnetic Me was created to make dressing easier with magnetic closures. No snaps, no buttons…no fuss You can try Magnetic Me for yourself by visiting magneticme.com and using code TODDLER for 20% off your next order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we creating unrealistic expectations when we praise our kid just for waking up in the morning? Turns out there is too much of a good thing, but we can also reframe how, when, and why we praise our kids. Molly and Blaire discuss: Praising process over achievements The three s's of praise Praise inflation Kids can sense when praise isn't genuine. Instead of congratulating them on their every action and creating an unrealistic standard for praise in the future, focus on encouragement without value judgement or "I" statements. Links! Paul L. Underwood for The New York Times: "Are You Overpraising Your Child?" Ashley Cullins for Big Life Journal: "The Ultimate Guide to Praising Your Kids" Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com for more info. Skylight Frames is a touchscreen photo frame you can send photos to, straight from your phone, and they appear in seconds! Get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go SkylightFrame.com/TODDLER.   KiwiCo - Unwrap super fun science, technology, and art projects for kids with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/TODDLER. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place To get 30% off your first delivery and free veggies, go to Hungryroot.com/TODDLER. Magnetic Me was created to make dressing easier with magnetic closures. No snaps, no buttons…no fuss You can try Magnetic Me for yourself by visiting magneticme.com and using code TODDLER for 20% off your next order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we protect our kids from negative images about bodies, diet culture, and food without locking them in a Rapunzel tower? The truth is, we can't. But we CAN start nonjudgmental conversations about body positivity, food, and and self-esteem with our kids at home. In this episode, Molly and Blaire discuss: how to pay attention to your thoughts and beliefs around food and body image how to praise your child for things other than their appearance the R.E.A.L. acronym Links to the resources mentioned in the episode: Sumner Brooks for Good Housekeeping: "How to Raise a Kid Who Is Satisfied With Their Body, According to a Registered Dietitian" Carolina Public Health Magazine: "Survey finds disordered eating behaviors among three out of four American women" Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com for more info. Skylight Frames is a touchscreen photo frame you can send photos to, straight from your phone, and they appear in seconds! Get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go SkylightFrame.com/TODDLER.   KiwiCo - Unwrap super fun science, technology, and art projects for kids with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/TODDLER. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place To get 30% off your first delivery and free veggies, go to Hungryroot.com/TODDLER. Magnetic Me was created to make dressing easier with magnetic closures. No snaps, no buttons…no fuss You can try Magnetic Me for yourself by visiting magneticme.com and using code TODDLER for 20% off your next order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are kids so weird about washing hands and brushing teeth and taking baths? How often do kids really need to bathe, anyway? Is hygiene a battle worth fighting? Yes. Sometimes. In this episode we discuss the expert advice on how often kids need to get clean, plus our own tips for making it fun or interesting enough that our kids will go along with it. Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode: Susan Stiffelman for HuffPost: My 5-Year-Old Won’t Wash His Hands! What To Expect: Resisting Bathtime Dr. Claire McCarthy for Harvard Health: Does your child need to bathe every day? Colgate: How To Help a Child Who Won’t Brush Their Teeth Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Masimo Stork provides continuous & accurate tracking of your baby's health data. Go to MasimoStork.com for more info. Skylight Frames is a touchscreen photo frame you can send photos to, straight from your phone, and they appear in seconds! Get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go SkylightFrame.com/TODDLER.   KiwiCo - Unwrap super fun science, technology, and art projects for kids with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/TODDLER. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place To get 30% off your first delivery and free veggies, go to Hungryroot.com/TODDLER. Magnetic Me was created to make dressing easier with magnetic closures. No snaps, no buttons…no fuss You can try Magnetic Me for yourself by visiting magneticme.com and using code TODDLER for 20% off your next order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices