Practical Parenting
The podcast that helps empower parents in the trenches, find joy in the process and thrive through it all.
Episodes
82 episodes
Microdose: Teen Vaping Risks and How to Talk to Your Kids
With fruit-flavored vapes becoming more accessible, what should parents know about the risks for kids and teens? We break down the immediate and potential long-term effects of vaping and share how parents can talk to their kids about making inf...
What to Expect When You're Expecting, But Make it Modern
Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant? In this practical guide built for the moms of 2026, we walk through the art of choosing a pediatrician, what to expect during your hospital stay, common NICU experiences, and how to prepare yourself...
Microdose: Why Communities Matter for Families with ShareBaby
One in two families with young children experiences diaper insecurity, and many working parents struggle to afford essential items that aren't covered by SNAP or WIC. In this episode, ShareBaby Executive Director Nadia Dein joins us to discuss ...
Zuryna Unfiltered: One Mother's Journey
Motherhood, entrepreneurship, weight loss surgery, postpartum recovery, and building a village—Zuryna Livermore has navigated it all. In this candid conversation, she shares what she's learned about resilience, self-compassion, asking for help,...
Microdose: How to Talk to Kids About Pride
June is Pride Month, which may bring up questions from curious kids. Many parents wonder how to answer them honestly, respectfully, and in an age-appropriate way. In this episode, we discuss how to encourage curiosity and create a safe space fo...
Modern Fatherhood with Dr. Anthony Chico
Expectations placed on fathers today look very different than they did a generation ago. Dads are expected to be emotionally present, active caregivers, co-parents, providers, and partners, often without clear role models or support systems to ...
Microdose: Keeping Kids Learning Despite Summer Brain Drain
Summer is almost here, and with it comes the age-old parenting question: how do you balance structure and downtime? In this episode, we discuss why free play and boredom matter, how much learning kids actually lose over the summer, and creative...
Resilience in an Age of Worry with Dr. Meredith Elkins
Parents today are under enormous pressure to protect their children from discomfort, but what if constantly “fixing” anxiety is actually making it worse? In this live conversation, Dr. Nguyen talks with clinical child psychologist Dr. Meredith ...
Microdose: End-of-Year School Burnout: How Parents Can Help Kids Finish Strong
Challenging behavior spikes once the weather gets nice aren't just in your house. In this episode, we explain why kids at all ages hit burnout as the school year winds down and what parents can do to help.
Understanding Neurodivergence with Dr. Brad Schlaggar
Neurodivergence is a normal variation of the human condition, but many parents still struggle to understand what it means for their child. In this episode, we discuss what neurodiversity really is, why early identification matters, and how a st...
Microdose: AAP Screen Time Guidelines Explained
The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its screen time guidance, shifting the focus from hours to a broader “digital ecosystem” that includes the child, caregiver, content, and larger systems. In this episode, we break down the new fram...
Unfiltered: Body Image is Not Just a Girl Problem
Body image pressure is no longer just affecting girls—more boys are now struggling with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. In this episode, we discuss where these pressures come from, how they show up differently for boys and girls, an...
Microdose: What the New Food Pyramid Means for Families
Nutrition guidance evolves as science evolves, and that can feel overwhelming for parents who are simply trying to feed their kids well. In this episode, we unpack the recent changes to the federal food pyramid and explain what these tools are ...
How Our Childhood Shapes How We Show Up for Our Kids
Most of parenting has very little to do with our kids.In this episode, we explore how our childhood experiences show up in moments of parenting stress, why everyday parenting moments can trigger us, and how this can lead us to respond in...
Microdose: Parenting Ins and Outs for 2026
We are well into January, but it's never too late to reflect. In this episode, we review key parenting themes from 2025 and share what parents should leave behind and what they should bring into 2026.
What Children Are Really Telling Us Through Play with Dr. Rachel Altvater
Play is fun, but it's also how children communicate. In this episode, we are joined by psychologist and play therapy expert Dr. Rachel Altvater to explore what kids express through play and why it’s such a powerful therapeutic tool. From unders...
Microdose: How to Apologize to Your Kids
It happened; you yelled. You swore you never would, but you did. You are not alone. There isn't a parent in the world who hasn't lost their cool, and honestly, it's important you did. Repair is an essential skill for parents to learn and to mod...
Facing Down Entitlement in an Instant Gratification Culture
Entitlement shows up in many families — whether it’s resistance to chores, frustration when things don’t go their way, or racing through Christmas gifts and asking, “Is that it?” In this episode, we break down the roots of entitlement in kids a...
Microdose: How AI and social media contribute to literal Brain Rot
Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. If you're wondering how much tech is too much, what counts as responsible AI use, or how to protect your child’s cognitive development in a digital world, this episode of...
Raising Digitally Smart and Media Literate Kids
The digital world can literally feel like its own world. In this episode, we discuss the importance of media and digital literacy, the benefits and risks of media, and how to protect their own safety, privacy, and sovereignty. This conversation...
Microdose: Why Your Family Needs a Suicide Safety Plan
TW: discussion of suicideIn this episode, we outline how to co-create a suicide prevention safety plan with your adolescent—what it is, what goes in it, and how to keep it accessible. Talking about suicide doesn’t put the i...
Cannabis and Teens: What Parents Need to Know
Legal for adults doesn’t mean safe for teens. In this episode, we detail adolescent risks, clarify medical uses, and walk parents through how to talk with teens about smoking, vaping, and edibles. Enjoy this practical, fact-forward guidance for...
Microdose: Keep Kids Hydrated for Peak Performance
This episode shares fluid targets, when electrolytes matter (and a DIY recipe), the surprising recovery power of chocolate milk, and why sleep and nutrition are integral to a hydration strategy—quick, evidence-based tips to keep your athlete sa...
Helping Kids Discover Their Sparkle in Hobbies, Sports & More
Sports and activities offer a slew of benefits for our kids, but can often come with burnout, battles, and blown budgets. We break down how to balance structured sports with free play and how to help your child discover what truly lights them u...