Practical Parenting
The podcast that helps empower parents in the trenches, find joy in the process and thrive through it all.
Episodes
72 episodes
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...
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10:51
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...
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28:11
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 ...
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15:16
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...
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39:04
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.
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17:11
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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47:16
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...
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Season 2
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13:08
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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34:50
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...
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16:16
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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44:50
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...
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Season 2
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14:22
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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27:23
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...
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Season 2
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11:18
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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39:59
BONUS Vaccines: The Latest Information
Vaccine information this fall has been confusing, to say the least. But recommendations from professional medical societies are clear and have not changed. Get the information you need to make the best decision for your family here.
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Season 2
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13:33
Microdose: Establishing and Keeping Sleep Routines
Sleep is the secret weapon for learning, growth, and a strong immune system. We break down how much sleep kids really need, how to shift sleep schedules to get back on track (hello, 30–60-minute steps), and daytime habits that make nights easie...
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Season 2
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10:37
Burning Back to School Questions
Back-to-school without the chaos. We answer all your burning back-to-school questions with practical tips for resetting sleep and morning routines, handling first-day jitters, making homework more manageable, and more. Quick wins, zero guilt, t...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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33:23
BONUS: The One Need-to-Know Tip Before Starting School
Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. We have our first guest! Ameka, Executive Director, Early Childhood at the Y in Central Maryland is answering the question: “What is the one thing you believe parents nee...
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Season 2
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13:07
It's Red and It Itches
From poison ivy and bug bites to eczema and heat rash, we dive into common summertime skin conditions every parent should know about. Find out what causes these rashes, how to prevent them, and practical tips for soothing your child’s discomfor...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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39:35
Microdose: Teaching Time Management Skills
Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. We have all been in this situation: We ask 14 times to put their shoes on because it’s time to go. We argue with our teen about practicing the piano they chose to play. I...
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Season 2
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16:36
Let Your Kids Be Bored
Unstructured play and boredom are not only okay, they're essential for your child’s development. In a world filled with scheduled activities and endless screens, allowing kids the time and space to engage in free play can help build creativity,...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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27:21
Microdose #23: Water Safety This Summer
Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Accidental drowning is one of the most common causes of death and injury for young children as well as teenagers. As pools open and vacations begin, we want you to have w...
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Season 2
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9:32
The Gut-Brain Connection: What Your Stomach Is Telling Your Brain
The connection between your gut microbiome and mental health is fascinating. We explain how the gut and brain are intricately connected through physical and chemical pathways, and how the food we eat can influence mood, behavior, and mental wel...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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40:16
Microdose #22: Managing Screen Time
Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Social media dominates conversations around effective parenting, and where it typically starts is managing screen time. Parents often struggle with setting effective, rea...
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Season 2
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15:33
Youth Mental Health: Managing Worry to Self Harm
From everyday worries to more serious concerns like self-harm, this episode explores practical strategies for empowering kids with emotional regulation skills, building emotional awareness, and encouraging problem-solving. Tune in for actionabl...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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43:59