Care and Feeding | Slate's parenting show (Slate Podcasts)

On this bonus episode from our friends at Slate's newly returned Dear Prudence podcast: Slate’s Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris ) is on the mic answering questions about conversion therapy, awkward friends, and more. Slate’s own Nadira Goffe joins to lend her wisdom.  If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first three months. Again, that’s Slate.com/prudieplus. Podcast production by Kayla Lattimore and Daisy Rosario. Production help from Se’era Spragley Ricks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re excited to share an episode with you that we think you’ll love that comes from Didn’t I Just Feed You - a weekly podcast hosted by two long time food editors, Stacie Billis and Meghan Splawn. If you like what you hear, make sure to subscribe to Didn’t I Just Feed You wherever you get your podcasts. It's a practical companion to our show, giving you easy meal ideas every other week in their What We’re Cooking and Eating Now series while covering everything from picky eating to how to grocery shop with your kids without losing your mind in regular weekly episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to Slate's parenting podcast on children's sexual explorations and parenting kids' phone usage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode, Dan shares his new episode of Slate's Decoder Ring documentary podcast about his time as a junior book agent working on selling a secretive book proposal called IT, a codename for what would eventually be revealed as the Segway personal scooter. This is the story of the invention and development of a potentially revolutionary device, how Dan may or may not have doomed it, how the hype got out of control, and how that speculation helped birth the modern internet. If you like this episode, go subscribe in the Decoder Ring feed, there's plenty more stories there you'll love. If you love the show and want to support us, consider joining Slate Plus. With Slate Plus you can binge the whole season of Decoder Ring right now, plus ad free podcasts, bonus episodes, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Slate's parenting podcast, Allison Benedikt and Dan Kois discuss how to get your kids to enjoy nature and the cost of summer for poor families.   Mom and Dad are Fighting is sponsored by Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo—the third installment in the hilarious New York Times bestselling children’s book series filled with inventions, science experiments, and baseball playing robots, by former National Ambassador for Young Peoples’ Literature Jon Scieszka and mad scientist illustrator Brian Biggs. That’s Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo, on sale now from Amulet Books.   And by Little Passports. Keep your kids busy this summer with Little Passports, the award-winning subscription for kids. Right now, Mom & Dad Are Fighting listeners can save 40% on their first month with promo code momanddad40. Learn more at littlepassports.com/momanddad.   And by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Get the nicest sheets you've ever owned for about half the price of what stores and boutiques are charging. Order right now and they'll give you $50 off a set of sheets plus free shipping. Go to bollandbranch.com and use the promo code momanddad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode from our friends at Slate's What Next podcast: As the country awaits a final decision on whether the Supreme Court will overturn Roe. v Wade, fertility doctors are sounding the alarm about what that could mean for the future procedures like IVF. Guests: Dr. Natalie Crawford, OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist at Fora Fertility in Austin, Texas. Emily, an IVF patient in West Virginia. Emily asked Slate to withhold her last name so she could speak freely about her fertility treatments. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Podcast production by Mary Wilson, Elena Schwartz, Carmel Delshad, Anna Rubanova, and Sam Kim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to Slate's parenting podcast live from Durham, North Carolina. Allison and Dan are joined by Superchunk frontman and Merge co-owner Mac McCaughan to life as a touring dad, the worst children's songs, and play a song from his latest album. Mom and Dad Are Fighting is sponsored by Gemvara. Turn old jewelry or a loose gemstone into a new design setting you'll love. Chose from a variety of beautiful designs or customize your own. Right now, get 15% off the stone reset of your choice at stonereset.com/momanddad. And by: Little Passports. Keep your kids busy this summer with Little Passports, the award-winning subscription for kids. Right now, Mom And Dad Are Fighting listeners can save 40% on their first month today with promo code MOMANDDAD40. Learn more at littlepassports.com/momanddad. And by: Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. Casper mattresses come with free delivery and returns within a 100-day period. And get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by visiting casper.com/momanddad and using the promo code momanddad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show, Allison and Dan hear stories from Slate staff about their mothers and talk talks with actor Susan Sarandon about motherhood and the movie The Meddler. Mom and Dad Are Fighting is brought to you by BollandBranch.com, offering luxury bedding at affordable prices. Order right now and they'll give you 20 percent off, plus free shipping. Get sheets, towels, blankets, duvet covers, and more at BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code MOMANDDAD.   And by Little Passports. Inspire your kids to learn about the world with a subscription to Little Passports! Mom & Dad Are Fighting listeners can save 40 percent on their first month today with the promo code MOMANDDAD. Learn more at littlepassports.com/momanddad.   And by Green Chef, a new food delivery service that makes cooking easy—with consciously sourced healthy recipes and organic ingredients. Get four free meals with your first order when you go to GreenChef.com/momanddad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Dan Kois and Allison Benedikt discuss how to talk to your kids about weight and Dan interviews the soon-to-be First Lady of Iceland. Mom and Dad Are Fighting is brought to you by Boll and Branch. Get 20% off your entire order, plus free shipping, by going to BollandBranch.com and using promo code momanddad. And by the new podcast Dog Smarts. Each episode features leading researchers and academics that tackle questions of language, memory, intelligence, and even love as they pertain to our dogs. Subscribe to Dog Smarts on iTunes now. And by Little Passports. Inspire your kids to learn about the world with a subscription to Little Passports. Save 40% on your first month today with promo code momanddad. Learn more at littlepassports.com/momanddad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to Slate’s parenting podcast on talking to your children about porn and whether the tradition of the family meal is overrated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Aymann hotly debate a question about a kid who is vegan but decides to eat meat at their friend’s house. Is 13 mature enough to make their own dietary decisions or should the kid’s parents be told? Then, Jamilah talks with Lauren Linder, mom and attorney for a cannabis company, about how they incorporate cannabis into their parenting. In Slate Plus: Aymann talks about the effect of toxic masculinity on paternity leave. If you want to hear more from Aymann on masculinity, check out his podcast Man Up.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Simple Modern insulated cups with straws.  Aymann recommends starting a garden.  Jamilah recommends the Instant Pot Duo. Additional Links:  Check out Elizabeth's great tips for finding (and keeping friends) on Slate’s How To! podcast: How To Make Friends as an Adult.  It's Just a Plant: A Children's Story about Marijuana by Ricardo Cortés.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Don't miss the member-exclusive segment on MADAF every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now at slate.com/momanddadplus and you'll also get to skip the ads, read everything on Slate.com, and support this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak debate if a distracted toddler deserves to be pulled out of their gymnastics class. Next, they advise a mother who is nervous about a long flight with her toddler. From getting a toddler to wear a mask to entertaining snacks, the hosts have tips for all aspects of the flight. We’re playing a round of hot takes in Slate Plus. So stick around for some spicy parenting opinions.  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends Popeyes’ hottie sauce collab with Megan Thee Stallion.  Zak recommends making or buying a fire pit to polong the outdoor season.  Elizabeth recommends the DragonBox Elements: Geometry App Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Don't miss the member-exclusive segment on MADAF every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now at slate.com/momanddadplus and you'll also get to skip the ads, read everything on Slate.com, and support this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak help a listener whose kid just will not get out the door in the mornings. Next, they dive into a debate about the purpose of homework and who gets to decide how much homework a child is required to do. On Slate Plus, they discuss an interesting package from Romper called Parenting at the End Of the World.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends the card game Boom Goes the Dynamite. Zak recommends the musician Caspar Babypants.  Jamilah recommends the show Wu-Tang: An American Saga.  Additional reading: The History Of Homework: Why Was It Invented and Who Was Behind It?  Never Mind the Students; Homework Divides Parents Ask a Teacher: Slacker or Genius? Ask a Teacher: Homework: Who Needs It? Ask a Teacher: Homework Is a Constant Battle in Our House Care and Feeding Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Zak, Elizabeth, and Greg Lavallee advise a listener whose rambunctious little one is on his third visit to the emergency room. How can our listener teach him that he can get hurt if he keeps up with the daredevil antics? They also debate how to talk to kids about screen time and how to set up healthy boundaries with devices. On Slate Plus, they lament the impending winter clothes chaos.  Recommendations: Greg recommends asking your cool adult friends to give your kids compliments.  Elizabeth recommends Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty.  Zak recommends taking yourself to the movies. The new Wes Anderson film, The French Dispatch, is a great pick-me-up.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Don't miss the member-exclusive segment on MADAF every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now at slate.com/momanddadplus and you'll also get to skip the ads, read everything on Slate.com, and support this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a parent who is in over her head when it comes to bath time. Her little one used to love taking baths but has since changed her mind. Now bath time is a nightmare for both of them. Then they’re joined by Dr. Syra Madad, an infectious disease epidemiologist with New York City Health + Hospitals and Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. She shares how parents can keep their family, especially kids who are still too young to be vaccinated, safe during the holiday season. On Slate Plus, the hosts talk about how they’re approaching the holidays this year.  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends Root Magic by Eden Royce.  Zak recommends unsubscribing to EVERYTHING!  Elizabeth recommends the Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Grow Kit.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Amber Smith advise a listener who wants to provide their preschooler with a less whitewashed history of Thanksgiving. They have some helpful tips for explaining the real thanksgiving in a more realistic, age-appropriate manner. Zak then sits down with Jenny Rosenstrach, bestselling author and creator of Dinner: A Love Story, to strategize how to include your child in holiday cooking and avoid Empty Celebration Syndrome. If you want to hear more of Zak’s conversation with Jenny, check out The Best Advice Show. On Slate Plus, Zak, Jamilah, and Amber recount some Turkey nightmares and share their attempts at tricky new dishes. Recommendations: Jamilah recommends taking time to pause and play with your child this holiday season. Amber recommends baby sock-shoes, Grookz. Zak recommends bringing your child to the bookstore and supporting your local book sellers. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kevin Bendis and Rosemary Belson. Don't miss the member-exclusive segment on MADAF every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now at slate.com/momanddadplus and you'll also get to skip the ads, read everything on Slate.com, and support this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a parent who is sick of their generous neighbors constantly sending over hand-me-down toys. The letter writer is already running out of space in their house. Is it OK to simply refuse? Can they donate the toys? Would tossing the toys crush the neighbors’ generous spirit? Then they answer a question from a dad whose daughter needs surgery. How can he explain the procedure without frightening her? On Slate Plus, the hosts talk about how this time of year forces families to really figure out how they’re celebrating the holidays and, in turn, how religion operates within their family. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Recommendations: Zak recommends @MenWithThePot on Instagram Jamilah recommends Love Life on HBO Elizabeth recommends a printable Christmas reading calendar.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a parent who has been monitoring their teenage daughter’s text messages. Have they crossed a line, or are they doing their due diligence to ensure their child is safe? Then they answer a question from a parent whose 2 year-old daughter wants her ears pierced. How early is too early, and who should be making this kind of decision?  On Slate Plus, the hosts talk about how one Black mother’s video about her night doula went viral, sparking a debate about privilege, luxury, and the expectation that mothers, particularly Black mothers, must be suffering to succeed at motherhood.  Recommendations: Zak recommends calling your kids' creative hobbies an art practice. Jamilah recommends Passing on Netflix Elizabeth recommends the book Letters From Father Christmas Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Zak Rosen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a parent who feels conflicted about traveling to see family during the holidays. They love their relatives and rarely see them, but they are exhausted and not so excited to make the trek this year. Should they still go? Then, a listener’s toddler is afraid of everything. How can they validate their child’s experience while helping them navigate a sometimes scary world?   On Slate Plus, the hosts talk about Zak’s quarantine ennui. He’s been marooned at home for days and days. Will this pandemic ever end? Commiseration ensues.  Recommendations: Zak recommends playing catch with balloons (rather than heavier balls) with your littles Jamilah recommends buying a synthetic Christmas tree Elizabeth recommends Tiny Schoolhouse Calendars  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Zak Rosen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak advise a mom who is feeling hurt that her mother-in-law has swooped in and taken over traditional “mom moments” behind her back. Is there a way to politely tell her that she needs to stay in her own lane? Then the hosts share the most useful piece of advice they received this year. In Slate Plus, they play a round of holiday hot takes which includes the classic conundrum: should you just tell your kids Santa’s a myth?  Recommendations: Naima recommends Roc, which you can watch on Pluto.  Henry recommends Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube.  Oliver recommends the app hoopla.  Teddy recommends Story Time Chess.  Noa recommends peeling grapes to make them juicer.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Our favorite Plus segments of 2021. We revisit one of the funniest—yet most horrifying—bathroom discoveries. We uncover the soundtracks to our parenting and brainstorm the School House Rock songs we need right now. We also gripe about Yes Day and hide from our kids.  Don't miss the member-exclusive segment on MADAF every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now at slate.com/momanddadplus and you'll also get to skip the ads, read everything on Slate.com, and support this show. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth help a mom understand her new step-daughter’s personal boundaries and love language.  Then they have some wonderful tips for a mom of twins who has quite the conundrum. One of her daughters has needed a lot of medical care and procedures, including brain surgery. Now her other daughter, who is non-medically complex, is jealous of all the attention her sister is receiving and asking to go to the doctor daily. How can she make sure the needs of both of her daughters are met?  In Slate Plus, the hosts are spiraling about the future—and those summer camp applications that are starting to pop up certainly aren’t helping.  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends Trader Joe’s Southern Greens Blend and Fermented Garlic.  Elizabeth recommends the podcasts How to Be an Earthling and Who, When, Wow!  Zak recommends taking yourself on a solo date!  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Don't miss the member-exclusive segment on MADAF every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now at slate.com/momanddadplus and you'll also get to skip the ads, read everything on Slate.com, and support this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak open up their cookbooks and share their favorite kid-friendly vegetarian recipes. They also debate how to help kids form sibling bonds that will last long after childhood. Then, we are joined by Rachelle Hampton and Madison Malone Kircher, hosts of ICYMI, Slate’s podcast about internet culture. They explain Elmo’s viral feud with a pet rock. If you want to hear even more, check out their episode. Elmo also joined our show if you want to take a listen.  In Slate Plus, the hosts are revealing what games and books they can’t live without right now.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends writing and submitting poetry. There are additional resources on Poetry Teatime.  Zak recommends using musicals to transition your kids to more grown-up music.  Jamilah recommends checking out her Instagram or Twitter to read her big story that’s being published today! Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and guest co-host Jaime Green attempt to fix a communication disaster. Our listener received some long-awaited genetic testing results and she was crushed when her partner seemingly couldn’t care less. Can she make him care? Then Elizabeth talks with Larissa Maloney of Active Kids 2.0 about how parents and kids can stay active at home. On Slate Plus, Jaime’s extremely relatable article about how hard it is to be a parent of a kid under five inspired a cathartic round of screaming into the void.  Recommendations: Zak recommends Le Petit Chef by Opinel.  Jaime recommends Mommastrong.  Elizabeth recommends A Year of Wonder: Classical Music For Everyday by Clemency Burton-Hill.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth debate if there's proper etiquette when asking if a kid is vaccinated. Plus, they have some ideas for how to smoothly handle the interaction if the answer is no. Then, they take on the case of the annoying neighbor. Should you tell the kid to buzz off if he can’t play nice? On Slate Plus, secrets, secrets are no fun… but are they outright bad?  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends Budsies. Elizabeth recommends the Buddha Board. Zak recommends creating photo albums. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Aymann aren’t shying away from the difficult conversations. First, they answer a listener question about how to handle death with a toddler. Should you take a toddler to their grandparent’s funeral? Should you explain death? Should you let them see you cry? Then, Zak is talking with comedian Chris Gethard about his new essay Dad on Pills, available on Scribd. They get candid about parenting, mental health, and a rather upsetting joke. On Slate Plus, Elizabeth is panicking about school valentines. Are you too? Luckily, Zak and Aymann give us a reality check.  Recommendations: Zak recommends finding bridge songs to sneakily swap out kid music. Aymann recommends Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz and A Moon for Moe and Mo by Jane Breskin Zalben.  Elizabeth recommends Don’t Forget to Write. If you, or anyone you know, are in crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or need help immediately, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, anytime, at 1-800-273-8255, or you can find help at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth dive into the complicated world of cotillions. A listener is wondering if she should enroll her biracial daughter if all of her friends are participating. Kristen Richardson, author of The Season: A Social History of the Debutante, joins to give some wonderful context and advice. They then tackle a question about sending a toddler to summer camp. On Slate Plus, they’re daydreaming about family vacations. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Recommendations: Zak recommends one piece SORRY! Elizabeth recommends the L.L.Bean Sonic Snow Tube.   Jamilah recommends Tinder Swindler.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth answer a complicated question about navigating unwanted attention—especially if the attention may be chalked up to a child’s appearance. Then they are joined by Deborah Farmer Kris, parent educator, education journalist, children’s book author, and founder of Parenthood365. They talk about how to help kids identify and manage their emotions—and what parents can learn themselves in the process. Check out Deborah’s new book I Love You All the Time. On Slate Plus, they discuss Just How Helpful Is Childhood Therapy? by Melinda Wenner Moyer.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Night Zookeeper. Jamilah recommends Hey Girl! empowerment journal. Zak recommends Teen Lives, Interrupted by COVID.  Listener-recommended Resources: Judi's House resources When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death When Someone Very Special Dies Help Me Say Goodbye Love is Forever Lifetimes The Invisible String  Finding the Words If you want to listen to the original question, here’s the episode: The “Taking a Toddler to a Funeral” Edition. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Jamilah tackle a question from a parent worried that tense homework sessions are fracturing her relationship with her daughter. When should you keep pushing your kid so they succeed and when should you back off? Then, they’re advising a parent who is simply burned out. It’s something a lot of parents are feeling and they’ve got some tips to make life a little more manageable. On Slate Plus, they’re juggling stressful sports schedules.  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends Abbott Elementary.  Zak recommends making your own everything seasoning.  Elizabeth recommends a visual timer.  Extra Credit!:  Boom Goes the Dynamite Prodigy Education Game  Math Rush Waldock Way's best math games  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode from our friends at Slate's How To! podcast: Janey is the very definition of a woman trying to “have it all.” She’s an occupational therapist by day, a ghost writer for influencers by night and in between co-hosts a podcast. On top of that, she has two sons who play travel sports and a husband who works long hours. It’s left Janey wondering if she’ll ever catch her breath. On this episode of How To!, we bring on Amy Westervelt, who’s no slouch herself. She’s a journalist, host of the award-winning podcast Drilled, a busy mom and author of the book Forget “Having It All”: How America Messed Up Motherhood, and How to Fix It. She shares with Janey how trying to “have it all” almost left her with nothing. It’s advice that all of us can use to rebalance our lives and reprioritize what’s important.  Check out Amy’s invisible labor calculator.  If you liked this episode, check out “How To Advance Your Career By Quitting Your Job.”  Do you have a question with no easy answers? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Dan is back from book leave and has an announcement. Dan, Jamilah, and Elizabeth answer a wild question about a teen asking if her mom has “vanilla sex.” How should the parent respond to an intensely personal question like that? Then Elizabeth and Jamilah pepper Dan with questions about his time on the show, including his biggest regret. On Slate Plus, if you could swap bodies w/ your kid for a day—Freaky Friday style—would you?  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends When Stars are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson.  Dan recommends Turning Red.  Jamilah recommends season two of Love Is Blind.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode from our friends at Slate's The Waves podcast: We’re talking about infertility treatments–and what happens when they don’t work. The Waves producer Cheyna Roth shares her personal struggles and talks about going through IVF with Slate’s Dear Prudence columnist, Jenée Desmond Harris. They talk about what they wished they had known before starting IVF, how to be a good friend of someone experiencing infertility, and Jenée offers advice on how to cope with IVF. Later in the show, Cheyna talks to author Pamela Mahoney Tsigdinos about the ethics of the infertility industry, what to say to a loved one who is going through treatments, and what it means to be an “IVF survivor,”  In Slate Plus, Cheyna and Jenée talk about the slippery slope to IVF and its high price tag. And Slate’s Lili Loofbourow shares what happened when she tried to get insurance to cover IVF. Additional Reading:  “An IVF Survivor Unravels ‘Fertility’ Industry Narratives,” by Pamela Tsigdinos  “Would You Tell Someone You Were Infertile?” by Pamela Tsigdinos  “As The Dark Side of IVF Slowly Comes Into Focus, EvenMore Transparency Is Needed,” by Pamela Tsigdinos  Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Shannon Palus and June Thomas.  Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth answer a complicated question about a listener with family ties to Russia who is seeking advice on how to explain to her young children the invasion of Ukraine and how to help them handle the schoolyard teasing. Then, how to keep your toddler entertained in the stroller on the way to school. This family is looking to up their game on the 25 min walk to school. And on Slate Plus, what's one silly, or serious thing that we should implement to make parents' lives better. The hosts weigh in with our ideas.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Melon’s House Party Jamilah recommends The new Saved By The Bell Zak recommends Better Things Listener-recommended Resources: How To Hug a Porcupine Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Zak Rosen. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth answer a tricky question from a parent who doesn’t have a relationship with her father for a good reason. But now that his health is failing, she’s wondering if she should introduce him to her daughter. Then, they tackle how to make school drop-off smoother. On Slate Plus, they discuss Jessica Grose’s piece, I’ll Say It Again: There’s More Than One Way to Raise Kids Who Thrive, and dish on what philosophies they use in their own parenting.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Making a Great Exhibition by Doro Globus  Jamilah recommends filling out your manufacturer’s warranty.  Zak recommends Life on Earth by Hurray for the Riff Raff.  Bonus recommendation: Pregnant Pause.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Jamilah and Zak are joined by Julie Kohler, a writer, gender justice advocate, and host of the podcast, White Picket Fence. First they tackle a question from a listener who is trying to figure out how to connect with her partner’s kid. Then they talk with Julie about the childcare crisis, which she focused on for the latest season of her show. She explains why the US is still so far behind in terms of implementing care economy policies and what supports should be in place to make parenting more manageable. On Slate Plus, they discuss the viral “husbands in training” TikTok.  Recommendations: Julie recommends Turning Red.  Zak recommends Chili Onion Crunch.  Jamilah recommends SpoiledChild’s S24 Rapid Recovery Hair Mask  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak tackle a classic dilemma. Should you pay your kids to help around the house? What chores are age appropriate and how can you tailor your expectations to different children? They also do a round of Triumphs and Fails and announce that Mom and Dad are Fighting is moving to a twice a week schedule. Episodes will come out on Mondays and Thursdays. On Slate Plus, they discuss whether or not you should pull elementary school students out of state-wide testing.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Jamilah answer a question from a listener who is feeling left behind by her friends who are parents. She says she’s really tried to be supportive and isn’t receiving support in return, especially when she’s celebrating accomplishments like earning a PhD and publishing her first album. All of this has left her feeling that she’s worth less if she doesn’t have a kid. Is there a way to rekindle the relationships?  Recommendations:  Zak recommends watching The Lost Daughter.  Jamilah recommends picking up The Emergency: A Year of Healing and Heartbreak in a Chicago ER by Thomas Fisher.  Elizabeth recommends planting a window box with Back to the Roots or Kiwico.   Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth tackle body boundaries. Our listener has two little kids who are pretty comfortable doing things like sharing a bath or getting changed in the same vicinity. But something happened the other morning that has her worried. How can she teach consent and autonomy without creating any body shame?  On Slate Plus, they debate if parenting actually makes them happy. The article they discussed is called What Becoming a Parent Really Does to Your Happiness by Paul Bloom.  Resources:  HealthyChildren.org Sex Positive Families SexEdTalk’s Vaginas and Periods 101 Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak tackle a question from a listener whose child was recently diagnosed with ADHD. The letter writer’s husband, who also has ADHD, lacked support in school and it had a lasting impact on his education. They want to avoid history repeating itself for their daughter. How can they ensure she is properly supported and that she feels empowered by all the strengths that come along with ADHD.  The hosts also set intentions for the week and give recommendations that will make everyone happy. Who knew that a little water and soap could bring so much joy? Recommendations: Jamilah recommends Cheez-It Puff’d.  Elizabeth recommends the car wash.  Zak recommends C’mon C’mon.  Resources: What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Dr. Sharon Saline.  ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell M.D. and John J. Ratey M.D.  Completely Matt: An ADHD Story by Justine Green.  My Whirling, Twirling Motor by Merriam Sarcia Saunders.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: If you’ve noticed high school seniors stressing a little more lately, it may be because college decision deadlines are just around the corner. Zak and Elizabeth are joined by Slate’s Heidi Strom Moon to discuss how to support teens in their decision without overstepping. They answer a question from a dad who is currently trying to walk that line as his son is caught between his dream school and the school he can actually afford.  Resources:  Debt Nation: The faces and lives behind America’s student loan crisis by Rachelle Hampton.  The Price You Pay for College by Ron Lieber.  Paying for College by The Princeton Review and Kalman Chany.  On Slate Plus, Zak and Elizabeth dive into their Passover and Easter plans and discuss how to make religious-based holidays fun for kids.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth and Zak tackle a question from a listener who is stretched thin between work and her kids. She’d love to be a full-time parent but she’s worried she’ll not be as interesting if she does transition. What should she do? They also have some fun listener updates, including one who had a very unexpected and very funny confrontation about porn.  The hosts give recommendations that will help your kids have a memorable summer. But they’re not the only ones who deserve some fun. Grab your headphones because the podcast that Zak recommends will take you on an adventure.  Recommendations Elizabeth recommends the Best Summer Ever Camp Journal  Zak recommends the article, Finding Raffi by Sheila Heti, and the podcast, Finding Raffi by Chris Garcia.  Resources My First Book of Feminism (for Boys) by Julie Merberg Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak take on a really difficult question from a mother who realized she has a favorite child. She loves her baby but doesn’t actually like her that much and she’s worried that her feelings toward her child are calcifying. What can she do to bond with her baby?  On Slate Plus, how to deal with picky eaters. Is it okay to eat the same meal day after day? What can you do to make new scary foods more palatable? What are your favorite ‘Trojan horse’ meals that allow you to sneak in nutrients without your kid knowing?  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak expose the mini-monsters that parents accidentally create. They have some very fun—very scary—listener submissions. But honestly, who doesn’t need a snack for every car ride? Then Zak interviews comedian, dad, and podcaster Chris Garcia about his new show Finding Raffi. They talk about how Raffi captured kids’ ears and hearts, his lasting legacy, and how he’s changing parenting philosophies.  Recommendations Zak recommends finding little moments of joy like making a game out of chucking garbage into the can.  Jamilah recommends The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. Elizabeth recommends the Ologies podcast  And, a bonus recommendation from Zak: His conversation with Rebecca Lavoie on The Best Advice Show podcast about knowing and communicating your weaknesses at work  Resources Finding Raffi by Chris Garcia Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth and Zak tackle a tricky question about a kid who has recently harnessed the power of swear words. He is weaponizing his words with an intent to hurt those around him and our listener has no idea what to do. Elizabeth and Zak offer up some practical advice for dealing with the in-the-moment anger, curbing the foul language, and ultimately making amends.  On Slate Plus, Elizabeth and Zak discuss hobbies that help them relax and rejuvenate. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Elizabeth debate what to do about a bedtime battle. Our listener’s toddler is generally a great sleeper, but now her bedtime routine isn’t working anymore. If a kid is going to sleep early, does it mean they’ll be early to rise? How early is too early to put your toddler to bed?  Recommendations Elizabeth: Metaphor Dice  Zak: Takeya Cold Brew Maker Bonus Recommendations: Summer Brain Quest Books Run Towards the Danger: Confrontations with a Body of Memory by Sarah Polley Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth help a listener who feels like she’s constantly walking through a maze of toys and the piles of stuff just keep growing. Both her and her partner work a ton, which leaves little time to actually clean the house. But she’s the only one pitching in… Her partner and her two kids are “incapable of cleaning up after themselves.” She’s at her wits end and seriously contemplating pitching everything.  On Slate Plus, Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth discuss the Netflix show, Old Enough! Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Other recommendations:  Sister Song  Emily Ley’s Simplified Ruthless Declutter Challenge Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak talk about the wave of anti-trans legislation, the role of misinformation in this movement, and how to protect trans kids. They are joined by Jules Gill-Peterson. She is a trans historian and author of Histories of the Transgender Child, and co-host of Slate’s very own Outward podcast.  Recommendations Jamilah recommends: NYT Spelling Bee  Elizabeth recommends: PILOT FriXion Clicker Erasable, Refillable & Retractable Gel Ink Pens Zak recommends: This tweet Resources Histories of the Transgender Child by Jules Gill-Peterson Slate’s Outward podcast Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth and Zak are joined by Amber O’Neal Johnston, author of A Place to Belong and she blogs at heritagemom.com. Together they tackle a question from a nanny who is fed up with preteen attitude. The boy she looks after takes his bad moods out on everyone around him, including her. She’s wondering if she can help him change his behavior or if she should find another place to work.   On Slate Plus, Elizabeth, Zak, and Amber start strategizing their summer plans. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth and Zak are joined by Amber O’Neal Johnston. She’s the author of A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond and has a blog called Heritage Mom. They talk about how families can celebrate their own identities while learning about and appreciating other people’s races and cultural differences. What does it mean to teach kids about “hard history,” but also celebrate cultural heritage? And, why do so many parents find it difficult to talk about culture and race?  Recommendations Elizabeth recommends: Read Aloud Those Kids from Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly  Zak recommends: Make your own pesto Amber recommends: Get a good knife Resources A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond by Amber O’Neal Johnston Amber’s blog: Heritage Mom Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak talk about the baby formula shortage. Then they are joined by Dr. Christine Stephenson, pediatric physical therapist and author of The Constipation Game Plan, to help a four year old who refuses to use the restroom when he’s not at home.  On Slate Plus, Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak talk about the highly annoying time gap between school pickup and work ending. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Recommendations:  The Constipation Game Plan The Poo in You  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak answer a question from a listener who is in her second trimester and throughout her pregnancy she’s been sick and tired. This is her first pregnancy, and she and her husband agreed that they should try to stay in shape during it in order to help them be active parents. But despite her tiredness, her husband has been relentlessly pushing her to workout. She swears that he has good intentions. But is there a way to get him to back off?  Recommendations Jamilah recommends Hacks on HBO. Elizabeth recommends the Every Kid Outdoors program. Zak recommends checking out Stephen Root’s acting. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Elizabeth are joined by Scott Hershovitz, author of the book Nasty, Brutish and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids and the director of the Law and Ethics Program and professor of law and philosophy at the University of Michigan.  They answer a question from a father who doesn’t know how to answer his curious daughter’s constant questions about everything from the meaning of life to if ants feel pain. How can he foster her curiosity while also helping her maintain a sense of mental peace?  On Slate Plus, Zak, Elizabeth, and Scott share some of the funniest things their kids have said. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Elizabeth are joined by Scott Hershovitz, author of the book Nasty, Brutish and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids and the director of the Law and Ethics Program and professor of law and philosophy at the University of Michigan. They discuss why you shouldn’t shy away from big questions, how to foster open mindedness in teens, and perhaps the biggest question of all—what’s a “floofer doofer.” On Slate Plus, they have a round of graduation-themed Triumphs and Fails. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends the Sipsey Wilder hip pack Scott recommends Teaching Children Philosophy Zak recommends Julie’s Library.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Cheyna Roth, Slate senior producer and occasional host of The Waves. They speak with Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans about all things sleep for parents and kids. She worked in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital for over 10 years and she’s the co-founder of Baby Sleep Science. Dr. Flynn-Evans is here to answer some questions that will hopefully help you and your kids sleep better.  Recommendations Jamilah: NYT article  Cheyna: Keeping with the sleep theme, The Happiest Baby on the Block Zak: White Noise app for adults to drown out their kids crying during the night + The Nap Ministry Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Jamilah have some relatable parenting triumphs and fails. Then Elizabeth is joined by Dr. Rebecca Spencer, principal investigator at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Somneurolab. Dr. Spencer shares some wonderful insight for creating a good sleep environment, navigating napping, and what your kids should (or shouldn’t) be doing right before bed.  On Slate Plus, they discuss how even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge can’t avoid the “f*ck you fours.” Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Production help from Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak answer a question from a dad who is fed up with his four-year-old not listening. For the first time, he lost his temper and swatted her butt. He feels terrible and wants to know how to apologize. But he also wants to know how to get her to listen if a situation arises where something serious is going on and she needs to follow directions. Recommendations Zak: Letting your little ones pour their own syrup.  Elizabeth: Beast Academy Math Jamilah: America, Goddam: Violence, Black Women, and the Struggle for Justice by Treva B. Lindsey  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola, Jasmine Ellis, and Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth, and Jamilah reminisce on some of their parents’ triumphs and fails. Then they tackle a question from a listener who just wants her daughter to stop grabbing her breasts. The daughter is looking for comfort but the constant touching is making the listener uncomfortable. On Slate Plus, Zak and Jamilah talk with Elizabeth’s dad about all things fatherhood and grandfatherhood. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Production help from Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth tackle a question from a listener who is caught in a carpool conundrum. Splitting the 30 minute drive to school has been a significant help. However, the kid they carpool with is downright rude to our listener’s daughter. What should she do? On Slate Plus, the best way to entertain your kids during road trips. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola, Rosemary Belson, and Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth is joined by Slate’s Rebecca Onion to process the Supreme Court’s decision to overrule Roe v. Wade. Then, Elizabeth is joined by Dr. Joseph Currin. He is a licensed psychologist and assistant professor who specializes in identity development and sex education. They tackle questions listeners had specifically geared towards teens. This is part one of the teen questions. Be sure to tune into Thursday’s episode for part two.  Roe Coverage Recommendations: Roe Is Overturned. What Happens Now? by Slate Staff Slow Burn: Roe v. Wade This Is a Blood Issue by Susan Matthews Just Doing The Job They Were Put On The Court To Do by Dahlia Lithwick  What The F*** Do We Do Now? by Cheyna Roth and Christina Cauterucci  My Mother’s Abortion Saved My Life by Jenn Lyons The Evolution of Pro-Choice Messaging by Mary Harris Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth share some parenting triumphs and fails. Then Elizabeth and Dr. Joseph Currin continue to answer teen questions. (Part one of ‘teen talk’ aired on Monday.) Today the questions are all about sex education and navigating potentially uncomfortable conversations.   On Slate Plus, they take turns telling each other their best dad jokes. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Jasmine Ellis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth share ‘Triumphs and Fails’ and answer a question from a listener whose husband and three year old compete for her attention and she’s incredibly frustrated.  Then, a number of you sent in additional questions about the ripple effects of abortion bans and how to talk to children about abortion, so we’re continuing the conversation. Jamilah brings your questions to Dr. Alison Block, a family physician, abortion provider, executive producer of the podcast The Nocturnists, and mother of three.  On Plus, Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth share their favorite easy summer arts and crafts to keep kids entertained. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson, Jasmine Ellis, and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak talks to filmmaker, author, and actor Sarah Polley about her book Run Towards the Danger. They talk about how losing a parent early influences how she parents now. How to handle guilt and why finding your parenting community is so valuable. They also discuss her boundaryless childhood and why she won’t let her kids be child actors. Finally, Sarah talks about navigating parenting while healing from a years-long injury. Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends Lemon Perfect Lemon Water Elizabeth recommends Pinna Podcasts Zak recommends Sarah Polley’s films, specifically Stories We Tell.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth share their triumphs and fails, including how Talking Heads came to the rescue—at least temporarily. Then they tackle a question from a listener who is feeling guilt about bringing a second child into their family. They obviously love the child but they feel bad that their eldest child is struggling with the change. On Slate Plus, they discuss 'Nacho parenting’ is how some blended families keep the peace by Genevieve Brown. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth answer a question from a listener who lost his libido after his partner gave birth. He feels guilty and doesn’t know what to do. Should she talk to her about it and, if so, how?  Recommendations:  Zak recommends My Name is Yoon Elizabeth recommends the Webb telescope activities and photos from NASA + Comet K2 Virtual Telescope.  Jamiliah recommends Patriarchy Blues  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth and Zak are joined by Stephanie Ryan, author, education consultant, and creator of Let’s Learn about Science. Stephanie shows them some kid-friendly science experiments that are fun for the entire family. Elizabeth’s husband, Jeff, also joins to answer a listener question addressed to him! The listener is wondering if they should keep their small four-door car or trade up to a minivan.  Zak recommends joining an adult league, club, or class. Stephanie recommends Osmo. Elizabeth recommends Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Autumn Brown. Autumn is a mother, organizer, theologian, artist, facilitator, and co-host of the podcast, How to Survive the End of the World.  They weigh in on a custody conundrum. Our letter writer is furious that her ex-wife is slacking on bathing their children when they’re in her care. It’s come to a head because they’ve been showing up to summer camp grimy from the previous day’s activities and in the same dirty clothes. Our letter writer wants to know if she should change her custody agreement over the lack of hygiene.  On Slate Plus, they brainstorm ideas for breaking the heat without breaking the bank. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Autumn Brown. Autumn is a mother, organizer, theologian, artist, facilitator, and co-host of the podcast, How to Survive the End of the World. They advise a listener wanting to help her kid better understand gender, stereotypes, and their own identity.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends Ace of Hates, a card game created by Dan Kois.   Autumn recommends Already Free: Buddhism Meets Psychotherapy on the Path of Liberation by Bruce Tift Zak recommends Joni Mitchell’s set at Newport Folk Festival Additional Reading:  A Kids Book About Gender by Dale Mueller Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love 21 Children's Books About Gender Identity And Gender Expression That Should Be On Every Kid's Bookshelf by Pablo Valdivia Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah and Elizabeth are joined by Courtney Martin, author of the book Learning in Public. If you want to hear more about Courtney’s book check out this MADAF episode. Today they’re helping a step-mom who has found herself in the middle of a complicated housing change. Her stepson wants to live with his mom full time, which is a change that has deeply hurt his dad. Now our letter writer finds herself exactly where she doesn’t want to be—in the middle.  Then on Slate Plus, they are going to be talking about kids fighting and finding resolutions, inspired by a wonderful piece Courtney wrote for her newsletter. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah and Elizabeth are joined by Courtney Martin, author of the book Learning in Public. Today they are helping a parent who has been offered a great job opportunity that can take the family to the next level financially. The position would require them to live overseas. The catch? The family can’t go with him. Is there a way to still be present in your child’s life if you are working away from home? Recommendations:  Courtney recommends the Rebel Girls app.  Elizabeth recommends Professor Noggin card game.  Jamilah recommends The Bear.  Listener Recommendations:  Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom The Longest Shortest Time The Principles of Pleasure Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Aymann, advise a grandparent who really wants her granddaughter and her granddaughter's cousin to get along. Our letter writer’s first attempts haven’t gone too well and she’s even resorted to bribing—to no avail. Should she keep pushing and, if so, how? Or is it time to step back?  Then on Slate Plus, they discuss A Toddler Father’s Playbook for Answering Tough Questions by David Ostow. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Other mentions: My Favorite Controlled Substance is Daycare by Sarah Suksiri.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson, Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola, and Zak Rosen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth dish about a baking disaster, being the non-fun mom while setting up camp, and why cool big kids make summer camp so magical. They then answer a question from an aunt who would love to be more of a presence in her nieces and nephews’ lives and support their kids at games and concerts. The catch? They don’t know how to get invited. Then on Slate Plus, they’re discussing their favorite baby gear—a conversation inspired by Kevin Roose’s column in the New York Times called I Was Skeptical of Baby Gear. Then I Became a Dad. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth jump back into the potty-training trenches to help a parent who is at her wit’s end. Her kid is potty trained—or so she thought—but will not stop peeing in his pants before taking himself to the toilet. They share some tips for making the toilet actually appealing to her son.  They also respond to a listener who wrote in following the How to Address Death episode and check in about their plans for the fast-approaching (or already underway) school year.  Recommendations:  Zak recommends the show, A League of Their Own on Amazon Prime.  Elizabeth recommends the books Yo MIllard Fillmore! and Yo Sacramento! Jamiliah recommends Loot on Apple TV.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth help a letter writer who is hurt by the cliquey moms in her parenting group. All the kids get along great. But the moms constantly make her feel like an outsider, despite her initiating conversation and planning hang outs. Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth share some tips for making friends with other parents, knowing your value, and ditching people who aren’t giving you the time of day.  Then on Slate Plus, they discuss Angela Garbes’ piece, The Morning Rush: Parenting at its Most Essential.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth are joined by Phillip Maciak, TV editor at the Los Angeles Review of Books and teacher at Washington University in St. Louis. Phillip explains why Bluey, a kids show centered around a family of dogs in Australia, is the best depiction of parenthood on TV. Recommendations:  Phillip recommends reading newspaper comics with kids. Elizabeth recommends the games Stack the States and Globle. Jamilah recommends Cheers Hydrate. Zak recommends Joe Reilly’s music.  Check out Phillip’s original piece for Slate: Why TV’s Best Kids Show Is Also Its Best Show About Parents Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth share their triumphs and fails, including a hair styling defeat. They then answer a question from a mom whose son is struggling with a 50/50 custody agreement. He never wants to go to his dad’s house and complains that his step siblings are making fun of him. Is it time to intervene? Then on Slate Plus, Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth discuss their thoughts on a Missouri school district reinstating corporal punishment as a form of discipline. Spoiler alert: they’re not fans of the move. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson, Anna Phillips and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth answer a question from a parent who would love to be more involved with other families in the community but is having a hard time finding playdates for her large, rambunctious family. They also share their triumphs and fails about spilt milk, birthday redemption, and answering a ton of questions about the Donner Party. Then on Slate Plus, they’re discussing Inside the Adolescent Mental Health Crisis. The episode of The Daily covers the rising number of mental health issues in adolescents and what actions are being taken to help meet this crisis.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth answer a question about a little boy who was super excited to start team sports. However, he has been really hard on himself and has slipped into some negative self-talk, including saying that he’s “the worst” and “will never get better.” They have some advice for making sure the kid enjoys his season, if he wants to continue.  Recommendations:  Zak recommends Everything Naomi Loved by Katie Yamasaki and Ian Lendler.  Elizabeth recommends How To Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis.  Jamilah recommends Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth advise a parent who wants to intervene but doesn’t want to break her daughter’s trust. Her middle schooler told her that her friend, who is a frequent visitor to their house, was trying to pressure her into smoking weed with him. Our letter writer isn’t super familiar with the kid’s family. Should she let them know about the smoking? Should she tell her daughter before intervening? Should she talk to the kid herself?  Then on Slate Plus, Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth relive the funniest places they’ve been lost and the scary moments where they left their own kids behind.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Lisa Lewis, journalist, and author of The Sleep Deprived Teen joins the show to unpack the myths surrounding teen sleep. Lisa explains why teens actually need more sleep (even if they’re staying up super late), how to get schools to start later, and why you and your teen should still have a wind-down bedtime routine.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends Rap Sh!t, a comedy series created by Issa Rae. Zak recommends a narrative podcast series called Mother Country Radicals.  Elizabeth recommends cute, fun, and nerdy T-shirts from TeaTurtle Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth and Jamilah are joined by KC Davis. KC is author of the book How To Keep House While Drowning, host of the podcast Struggle Care, and is well known for her TikTok content.  They advise a listener who thinks her niece may be neurodivergent and is specifically showing signs of autism spectrum disorder. The letter writer doesn’t think her brother and sister-in-law have noticed yet and she wants to inform them to make sure her niece is being supported. But she has no idea how to start the conversation.  Then on Slate Plus, KC, Jamilah, and Elizabeth share their favorite activities to participate in with their kids.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth and Jamilah are joined by KC Davis. KC is author of the book How To Keep House While Drowning, host of the podcast Struggle Care, and is well known for her TikTok content. KC shares how to divorce yourself from any shame and pressure you feel about the state of your house. She breaks down the differences between tidy, organized, and clean. Finally, she explains how to make chores not just equal but equitable. Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends The Woman King KC recommends Maintenance Phase Elizabeth recommends Science Comics Bonus recommendation: You Don’t Have to Fold Your Laundry by Rebecca Onion.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah and Zak answer a question from a Marine whose son is a freshman at a school for Junior ROTC. The teen loves a lot of aspects of JROTC but loathes uniform day. It causes him anxiety and he’s mentioned quitting the school over the uniform. But most concerningly, the son has mentioned to his parent that he thinks about “unaliving” himself.  As a content warning, we do talk about suicide ideation in this episode. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.  Then on Slate Plus—per request, Jamilah and Zak will be updating everyone on their cool projects like Jamilah’s book and Zak’s contribution to the We exChange gallery.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Carrie James and Emily Weinstein, principal investigators at Harvard’s Project Zero, join to discuss their book, Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (and Adults Are Missing). They’ve been researching teens and screens for over a decade and not only did they collect insights from 3,500 teens, they worked “side-by-side with teens every step of the way.” They learned that teens still want adults’ help with navigating tech and social media—they just need the conversations and support to be a lot more nuanced.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope by Shayla Lawson.  Zak recommends Björk: Mother, Daughter, Force of Nature by Jazz Monroe Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth, and Jamilah answer a question about a five year old who is begging her parents to buy her a makeup kit. The letter writer is reluctant as it feels like it’s too early to start caring about beauty standards but… she also doesn’t want to curb her child’s creativity.  Then on Slate Plus, Zak, Elizabeth, and Jamilah discuss the high-five debate started by an op-ed in the Omaha World-Herald. Original piece: Living With Children: You shouldn't high-five a child by John Rosemond. Also discussed: Actually, High-Fiving Kids is Totally Fine by Melinda Wenner Moyer.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Dan answer a question from a dad who is so frustrated with trying to get his squirming, shrieking kids in their car seats that sometimes… the kids win and he drives them unbuckled. Now he’s wondering if he should continue the car seat battle or if there’s a happy medium where the kids are safe and he’s calm enough to pilot the car.  Then on Slate Plus, they discuss the latest automated baby gear: strollers!  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Dan debate what to do about a dad who threw a half-eaten bite of burger at his preteen. The fight started because his daughter protested that he took too big of a bite from her burger. But when he was questioned as to why he threw the bite of burger, he said he was justified because he had purchased it for her. Our letter writer is concerned that this spat is just another instance of his anger escalating. Elizabeth, Zak, and Dan share some tips on how to set boundaries within the family and possible next steps. Recommendations:  Dan recommends making holiday decorating easy by leaving the corresponding pictures stacked in the frame all year round. Zak recommends Little Big Boy by Nick Kroll. Elizabeth recommends Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Ophira Eisenberg, stand-up comedian and host of the podcast Parenting Is a Joke. They share some funny triumphs and fails spanning from spoiled birthday presents to a dance recital mix up. Then they continue the birthday train and advise a parent who is looking for party alternatives for their son’s first birthday bash with friends. The problem? They live in a small house—too small to host a party—and don’t want to spend a fortune to rent a space.  Then on Slate Plus, they play a trivia game to see how well they know parenting pop-culture. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at https://slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by stand-up comedian Ophira Eisenberg to talk about her new show, Parenting Is a Joke. They also discuss the evolution of comedy about parenting, if it’s appropriate to use your kids as source material, and which comedians are at the mountain top of this type of comedy.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends Reboot on Hulu.  Ophira recommends Paddington 2 Zak recommends Special Time from NPR’s Life Kit If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Fiona Kong, creator of Home Sweet Homes: A Journal & Planner for Co-parents & Child. They answer a question from a mom who is beginning the process of separating from her husband. She wants to know how she can make the transition to living between houses as easy as possible for her son.  Then on Slate Plus, they discuss the adorable Halloween costumes their kids picked for this year.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Fiona Kong, creator of Home Sweet Homes: A Journal & Planner for Co-parents & Child. They answer a question from a parent who doesn’t know what to do. Their child’s entire friend group was invited to a party… save one kid. Apparently everyone finds the left-out kid annoying. But both the letter writer and the letter writer’s child are feeling uneasy with the situation.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends Bros.   Fiona recommends Blokus. Zak recommends forest bathing.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Jamilah share their parenting triumphs and fails. Then Zak talks with journalist and former coach, Linda Flanagan about her book Take Back the Game. They discuss the transformation of kids sports into the ultra competitive, time consuming juggernaut it is today. They also talk about the culture of cruel coaching and what signals parents are sending to their kids when they dedicate a significant number weeknights and weekends to kids sports.  Then on Slate Plus, the hosts discuss controversial figures, like Elon Musk and Kanye West, that have the power to influence young children.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Part one of ‘Friendship Week!’ Zak talks with Dr. Marisa Franco on her book Platonic: How the Science Of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends. She explains why we’re in a friendship crisis and what we can do about it. They also talk about sharing shame and the importance of durable friendships.  Recommendations:  Elizabeth recommends going to a great bookstore.  Zak recommends Petite Maman by Celine Sciamma Jamilah recommends Girls5eva If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: We’re bringing you part two of ‘Friendship Week!’ We’ve received a lot of questions in the last year or so about finding parenting friends so we brought in the fabulous Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers from The Mom Hour podcast to help us tackle them. Meagan and Sarah share their tips for striking up conversations with potential friends, converting acquaintances to friends, and even how to make friends outside of your kid’s social circle.  Then on Slate Plus: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth take a friendship quiz to figure out what kinds of friends they are.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak is joined by Andy J. Pizza, storyteller, illustrator, and host of the show, Creative Pep Talk. They talk about childhood creativity and the big emotions that come from being a part of a creative family. Then they answer a question from a dad with ADHD who is feeling guilty he doesn’t find his kid’s activities enjoyable.  Recommendations:  Zak recommends the sketches Ford Focus Group and Brian’s Hat from the show, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. Andy recommends the film, About Time.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a mom who feels like her house is in chaos. She wants to know what rules and expectations she can have of her kids now they’re approaching preschool. Can they help out with chores? Should they be expected to not fight at the dinner table? What, if any, punishments are acceptable?  They talk about Julie Beck’s article, Why Did We All Have the Same Childhood? on Slate Plus.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak are joined by author and editor, Travis Nichols. He wrote a wonderful piece for Slate all about his son’s strategic, unique approach to youth baseball. He figured out that if he doesn’t swing at pitches, he’s more likely to get on base. It was incredibly effective… but not in the spirit of the game. What’s a parent to do in that situation?  Recommendations:  Travis recommends voting in the Georgia runoff election.  Zak recommends finding some long, thermal underwear. Jamilah recommends this chocolate banana cake recipe from Joy of Baking. Elizabeth recommends art from Andrea Nelson on Instagram.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth advise a mom who is ashamed of her teenager’s behavior. Her son and a friend were using the word ‘gay’ as an insult when talking about her son’s best friend behind his back. She’s already talked with him but she doesn’t know where to go from there.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.  Elizabeth recommends the books Fatty Legs and When I Was Eight.  Zak recommends the Arthur podcast.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, the hosts give advice to a mom whose daughter is having a hard time processing big emotions, which has been leading to frequent meltdowns. They’ve tried pretty much everything she can think of but the shrieking still persists. She’s worried about her daughter being in these prolonged states and, furthermore, they’re concerned that if the screaming continues, a neighbor will call the authorities. It’s a really tricky situation and Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth have some suggestions.  Then on Slate Plus, they discuss setting boundaries with grandparents. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola and Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth advise a parent whose first grader got mad at her for looking up ‘girl sweaters’ online. The first grader has also previously said that they want to be a boy, not a girl. Our letter writer wants to be supportive but doesn’t know if she should go all-in or sit back and let her kid reveal who they are.  Additional resources:  The Center How to Be a Girl  Supporting My Nonbinary Teen (Part one of ‘Teen Talk’)  We also have an exciting update from the listener who couldn’t handle the seat-belt war and occasionally let them drive unbuckled.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends chicken with miso caramelized apples, based on this pork chop recipe.  Elizabeth recommends Dot to Dot In the Sky: Stories of the Aurora by Joan Marie Galat Zak recommends this Naomi Fisher Twitter thread on child development Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth recap their week in parenting. Then Elizabeth speaks with Megan McNamee, MPH, RDN, of Feeding Littles about how to feed your kids this holiday season and beyond. Then on Slate Plus, Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth discuss what to do if someone criticizes your parenting style.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices