episodes

We interview Jessica Lahey, author of the bestseller THE GIFT OF FAILURE: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. Jess tells us how to apply the book’s ideas to pandemic life, at-home learning, and …

A recent study showed 80% of people who stopped working during this pandemic are women. There's so much more to do right now, and while the work is less invisible now that everyone’s home to see it, moms are still …

A listener wonders how to get a 4-year-old to take a truly disgusting medicine without spitting it out.

Sometimes you’re bothered by a friend or loved one’s carelessness, but then think: is it me? In this episode we consider “crimes” committed by various spouses, children, and mothers-in-law against our listeners and decide just how mad they should be.

Margaret answers a question from a listener frustrated that her husband has such a hard time disciplining their 5-year-old.

Amy and Margaret interview Meredith Masony, creator of That’s Inappropriate, an online community of 3 million strong-minded moms. Meredith’s new book (09/01/20) is ASK ME WHAT’S FOR DINNER ONE MORE TIME: Inappropriate Thoughts on Motherhood.

Here are the snacks, shows, accessories, and blankets that get us through the days right now. Some for our kids; most are just for us. Have something you can’t live without? Tell us in the FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatfreshhellcast

A listener wonders how to deal with her own hurt feelings now that her 12-year-old daughter has suddenly stopped speaking to her. Should she say something to her daughter? Submit your parenting questions: questions@whatfreshhellpodcast.com.

Back-to-school 2020 was not the finish line we imagined; it’s a reminder that a Return To Normal is nowhere in sight. But the anticipatory anxiety we have about what might happen could be worse than what does. Can we separate …

Margaret answers a question from a listener who is concerned about her daughter's self-image.

Amy and Margaret interview Tina Payne Bryson, author of THE BOTTOM LINE FOR BABY: From Sleep Training to Screens, Thumb Suck to Tummy Time—What the Science Says, an A-Z guide for childcare controversies– and the science (or lack thereof) behind …

Negativity is contagious (no duh). We can set limits on the whining and the “No!”, but maybe detaching our emotional states from those of our cranky children is the best place to start. A neutral response makes negativity less interesting …

A listener is getting worn down by her toddler's frequent tantrums.

Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Which may explain some of the domestic tension that’s coming from being with our spouses 24/7. We used to have to plan date nights to reconnect- should we now schedule time apart? …

A listener dreads “playing pretend” with her 3-year-old. But her child is an only child, and right now she is that child’s only playmate. How can she put limits on it without disappointing her child? How can she enjoy the …

All mothers overthink sometimes. Isn’t that the exact assignment the world gives us? Only to then mock us relentlessly for having done so? But yes, we admit: here are a few of the parenting topics that, looking back, we just …

A listener asks: “Does anyone else have a kid that always wants to play the “mean” guy? My almost 3-year-old son always wants to play the villain, and hardly ever the hero or “nice guy”. Is this normal? Or am …

Momming is hard. Whether we’re stressed perfectionists or hot messes, our homes and relationships get happier when we do what matters, skip what doesn’t– and clarify what goes in what pile FOR US. Guest: Kendra Adachi, author of THE LAZY …

Margaret answers a question from a listener who is worried that her son does not have a wide range of interests.

Amy’s family of 5 had Covid-19 back in March– all “mild” cases, but even in a single household that has meant different things. Here’s how it went down, what Amy has learned, what recovery has looked like, and what to …

Our kids’ schools have sent plans. And revised them. And reversed them. Now parents have to make our own decisions. Here are the factors driving our own plans– knowing this can’t be one-solution-fits-all, and that the ‘right’ answer does not …

A listener asks whether her daughter's know-it-all tendencies need to be nipped in the bud.

Our daughters need to be taught to ask and negotiate–because girls aren’t taught those things as well as boys, but also because the world doesn’t always reward women (including grownups) who speak out. Guest: Marisa Porges, author of WHAT GIRLS …

Margaret answers question from a mom who is scaring her by constantly throwing things.