episodes

There are quite a few things we’ve changed our minds about over our years as parents. From minivans to Minecraft, moms on phones to kindergarten dress codes, focus meds to front-yard holiday inflatables, in this episode we talk about them all.

A listener has two little boys who clamor to be "first" in all things, from juice boxes to car-seat-buckling.

What does it mean to be ‘that mom’? How should we pick our battles? How do we enter tough conversations prepared for combat but ready to listen? Here’s when that we (and our listeners) went full mama bear, how we advocated, and why it was worth it.

A listener wonders if her 13-year-old son is old enough for a cell phone and the constant internet access it would grant him.

Do you love crunchy leaves and chunky sweaters? Or do shortening, darkening days fill you with nothing but pumpkin-spiced dread- especially this year? We talk about our Halloween and Thanksgiving plans- and how we can use them to fight off pandemic doom and gloom- with Biz Ellis of One Bad Mother.

A listener who has very little familiarity with gaming wonders how to keep kids safe while playing online.

Bonus Episode! We told you to ask us anything. You kept it PG (thank you) and we’re giving you the answers: What shows are we binging? What gets us dancing in our kitchens? What do our kids think of this show?

“Don’t you dare hug Grandma.” “Stop playing on the floor and get on screen.” “Yes, we can go to the playground, but you may not play with the other children.” We discuss all the things we (and our listeners) never thought we’d say– and now are.

A listener's first-grader is already totally burned out on homework. Amy offers tips on motivation (and a little pandemic compassion).

Dr. Jill Stoddard is the author of BE MIGHTY: A Woman's Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry & Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance. Jill explains why trying to suppress anxiety is counterproductive and how getting clear about our values helps.

Saying ‘no’ doesn’t come easily to a lot of us. (The world likes it that way.) But when you’re seething with resentment because you’re running the school auction by yourself, AGAIN, might there be a better way? Here’s how to get better at saying no.

Margaret answers a question from a listener who is worried she is hurting her husband's feelings by rejecting his attempts to snuggle.

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 living together 24/7.

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 doing a lot more than their share.

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 uncertainty from threat?

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 them.

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 sooner.