episodes

New year, new datebook, some very familiar goals. But this is the year we make things HAPPEN. At least sometimes. In this episode we discuss what we hope to accomplish in 2019- as moms, as friends, as people who exercise once in a while.

This episode was recorded live at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on Dec 1, 2018. We book live shows into theaters around the country as well as smaller custom events for PTAs and moms’ groups. To find out more: info@whatfreshhellpodcast.com

What are the holiday traditions that work great for your family? What are the things you kind of dread but can't stop now? Here’s how to create a holiday season that works for everyone- including those of us who do most of Santa’s heavy lifting.

Everyone’s energy levels get depleted during the winter. But parents with low batteries also have to deal with cranky kids who’ve watched way too many YouTube videos and who probably should have gotten outside but it’s 4:35 pm and dark as deep space.

Sometimes we lose it. And while yelling kinda feels good in the moment, afterwards? Not so much. But studies show that trying to clamp down on anger actually makes us MORE angry. Here’s how to recognize our parental triggers in time to control them.

How should we handle group situations where we have different parenting styles? When our particular rules around bedtimes, screens, curfews, or sugar are up against more lax rules (or none at all)? Here’s how to talk it out with everyone beforehand.

We all know parents who chronicle their baby’s every bathtime, give their toddlers hashtags, and air their tween’s hurt feelings on social media. We don’t do *that*…but what are the long-term ramifications for our kids’ privacy when we press SHARE?

We answer a few of our listeners’ most pressing questions: on comforting a really fussy baby, preparing a toddler for a new arrival, and dealing with siblings who squabble constantly. Send us your questions! info@whatfreshhellpodcast.com

Why are some little boys so obsessed with trains or dinosaurs? Psychologists call these preschool preoccupations “extremely intense interests,” and they’re much more common among boys than girls. Here’s why boys love the things they love so dearly.

We have more direct relationships with our children’s teachers than our parents could ever have imagined. But the homework, online portals, and conferences aren’t always uncomplicated topics. Here’s how teachers say we can best support what they do.

Tantrums seem to come out of nowhere. But getting curious about what lies beneath the meltdown in Aisle Six can go a long way towards taming our kids’ meltdowns in the future. Here’s how to help our kids self-regulate without losing our own cool.

Every mom struggles with the juggle. We discuss strategies to work smarter and get more done. The best time management secret? Be more gentle with ourselves, not more demanding. Guest: Jessica N. Turner, author of the new book Stretched Too Thin.

5 to 8 p.m. is the worst. Nap-skipping toddlers melting down, babies in “witching hour” mode, 6th graders crying over homework— just when we’re also exhausted from our own very full days. Here’s how to make pickup-to-bedtime a little bit easier.

For most of us, the right number of kids is the number of kids we have. (At least most of the time.) But there are proven, distinct benefits to each family size, from one kid to a minivan’s worth. Our listeners tell us what works for them and why.

The toys, keepsakes, hand-me-downs, and art projects our kids create could fill a dumpster. Weekly. Whether you’re a sentimentalist who keeps every finger-painted masterpiece or a ruthless minimalist, here’s how to create systems to tame the stuff.

Most of us would like our kids to express — and feel— more gratitude. So how do we get our kids to say thank you like they mean it? Maybe even remember to do so unprompted? Here’s how to build a practice of gratitude with (and for) kids of all ages.

Moms aren't supposed to struggle; we're meant to be benevolent goddesses of wisdom and Hamburger Helper. But when things get really tough, should we tell our kids? Or is that burdening them? And what happens when there's things we really can’t share?

It’s not your imagination: kids raised in the same family push in opposite directions. Why do siblings, especially closely-spaced or same-sex ones, deidentify? We discuss the three theories out there, and whether parents need to do anything about it.

Is a mother only as happy as her unhappiest child? Kind of, yeah. How do we find happiness in the daily slog? Our guest KJ Dell’Antonia, author of How To Be a Happier Parent, says the key is finding simple, concrete solutions for what isn’t working.

How should we respond when our kids talk back? Some experts say it’s normal child behavior; we should take a deep breath and ignore it. We say no way. But yelling “How dare you!” isn’t getting us anywhere either. Here’s what actually works.

Once we become parents there’s a great divide (of perspectives, bedtimes, and tolerance of baby videos) between us and our friends without kids. Here’s how to stay connected. Guest: Candace Feit, documentary photographer, kid-free leisurely bruncher.

The randomer the thing, the greater the love. From grapefruit LaCroix to Target bathing suits, here’s the beverages, websites, and brands that we (and our listeners) can’t live without, both for our parenting and for our daily sanity.

At school our sons manage to keep it together. At home, flushing the toilet is well beyond their capability. This leads to a litany of "hurry up, put that down, stop doing that, start doing this" from their mothers. But are we too hard on our boys?

Whether it's moving to the big boy bed or heading off to high school - transitions are hard. We discuss ways to help kids transition and how to get underneath tough behaviors to figure out what's really going on.