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We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
182 Episodes
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In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline dig into the rise of AI and how it’s reshaping our daily lives, relationships, and even parenting. From the clickbait story of a marriage ending “because of ChatGPT,” to the quiet ways technology chips away at memory, empathy, and connection, this conversation is equal parts cautionary and practical. They explore how AI can be a helpful tool—but also why it should never replace genuine human interaction. Most importantly,...
Parenting expert and therapist Todd Sarner joins Andrew and Caroline to unpack what it really means to guide children without shame or punishment. From his 20+ years of experience, Todd outlines the three pillars of proactive parenting: strengthening attachment and connection, creating a rhythm and environment that supports kids, and teaching natural consequences without shame. Together, they explore how separation anxiety shows up at bedtime, mornings, and school transitions, and...
When should parents step in and request a teacher change for their child? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline break down one of the most difficult decisions many families face: advocating for a classroom change. They share their own recent personal experience navigating a challenging teacher-student dynamic that left their child anxious, tearful, and resistant to school. Together, they explore: The difference between normal classroom struggles vs. true red flag...
In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline unpack the trending term "FAFO parenting" (F*@$% around and find out). They break down the difference between logical and natural consequences and why using threats or shame in the name of "teaching lessons" misses the mark. This conversation dives into the importance of empathy, how to raise kids who think for themselves, and why it's not your job to micromanage—but also not your job to set them up for failure. You'll hear personal ...
College debt can haunt young adults and their parents for decades—but it doesn’t have to. Today on Parents of the Year, Shellee Howard, founder of University Ready and author of How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money, joins Andrew and Caroline to share her practical, proven strategies for helping kids graduate debt-free. From strategic college tours and early family conversations about money to leveraging scholarships, community service, leaders...
Are you ready to kickstart the new school year with ease and confidence? Today we recast an episode of Caroline's Overpowering Emotions podcast episodes where she presents valuable tips and strategies to ensure a smooth back-to-school transition. If you haven't already, check out these additional resources: Comprehensive guide to conquering back-to-school anxiety: https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/conquerschoolanxietyCritical routines your children need to develop: https://korupsy...
Parenting is full of worries—before kids, during the thick of it, and as they grow up and leave home. In this candid episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline share their biggest fears, regrets, and surprises from each stage of parenting. From anxieties about dropping the baby or coyotes sneaking off with them, to raw reflections on anger, mistakes, and letting go as teens gain independence, this conversation will resonate with any parent who has ever asked: Am I messing this up? Th...
In this special recast episode of Parents of the Year, Caroline explains how boredom is actually a biological signal, not something to avoid or fix. Learn how boredom supports emotional regulation, executive functioning, creativity, and mental well-being—for both kids and adults. Learn: * What boredom really means in the brain and body * Why screens increase boredom (and emotional dysregulation) * How boredom supports creativity, problem-solving, and identity formation * Tips to help kid...
Are therapists’ kids really more "messed up"? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline explore the myths and realities surrounding parenting as a mental health professional. From bringing work home, to pathologizing kids, to the fine line between validation and over-parenting, they explore what’s myth, what’s truth, and where parenting is just parenting. With humour, honesty, and real-life examples (including pranks gone wrong), this episode offers perspective for parents n...
In this episode of Parents of the Year, we ask a question many are too afraid to say out loud: If you knew then what you know now… would you still choose to have kids? With honesty, humour, and zero sugarcoating, Andrew and Caroline share stories of being ignored mid-sentence, kids crashing vehicles into trees, and the daily grind of parenting teens who “know everything and nothing at once.” But it’s not all eye rolls and sticky toffee pudding disasters—there’s awe, laughter, deep...
Vacations, late nights, screen time sprees—summer throws structure out the window. But what happens when back-to-school hits like a brick? In this episode, Andrew and Caroline talk how to hold onto a little routine without turning your home into a boot camp. They unpack simple ways families can keep anchor habits going—even at the cabin or with teenagers rolling out of bed at noon. You’ll hear tips on habit stacking (yes, the morning pee counts), making chores suck less, using streaks a...
Kids don’t come with instruction manuals—but if they did, this episode would be page one. Today on Parents of the Year, Dr. Anna Levy-Warren returns to share what actually works when kids are overwhelmed, impulsive, or emotionally explosive. From managing sibling fights to handling suicidal expressions without panic, we talk about emotional regulation, safety, collaboration, executive functioning, and why your family calendar might be the most underrated parenting tool of all. Whether y...
More and more adult children are stepping away from their parents—and not always for the reasons you think. In this honest episode, Andrew and Caroline unpack what drives parental estrangement, and what we can actually do to reduce the risk. From overbearing affection to controlling dynamics, political tension, and emotional repair gone wrong, we explore the subtle and not-so-subtle ways connection can break down over time. This one’s for anyone invested in fostering relationships...
What happens when you’re raising kids and caring for aging parents at the same time? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline tackle the emotional, practical, and often hilarious realities of being part of the sandwich generation. They explore how to model care, set boundaries, and have conversations with kids about aging, legacy, and showing up for family. This episode gives space for reflection and connection—with just the right amount of comic relief. Homework Id...
Are parents more judged than ever? This eye-opening conversation e tackles the quiet shame and loud opinions parents face every day — from their partners, their own parents, in-laws, friends, and especially the online world. Andrew and Caroline dig into the everyday moments that spark doubt, the awkward birthday parties, the unsolicited advice, and why the loudest voices often come from the most insecure places. With laughs, lived stories, and a challenge to step back from t...
Can AI parent better than a human? In this hilarious, sharp-edged episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline pit artificial intelligence against real-life parenting—complete with emotional chaos, screen time battles, and accidental forest bathing. Caroline reacts to a parenting philosophy generated by AI that sounds suspiciously familiar… This episode dives into emotional safety, respecting brain development, discipline as teaching, and why “raising a kind adult” should matter ...
What do you do when your kid makes a bad call in front of everyone—and the fallout is social exile? In this episode, Andrew and Caroline talk about how to help kids bounce back after a social slip-up. From middle-of-the-playground impulsivity to being labeled the “bad kid,” they dig into how to support kids when they mess up, without adding shame, and how to guide them through social pressure without rescuing or lecturing. This episode is packed with strategies to help your ...
What does it mean to be a confident parent—when none of us really know what we’re doing? In this episode, Andrew and Caroline get candid about real-life parenting moments, what it takes to make good decisions in the chaos, and how to anchor parenting choices to your values—not social media. They explore what confidence actually looks like, how to stay grounded when things don’t go to plan, and why reconnecting to who you are outside of parenting is one of the best gifts you can gi...
What happens when your kid’s wild night out turns into a parent’s unexpected moment of pride? In this episode of Parents of the Year, we dig into something deep: What happens to our identity as parents when the kids start growing up and heading out? We talk about losing ourselves in parenting, struggling to find hobbies again, and the messy, honest journey of reclaiming who we are outside of being “Mom” or “Dad.” Real stories, real laughs, and some hard-hitting questions about wha...
Helping Kids Follow Through—Without Nagging or Fighting It’s one thing to want kids to take initiative—getting their learner’s permit, challenging an unfair grade, picking up a new skill—but it’s a whole other thing when our "help" just gets ignored (or explodes into a full meltdown). In this episode of Parents of the Year, Caroline and Andrew share stories and practical strategies to help kids tackle challenges without pushing them away. From setting goals to managing anxiety around tests, w...
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