Tiny Parenting Podcast

The secret of successful parenting isn't scripts, systems, or rigid dogma. It's connection - the foundation that helps kids (and us) stay grounded when the world gets noisy. And it is needed more than ever.

We’re raising kids in a world optimized for efficiency—not humanity.This episode asks the question:How do we help our kids stay human when everything around them is trying to automate, curate, and flatten what it means to belong to a community?As the machines become more human, it’s more important than ever to help our kids embrace the friction, vulnerability, and beauty of real connection.This isn’t about unplugging—it’s about reclaiming what makes us human.

In a world obsessed with convenience—where even your sneakers don’t require bending down—we’re raising kids with less and less tolerance for discomfort. But here’s the truth: when we eliminate friction, we don’t just make life easier… we make our kids more fragile.In this episode, I unpack how our cultural obsession with ease is quietly undermining resilience—and how small, intentional parenting choices can flip that script.We’ll talk boredom, friendship drama, school apps, and how one preschool moment taught me everything I needed to know about the value of struggle.Let’s raise kids who can do hard things - especially in hard times.

You may love—or totally roll your eyes at—the duchess-level of perfection in Meghan Markle’s Netflix show. But in between the lavender towels and flower sprinkles, there's a powerful parenting lesson hiding in plain sight. In this episode, I break down what that lesson is, why so many people miss it (or mock it), and how one tiny moment of delight can build connection, confidence, and presence in your parenting—no matter what your budget or schedule looks like.

What do premature babies, Elon Musk, and your kid’s meltdown in the cereal aisle have in common? More than you think.In this episode, we go from a neonatal intensive care unit to today’s political chaos to show why regulation—of the nervous system and of society—is essential for growth. You’ll learn what happens when we get overwhelmed, and the one parenting move that can help your child develop the skill we all need right now: how to stay grounded when everything is flying at you at once.Tiny moment. Big impact.

What does a mistaken deportation have to do with parenting?In this episode, I unpack the Kilmar Abrago-Garcia case—and why the public’s surprising reaction to it reveals something powerful: cognitive flexibility.The ability to pause. Reframe. Sort information differently.It’s not just a brain skill. It’s a life skill.And it might be the most important one we can build in our kids right now.We’ll cover:What executive function really is (and why it’s not just about school)How authoritarian thinking depends on lazy sortingAnd how simple tools—like how you play 20 Questions—can shape how your child thinks for lifeThis story isn’t just about immigration.It’s about raising kids who think for themselves.

In this short episode, I’m sharing why I’m shifting gears—what’s changing with the podcast, and why now is the moment to connect parenting to what’s happening in the world around us.We’re still talking about raising curious, confident, connected kids—but now we’re being honest about the culture and chaos they’re growing up in.Same tiny parenting moments. Bigger stakes.

In Part 1, I talked about connection, engagement, and the small, consistent moments that shape everything.In this episode—the second half of the series—I’m sharing the deeper shifts that changed how I parented:Why letting go of control might be the greatest gift you can give your child (and yourself) How to teach your kids to understand other people—not just themselves And the one lesson that ties everything together, even when parenting feels messy, imperfect, and exhaustingThese are the lessons that helped me stay grounded—not just in the good moments, but in the chaos. And they’re the ones I hope you’ll carry forward too.And if you’re starting to feel like this parenting thing might be more connected to the bigger picture than you thought... stay tuned. Because we’re just getting started.

5 Lessons Every Parent Should Hear (Part 1)After 20 years of parenting—and two decades working in child development—I’ve seen a lot of parenting tips come and go. But these? These are the ones that actually held up.In Part 1 of this two-part series, I’m sharing the first two lessons that made the biggest difference in raising a confident, connected, and emotionally grounded child.You’ll hear: ✔️ Why connection is the most important parenting tool you already have✔️ How to build real engagement (and why it works better than screen time)✔️ What to focus on instead of trying to be the perfect parentWhether you’re parenting toddlers or school-age kids, feeling overwhelmed or just curious—this episode will give you real parenting advice backed by child development, not trends.🎧 Part 2 drops next week and covers control, perspective-taking, and the surprising mindset shift that ties it all together.

I have 937,000 unread emails in my inbox. No, really.For some of you, that sounds like absolute chaos. But for me? It’s actually freedom. Because at some point, I realized Inbox Zero wasn’t for me. It stressed me out more than it helped.And here’s the thing—we do this with parenting too. We force ourselves to follow the “perfect system” because someone swears it’s the way. Gentle parenting, chore charts, meal prepping, screen time rules—but what if the system itself is what’s stressing you out?In this episode, we talk about:Why forcing a system that doesn’t fit can make parenting harder, not easierThe social media illusion of “perfect parenting” (and why 53% of parents feel pressure because of it)The real parenting strategy that actually works: Opting out when something isn’t serving youHow stress of trying to fit into someone else's definition of what's 'right' is contagious—and why your kids feel it firstA simple way to reset and find what actually works for YOUR familyIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the parenting “shoulds”—this episode is your permission slip to let that go.Referenced in This Episode:Episode about finding the tiny wins: Parenting Feels Like a Struggle? The Brain Hack that Changes Everything (Episode 7)Join the conversation on Instagram!

We are drowning in information. News, notifications, social feeds—something is always grabbing our attention, demanding a reaction.And if it’s overwhelming for us as adults, imagine what it’s doing to our kids.🎙️ In this episode, we’re diving into✔ How do we help kids hit the pause button before they post, respond, or melt down✔ Why today’s kids struggle with impulse control and information overload✔ How executive function skills help kids pause before reacting✔ Simple, everyday ways to help kids strengthen their ability to think before they act✔ The ONE question you should start asking your kid today (hint: it’s a game-changer!)Because in a world that’s built to keep them constantly reacting, kids who learn to pause first?They’re the ones who will thrive. 

If parenting feels like a constant struggle—like the meltdowns, the chaos, and the stress are all you can see—your brain might be the problem.No, really. Your brain is wired to prioritize the hard stuff—the tantrums, the mess, the never-ending to-do list—while the tiny wins and joyful moments slip away unnoticed. It’s called negativity bias, and it’s making parenting feel way harder than it needs to be.But here’s the good news: There’s a simple brain hack that can change everything.🎙️ In this episode, we’re diving into:✔ Why your brain naturally fixates on the struggles (and how to break the cycle)✔ The simple daily practice that rewires your brain for joy✔ How shifting your focus can make parenting feel lighter—without toxic positivityIf you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or just over it—this might be the easiest, most powerful shift you can make.Here's a link to the article I referenced about creating a "Dopamine Menu."If you are struggling to find your own parenting smiles... these joyful kid moments should give you a little inspiration:Toddler friends (Heart melted!)Baby Auntie Dancer (How can you not smile at this??)Laughing & joyful kids in preschool (Pure joy!)

🎙️ Episode Summary:The world feels more divided, more disconnected, and honestly, more exhausting than ever. And if you’re wondering how to raise a kid who doesn’t add to the chaos, you’re not alone.Today, we’re diving into one simple but essential skill that determines whether your child will connect, collaborate, and build bridges—or struggle to navigate relationships and conflict.This isn’t about adding another thing to your already full plate. It’s about small, doable shifts that make a huge difference in raising kids who truly see other people.In this episode, we cover:✔️ Why this skill is so critical in today’s world✔️ How kids naturally develop it—and where we might be holding them back✔️ The two biggest ways we’re unintentionally making it harder for kids to connect✔️ 4 simple, real-life ways to teach it (without overhauling your life)If we want to raise better humans, we have to be better at modeling what that looks like. This episode gives you the tools to start today.Press play now.Here are links to the experiments I talk about in the episode:In this one, you watch a child work through the idea that anyone would like eating raw broccoli over a bowl of Goldfish crackers. (And, yes, that's me narrating the video)This video is a little longer, but gives you a good example of how a 3 yr old's mind works.📌 Follow me on Instagram for more parenting insights

Parenting right now? It’s a lot.The world feels chaotic. Unstable. Like everything is spiraling out of control. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, powerless, or just stuck wondering how to prepare your kid for all of this…you are not alone.But here’s the thing:Youdo have power.(HERE is yourguide to the essential skills your kids need - and the tiny ways to teach them - to navigate this challenge world.)You can’t control the chaos. But you can raise a kid who knows how tothink for themselves, adapt to challenges, and stand strong—no matter what’s happening in the world around them.In this episode, we’re diving into:⚡ The7 essential skills kids need to navigate today’s world⚡ Whymost parents are focused on the wrong things—and how to shift your approach⚡ Howperspective-taking, focus, and critical thinking aremore important than ever⚡ Why teaching these skills to your kids will alsohelp YOU feel more in controlBecause the future isn’t just happening to us.We shape it through the kids we raise.

What do a broken piano, a surprise thunderstorm, and a garden have in common? They all hold powerful lessons about parenting, resilience, and the magic that happens when we let go of perfection. In this episode, we’ll dive into the incredible story of Keith Jarrett’s unforgettable 1975 performance in Köln, where a broken piano forced him to improvise—and led to one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. We’ll connect it to a personal story of turning chaos into connection during a thunderstorm with a group of middle schoolers, and explore how these moments offer a roadmap for parenting when life doesn’t go according to plan. You’ll learn why shifting from a “carpenter” mindset (rigid plans and blueprints) to a “gardener” mindset (nurture, adapt, and watch things grow) can transform how you approach parenting. Plus, I’ll share simple, actionable tips for creating moments of flexibility in your family’s routine to help your kids build resilience, creativity, and confidence. Because life is messy, plans fall apart, and that’s where the real magic begins. Here's the full podcast about Keith Jarrett's performance that inspired this episode... It's soooo good! You can order Alison Gopnik's book here. A great - and very different - kind of parenting read!

Constantly glued to your phone around your kids? In this episode, we dive into the emotional disconnect that can occur between parents and children, thanks to the distraction of the seemingly ever-present cell phone. You'll come away with some easy and actionable steps that will let you build deeper connection... without giving up your Instagram scroll. Check out the "Still Face" study I reference in the episode here... Be prepared... it's REALLY powerful!

It’s two weeks into the New Year, and if your resolutions are already collecting dust—don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this episode, Amy McCampbell flips the script on goal-setting, especially when it comes to parenting. Forget chasing perfection or rigid rules. Instead, Amy dives into how setting meaningful parenting goals—and focusing on tiny, everyday actions—can help you raise kids who grow into the kind of adults you’ll love hanging out with (yes, even when they’re 30).Get ready to reflect on your parenting North Star, embrace the messy journey, and start casting small votes every day for the kind of parent you want to be. This isn’t about crushing it; it’s about connection, curiosity, and creating a parenting path you can actually stick to. Ready? Let’s go.Here's the podcast I referenced: "The Best of How To"

Ever feel like parenting comes with a side of guilt and a constant voice whispering, “You should be doing more, better, faster”? Sometimes, that pressure isn’t even yours—it’s someone else’s panic sneaking into your world. In this episode, we’ll unpack: ✨ What it means to live in someone else’s panic.✨ How to notice when you’re carrying stress that isn’t yours.✨ A simple, powerful tool to ground yourself: Notice → Pause → Redirect. Parenting isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about finding clarity in the chaos and showing up for the moments that actually matter. Tune in, take a breath, and let’s start making sense of parenting—one tiny moment at a time. 👉 Follow along on Instagram @TinyParenting for more daily prompts and reflections.