Childproof

Good parents never stop thinking they’re doing a bad job; bad parents never stop to wonder if they’re doing a good one. This week, Gwenna and Tori turn to the Childproof inbox to read your emails, and share some thoughts of their own. Much to Gwenna's dismay, it turns out Surge *did* have a short-lived revival. And much to Tori's dismay, the debate about what part of NY is actually Upstate appears to be never-ending. They cover everything from the very relatable fear of messing up your kids, to an ingenious hack for winning arguments, some fresh takes on school subject folder colors, and what happens when you become obsessed with Dr. Kevorkian. Gwenna successfully Rick Rolls her husband, Tori manages to reference Hamilton more than twice, and they share the universally understood Feet Under The Door method of bringing your kids into public bathrooms. Finally, they close out the episode with an impassioned rant about changing tables. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just because you've never *seen* a tiger robot stuffy, that doesn't meant it doesn't exist. This week, Gwenna and Tori are here to help distract you from the news cycle with a mini games episode. They share their latest cute kid-isms ("My leg brains forgot"), pet updates, thoughts on all the most nostalgic foods from their own childhood (do Lunchables actually taste worse now or have our tastebuds changed?), and a few rounds of Would You Rather. To close out the episode, they try their best to stump each other with 2 Truths and a Lie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself googling "Why is my child saying gyatt?" into the wee hours of the morning? This week, Gwenna and Tori turn to Google Auto Complete for the internet's most burning parenting questions, and share their insights. They tackle everything from "Why do kids walk on their toes?" and "When should kids learn to read?" to "When should parents have The Talk?" and what to do if "My kid keeps getting bit at daycare." They unpack the joys of kids finding their own way to vampire literature, the pains of tummy time, and why lying might not be as big of a red flag as you think. Ultimately, if you're googling it, it might be time to just call your doctor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your child has ever screamed in a library, had a melt down in the freezer aisle, or if you've ever felt like apologizing for having kids (you don't!), then this episode is for you. In this episode of Childproof, Tori and Gwenna discuss the unpredictable nature of parenting, particularly in public settings. Together they chat about focusing on teaching children safety, social skills, and empathy while setting expectations. They dive into the challenges parents face when navigating public environments with children and the strategies they employ to foster good behavior and awareness in their kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does it seem like reverse psychology only works when you don't want it to!? In this episode, Tori and Gwenna explore the humorous and often frustrating paradoxes of parenting. They discuss the conundrum of finding clothes that actually fit children, how illnesses always seems to strike before vacation, and the flabbergasting peculiarities of children's memories. Tori and Gwenna explore the complexities of their children's development, the significance of creating safe spaces for sharing, and the humorous yet frustrating realities of navigating food preferences and helpfulness in children.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a hobby collector, this episode is for you. Gwenna and Tori discuss their many extracurricular pastimes, past and present (RIP Tori's miniature building), and why occupying your hands can be the key to quieting your mind. They catch each other up on their kids' hobbies, how to figure out if their latest fixation is a true passion or just a phase, and what to do when your kid gets really into something you never cared about before. Then, they cover the ways parents can avoid the pitfall of making your kids your hobby at the expense of their own personal interests. And finally, they highlight the importance of building in breaks (and boredom) into both your and your kids' schedules. Make sure to check out Gwenna's Hobby series over on her YouTube Channel, Pleasant Peasant Media! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teachers are a vital part of our village, and they are on our side. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori unpack all things back to school, from field trips, to pockets full of rocks, and bafflingly disorganized folders. They tackle the question that every parent faces when it comes to their kids’ projects: keep or throw away? And is your kid’s head just itchy, or it is another lice outbreak? All we know for sure, is that a tiny dinosaur is a very tiny problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another mail bag! Gwenna and Tori dive right into the Childproof inbox to see what’s been on the listeners’ minds, and share some stories of their own. They cover everything from embarrassing your kids, to learning to give yourself grace when you lose your cool, and memories of getting lost in the supermarket. Then, in a segment sponsored by Splash Refresher, they share some of their self-care essentials. And finally, they close out the episode with some listener reviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes, bribery is the solution to the problems you create for yourself. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori compare notes on some of the weird things they’ve done and said for their kids, from emotional support rats, to Hamilton hyper-fixations, and explaining how libraries work. Gwenna discovers that breakfast candy can rewire years of sleep habits, Tori explains a hack for making sandwiches more palatable for their kid, and they go over their Halloween essentials in a special segment sponsored by Splash Refresher. Tori tells Gwenna about their kid’s “YouTube Channel” (vlogs on Tori’s camera roll that never get posted anywhere), which leads into a discussion about Instagram’s new Teen Accounts and how parents can keep their kids safe on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate birthdays. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna share their reasons for not hosting parties, the challenges of planning and organizing kids parties, and the importance of accessibility and inclusivity. They also talk about their own birthday traditions and celebrations, including decorations and treats. They share tips and advice on topics such as opening presents at the party, handling rowdy behavior, sending invitations, dealing with cake mishaps, communicating dietary needs, and talking to kids about giving and receiving gifts. Plus, Tori and Gwenna share their parenting must haves in a special segment sponsored by Splash Refresher! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If a child is old enough to ask a question, they are old enough to deserve an answer. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori discuss the importance of having hard conversations with kids about topics like death, divorce, and illness. They also highlight the need to take time to think before responding to difficult questions and to approach these conversations in a developmentally appropriate way. They share personal experiences of navigating difficult conversations, such as the death of a pet and a family member's heart attack. They also discuss the role of humor in coping with difficult situations and the importance of creating a safe space for children to express their feelings. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for open and honest communication with children while considering their individual needs and understanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Routines, habits, schedules, and systems are different but interconnected. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna share personal examples of how they have implemented systems in their own lives, such as organizing art supplies and keeping track of iPads. They also discuss the importance of buy-in from children and how to get them involved in the system-building process. Together they discuss the need to adapt and modify systems as children grow and circumstances change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you think you were going to be packing bento boxes or going on every field trip, but then never did? That’s ok, us too. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna discuss their expectations of parenthood versus the reality. They explore how our expectations can be way different than the realities of parenting, focusing on various aspects such as teaching kids to drive, cooking creative meals, taking family photos, managing screen time, and participating in sports activities. Together, they highlight how the challenges and joys of parenting expand when we adapt and adjust to the reality of expectations as children grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kids music parents will actually like?! This week, Tori and Gwenna are joined by Tim Kubart, a Grammy Award winning children’s musician, to share his journey into the world of children's music and his approach to creating engaging and meaningful songs for kids. Together they discuss the importance of finding a balance between not talking down to kids and not talking over their heads, while making music that is accessible and enjoyable for parents, too! Tim delves into the importance of honesty and kindness, his approach to tackling real issues like children’s mental health, and his collaboration with illustrator Laurie Richmond on his book 'Oopsie Do'. Plus, Tim discusses his new song, 'Really Real You' - trust us, you won’t be able to resist a dance party with your kiddos! @timkubart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tori and Gwenna dive into the complexities of parenting with wisdom and humor as they tackle the tough questions: Should you skip errands on a rough day? How can parents help kids manage their fears? They offer invaluable advice on staying flexible, regulating emotions, and embracing the silly moments with your little ones. Drawing from personal experiences, they offer insights on navigating transitions like moving homes and helping kids transition from cribs to big beds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Who is ready for their kids to go back to school?!” If you raised your hand, you’re in good company. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori discuss the buzz of the new school year, the challenges of back-to-school shopping, and strategies for buying school supplies. Their mantra: "Reuse, reuse, reuse!" In this anticipatory episode, they touch on everything from drop-off line etiquette to uncomfy school shoes to finding peace in not being a Bento-box parent. Plus, the importance of involving teachers in decisions about fidgets and school supplies that double as toys (because we all know it's coming). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tori and Gwenna delve into the intricate world of parenting children with deep passions, exploring how their kids' intense interests shape their family dynamics. Reflecting on the influence of pop culture on their kids' knowledge and the importance of finding common ground, they discuss the nuances of malicious compliance and various ways children express emotions. From the joys of discovering glitter's allure to appreciating life's small wonders, they explore sensory preferences in clothing and the valuable lessons learned from their children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tori and Gwenna discuss the challenges of parenting middle grade, preteen, and teenage children. They emphasize the importance of maintaining open communication and trust with their children during this stage while addressing the misconception that teenagers are solely driven by hormones. They recommend Rachel Coler Mulholland's book, 'The Birds, The Bees, and The Elephant in the Room,' as a helpful resource for navigating teenagers and the need for open communication. Tori and Gwenna round it out by emphasizing the importance of empathy, mutual respect, and boundary-setting when parenting middle graders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this second episode of Ages and Stages, Gwenna and Tori discuss the unique challenges and experiences of parenting children in the pre-K to third grade age range. They talk about the importance of setting boundaries with screens, teaching children to be bored and creative, navigating conflicts and emotions, and the random rules and commands that come with this age. They share their experiences and insights on a child's development of personalities, interests, and friendships. They also touch on the milestone of starting school and the emotions that come with it. The conversation also delves into the topic of screen time and the challenges parents face in managing it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our first Ages and Stages episode. This week, Tori and Gwenna walk through the early years. They emphasize trusting your instincts, prioritizing sleep, and realizing that disposable products can be self care. They discuss letting go of worries, balancing challenges, and dealing with regressions, while also stressing the importance of keeping and creating memories. They share their stories and advice on scrapbooking, gentle parenting, and the significance of repetition and communication in parenting toddlers (even though you hate it). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices