Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis

As Season 7 of Ground Control Parenting comes to a close, join Carol as she hits rewind to reflect on the powerful insights shared by parenting experts and thought leaders across a range of fields.This season, the conversations went beyond what we can do to help and support our children and focused on the how. Carol spoke with leading experts about what it really means to parent with purpose and intention—offering actionable tools, real-life strategies, and much-needed reassurance along the way.Whether you’ve been listening from the start or are just joining the journey, this recap is your go-to guide for the season’s most impactful moments.  Tune in to hear about the Season 7 offerings of expert advice that helps you parent with intention, practical tips you can use right now, and inspiring stories to support you on your parenting journey.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com💻And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

Grace Bastidas knows what families need—because she’s spent her career listening to them. As the founding editor of Parents Latina and the (recently stepped-down) editor-in-chief of Parents—the first woman of color to hold that role in the brand’s 100-year history—Grace has spent years talking to experts, amplifying parent voices, and shaping how we think about raising kids today.Grace joins Carol to talk not just about what she’s learned from covering parenting for many years, but also about her own experience raising two daughters in a bilingual, bicultural home. Grace shares how she draws on her Colombian roots and her NYC upbringing to create a home where identity, language, and cultural connection thrive. She explains how she’s raising her daughters to stay rooted in who they are, even as they grow up in a global, fast-moving world.Grace’s professional experience gives her a broad view of what works for families, but it’s her personal stories that bring those insights to life. She speaks candidly about parenting through imperfect moments, the importance of slowing down, and how reconnecting with your values can help both you and your children feel more grounded.If you're looking for trusted, real-world parenting wisdom from someone who truly understands what families need—this conversation is for you.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

In this powerful episode from the Ground Control Parenting archives, Carol sits down with renowned civil rights leader and legal scholar Sherrilyn Ifill for a deeply meaningful conversation about what it means to parent during times of uncertainty and division.Sherrilyn shares how we can help our children navigate a world filled with misinformation, stay rooted in truth, and build resilience by staying connected to our history and community. She offers thoughtful, practical advice for raising socially conscious kids and protecting your family’s values in the face of societal change.This episode is filled with wisdom, motivation, and hope. Sherrilyn reminds us that this is “planting time”—a moment to invest in our children’s futures by nurturing strength, integrity, and purpose in their lives by modeling these virtues in our own.If you’re looking for guidance, inspiration, and a reminder that your parenting matters deeply in the world right now, you won’t want to miss this one.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Why is giving birth still so dangerous for Black women in America?Dr. Uché Blackstock—physician, mother, and bestselling author—returns to the podcast to talk with Carol about the Black maternal health crisis. The U.S. maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than in other high-income countries, and within the U.S., the rate is by far the highest for Black women.  Black mothers are still three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers. It’s a terrifying reality, but it doesn’t have to be our future.Dr. Blackstock talks with Carol about how bias and systemic racism in medicine impacts Black maternal health, and what we can do about it. They also talk about real solutions: what doulas and midwives can do, how to choose the right OB-GYN, and the push for national policy changes. Dr. Blackstock’s valuable perspective as both a physician and a Black mother makes this an extraordinarily compelling conversation. Whether you're parenting now or thinking ahead to building a family, this episode offers the insight and guidance we all need to hear.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

How do you talk to your child about drugs when you’re not even sure where to begin? In this candid and powerful conversation Carol is joined by two experts, Pat Aussem of the Partnership to End Addiction and Carleah Summers, recovery advocate and founder of Andrea’s House, to talk honestly about how to help our children navigate today’s complex drug landscape. From the dangers of flavored vapes and counterfeit pills to when and how to have “the talk” about drugs, this episode is packed with essential insights, strategies, and real-life experience every parent needs to hear.Episode Links:Partnership to End Addiction: drugfree.orgAl-AnonFollow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

You may have heard of Jack and Jill of America—but do you know how this powerhouse mother's organization shapes Black children into confident, capable leaders? In this episode, Carol talks with Darlene McGee Whittingham, National President, and Tasha B. Penny, National Program Director, about the history, mission, and modern-day relevance of Jack and Jill.They explore what this organization offers Black families, how it fosters leadership from the toddler years to the teen years, and how parents—whether members or not—can draw inspiration from its core values of leadership, cultural pride, and service. If you’ve heard the name but don’t know the full story, or if you’re curious to know more about how Jack & Jill supports Black children across the country, you won’t want to miss this episode!Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Summer break shouldn’t mean learning loss. In this episode, Carol talks with award-winning educator Dr. Cicely Woodard about how to help kids avoid the “summer slide”—where they can lose two to three months of progress in math and reading over the summer.Dr. Woodard shares lots of simple ways parents can help kids stay sharp in math and reading throughout the summer months. She and Carol talk about how everyday activities, like turning grocery runs into math lessons and reading together at bedtime, can make a big impact.This episode is packed with practical advice you can start using today to keep kids engaged and learning while making sure they have the summer break they need. If you want to set your kids up for a strong start in the next school year this episode is for you. Don’t miss it!Episode Links: Zern Math:  A free, interactive math platform designed for elementary and middle school studentsKhan Academy: Free online lessons and practice in math, reading, science, and more—personalized to your child’s level. Great for kids K–12.Prodigy: A game-based math program where kids solve problems to win battles and earn rewards. Best for grades 1–8.PBS LearningMedia: Free videos, games, and activities across subjects, created by PBS for PreK–12 learners.Smithsonian Learning Lab: Resources and lessons using Smithsonian museum collections More GCP:Subscribe to the newsletter for additional show details and more!Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

We all want the best healthcare for our children—but for Black parents, this can involve pushing past bias, asking hard questions, and showing up prepared.In this powerful episode, Carol sits down with Dr. Uché Blackstock—emergency physician, health equity champion, and bestselling author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine—to talk about how parents can navigate the healthcare system to make sure our kids get the best possible care.Dr. Blackstock shares how her late mother—a trailblazing Harvard-trained physician—laid the foundation for her journey and inspired her passion for health justice. She offers clear, practical advice for parents on how to find and interview the right pediatrician, prepare for and manage doctor’s visits with confidence, and identify trustworthy health information while avoiding harmful misinformation. She also breaks down how racism shows up in children's medical care, and what parents can do to advocate effectively.Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, this episode will help you walk into every exam room informed, empowered, and ready to make sure your child gets the care they need.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Many parents have heard the term neurodivergent, but aren't quite sure what it means—or what to do when their child doesn’t seem to follow the "typical" path. Pediatric psychologist and parent coach Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart returns to the podcast to help us make sense of it all. Dr. Lockhart explains what neurodivergence is, how to recognize when your child might need support, and why "different" doesn’t mean “less than.”Carol and Dr. Lockhart also discuss how to manage the emotional rollercoaster that can come with parenting a neurodivergent child—especially for Black and Brown parents. Dr. Lockhart shares how to advocate effectively, communicate with teachers, and most importantly, how to shift the focus from “fixing” your child to celebrating their unique strengths.If you're looking for clarity, encouragement, and real-world guidance to better understand and support the children you care about—this conversation is for you.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Every parent wants their child to succeed in school—but keeping up with their progress, supporting their learning, and knowing when to step in can feel overwhelming.Former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. returns to the podcast with smart, practical advice to help you feel more confident and prepared to support your child’s academic journey. Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or heading into high school, this conversation offers valuable insight you can use right now.Drawing upon his experience as a teacher, principal, education leader, and parent, John shares tips on understanding your child’s learning style, how to partner with teachers (even the challenging ones!) to make sure your child’s academic needs are getting met, and how to encourage critical thinking in a world full of conflicting messages.  Carol and John talk about why parents these days need to pay attention to curriculum changes, book bans, and misinformation—and how to take action when needed.If you want to know how to truly show up for your child’s education, this episode is packed with the clarity and encouragement you’ve been looking for.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Emily Oster returns to the podcast to answer pregnancy and early parenting questions from Ground Control Parenting listeners!  Emily, an economist known for her data-driven approach to parenting, brings clear, compassionate, and evidence-based guidance to the most common (and confusing) early parenting concerns. She helps parents cut through the noise and make decisions with more confidence and less guilt.Carol gets Emily’s take on many timely topics, including pregnancy anxiety, postpartum care, sleep training, discipline and screen time—with plenty of insight, thoughtful discussion, and lots of laughs along the way. This engaging, thoughtful conversation will help parents and caregivers feel more informed and empowered.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Carol sits down with award-winning journalist, author, and podcaster Michele Norris to discuss how we talk—and often struggle to talk—about race in our homes, our communities, and with our kids.   Michele shares the remarkable story behind her bestselling book, Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity, which evolved from a simple invitation for people to share their thoughts about race in just six words.Carol and Michele discuss how these six-word stories offer a raw, honest, and surprisingly hopeful window into how Americans grapple with identity, difference, and belonging.  They explore how parents can use what comes out of these stories to help us approach some of the hardest—but most necessary—conversations we need to have with our kids.Michele’s practical guidance for talking about race and identity with kids will resonate with parents of young children who are focused on how to begin these conversations, as well as parents of older children who want to find better ways to have them.  Regardless of where you are in this journey, this episode will inform and inspire you. Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Child psychologist and parent coach Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart returns to the podcast to help us understand emotional intelligence—what it is, why it matters, and how we can nurture it in our kids from an early age. In this powerful and practical conversation, Carol and Dr. Lockhart discuss:The 5 key components of emotional intelligence (EQ)How EQ supports resilience in a world that increasingly demands itWhy today's kids struggle more with bouncing back—and how parents may unintentionally be contributing to this struggleWhat Black parents need to consider as they raise confident, emotionally attuned children in a world that can often misread themHow to model emotional intelligence even when you're having an off dayThe truth about failure, effort, and why “trying” is everythingWhether your child is melting down over the wrong color cup or you’re navigating teen turbulence, this episode is full of tools, insights, and encouragement to help you raise emotionally strong, resilient kids.Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Economist and best-selling author Emily Oster joins Carol in part one of a fascinating two-part conversation about how data can reduce parenting stress and help us make smarter, more confident decisions. Emily shares the origins of her data-driven parenting philosophy, why not all research studies are created equal, and how decision trees can bring calm to the chaos. Whether you're brand new to parenting, raising toddlers or teens, you'll come away with new tools—and a much-needed sense of relief.Be sure to check out:Emily Oster’s Books: Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm, The UnexpectedEmily’s newsletter and site: ParentData.orgFollow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Welcome to a new season of Ground Control Parenting!This season starts strong with Dr. John B. King, Jr. — former U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama and current Chancellor of the State University of New York — who joins Carol for a captivating conversation about the power of education. John reveals how education not only shaped his life but saved it — a story he explores in his inspiring new memoir, Teacher by Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.John talks with Carol about his journey from a childhood filled with loss and instability to becoming one of the most influential voices in American education. He shares how teachers and other mentors guided his path and fueled his mission to ensure every child has access to great educational opportunities.This season Carol’s bringing in a team of amazing experts to explore the parenting issues that matter most. Get ready to be informed and inspired! Follow Ground Control Parenting:📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

Welcome to Season 7 of Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis! Starting April 30, Carol is back with a new season packed with resources and advice to help you raise curious, confident Black and Brown children. This trailer gives you a taste of the powerful conversations coming your way this season as Carol engages with a team of experts to tackle a wide range of important parenting topics.Tune in each week and join us on this journey!

Carol welcomes renowned civil rights leader and legal scholar Sherrilyn Ifill for an important conversation about parenting during times of uncertainty and division. Together they explore how families can stay grounded and thrive. In this riveting episode they discuss:• Helping children navigate misinformation and find reliable sources of truth.• Building resilience through connection to history and community.• How to protect your family’s values and well-being amid societal change.• Sherrilyn’s practical advice for parents and children on civic responsibility.These are just a few highlights from this discussion—you won’t want to miss the full episode.  With wisdom drawn from her career, historical insight, and parenting experience, Sherrilyn reminds us that this is “planting time”—an opportunity to build a foundation of strength, integrity, and hope for future generations.Tune in for this insightful and empowering conversation filled with actionable tips for every parent.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com!And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

Carol Sutton Lewis sits down with Mellody Hobson—co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and author of the new children’s book Priceless Facts About Money: From the Beginning of Time to the Coins in Your Couch. In this engaging and fun conversation, Mellody explains why parents should talk with their kids about money early and often, and shares practical tips for teaching them financial independence and responsibility.Mellody and Carol discuss:The importance of using cash to teach young children about the value of money.How Mellody’s childhood shaped her financial mindset.Advice for parents on allowances, savings, and smart credit habits.Why understanding and talking about money matters is important for every family—regardless of income level.These highlights offer just a taste of their conversation—there's much more waiting for you in the episode. Tune in to hear the wisdom, humor, and down-to-earth advice Mellody shares with Carol so you can prepare your kids (and even yourself) for financial success!Follow us @GroundControlparenting or at groundcontrolparenting.comAnd don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

Join Carol for a recap of Season 6, which offered parenting advice and expertise across all five stages of child development, from newborns to the grown and flown.  Carol revisits highlights from conversations with her incredible lineup of Season 6 guests. Tune in for expert advice, practical tips, and inspiring stories to empower you on your parenting journey. If you missed any episodes this season, this rewind is your perfect guide to catch up.And stay tuned for exciting bonus episodes coming your way soon! Follow us @GroundControlparenting or at groundcontrolparenting.comAnd don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

Parenting, mental health, and finding your way in a complicated world—Emmy and Tony-winning actor Courtney B. Vance covers it all in this powerful conversation with Carol.Courtney reflects on his Detroit upbringing, the sacrifices his parents made for his education, and how those lessons shape how he and his wife, (the one and only Angela Bassett), have raised their twins who are now off at college. He shares how they’ve kept their kids grounded despite growing up in the spotlight, and how he’s navigating the balance of letting go while still being there to support them.Courtney talks with Carol about his new book, The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power, co-written with Dr. Robin Smith. He reveals the devastating impact of his father’s death, how therapy helped him heal, and why breaking the stigma around mental health in the Black community is so critical.Whether you’ve long admired Courtney on stage and screen or are meeting him here for the first time, this conversation is packed with relatable parenting moments, inspiring stories, and advice you can use. Tune in for his reflections on finding purpose, staying open to life’s possibilities, and helping kids thrive.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com!And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.