Let's Begin with Jenna Arnold

This episode offers a tender reflection on the evolving roles of parents, the uniqueness of each generation, and the deep connection between mother and daughter, all while exploring the vital importance of showing up for children in a way that nurtures their emotional needs and individual growth. Lauren reflects on the challenges she faced as a mother in a rapidly changing world, offering wisdom about the cyclical nature of parenting and societal shifts—proving that while the world may change, the struggle to get kids to eat their vegetables stays the same. Ever, at just nine years old, offers a refreshing perspective on the experience of being a child in today's world. She candidly shares her thoughts on the challenges parents face in keeping up with the individuality of their children, while also revealing her desire for something more from her mother. To learn more about Begin’s expert-designed digital and hands-on learning product to enjoy with the whole family visit  beginlearning.com

Ever find yourself deep in the trenches of parenthood, wondering if you're supposed to be quoting a parenting expert, a viral Instagram reel, or that one book you read (half of) last year? We've all been there–trying to keep up with the tidal wave of advice coming from social media, experts, podcasts (hi!), and even that random stranger in the grocery store. It's a lot. In this episode, Jenna sits down with Washington Post Columnist, Author, and Parenting Coach Meghan Leahy to tackle a truth many parents don't know they're wrestling with: too much advice can actually make us worse at parenting. Meghan and Jenna dig into why trusting your instincts is the ultimate parenting superpower. You'll learn how to cut through the noise, let go of the guilt, and lean into what you already know about your child as the guiding principle. Together, they explore how the constant stream of "helpful" tips can drown out the one voice we should be listening to most–our own. To learn more about Begin’s expert-designed digital and hands-on learning products, visit  beginlearning.com

Jenna and Zach Rausch, lead researcher of the NYT Best Seller, The Anxious Generation explore how screen time has become a cornerstone of modern parenting—offering both convenience and unintended consequences. They discuss the divisive nature of phones, which have reshaped childhood while balancing technology's educational potential. Jenna and Zach advocate for clear, thoughtful boundaries while acknowledging the immense challenges parents face in a hyper-connected world. Jenna shares heartfelt anecdotes about the struggles of navigating these blurred lines, emphasizing the urgent need for parents, schools, and communities to come together and redefine what healthy technology use looks like for the next generation. As the holidays roll full-steam ahead, we promise this episode is not about screen shaming or screen reduction, but screen cultivation. Being more mindful about what your kids are watching and what to set boundaries on is key to their development and your peace of mind.  To learn more about Begin’s expert-designed digital and hands-on learning products, visit  beginlearning.com

This podcast issues a bold challenge to parents raising boys: reject the outdated model of toughness and dominance and instead teach empathy, curiosity, and vulnerability. These traits are the keys to raising boys who can thrive in a world that values humanity over control. Mark Greene warns of the dangers of "man box" culture, where boys are pressured to suppress emotions and assert power. But with just one authentic, transformative relationship, parents can break this cycle, empowering their sons to redefine masculinity and embrace their full humanity. Jenna is joined by Author, Activist, and Facilitator, Mark Greene who has spent decades asking these challenging questions and finding new ways to help support our boys and ourselves.  To learn more about Learn with Sesame Street by Begin, visit beginlearning.com/sesame

Let’s begin, at the beginning of Sesame Street. In today’s episode Jenna sits down with Sesame Workshop’s CEO, Sherrie Westin to discuss the origins of Sesame Street, their partnership with Begin, and why its mission is more vitaI than ever before.  Since 1969, the characters of Sesame Street have reflected their audience, helping kids (and parents) see versions of themselves on screen. The cast of iconic muppets often model how to navigate the array of human emotions as they live together in community on Sesame Street. Jenna and Sherrie discuss the significant impact of Sesame Street’s global reach, particularly with children in crisis, and how even in the show's inception, it was designed for both kids and caregivers to enjoy together.  In partnership with Sesame Street, Begin offers an early learning program for kids ages 2 to 5 that captures the essence of the show. Through digital classes, engaging in-app activities, hands-on kits, and an expert-developed Grown-Up Guide, Learn with Sesame Street by Begin helps families navigate big feelings and supports social-emotional learning. To learn more about Learn with Sesame Street by Begin, visit beginlearning.com/sesame

In this gripping episode of Let's Begin, Jenna sits down with Reshma Saujani, the founder of Mom’s First and Girls Who Code, and author of Pay Up: The Future of Women and Work. As both an activist and a mother, Reshma opens up about the crushing weight of comparison culture and perfectionism that so many parents wrestle with today. With a staggering 41% of caregivers reporting overwhelming stress, the conversation strikes at the heart of our current parenting crisis. Reshma argues that while we wait for sweeping policy changes, we must urgently start rewriting our internal narratives, challenging the toxic standards we impose on ourselves and our children. As the discussion unfolds, Jenna and Reshma address how the constant drive to be perfect can warp our self-worth and impact our children's emotional development. Reshma emphasizes that teaching our kids to embrace bravery over achieving an unattainable ideal is essential for breaking the cycle of inadequacy and anxiety. With compelling insights and heartfelt stories, this episode is a rallying cry for parents to redefine success and cultivate resilience—both within themselves and for their children. To learn more about the importance of curiosity and the Milestones that Matter visit beginlearning.com/milestones

Valarie Kaur, renowned civil rights leader, lawyer, educator, and best selling author, joins Jenna for a timely conversation around processing the news with our children. While these conversations and resulting questions from our kids can feel heavy and intimidating to navigate, they provide a valuable opportunity to instill the roots of empathy while teaching them how other people’s perspectives may differ from their own. Throughout this episode, listeners will hear insightful personal stories from Valarie and Jenna illustrating how they each approach challenging conversations with their own children, even when they aren’t quite sure how to process the headlines themselves.  To learn more about the importance of empathy and the Milestones that Matter visit beginlearning.com/milestones

Kristen Bell, actress, children’s book author, and mother of two joins Jenna for a refreshing conversation about the magical gift of natural curiosity in children and the beauty of embracing uncertainty as parents.  Whether it’s admitting that you don’t know the answer to your child’s question or embarking on an imaginative storytelling journey together, Kristen, Jenna, and child development experts agree that modeling curiosity and honesty helps create a more trusting, open environment between caregivers and their children.  Throughout this episode, listeners will hear personal anecdotes from Kristen’s parenting journey and reacquaint themselves with the freedom, joy, and hope that curiosity brings to learning.   To learn more about the importance of curiosity and the Milestones that Matter visit beginlearning.com/milestones

We’re trying to equip our children with the skills they need while questioning what others deem important. In today’s episode Jenna is joined by Kier Gaines, a licensed therapist, former special education teacher, content creator and father. Kier and Jenna share what milestones (actually) matter most to them, which ones they’re working on and which ones we can spend less time thinking about. At Begin, we’re convinced that children are capable of academic success and self-worth. We’re committed to moving away from outdated benchmarks that neglect our child’s sense of wonder and recentering their milestones around self-discovery and exploring the world around them. To learn more about the Milestones that Matter, visit beginlearning.com/milestones

As parents and caregivers we’re performing the ultimate balancing act: doing everything we can to tee our kids up to thrive while navigating a fulfilling path of our own.  If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by the complexity of this dual journey and wondering where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s Begin. Hosted by activist, author, and mother, Jenna Arnold, in partnership with the early learning experts at Begin, each episode provides a fresh perspective on the parenting and child development topics keeping us up at night–– like parental mental health, fostering resilience, and ensuring our kids are capable, confident, and curious learners. Hear from the creators of Sesame Street, actress Kristen Bell, licensed therapist Kier Gaines, and more as they provide reassurance and guidance–– unpacking their parenting insecurities along the way. Stick around until the end of each episode for expert insight from Begin’s Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Jody LeVos, to help reframe growth and achievement in the classroom and beyond. Together, we’ll help you meet the milestones that matter.  While it may not always feel like it, your kids are doing great, and believe it not, so are you! Let’s Begin with Jenna Arnold is powered by Begin, the award-winning, early learning company on a mission to give every child the best start to achieving their fullest potential through play-based learning products. Learn more at www.beginlearning.com.