Equal Parts

We all want our kids to have a healthy relationship with technology. But sometimes our most well-intentioned efforts, like limiting screen time, don't work. So what are the most effective ways to put our kids on the right digital path? Richard Culatta has plenty of ideas. Richard is the CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), a nonprofit that serves education leaders in more than 100 countries across the globe, and was appointed by President Obama as the Director of the Office of Educational Technology for the US Department of Education. “Technology is like a hammer,” he says. “You can use it to build great things or to smash things apart.” Richard joins us to share ideas from his new book, Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World, on how to encourage kids to unleash their creativity, learn new skills, and use tech for good. He shares actionable steps parents and children can take to create healthy digital cultures in our families, practice good digital citizenship, and make our online – and physical – world a better place. Listen to this episode to learn: -The problem with the concept of “screen time” and why we need to realize that not all screen time is created equal -Common mistakes parents make when teaching kids responsible tech use, and steps you can take to correct them (Pro tip: Relax...don't beat yourself up over it!) -The “digital dysfunctions” threatening kids and society, and how we can prepare kids now to combat them -Why you should involve your kids in drafting a family “device use agreement” -Why giving kids a list of online don'ts only reinforces negative behaviors more -Practical strategies to help kids stay alert and ensure that sure their privacy, identities, and personal data are being protected (Ask, “How is this app or website being paid for?”) -Why it's imperative that we take responsible digital citizenship seriously, and the risks we face if we don't For more information, visit innovativelearning.com.

Each year, millions of students across the U.S. apply to colleges and universities. It's a stressful and exciting process. But this year, due to the pandemic, the college admissions process looks and feels different than in years past. As high school juniors and seniors start to plan for and apply to schools, there are two big questions on the minds of students and parents: what are college admissions officers looking for in this new reality, and how do we increase the chances of getting into (and paying for) college? Vinay Bhaskara has your family covered. He's the co-founder of CollegeVine, an online platform that offers free and personalized college guidance to high schoolers and their parents. Vinay explains the biggest changes to the college admissions process since the pandemic, and he shares valuable tips, strategies, and resources for students and parents on everything from securing the biggest financial aid package to writing the perfect stand-out essay. Listen to this episode to learn: -Whether or not standardized tests like the SAT and ACT matter anymore to college admissions officers -The right time for students to start looking at colleges, and how to guide them in figuring out what they want and don't want in a school -Dos and don'ts for essay writing in light of major events like the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement -How to have transparent conversations with your kids about what your family can and can't afford when it comes to college -The “myth” of scholarships and financial aid (yes, you should still apply, but most financial aid comes from universities themselves!) -Where families can go to find free information and tools to navigate the college selection and admissions process For more information, visit https://www.collegevine.com/

Most workers have caregiving responsibilities. And, for the majority of us, these responsibilities can interfere with our performance at work. But half of companies are (still!) in the dark about it. They never ask about nor track how caregiving affects their workforce and their business. Amy Henderson is shedding much-needed light on this problem. She's the CEO and co-founder of TendLab, an organization that's working to create a better future for working parents and caregivers, and the author of Tending: Parenthood and the Future of Work. Amy shares insights from The Leaders' Guide to Creating a Culture of Care, which TendLab developed in partnership with TIME'S UP. She offers advice and actionable steps business leaders, managers, and employees can take to create a workplace culture that supports and celebrates caregiving. Listen to this episode to learn: -Critical issues employers need to consider regarding caregiving as we enter the post-pandemic future of work -How and why caring cultures are a competitive business advantage (and what's at stake for those that don't have them) -How to bust the working parent stigma (including the one in your own head!) -Advice for business leaders and managers on how to hold themselves – and the business – accountable for building trust with and supporting caregiving employees -Why a continuous feedback loop of tracking, asking, and engaging employees about caregiving helps employers build strong caregiving cultures -The important distinction between simply offering care benefits and socializing them across the organization For more information, visit www.amyhenderson.org and www.tendlab.com.

Wouldn't it be awesome if you had a coach you could turn to for advice and guidance on how to be a more confident, capable, and in-control working parent? Good news, she exists! Daisy Dowling is a leading executive coach, mom of two, and author of the new book, Workparent: The Complete Guide to Succeeding on the Job, Staying True to Yourself, and Raising Happy Kids. It's a comprehensive resource packed with practical tips and techniques on how to take better care of yourself, your family, and your career. Daisy joins us to share the one thing that all happy and confident workparents have in common: the right mindset. She lets us in on how to achieve it, and she shares practical (and life-changing!) advice on everything from confronting mom guilt, to finding great childcare, to setting up flexible work arrangements, to being more deliberate about setting aside time for your family – and yourself. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why you shouldn't beat yourself up over feelings of guilt as a working parent (and strategies to overcome it) -Simple, practical tips to get a better handle on your busy days, prioritize what's most important, and manage your time effectively -Techniques for being more intentional about taking the time you need to rest, recalibrate, and recharge -How to be more strategic and thoughtful about finding the child care arrangement that meets your and your family's needs -Why “flexibility” at work is not one-size-fits-all, and how to get creative about finding the flexibility model that fits your specific work/life situation -How employers have a big role to play in defining the success of the parents in their workforce, and what they can do to create more workparent-friendly cultures For more information, visit https://www.workparent.com/book

One thing is certain about the future of work: it’s flexible. Whether your company is planning for in-person, fully-remote, or a hybrid model, you probably have lots of questions about what it means for your career, your health, and your family. HR leaders are at the vanguard of shaping the transformation of the post-pandemic workplace. Leaders like Melanie Foley, Executive Vice President and Chief Talent and Enterprise Services Officer at Liberty Mutual Insurance. “Your company should want to put your people first,” she says. “And not just the part of the person who does tasks for you, but the whole person.” Melanie joins us to talk about what the new normal of flexibility will mean for employees and for businesses and how culture, leadership, and values will evolve in lockstep. She also shares what benefits employers plan to offer in the months ahead to support employees and their families and why embracing flexibility is key to attracting and retaining top talent. Listen to this episode to learn: -New benefits and policies that HR leaders are introducing, including expanded care benefits, telemedicine and virtual health care, financial planning resources, and more -Ways that employers are de-stigmatizing employee mental health and wellness issues and offering support -Advice for reducing employee burnout and stress (no more working lunches!) -Why celebrating inclusivity and encompassing a broad spectrum of diversity and representation across many groups is a competitive business advantage -How to stay connected and listen to employees to maintain a thriving culture in a virtual work environment

Here’s the amazing thing about Gen Z: this generation doesn’t just talk about social change. They make it. When college students Pilar McDonald and Lola McAllister saw that millions of working mothers were being forced out of the workforce because of a lack of childcare during the Covid-19 pandemic, they – like so many of us – were appalled. Sitting back and doing nothing wasn't an option. So, they got to work. Pilar and Lola are the co-founders of Project Matriarchs, an all-virtual tutoring, mentoring, child care service on a mission to create gender equity at home and at work. Project Matriarchs matches college and graduate student tutors with families based on their specific needs, giving mothers time – even if it’s just for one precious hour a day – to do the work and activities they want to do. Hear from two inspiring young women on the front lines advocating for gender equality and a more just future of work, family, and care. Listen to this episode to learn: -The inspiration and mission behind Project Matriarchs, and the incredible bond kids and college students are forming across the nation -What Gen Z values (and expects) when it comes to the culture, benefits, and policies of their future employers -What Gen Z won’t tolerate from employers (sorry, companies, but “value signalling” won’t cut it!) -Why family-friendly, inclusive, and gender-neutral employee benefits are key to attracting and retaining the next generation of workers -Information on The Pledge, an advocacy initiative by Project Matriarchs that seeks to gain consensus from Gen Z regarding gender equity at work -How you can get involved with and support Project Matriarchs and The Pledge For more information, visit https://www.projectmatriarchs.com/

Why is change so hard? Whether it’s exercising more, eating healthier, saving more money, or making a big career move, often our most well-intentioned efforts to achieve our goals fall flat. But it doesn’t have to be this way. First, we need to recognize that change is not one-size-fits all. Then, tailor our strategy and behaviors to get to where we want to be. That’s according to Katy Milkman, a behavioral scientist and professor at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and host of Charles Schwab’s Choiceology podcast. Katy joins us to talk about her new book, How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. We discuss the common forces that hold us back from achieving our goals (like laziness, procrastination, and lack of confidence) and the science-backed – and fun! – tricks and tips to overcome them. Katy shares simple strategies to get your head in the game and finally make the changes you want in life – for good. Listen to this episode to learn: -How an experiment with Google employees led to the surprising discovery that building too much rigidity into our routines is the enemy of good habits (flexibility is key!) -How to use “temptation bundling” to coax yourself into making change feel easier -Ideas for building specific cues and triggers into your day to help you overcome the “flake out” problem -The power of the “fresh start effect” and how to harness it to make positive change -Techniques for turning laziness and procrastination into assets that will help you meet your goals -Why giving solicited advice, rather than receiving it, can be the ultimate confidence booster -How a post-Covid world presents a rare collective opportunity to change for the better For more information, visit https://www.katymilkman.com/

Kids today face a ton of challenges. A global pandemic. Skyrocketing rates of depression and anxiety. Extraordinary pressure to excel at school and in sports. The list goes on and on. It’s why internationally-renowned educational psychologist Dr. Michele Borba says she’s never been more concerned about this generation of kids. She’s also never been more optimistic. That’s because the skills kids need to be resilient aren’t locked into their DNA; they can be taught by parents and educators. Best of all, kids are never too old, or too young, to learn how. That’s what Dr. Borba’s newest book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, is all about. She’s back with us to explain exactly what a “thriver” is: what special skills do they possess, and what makes them so resilient? Dr. Borba shares simple, practical, science-backed ways parents and educators can teach these skills to children of all ages today – so that they can handle the challenges of tomorrow. Listen to this episode to learn: -Seven character strengths you can teach kids to help them thrive in any situation -How strengths like perseverance, curiosity, and optimism increase a child’s resilience, strengthen their mental health, and boost their academic performance (particularly important as they re-enter the classroom) -Ideas for encouraging kids to find their go-to hobby (sorry, social media and video games don’t count!) -Why a child’s self-confidence is the crucial building block to resiliency -Easy activities you can do with children at any age to increase their emotional intelligence and build their empathy muscle -What girls versus boys need in order to thrive, and why we need to “talk feelings” more often with boys -Why it’s always better to celebrate progress rather than getting the A (the importance of teaching a growth mindset) For more information, visit https://www.micheleborba.com/.

The pandemic has exposed what’s most important for us to be happy, productive, and successful – at home and at work. It has also revealed how blurry the lines are between the two, and how important it is for workers to advocate for change. As we start to return to the office, even for just a few days a week, most companies (98% of them according to new Care.com research) plan to introduce new policies and benefits structured around what employees need most to be successful now and in the hybrid workplace soon to come. Danielle McMahan is at the forefront of this transformation. As Chief People Officer at Wiley, a global leader in research and education, she and her team are on a mission to make employee benefits more relevant, accessible, tech-enabled, and family-friendly. Danielle joins us to talk about the future of benefits, how employees can make their voices and ideas heard in the new home/office work environment, and why HR leaders must listen to and learn from them to change the future of work. Listen to this episode to learn: -The must-have benefits HR leaders say employees need (including care, expanded mental health and wellness support, and flexibility on when and where work gets done) -Tools, policies, and processes to help combat workplace burnout and stress -What employers can do to support women in the workforce and promote them into senior leadership roles -Why companies that ignore diversity, equality, and inclusion risk attracting and retaining “highly mission driven and values-based” Millennial and Gen Z workers -Why HR leaders need to build “consumer-centric” workplace experiences for employees that mirror the experiences they have in their personal lives -Advice for employees and HR leaders alike on how to speak up, listen and learn from one another, and create organizational change

There are more than 50 million unpaid family caregivers in America. Too often, their work – and the physical, emotional, and financial toll it takes – goes unseen and unheard. At 42 years old, Kate Washington never expected to be one of them. But when her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell lymphoma, she became his primary caregiver. A journalist and writer by trade, Kate wrote about her emotional journey as a caregiver, wife, and mother of two young girls in a revealing new book, Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America. Kate joins us to share her story and give advice to the millions of people who are in the shadows caring for a spouse, parent, or adult loved one while also doing the best they can to care for their families and themselves. Listen to this episode to learn: -Where family caregivers can find outlets to cope with burnout and feelings of worry, stress, exhaustion, anger, and anxiety -The importance of therapy, support groups, and relying on the help of friends and loved ones -How a caregiver’s life and identity can too easily become erased, and tips to regain your sense of self -Advice for parents who are starting their own family caregiving journey -Why national policies like paid family and medical leave and tax credits are critical to giving family caregivers the help and support they need For more information, visit https://www.kawashington.com/ and read Kate’s New York Times Op-Ed, 50 Million Americans Are Unpaid Caregivers. We Need Help

Millions of us aren’t just working from home; we’re living at work. Our work days have increased by an average of 48 minutes since the start of the pandemic. Women are taking on more work at home. Many of us, especially Millennials, are feeling unfulfilled and isolated at our jobs. The result: burnout. But burnout was a problem well before COVID-19 hit. In 2019, the World Health Organization classified burnout as an “occupational phenomenon.” The pandemic has “put a match to a workforce in drought,” says Jennifer Moss. She’s an expert on burnout and workplace well-being, an award-winning journalist, speaker, columnist, and author of Unlocking Happiness at Work and the forthcoming book, The Burnout Epidemic. Jennifer discusses the six root causes of our workplace burnout epidemic – all organizational problems that require organizational solutions. She also shares eye-opening findings from a new global study on burnout during the pandemic, and why empathy, psychological safety, and honest conversations at work are an antidote to our burnout crisis. Listen to this episode to learn: -Advice on how organizations can start small to create big, systemic change that can combat workplace burnout -Why “self-care” and wellness apps are great for employee well-being, but they aren’t sufficient burnout prevention strategies -Industries and professions that are particularly susceptible to worker burnout (including health care and technology) -Differences in how people are affected by burnout according to gender, race, and age -How compassion fatigue, empathy fatigue, and perfectionism can lead to burnout For more information, visit https://www.jennifer-moss.com/ and read Jennifer’s article, Beyond Burned Out, in Harvard Business Review.

Equal Parts Podcast Aaron White 2 20 21 by

Why is child care not considered a common good, like our public schools, fire departments, and roadways? If we did, we’d support millions of American families and offer them the relief they so desperately need. So, what’s stopping us from banding together to create an interest group like the AARP for parents? These are just some of the questions posed by Elliot Hapsel, an early childhood and K-12 education policy expert, a father of two, and author of Crawling Behind: America’s Childcare Crisis and How to Fix It. “We treat the early childhood years very differently than we treat the middle childhood and adolescent years, and that’s what animates the child care crisis,” he says. Elliot joins us to talk about child care in America and how the pandemic has dealt “a hammer blow to family stability,” squeezed already-strained child care providers, disrupted early childhood education, and pushed millions of women out of the labor force. Brighter days ahead are possible...if we make it happen. Because when parents get involved, organize, and take action, we have a real shot at fixing our broken care system. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why finding and affording quality child care is so difficult – and was that way before the pandemic -change The role government, business, and parents can play in fixing our child care crisis -Why safety isn't necessarily the issue in reopening public schools, staffing is -How a “lost school year” affects students over the long-term, and how to approach your school district about providing mental health support and learning recovery programs -Why companies can’t solve the child care crisis on their own, but they can offer more flexible child care options to employees and help change the system for the greater good -Why the bipartisan idea of paying parents directly could help solve the child care crisis -was Resources for parents to advocate for change (check out ChildCareRelief.org to get involved) For more information, visit https://elliothaspel.com/.

Haley Swenson has seen up close just how severely families are struggling to find and afford child care, even in the best of times. As Deputy Director of the Better Life Lab at New America, she directs research projects and writes on issues related to gender equality, caregiving, paid family leave, and the future of work. The pandemic has disrupted parents’ best laid plans for child care (already a patchwork of contingency plans before the virus), forcing them to make constant shifts, difficult decisions, and trade-offs around work, care, and life. Many, mostly women, are pulling back or stepping away from their jobs just to make things work. Haley is with us to talk about the financial strain and stress that America’s child care crisis is putting on families, child care providers, and employers. She also discusses policy solutions that would help fix our broken child care system, and how parents, private industry, and government can intervene and band together to create systemic change. Listen to this episode to learn: -What businesses, government, and policy makers can do to make child care more accessible and affordable to American families – immediately and in the future -The pandemic’s impact on child care providers, and what’s at stake without additional direct financial support -Legislation and policies that would offer immediate relief to families and the economy, including extra paid family leave from employers, flexibility, and choice in care options -The stigma, conflict, and economic anxiety men face as caregivers, and what we can do to change it -How to get involved in changing child care policies at your workplace, in your community, and across the country -Resources to make the division of labor and caregiving at home more equitable (check out Better Life Lab Experiments to participate) For more information, visit https://www.newamerica.org/better-life-lab/.

In 2013, after the birth of his daughter, Josh Levs believed his employer had an unfair parental leave policy for fathers like him. So, he filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against his employer, Time Warner, CNN’s parent company, arguing against the existing policy. At the time, Josh worked as a CNN journalist, broadcaster, and fact checker. His legal action succeeded, forcing the company to change its paid parental leave policy while creating change outside the company, too. Seeing men as caregivers, Josh says, is ultimately a women’s rights issue: “Women will never have equal opportunities in the workplace until men can be treated as equal caregivers.” Today, Josh is a diversity and inclusion consultant and author of the book, All In: How Our Work-First Culture Fails Dads, Families, and Businesses – and How We Can Fix It. The U.N. named him a Global Gender Champion, and The Financial Times named him one of the top 10 male feminists. Josh joins us to share his story as a father and “dadvocate.” He explains how both men and women must work to break toxic stereotypes about fathers and caregiving, and why changing laws, policies, and stigmas are the only way we’ll create gender equality. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why backward thinking about gender is the reason why the United States doesn’t have a national paid family leave policy (the only industrialized nation in the world not to) -The misconceptions about fathers that we’ve been told and sold (dads are not lazy!), why we still believe in them, and how to bust antiquated myths about gender roles -Actions business leaders can take to create dad-friendly work cultures where men no longer fear punishment, retribution, or shame for putting their family first -How the gender wage gap holds us all back, culturally and economically, and perpetuates slanted views on gender -Why normalizing images of men as caregivers in the media and in advertising can help shift our mindset -Ideas for creating change from within your company – and at the state and federal level – and advocate for gender-neutral paid family leave For more information, visit https://joshlevs.com

Child care has always been a major issue for working parents. But this year, work/life got much harder. Many families faced a tough decision: who keeps working and stops working to care for the kids? In most cases, it’s moms who sacrificed their careers; 2.2 million women were forced out of the workforce as a result of the pandemic, and 1.6 million of them are mothers. For those mothers who are working, many feel guilty, burnt out, and isolated. Blessing Adesiyan knows and has spoken with them. She is a mother of three and the founder and CEO of Mother Honestly, a global community for women that’s on a mission to reimagine how to thrive in motherhood, work, and life. Blessing joins the podcast to share lessons and stories from the community about how women have been impacted, and set back, at home and at work this year. And, she highlights steps employers are taking to better support working parents through this year of uncertainty...and beyond. Listen to this episode to learn: -The impact of America’s care crisis, exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic, on working families (women especially) and their employers -The disconnect between what working parents need and what employers think they need – and why conversations are critical to finding solutions that work -Positive ways in which caregiving is starting to become normalized – not stigmatized – in the workplace -Ways some employers are helping working parent employees during the pandemic and beyond, including tutoring, learning pods, extra paid leave, flexible work, and backup child care -Advice on how to advocate for support from your employer (without feeling like you’re going to get penalized for speaking up) For more information, visit https://motherhonestly.com/.

This year, our mental health has been dealt a crushing blow. A third of Americans, many of whom are working parents, are showing signs of clinical depression or anxiety. Alcohol consumption and substance abuse are on the rise – especially among mothers. We’ve stressed, self-doubted, and simply forgotten to take care of #1. Lisa Abramson is here to help. She’s an executive coach, mother of two, author, and leading authority on mindfulness who’s taught programs at Google, Cisco, Microsoft, PwC, Uber, and many others. Called an “inspiration” by Oprah, Lisa’s mindfulness meditations have been streamed online over 1 million times around the world. She shares advice on how you can start to take better care of yourself – mentally and physically – with tips and ideas you can put into practice right away to achieve a calmer, more mindful and resilient you. Discover self-compassion, silence your inner critic, and say goodbye to burnout – no matter what work/life has in store. Listen to this episode to learn: -Advice on making the time and space to focus on YOU; even a few deep breaths or 5 minutes a day of mindfulness works wonders -The benefits of a daily dance party (FloRida optional!) -Tips for starting, and sticking with, a daily mindfulness meditation practice -The benefits of cutting back – or stopping – drinking alcohol, and how to focus on what you want to gain, not on what you’re losing, when you chose to stop drinking -How creating new family rituals can build more intention (and fun!) into into your days -The difference between the pressure to succeed and ambition -The power of asking one simple question: “What do you want?” -Lisa’s personal story of living through postpartum psychosis, and what she learned from her experience For more information, visit www.lisaabramson.com.

School always presents certain challenges for students who learn and think differently (kids with ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, autism, anxiety, or other neuro-differences). But the Covid-19 pandemic has created even greater obstacles for these children – social isolation, academic and emotional regression, difficulty focusing and learning on a screen all day – as well as for the parents who are raising them. Debbie Reber is a parenting activist, New York Times bestselling author, and the founder of TiLT Parenting, a resource for parents who are raising differently wired children. She joins us to share ideas on how you can best prioritize and plan in the pandemic-era school landscape. She also offers advice on how to support your differently wired child’s cognitive, social, and emotional needs during this atypical time, while also taking care of your own emotional health and well-being. Listen to this episode to learn: -How to use Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a framework to think about what differently wired children need throughout the pandemic -Warning signs that your differently wired child is struggling emotionally, academically, and socially, and advice on how to address these challenges -Why it’s okay to “lower the bar” and reset expectations of what academic success looks like this year -The importance of communicating with teachers and advocating for changes (if needed) to special education plans, including IEPs and 504 plans -Ways to help your child find academic motivation -Ideas on how to carve out more time and space for yourself, as well as for your kids

With kids at home, careers to maintain, and households to run, working mothers are running on empty. Something’s gotta give. Unfortunately, it’s often their job. Today, womens’ participation in the U.S. labor force is the lowest it's been in decades. They’re pulling back on their careers – or dropping out of the workforce entirely – because they simply can’t do it all. The situation is especially dire for women in senior leadership positions and Black women. Marianne Cooper, Ph.D., is a sociologist at Stanford University where she researches issues related to gender, women’s leadership, diversity and inclusion, financial insecurity, and economic inequality. She was the lead researcher for Sheryl Sandberg’s best-selling book, Lean In, and is an author of the Women in the Workplace reports by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org. Marianne joins us to share major findings from this year’s eye-opening report, which reveals just how stark the Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the inequalities and insecurities women have faced in the workplace for years. She also discusses what we must do to keep women in the workforce – enabling them, their families, their employers, and the economy to thrive in the process. Listen to this episode to learn: -The tension (and burnout) working moms feel between being the “ideal worker” and the “good mother” -Why women suffer the “mom penalty” and worry they’ll be stigmatized at work (so they hide child care responsibilities from co-workers and managers) -Why one in four women are considering “downshifting” their careers or leaving the workforce due to Covid-19 -How the increase in remote work has created greater bias against working mothers -Why we must show up for Black women – and what employers can do to better support them -What business, society, and the economy risks losing if we don’t act with urgency and empathy to support working families -Actions employers can take to keep women in the workforce, including better family care benefits, rethinking performance reviews, and greater flexibility For more information, visit https://www.mariannecooper.com/

If you think politics is stressful and confusing for adults, imagine how kids feel. (Yes, they are paying attention!) Heated debates. Constant breaking news. Ads for candidates on social media. Kids absorb more about politics than we realize. Which is why it’s up to parents to model civility, teach respect for different viewpoints, and set the right example for responsible political engagement. Dr. Christia Spears Brown is a professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Kentucky and director of the university's Center for Equality and Social Justice. She shares findings from a 2019 study on kids and their political thinking and offers advice on how to talk to your kids about politics, partisanship, and elections — in language they will understand. Listen to this episode to learn: -If there’s a “too young” to start talking about politics with kids -How our values and our communities play central roles in shaping a child’s political thinking -Age-appropriate ways to start conversations with kids about race and gender using concepts like fairness and respect -Research on how kids viewed the 2016 election, and what it can teach us this year -Practical ideas for encouraging kids of all ages to stand up for the causes and issues they believe in -Resources for teaching kids about politics, elections, and how American democracy works (check out tolerance.org and kidsvotingusa.org) For more information, visit https://christiabrown.com/

2020 has tested our collective resolve – and our mental health. A global pandemic. Fires and hurricanes. A polarized society. Closed schools and daycares. Anxiety and stress are a fixture of life and work this year…along with looming uncertainty about the months ahead. But we don’t have to be paralyzed by it. Dr. Ali Mattu is a clinical psychologist who’s spent a decade treating anxiety and panic disorders in kids and adults. He’s the host of The Psych Show on YouTube, which offers videos about mental health and psychology that are fun to watch and easy to understand. A father and a mental health professional, Ali offers tips and advice on how working parents can get through these crazy days and why the very best thing we can do for our mental health (and that of our families) is to find compassion and forgiveness for ourselves. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why being a “good parent” during a pandemic starts by taking care of yourself -How to anchor your day with a few simple habits to create stability -The many ways we’re grieving “the before times” of a pre-Covid world, and strategies to process feelings of loss while holding on to what’s most important -Practical techniques to help calm your racing mind, physically relax, and get a good night’s sleep (pro tip: invest in a back roller!) -Why the challenge of this moment presents a rare opportunity to teach ourselves and our children resilience and strength For more information, visit www.alimattu.com.

One of the most important contributors to a baby’s physical and psychological development is sleep. The same goes for their parents! But what exactly is the science behind how babies and toddlers sleep, and how does sleep – or a lack thereof – affect a little one’s waking hours, too? Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans is a sleep scientist and co-founder of Baby Sleep Science, an organization that offers families resources and help with children’s sleep. She spent more than 10 years working in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School and at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Flynn-Evans joins us to share how much sleep babies and toddlers should be getting, the most common challenges parents face regarding their baby’s sleep, and advice and tips for the whole family on how to catch some healthy and restorative ZZZs. Listen to this episode to learn: -Sleep guidelines for infants and toddlers established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine -The importance of naps – how frequently and how long should babies be napping as they grow? -How to optimize your baby or toddler’s sleep environment (make sure it’s cool, quiet, dark, and comfortable) -Signs to look out for signaling that your baby isn’t getting enough sleep -How to adjust your child’s sleep schedule to accommodate new school schedules and seasonal time shifts -How AI and mobile apps, like Huckleberry, can help you and your baby get better sleep -Resources for parents who need help with their child’s sleep For more information, visit https://www.babysleepscience.com/.

If your child’s school is behind a computer screen, then you know that motivating them to stay focused isn’t always easy. It’s especially hard for little ones who are learning how to read and aren’t used to the virtual classroom. Kristen DiCerbo, Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy, joins us to explain what education research tells us about motivation and learning and how it can help parents and kids get through this unprecedented time. Kristen explains how parents can work with students of all ages to set learning goals, track their progress, keep education relevant, and set up an at-home learning environment that’s built for success. (Oh, and a little reward now and then doesn’t hurt, either.) Listen to this episode to learn: -Why being successful at a task and finding value in what you’re asked to do are the keys to staying focused and motivated -Ideas on how to set age-appropriate goals for online learners, from pre-K to 12th grade -The benefits of having collaborative conversations with kids about goal setting -How to work with your child’s teacher to align with their learning goals -The right way to use rewards as a motivation tactic for at-home learning (pro tip: keep them small, frequent, and unexpected) -Advice on setting up a comfortable and distraction-free learning space that’s well-lit and fully-stocked -Resources at Khan Academy to support students of all ages and ensure they aren’t falling behind For more information, visit https://www.khanacademy.org/.

Whether you live in a “red zone” or a “green zone,” Covid-19 remains a very real threat across the U.S. Assessing what’s safe and what’s not for your family depends on a range of factors that are confusing and leave us asking more questions. To get clarity and context on the risks of Covid-19, we’re with William Haseltine, a renowned scientist and infectious disease expert known for his groundbreaking work on cancer, HIV/AIDS, and the human genome. A former professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, he is now President and Chair of ACCESS Health International. Professor Haseltine shares information from his two new “living” ebooks, “A Family Guide to Covid” and “A Covid Back to School Guide.” He presents the facts and gives an unbiased, realistic explanation about the dangers of this virus – and answers questions honestly about what we should do to keep our kids and families safe. Listen to this episode to learn: -How to assess your “hierarchy of risk” when deciding what’s best for your family’s health and safety -The importance of monitoring Covid-19 infection data in our local communities like we do the weather -Factors that increase the risk of infection, including age and underlying health conditions like obesity, cancer, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy -The risk of children age 18 and under contracting and spreading Covid-19 -Is going to school safe? What about hybrid learning models? -What parents should ask school administrators regarding precautions they’re taking to keep children safe -What we can learn from countries that have successfully mitigated the spread of the virus For more information, visit https://accessh.org/covidfamilyguide/.

As parents, nothing breaks our heart more completely than seeing our child stressed, depressed, and anxious. Our impulse is to activate our “fix it” mode. But our way of fixing it often isn’t what our kids need. Instead, they need us to listen, empathize, and ask, “How can I help? That’s according to Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist and the award-winning author of No More Mean Girls and The Happy Kid Handbook. Katie joins us to explain the differences between stress and anxiety, and how each can appear in young kids, tweens, and teenagers. She shares practical advice on how to help kids overcome Zoom-related anxiety and brain drain, stay calm, and breathe. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why we need to be hyper-aware (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic) of how easily our kids absorb our own fears, worries, and stress -The difference between a child that’s an “internalizer” versus an “externalizer” of stress and anxiety, and how age and gender play a role in how they respond -Coping mechanisms (like deep breathing, visualization exercises, and stress balls) and mobile apps (like Stop, Breathe & Think Kids and Calm) that help kids make mindfulness and relaxation a habit -Why taking walks, shutting off the news, and teletherapy are great ways for parents to stay centered right now -Technology, gaming, social media, and devices: are they making our kids miserable or adding value to their lives? -Advice on guiding teens to make smart, responsible media consumption choices and how to help them find accurate information (not “fake news” on YouTube) For more information, visit https://practicalkatie.com/

Conversations with kids about race and racism with children aren’t easy. They can be uncomfortable and clumsy. Too often, parents don’t fully understand the issues themselves, so they struggle to talk about it with their kids. In this special episode, Care.com CEO Tim Allen is joined by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Harvey. She’s an award-winning educator, a racial justice activist, and the author of the the New York Times best-selling book, Raising White Kids: Bringing up Children in a Racially Unjust America. Dr. Harvey offers guidance on how to have constructive, age-appropriate discussions with children about race and racism. Whether you’re a parent who wants to advance your family’s anti-racisim activism, or an educator or caregiver looking to foster racial justice in our homes, schools, and communities, you’ll leave this episode with the knowledge and tools you need to educate kids to be informed, empathetic, and active allies in the ongoing fight against systemic racism in America. Listen to this episode to learn: -Tools to teach kids to embrace and celebrate the “language of difference” -Is there a “too young” to start talking to kids about race and racism? -Why it’s critical to teach children about the injustices people of color encounter -Ways parents can continue to practice race-conscious parenting as children grow older and become more aware of the world around them -Ideas for getting kids proactively involved in fighting against racism and injustice -How parents can work with educators to advocate for active anti-racist practices -Resources for parents to educate themselves, their families, and their communities about race and racial justice For more information, visit www.jenniferharvey.org.

Stress, anxiety, depression are at an all-time high, and it’s affecting our kids’ health, happiness, and their ability to relate to others. It’s time for an empathy tune-up – for the whole family. Dr. Michele Borba is an educational psychologist, a former school teacher, and an expert in bullying, character development, and child behavior. She’s written 24 best-selling books, including her latest, UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. Dr. Borba joins us to talk about the critical role parents play in teaching empathy to kids, whether they’re 2 or 20. She shares practical ideas for reducing stress and increasing empathy and altruism in our kids, and explains why it can be their greatest competitive advantage. Listen to this episode to learn: -Tips for teaching kids how to hone their emotional literacy (the “gateway to empathy”) and enrich their emotional vocabulary -How to overcome the physical barriers that masks, FaceTime, and social distancing are placing on kids’ ability to connect and communicate with others (make eye contact!) -Navy SEAL-based breathing and relaxation techniques the whole family can practice to work through stressful situations and self-regulate negative emotions -Why hope and optimism are the keys to empathy, with a few inspirational stories of kids doing good deeds during the pandemic -Why our children need a whole lot more of “we got this” For more information, visit https://micheleborba.com

This Fall, “back-to-school” will be different than anything we’ve ever experienced. Parents are grappling with in-person or distance learning and many school districts are still deciding on the safest way to start the academic year: full-time in-person, full-time remote, or a hybrid of the two. Our guest, Emily Oster, is an economist at Brown University, the author of two bestselling books about parenting, Expecting Better and Cribsheet, and a contributing author to COVID Explained, a website that takes an unbiased, data-driven look at the virus and its impacts. She explains what data and science are telling us about the risks of kids of all ages contracting and spreading COVID-19, and what needs to be considered in order to safely re-open schools. Listen to this episode to learn: - What the current data says about different age groups of children and their associated risks of contracting and spreading COVID-19 - The top factors – based on data – to consider when deciding whether to send your child to school or day care in-person versus have them participate in distance learning - What the U.S. can learn from other countries, including Israel, Sweden, and Germany, that have re-opened schools for in-person instruction - The challenges facing college and university campuses this Fall, including surveillance testing and social distancing measures - Why parents, schools, and communities need to be realistic about planning for the inevitably of COVID-19 cases in schools - The pros and cons of alternative learning models, like “pandemic learning pods” For more information, visit www.explaincovid.org.

How do we prepare our girls for the future and ensure they have the confidence, skills, and courage to face a difficult world? Dr. Marisa Porges is Head of The Baldwin School, an independent pre-K through 12 all-girls’ school outside of Philadelphia, and she’s the author of a new book, What Girls Need: How to Raise Bold, Courageous, and Resilient Women. Dr. Porges has spent her career practicing what she advocates. She’s served as a senior cybersecurity advisor in the Obama White House, a counterterrorism expert in Afghanistan, and on active duty in the U.S. Navy, flying jets as a Naval Flight Officer. Dr. Porges joins us to talk about the skills girls need to succeed in the 21st century, and how parents and educators can help girls find their inner voice, self-advocate, and be fearless in the face of anything – and anyone – that comes their way. Listen to this episode to learn: -How girls’ innate talents – collaborative problem-solving, communicating across boundaries, empathy, and adaptability – are their biggest competitive advantages -What you can do to help girls practice “the art of the ask” and become skilled negotiators -Advice for raising sons to be female allies and advocates -Why a healthy competitive spirit gives girls an edge -Stories from Dr. Porges’s time serving in the Obama White House and flying jets in the U.S. Navy

Have your kids been clocking some serious screentime these past few months? Pandemic life has loosened screentime rules for families across America, leaving parents – especially those working from home – feeling conflicted. It’s also raised lots of questions. How much screentime should I allow for my kids? What apps are appropriate? If I let my son play three hours of Roblox, will he turn into a techno-zombie? Devorah Heitner, PhD, is here to answer these questions and more. She’s the author of the book, Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and the founder of Raising Digital Natives. Devorah explains the importance of “mentoring over monitoring” when it comes to kids’ tech use and gives advice on how to encourage a healthy relationship with media and technology – and set kids up for success, not stress, in the digital age. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why it’s critical that we empathize with kids right now and let them use technology to connect, create, laugh, and learn -What digital platforms and apps are appropriate (or not) for elementary aged kids, tweens, and teens -Is there a “right way” for teens to use TikTok? -Why parents need to be “Editors-in-Chief” and understand the basics of their kids’ digital worlds – what they watch, play, and post -Why iPhones and video games alone don’t cause depression in kids, but they can “turn up the dial” on mental health issues -Tips for teaching kids how to self-regulate their screentime -How to empower kids to use technology and digital media for social good For more information, visit www.raisingdigitalnatives.com.

It's not easy talking to kids about subjects that make adults feel uncomfortable – or that adults might not fully understand themselves. But when it comes to race and racism in America, it's imperative that we start listening, learning, and having these conversations with our kids and with each other. Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum is president emerita of Spelman College, an award-winning clinical psychologist, a national authority on racial issues in America, and author of the best-selling book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations about Race. In this special episode, Dr. Tatum joins Care.com CEO Tim Allen for a discussion about Talking to Kids About Race and Racism. She offers guidance on how to have important – often difficult – conversations with kids of all ages about race and racism that are empathetic, constructive, and compassionate. Listen to this episode to learn: -The harm we create when we ‘shhh’ our kids’ questions about racial difference -How to teach kids how to be actively anti-racist, and ways to discuss racial injustice with children as young as two or three -Why you should feel empowered to ask teachers and caregivers questions about how they’re communicating fairness and difference -The importance of teaching our kids – and ourselves – how to live in a multicultural, multiracial environment -How to answer honestly when kids ask questions about police brutality and protests -Dr. Tatum’s “3 F Strategy' (felt, found, feel) to interact with adults who don’t share your views -The negative effects of using racial microaggressions -Resources to initiate age-appropriate discussions about race with kids, including Social Justice Books and Common Sense Media For more information, visit www.beverlydanieltatum.com, or follow Dr. Tatum on Twitter @BDTSpelman

Most of us would rather have "the sex talk" with our kids than talk to our own parents about their finances. Talking about money can feel awkward, prying, and uncomfortable. But “the money talk” is a conversation every adult needs to have with their parents. And the sooner the better, says Cameron Huddleston. She’s an award-winning journalist with nearly two decades of experience writing about personal finance and author of the book, Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations with Your Parents About Their Finances. Cameron joins us to share advice on how to get the conversation started with your parents, even if they – and your siblings – are reluctant to talk about it. She shares the documents and information you’ll need in order to plan for a future that will keep the headaches and heartaches of estate planning to a minimum. Listen to this episode to learn: -The legal documents that your parents should have in place, including wills, power of attorney, and advance health care directives -Why you need to discuss finances and estate planning early, when your parents are of sound body and mind -How COVID-19 has changed the way we approach this conversation with our parents -Essential information you parents should write down for you – like social security and driver’s license numbers, bank and retirement account information, and more -How to involve siblings and step-siblings in having these conversations, especially if one is being difficult or stubborn -How to talk to your kids about money so that they grow up feeling comfortable having “the money talk” with you someday For more information, visit www.cameronhuddleston.com.

Gen X has been dubbed “America’s neglected middle child,” stuck between Baby Boomers and Millennials. But it’s Gen X women who face particular pressures and burdens that are contributing to their own (often overlooked) midlife crisis. They’re caring for young children and aging parents – all while running the household and working full-time. Ada Calhoun, author of the New York Times best-seller, Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis, says all this has left Gen X women feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, and exhausted. She shares research from her book and what she learned from more than 200 middle-aged women. Ada explains why this generation of women were raised to believe in the fantasy that they could “have it all,” the consequences of unrealistic expectations, and ways Gen X women can find relief and, finally, get a good night’s sleep. Listen to this episode to learn: ●Lessons and stories from Gen X women from around the country ●The impact that quarantines and closed schools and daycares is having on Gen X women in the workforce ●Why so many Gen X women are experiencing “anticipated loss” ●The price middle-aged women pay for taking on the burden of caregiving responsibilities – both for children and aging loved ones ●Ways employers can step up and better support middle-aged working moms ●The importance of finding a support network and realizing that this phase in life will eventually pass For more information, visit www.adacalhoun.com.

The school year is winding down, and summer is heating up. For millions of kids, that can only mean one thing: summer camp. Except this summer is different. Camps around the country are closed because of Covid-19. Or, some parents just don’t feel comfortable sending their kids this year. But camp doesn’t have to be canceled. You can recreate it at home. Catherine Newman is a mom and author of the kids’ craft book, Stitch Camp, and her latest book, How to Be a Person. She recently published an article in The New York Times with ideas on how parents working from home can create a high-fun, low-stress “home camp” experience for their kids this summer. Catherine joins us to share her creative, fun, and practical advice – everything from teaching kids how to make their own lunch to how they can build the ultimate fort. Listen to this episode to learn: -How to talk openly with your child about their sense of loss this summer -How to get started with building the camp-at-home experience (be sure to invest in plenty of craft supplies!) -Why parents should consider teaching kids some basic skills in order have some independent summertime fun (think sewing, cooking, and even cleaning) -How to set clear expectations with kids and be transparent around when you can and can’t be available during the work day -How much screen time should we allow at "home camp"? -Where to find helpful online educational resources for kids that will keep them busy and having fun this summer For more information, visit https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com/.

Teens are having a tough time right now. Milestones like prom and graduation went virtual or got canceled. So did classes, college campus visits, driver’s ed, and hangouts with friends. “This is a very painful experience for them,” says Lisa Heffernan, co-founder of Grown & Flown, the #1 website for parents of teens and young adults. Lisa also co-authored the book, Grown and Flown: How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family, and Raise Independent Adults. She says parents need to show extra understanding and sympathy towards their teens right now, and acknowledge that their frustration and anger with quarantines are entirely rational responses to the crisis we’re all living through. Lisa joins us to share practical advice on how to help high schoolers and college kids live, learn, and succeed – emotionally and academically – in our new reality. Listen to this episode to learn: -The importance of modeling and suggesting constructive solutions to teens’ problems -How the coronavirus has impacted the college admissions process, including tests like the SAT, ACT, and AP exams -Will more kids decide to take a gap year this year? -How parents should treat their college-age children who are living back at home -How to break through and communicate with a teen who isn’t adhering to social distancing rules (gounding won’t work anymore!) -Resources to help teens and college students find virtual internship and job opportunities -Ways to encourage teens to keep healthy friendships and relationships in the era of Covid-19 For more information, visit www.grownandflown.com.

With distance learning methods and expectations varying from school district to school district – and, in many cases, from household to household – it’s easy for everyone in the family to feel like they’re failing right now. But Jessica Lahey sees our strange new reality as an opportunity to build resilience. A teacher for more than 20 years and mother of two, Jessica is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go so Their Children Can Succeed, and co-host of the #AmWriting podcast. She joins us to explain how to teach your kids (and yourself) how to push through failure and frustration as they learn, live, and play in the age of coronavirus and beyond. From measuring ingredients, to helping in the garden, to taking forest walks as a family, Jessica says this moment will resonate with children for a lifetime, giving them a chance to learn from experiences that are relevant and important to family life. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why all kids can benefit from being given more autonomy, and creative ways to foster it -The drawbacks of “directive parenting,” and how to encourage kids to persevere through frustrating moments of failure -Tips for how to stop projecting our own fears, anxieties, and stress about the COVID-19 pandemic onto our children (turn off the news!) -How to lean on teachers for help with homework and homeschooling -Pros and cons of “distance learning” -How to expand your child’s definition of “learning” and apply it to practical and fun tasks in and around the home For more information, visit http://www.jessicalahey.com/.

Under quarantines and stay-at-home orders, families are together more now than ever. And, dealing with kids’ challenging behaviors can make it even harder. As parents adjust to homeschooling their kids, they are gaining a newfound appreciation (and longing) for teachers. Dr. Ross Greene is a clinical child psychologist and New York Times bestselling author of the influential books, The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Raising Human Beings, and Lost & Found. Dr. Greene joins us to explain his Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, an approach parents can use to understand and handle their child’s behavior issues – under any circumstance. But he believes this moment presents an opportunity for parents to model resilience and flexibility, build empathy with their kids, and team up with them to solve underlying problems that cause challenging behaviors. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why behaviors like aggression, defiance, tantrums, and sulking are signals of a child’s underlying unmet expectations -Skills that a child with behavior issues may lack, and how to spot them -Plans A, B, and C – the three primary ways in which caregivers can solve problems with kids -Reasons why simply exerting parental power and authority will never truly resolve a child’s behavior issues -How to collaborate with your child to discover the unmet expectations and unsolved problems that are causing their behaviors -Tips for getting on the same page with your partner to successfully deal with behavior issues For more information and free resources for parents, visit www.livesinthebalance.org.

Research has shown the many benefits of practicing daily meditation. Lower stress and anxiety. Stronger relationships. Greater empathy for others. Improved focus and mental cognition. (Just to name a few.) All qualities shared by great leaders...and great parents. Matthias Birk joins us to explain the powerful connection between mindfulness meditation, leadership, and parenting. With more than 20 years of meditation and leadership experience, Matthias, an adjunct professor at NYU’s Graduate School of Public Service and Columbia Business School, has taught meditation and leadership skills to hundreds of executives at companies including Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. A father of two young children, Matthias shares how anyone – even stressed-out working parents in the middle of a global pandemic – can find inner peace by starting (and sticking to) daily mindfulness meditation practice. Listen to this episode to learn: -How mindfulness meditation helps us see things more objectively and form deeper relationships with our children, partners, and coworkers -Why meditation teaches us to be calmer parents and more effective leaders at work and in our personal lives -How meditation can help us transcend our destructive, ego-driven thoughts and feelings, like self-doubt, fear, and anxiety -How to make time and space for a daily mindfulness meditation experience at home -“Intro-level” tips, advice, and resources for getting started with meditation For more information, read Matthias Birk’s recent article in Harvard Business Review.

An army of our nation’s caregivers — nannies, babysitters, senior aides — are out of work due to stay-at-home orders, illness, or caring for their own kids and family members impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. At the same time, furloughs and layoffs are putting families under incredible financial strain. Many are struggling to continue paying their caregivers — to both assist them financially and retain them once social distancing orders are eased. America’s caregiving crisis is accelerating. Eva MacCleery, director of client services for Care.com HomePay, is with us to explain how two new pieces of federal legislation — the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act — can grant relief to families and their caregivers during this difficult time. Eva answers questions on new expanded provisions for paid sick and family leave benefits, payroll tax credits, unemployment insurance, and more. Listen to this episode to learn: -How COVID-19 has emphasized legal pay for caregivers -How and when caregivers can access new paid sick and family leave benefits extended to them under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act -Payroll tax breaks for household employers under this new legislation -What to do if you can’t afford to keep paying your nanny, babysitter, day care center, or preschool throughout this crisis -If household employers qualify to receive Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster loans -Resources for household employers and caregivers looking for more payroll and tax-related information For more information, visit https://www.care.com/homepay.

This is a really tough time for pre-teens and middle schoolers. School is closed. They’re hunkered down at home with their families. Add to this the transition from childhood to adolescence, and this moment presents a precarious moment in their lives. Friends are their world, but, suddenly, they’re forced to keep a social distance. School days and after-school activities have given way to distance learning and Zoom chats with the grandparents. Phyllis Fagell, licensed clinical professional counselor and author of Middle School Matters, returns to the podcast to help the parents of pre-teens navigate the coronavirus crisis with compassion. She shares ideas on how kids of this age can cope with – and take command of – this unprecedented situation. Phyllis explains why now is the time to focus on connecting with your middle schoolers and look to expand the definition of learning beyond school work. Listen to this episode to learn: -How to help pre-teens feel more secure, reassured, and in control right now (while also giving them the autonomy and space they need) -How to set boundaries while letting middle schoolers “be the architect of their plans” -Advice on encouraging pre-teens to stay healthy and active, both physically and mentally -Prosocial healthy outlets outside of screens, phones, and social media (books, mindfulness, and exercise are all encouraged) -Why you should be monitoring your child’s social media and online use to prevent fatigue, bad habits, and negative behaviors -Ways pre-teen boys versus girls are handling this challenging time For more information, visit www.phyllisfagell.com.

When it comes to homeschooling, it’s not just students who are doing the learning. Amid coronavirus school closures, parents are learning how to juggle their own work-from-home situations with helping their kids learn from home, too. It’s stressful and overwhelming, and parents wonder whether they’re doing it right. But there is no right way to homeschool right now. There are, however, helpful tips parents can put into practice. Ana Homayoun is an educator and author of several books, including most recently, Social Media Wellness: Helping Teens and Tweens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, and she’s a frequent guest on NPR. Ana joins us to share practical ideas on how parents can structure a realistic school day at home and how kids can set themselves up for success by organizing their physical and digital learning spaces. She also explains why it’s important to give kids autonomy and control, especially now, at this unprecedented moment in their schooling. Listen to this episode to learn: -The difference between asynchronous versus synchronous learning, and how students, teachers, and parents are using each for distance learning -Advice on how to break a learning day into “work, movement, and rest” -Why it’s okay to ask extended family members for some (remote) distance learning help -Ideas for creating fun, new daily routines and rituals (4 p.m. dance party, anyone?) -Why now is a great time to encourage kids to take up a new hobby or activity -How to let our kids come up with ideas for how and when they want to learn For more information, visit www.anahomayoun.com.

As parents are stuck at home during coronavirus quarantines, we’re adding a list of new jobs to our resumes: full-time remote worker, homeschool teacher, the list goes on. We’re all trying to maintain a sense of normalcy, but these are not normal times. Above all, the mental health, well-being, and education of our children are the most important. Anya Kamenetz is an education correspondent at NPR and co-host of NPR’s Life Kit - Parenting podcast: https://www.npr.org/tags/797069332/life-kit-parenting. She’s written several books, and her latest is called, The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life. Anya joins us to share what she’s learned from parenting and educational experts as she continues to report on this evolving story. And, she talks about what’s working in her household as a mother of two who’s navigating the coronavirus pandemic in real-time, just like the rest of us. Listen to this episode to learn: -How to talk to your kids in an age-appropriate way about the coronavirus -Homeschooling tips for parents, including how to “triage” subjects and encourage passion projects -How much and what kind of screen time is appropriate for kids right now, and how to spot the danger signs of overuse -Digital learning resources – like Common Sense Media and old-school Bob Ross videos – to help kids learn and play -Why we need flexibility built into our newfound schedules and routines -Ideas to help kids feel less socially isolated (video chats are your best friend!) -Advice for parents of high schoolers and college-age kids to help them cope with the social and educational impacts of coronavirus For more information, visit: http://www.anyakamenetz.net/

Working parents always juggle a lot. But the coronavirus pandemic just made everything even more complicated. Now, we’re working from home, caring for the kids, and managing the household – all at once, all under one roof. But is all the work (and stress) falling on one parent more than the other? Eve Rodsky has created a way for couples to divide and conquer domestic duties fairly, equally, and without arguments or resentment. She’s the author of the New York Times Bestseller, Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live). Eve explains her gamified task system, which she designed before the pandemic. And, she shares new research conducted during this crisis that underscores how organizational systems -- not mile-long to-do lists -- are the most effective way to tackle tasks and stay sane at home right now. Listen to this episode to learn: -The anatomy of a household task (it breaks down into conception, planning, and execution) -Why the physical and mental burdens of “invisible work” shouldn’t fall squarely on women -Rodsky’s system for how working parents can run their households…pandemic or otherwise -The household tasks that are most in play during the coronavirus (including laundry, meals, groceries, dishes, and child care) -The importance of having nightly check-ins with our partners right now -How to find happiness and beauty in ordinary moments For more information, visit: https://www.fairplaylife.com/

Working parents are pulled in so many directions that it’s easy to feel like you’re failing at everything. But when we apply leadership principles and skills across all aspects of our lives – at work, at home, in our community, and to ourselves – our relationships flourish and our lives do, too. The key is to develop a leader’s mentality, say Stew Friedman and Alyssa Westring. Stew is an award-winning organizational psychologist at The Wharton School of Business and founding director of the Wharton Leadership Program and its Work/Life Integration Project. Alyssa is an associate professor of management at DePaul University and the director of research at Total Leadership. They join us to talk about their new book, Parents Who Lead: The Leadership Approach You Need to Parent with Purpose, Fuel Your Career, and Create a Richer Life. Stew and Alyssa discuss the importance of defining your values, deciding what you care about most, and setting your vision as a leader in your life. Listen to this episode to learn: •Why we should throw away “work-life balance” and replace it with “work-life integration” •What is a “four-way win,” and what actions can you and your partner take to achieve one? •How to quiet feelings of mom guilt by making decisions that align with your values •Why a leadership mindset and open dialogue allows you to level-set expectations, build trust, and strengthen relationships at work •How “self-care” (in body, mind, and spirit) makes us better at caring for others •How to cultivate positive relationships with caregivers, neighbors, family, and friends to “build your village” and enrich your life (and theirs!) •Using experimentation and measurement to find our own pathways to living a better, more purposeful life For more information: www.parentswholead.net

The transition from childhood to adolescence is not easy – for kids or their parents. Suddenly, old friendships are ending and new ones are forming. Hormones kick in. School gets more intense. And almost every middle schooler has something every adult has: a cell phone. Sure, it all feels like a whirlwind, but there are so many opportunities for parents to navigate the changes and guide their middle schoolers. Phyllis Fagell can help. She’s a licensed clinical professional counselor, certified professional school counselor, journalist, mom of three, and author of the book Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help. She joins us to talk about the big changes middle schoolers experience. And, she offers parents practical advice on how to love and support their children through them. Listen to this episode to learn: -Tips to proactively build character and confidence in your tween children -How to have more mindful communication with your middle schooler (hint: some emotional distance is key) -Ways to set your kids up for academic success as they gear up for high school and beyond -How to help tweens navigate shifting social dynamics and make good friend choices -Advice on how to empower middle school girls during these pivotal years -Why having positive male role models helps boost empathy and self-awareness in middle school boys -Why middle schoolers sometimes bully and turn to mean behavior, and strategies for parents on how to deal with it

“Sharenting” is more than just posting pictures of your kids on social media. The convenience of our digital age – with Alexa, Nest Cams, and Gizmos infiltrating our lives and daily routines – has lured us into having a false sense of security. The dangers of exposing kids’ personal information and data are alarmingly real. Leah Plunkett is a University of New Hampshire law professor, Faculty Associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University, and author of the bestselling book, Sharenthood: Why We Should Think before We Talk about Our Kids Online. She joins us for a conversation about the oft-overlooked consequences of sharenting. Leah gives practical guidance on how to make values-based decisions that protect our children’s privacy, autonomy, and sense of self in the digital age. Listen to this episode to learn: -The surprising ways in which our kids become vulnerable when we sharent – now and in the future -The types of information our digital gadgets and devices gathering and sharing about our kids -How “private” are privacy settings? -Practical do’s and don’ts for parents around sharenting -How to set clear boundaries and expectations with family members, caregivers, and others about sharing kids’ pictures and information on social media -Questions parents need to ask schools, summer camps, and other organizations about protecting and monitoring kids’ digital privacy

Whether they’re in the classroom or on the field, kids are under immense pressure from parents, teachers, coaches, and caregivers to achieve. But are we doing our kids a disservice when we focus too much on our kids’ achievements instead of moral values like kindness, caring, and empathy? Rick Weissbourd is a psychologist, author, and senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also co-directs Harvard’s Making Caring Common Project, which arms parents and schools with information and tools to help them prioritize moral and social values in childrens’ lives. Rick discusses the relationship between moral and social character and achievement in children. He also shares advice on how to raise kind, caring, grateful children and why this should be every parent’s goal. Listen to this episode to learn: -Is there a gap between parents’ perceptions and children’s reality about the value of caring, kindness, and empathy? -Actions parents can take to strengthen their kids’ concern for others and the common good -Why schools, colleges, and universities all have a critical role to play in building the moral and social character of young people -The positive effects experienced into adulthood when children are taught kindness and empathy at a young age -Advice for parents on how to deal with bullies and overly-competitive sports parents

As a new parent, every decision feels consequential – and you never know for sure if you’re doing it right. While there are no right answers to parenting, there is data that can guide us to make better decisions. Emily Oster, an award-winning economist at Brown University, wrote the bestselling book on it: Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool. She’s with us to share what the data says about many of the big questions and topics parents face, from breastfeeding, sleep training, work guilt, vaccines, daycare, and more. Emily (a mom of two) explains how to cut through the social media and societal noise and use data and personal preferences in tandem to make better parenting decisions. Listen to this episode to learn: -Surprising evidence about peanut allergies – is early exposure the way to avoid them? -The truth about breastfeeding – what the data does and doesn’t say -Advice on co-sleeping and the often overlooked benefits of sleep training -The bottom line on the safety and efficacy of vaccines -Advice for parents who are juggling work and family -How daycare affects kids’ behavioral and educational development -Why sometimes just relaxing and not overthinking is the best decision a parent can make

Working your way up to the C-suite as a mom, an immigrant, and a woman of color takes boldness and resilience. This is Jackie Glenn’s story. At just 19 years old, she emigrated from Jamaica to America to work as a nanny. She got married, had kids, and eventually became Vice President & Global Chief Diversity Officer at Dell EMC. Today, Jackie has her own company, and she remains dedicated to giving voice to the underrepresented and building more diverse and inclusive workplace cultures. Jackie shares lessons from her life and book, Lift As I Climb: An Immigrant Girl’s Journey Through Corporate America. She paints an inspiring picture of the obstacles, sacrifices, and successes she’s experienced throughout her journey as an immigrant, a woman of color, a working mom, a wife, a daughter, and a C-suite executive. Listen to this episode to learn: -Why working moms and underrepresented minorities need to be bold, speak up, and “A.S.K. to G.E.T.” -How women can shake the doubts and fears of managing a career while raising a family -Advice for immigrants and minorities on how to build a career in corporate America -Why having a personal “board of directors” is a great source of support, perspective, and ideas for working women For more information, visit: https://glenndiversity.com/

So you’re not the “perfect parent.” So what?! In a world of Instagram pics, Facebook mom groups, sports meets, and smartphones, Lisa Sugarman has a simple message for parents: stop being so hard on yourselves, and on your kids. Sugarman is a nationally syndicated columnist, mother of two, and co-author of the book, How to Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids And Be Ok With It: Real Tips & Strategies for Parents of Today’s Gen Z Kids. She’s with us to talk about the value of letting go of all the worry and stress about what everyone else thinks. Stop comparing your family to the one next door and celebrate the messiness (huge piles of laundry, dirty dishes, and all!). Listen to this episode to learn: - Why we need to embrace our kids for who they are, the path they’re on, and the goals they have - Why the pressure to project the image of being the “perfect family” (especially on social media) does us more harm than good - The benefits of letting go of the fear of failure and “turning the lens inward” on ourselves - How we can set good examples for our kids in times of stress - Why it might be time to cut an activity (or two), and the importance of unstructured down time - How to feed our kids’ passions and interests without pushing them too hard or too far - Advice on setting healthy boundaries for kids around technology use and screen time For more information, visit: www.lisasugarman.com

Who is “The New Dad?” Is he any different from the “old” one? Brad Harrington has been researching this question for over a decade. He’s the Executive Director of the Boston College Center for Work & Family – which partners with nation’s most progressive employers to improve employees’ lives – and an award-winning professor at the Boston College Carroll School of Management. During our conversation, Harrington breaks down modern working dads, explaining the conflicts and complexities so many of them grapple with (no matter their generation) when it comes to caring for their families while advancing their careers. He also reveals intriguing findings from a new landmark study: https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/centers/cwf/research/publications/researchreports/Expanded%20Paid%20Parental%20Leave-%20Study%20Findings%20FINAL%2010-31-19.pdf measuring the impact of expanding corporate paid leave benefits for new working parents. Listen to this episode to learn: -Reasons why working dads struggle just as much as (and perhaps more than) working moms to balance the demands of work and family -The employer’s role in supporting and celebrating the role men play as caregivers (and how this supports gender equality) -Are Millennial dads really the most “egalitarian” fathers? -Why senior executives need to lead by example and encourage more men to take the full amount of paternity leave offered to them -The progress society has made in getting more men to take paternity leave -Ideas for re-entry to the workplace after leave, including “phased returns” and flexible work schedules -The similarities between women and men who take parental leave when it comes to company loyalty and concerns about career advancement and company For more information, visit: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/sites/center-for-work-family.html