Real Parents, Real Conversations with L.A. Parent Magazine

Hello everyone! Welcome back to our L.A. Parent podcast, where we chat about all things parenting. How are you all doing in the midst of all the holiday planning? This time of the year can be so magical and exhausting at the same time. So far, we have put up our tree, baked cookies, went through getting sick several times, ant problems in our kitchen, toddler meltdowns and so it goes. Our digital editor and mom, Nina Harada, shares her moments of connection with her daughter in the midst of daily frustrations. Sometimes all we need is a hug and perhaps a second hug to regulate our emotions and find calm during hectic times. Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy holidays. Hug each other and make beautiful memories. For more parenting tips, travel inspiration, recipes and fun things to do with kids in L.A., visit laparent.com Don't miss our latest holiday issue, you can read online HERE. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for listening and if you love this podcast and L.A. Parent, please write us a review and share with a friend.

Hello everyone and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast where we chat about all things parenting with our host, Nina Harada -- first time mom and the digital editor at L.A. Parent. Back from a weekend mommy/daughter trip up the central coast, Nina says she realizes how much our kids teach us. This past weekend was all about the importance of taking a moment to notice and appreciate the small transitions in our lives. As adults we have so much on our to-do list that we don't want to stop because we worry we might never get back on the train. Our kids are the ones that remind us that stopping and noticing is what we actually need to stay on the train. As we get ready for Thanksgiving and the kickoff to the holiday season, take the time to slow down, notice the moments, the transitions and the feelings. For more parenting tips, travel inspiration, recipes and fun things to do with kids in L.A., visit laparent.com Don't miss our latest holiday issue, you can read online HERE. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for listening and if you love this podcast and L.A. Parent, please write us a review and share with a friend.

Hello families and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast where we chat about all things parenting with our Digital Editor, first-time mom and L.A. native Nina Harada. As we kick off the holiday season, we're talking about gratitude and savoring the moments when that overwhelming feeling of dreams coming true washes over us. Nina and her husband had been longing for a feeling of community in Los Angeles for many years and this year during the hectic festivities of Halloween, they realized it was through their daughter that they have created a wonderful community of friends and neighbors. How sweet is that moment that you stop and allow yourself to feel grateful and to appreciate the wonderful connections you have in your life. We hope you and your family take a few moments every day and bring to mind the good in your life and the people you love. We are forever grateful to you, our listeners and L.A. Parent readers. Don't miss our latest holiday issue, you can read online HERE. And for more parenting tips, holiday fun around the city, travel inspiration, recipes and much more visit LAParent.com. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for listening and if you love this podcast and L.A. Parent, please write us a review and share with a friend.

Hello families and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast, where we chat about all things life and parenting. Today, our host Nina Harada is about to celebrate her wedding anniversary -- dinner (just her and her husband) and their special ritual of writing and reflecting on their lives together in a shared journal. These moments of intentional connections are so important for our well-being. Listen in as Nina shares her intimate thoughts on honoring the seasons of our lives. For date night ideas, parenting advice, travel tips and so much more visit us at LAParent.com Thanks for listening and don't miss our latest September/October Issue all about education and enrichment. Check out our website for great Fall Fun roundups for the whole family. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for listening and if you love this podcast and L.A. Parent, please write us a review and share with a friend.

Hello everyone and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast, where we talk about all things parenting. Today, our host, digital editor and first-time mom Nina Harada is back from a wellness getaway with two of her close mom friends. It wasn't easy make this trip happen, but once they did they came back not only refreshed and recharged, but also a little more reflective on life and the parenting journey. Tune in to hear about the insights learned while having lunch poolside and deep diving into conversations uninterrupted. Happy Fall everyone and remember that L.A. Parent is always part of your community. Thanks for listening and don't miss our latest September/October Issue all about education and enrichment. Check out our website for great Fall Fun roundups for the whole family. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For all things parenting, education, health and wellness plus great travel stories and fun things to do, visit LAParent.com

Hello and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast, where we chat about all things parenting. Today, our host Nina Harada, digital editor, L.A.-native and first-time mom, is savoring her friend time this past weekend. How nice to connect with other young families trying to figure our the daily challenges of raising a toddler. A backyard BBQ and a picnic in the park were the best medicine for mom exhaustion and renewed energy. Being in community with others navigating the parenting journey is one of the best ways we can fill our cup and feel less stressed. L.A. Parent is always part of your community. As always, thanks for listening and don't miss our latest September/October Issue all about education and enrichment. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For all things parenting, education, health and wellness plus great travel stories and fun things to do, visit LAParent.com

Hello families and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast with our Digital Editor and first-time L.A. mom Nina Harada. Today we're chatting about family dynamics -- with parents, in-laws, siblings and other important adults in your child's life. When do you speak up? When is it better to just let it go? Do you wish you spoke up more? Well, you are not alone. As parents, this is a tricky area to navigate. We know family members are coming from a place of love and they want the very best for our kids. But, we don't always see situations the same way and things can get pretty frustrating. We're with you and we get it. As always, thanks for listening and don't miss our latest September/October Issue all about education and enrichment. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For all things parenting, education, health and wellness plus great travel stories and fun things to do, visit LAParent.com

Welcome back to the LA Parent podcast. This week's episode is about sensory overload as a parent. Last episode Nina Harada, our digital editor and first-time mom, talked about burn out, and two weeks later she still hasn't taken her own advice. She's realizing that the burn out is less about lack of sleep or never-ending domestic chores, and more about her own nervous system. With a toddler, it's easy for our senses to feel overwhelmed. Nina's nervous system always feels like on high alert and it needs a mini reset. In the morning her toddler wakes her up by jumping on her or listing her specific demands and at bedtime she's chatting away so much that Nina finally has to say, “Okay, mama is all done talking. Let's talk tomorrow.” We've all been there. We love our kids, but something it feels like a constant motor running. Know that you're not alone in this parenting journey. LA Parent is your constant companion. As always, thanks for listening and don't miss our latest July-August issue all about summer fun and discoveries. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For all things parenting, plus great travel stories and fun things to do, visit LAParent.com

Hello families and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast with our Digital Editor and first-time mom Nina Harada. Today we're giving ourselves and all of you permission to take some time for yourself. As we get ready for our kids to head back to school, we're wondering what happened to all of our summer plans and how did the break go by so fast! As the days turn to weeks, we want to remind you to take the time to honor your needs. Whatever you need to feel rested and recharged, give yourself the permission to do it. As always, thanks for listening and don't miss our latest July-August issue all about summer fun and discoveries. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For all things parenting, plus great travel stories and fun things to do, visit LAParent.com

Welcome back families. In today's episode, our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina, gives us an update on her daughter's gymnastics class and realizes the class was less about balance beams and somersaults. For her daughter, it was more about the excitement of the room, the colors of the mats and other observations. She was more interested in other aspects of the class and the space than staying in line. But when we're so used to following the rules as adults, how do we find that balance to teach our kids how to listen to directions while at the same time honoring their unique spirit? As always, thanks for listening and don't miss our latest July-August issue all about summer fun and discoveries. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For all things parenting, plus great travel stories and fun things to do, visit LAParent.com

Welcome back to the L.A. Parent Podcast with Nina Harada -- Digital Editor and first-time mom. Today Nina has husband on the show as they chat about finding the right extracurricular activity for their 3-year-old daughter. It was her husband who took the lead in the finding a gymnastic class and so far it seems like a great fit. Should they be doing more? Music? Art? As parents we want to provide all the opportunities for our children. But how do we know what the ideal number of classes are? How do you follow your child's lead and interest and not impose your own? As always, thanks for listening and don't miss our latest July-August issue all about summer fun and discoveries. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For all things parenting, plus great travel stories and fun things to do, visit LAParent.com

Hello and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast, where our host, first-time mom and L.A. Parent Digital Editor Nina Harada talks all things parenting -- the joys, the challenges and all the feelings that come with parenting. Nina and her family recently spent 2 weeks in North California visiting with her husband's family. Being away from home and the daily routine is not easy for any of us, especially not easy for a toddler. Join us as Nina shares about her family's adventures, tantrums, meltdowns, cuddles and feeling sad, happy and excited all at the same time. How is your summer going so far? We would love to hear about your adventures. And for more inspiration and tips on how to travel safely, visit laparent.com. You can also read our latest issue focused on family travel: LA Parent/Current Issue. Share your travel ideas and best places to visit with us. Tag us with #LAParentTravels and let us know about your latest adventure close by or far away. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Happy Travels!

Hello families and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast, where we're celebrating summer and making travel memories. What's your summer adventure plan? Beach? mountains? camping? maybe a road trip? Our host and Digital Editor Nina Harada was back on the 5 this week with her family heading to the Bay Area. This is a road she has travelled often, first with her dad, then as a student at Berkeley and now with her family visiting her in-laws. There is something magical about long stretches of horizon, us, the road and something new and fun just ahead. Let us know where the summer takes you! For the latest travel inspiration and tips on how to travel safely, visit laparent.com. You can also read our latest issue focused on family travel: LA Parent/Current Issue. Share your travel ideas and best places to visit with us. Tag us with #LAParentTravels and let us know about your latest adventure close by or far away. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Happy Travels!

Hello families and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast, where we chat about all things parenting with our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada. Today, we're wondering why we put so much pressure on ourselves to get everything "perfect," especially when it comes important moments like a much-anticipated weekend away. The last few weeks were filled with fun times and adventures for Nina and family, but also with emergency room visits while visiting a local hot spring and a beloved dog passing away. And despite the things that will inevitably go wrong even though we spent weeks meticulously planning every detail, nothing is "ruined" and the memories will still be special. Take the weekend trip, go to that place you've been reading about. And most of all, stop worrying that it has to be "prefect." Bringing your family together, taking the time to explore somewhere new, talking, laughing and just being -- this is already perfect. The meltdown in the car, the cancelled flight, forgetting to pack the right snacks -- that's just life. For the latest travel inspiration and tips on how to travel safely, visit laparent.com. You can also read our latest issue focused on family travel: LA Parent/Current Issue. Share your travel ideas and best places to visit with us. Tag us with #LAParentTravels and let us know about your latest adventure close by or far away. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Happy Travels!

Hello and welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast. Today our host, Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada, is sharing her summer vacation memories from her childhood and how she wants to create different traditions for her daughter and family. Nina's summers growing up were spent in Japan with her maternal grandparents. Once she finished school in L.A., she flew to Japan with her mom and started school there 6 days a week. The idea of summer camp, family road trips or visiting national parks sounded so exotic when her classmates talked about their summer vacations. As a mom Nina is dreaming and planning for all the places she wants to take her daughter. She wants Naomi to have memories of family summer vacations and new experiences. She also wants to make sure she takes some time away with just her husband too. Whether it's a night at a local beach-side hotel or a few days exploring a new city, travel has a way of invigorating us. We hope you start your own family travel traditions. For the latest travel inspiration and tips on how to travel safely, visit laparent.com. You can also read our latest issue focused on family travel: LA Parent/Current Issue. Share your travel ideas and best places to visit with us. Tag us with #LAParentTravels and let us know about your latest adventure close by or far away. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Happy Travels!

Welcome back families. Today we're chatting about Mother's Day. Hmmm, what do you think? There is a lot of messaging that comes with this day. Do you brush if off as a "cheesy" holiday filled with marketing gimmicks or do you lean into it and celebrate your way? So much goes into the daily life of a mom. Raising a tiny human is not always celebrated or appreciated. This year our digital editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada, is giving herself permission to enjoy this day. And she is urging all of us moms to also lean into this day and ask for what we really want. We also know that Mother's Day can be a hard one for many of us. Treat yourself with kindness and self-care. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. Happy Mother's Day! For more parenting inspiration and resources visit laparent.com Connect with us on Instagram.

Welcome back to the L.A. Parent podcast. Our host, Digital Editor and first-time mom Nina Harada just got back from a family weekend getaway to Ojai. Tune in as she shares the not-so-perfect moments traveling with a wonderful, spirited 3-year-old. As parents we've learned that traveling with young kids is not always a "vacation." But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it for what it is -- an opportunity to make family memories. Yes, there will be spilled food, tantrums and pure exhaustion. And there will be laughter, fun and the joy of knowing that you're sharing this new experience together as a family. In parenting and in life, there is so much that's out of our control. So why not lean into the adventure of it all. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting inspiration and resources visit laparent.com Connect with us on Instagram.

Welcome back, families. Today our Digital Editor and first time mom Nina Harada shares about feeling "in between" being someone's mom and being someone's daughter. After a recent family trip to Joshua Tree with her sister's family and her dad, Nina is wondering how to best navigate shifting family dynamics. Do you openly discuss roles before a holiday gathering or family trip? Does that help diminish some of the bickering and hurt feelings? Exactly what do you say? We would love to learn from you, our L.A. Parent community. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting inspiration and resources visit laparent.com Connect with us on Instagram.

Happy Spring Families! We're so happy to have you back to our L.A. Parent. podcast. Today our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada, is sharing her intimate thoughts on who she is besides Naomi's mom. Before she became a mom three years ago, Nina had a career, hobbies, interests and curiosities. But as a mom to a toddler, her life pretty much now revolves around her daughter. Her situation is completely normal and so are her feelings that something is missing, but what is that something? Sometimes, us moms are just too much "in it" and simply too tired to try to even figure out what's missing. For now, let's try to engage in whatever "extra" activity we're drawn to during our rare few spare moments in the day between work, child care and just trying to keep our household afloat. And let's try to remember that wanting more and seeking new energy will definitely lead us to becoming calmer and more present parents. As we celebrate spring and new energy, we also put together some great roundups on where to find wildflowers in and around L.A. county, part one and part two, and the best spring fairs and festivals. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com Connect with us on Instagram.

Welcome back to the L.A. Parent Podcast, where we chat about the joys and the challenges of parenting. Today, our Digital Editor and first-time mom Nina Harada takes us through her not-so-fun weekend that started off with a much-needed night out with friends and then took her back home to a sick daughter, an emergency room visit and more unwelcome surprises. As Nina kept wishing her parents lived closer to her, that familiar feeling of aloneness took over. But a friend's check-in text can change all that for the better, reminding us that we're never as alone as we imagine. One of the best things we can do for our fellow parents is to simply be there. Parenthood can be lonely and the challenges overwhelming at times. A simple text from a friend can mean so much. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com Connect with us on Instagram.

Hello families and welcome to the L.A. Parent podcast. Today our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada, shares her surprise and delight when her preschooler tells her how much she "appreciates" the way Nina helps her clean up her toys and books in the kitchen. Did her baby really use the word "appreciate?" It's one of those moments that us parents will have over and over again -- the moment we realize our kids are growing up. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com Connect with us on Instagram.

Welcome back families. In today's episode our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada, shares her ongoing efforts to quiet the chatter around her so she can tune into her own inner voice and allow her instincts to lead her. It's not always easy to find that quiet voice within when we're constantly surrounded by information from social media, family and friends. Tune in and let us know your thoughts and how you tap into your inner voice. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com Connect with us on Instagram.

Hi families! What a ride 2022 has been so far. How are you guys doing? As our Digital Editor and first-time mom Nina Harada shares on this episode, we're all feeling a bit (actually maybe a lot) drained lately. With the threat of COVID still very much with us, family and friends getting sick despite vaccines and boosters, we are starting to run out of steam. A simple trip to the grocery with a toddler quickly turns into arguments over proper masking wearing and not touching everything. Nina is wondering how much of this is just normal toddler behavior and how much of it is pandemic-living. Tune in as Nina shares her frustrations, sadness and not being able to shake the feeling of overwhelm. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

Happy New Year families and welcome back to our L.A. Parent Podcast. Today's our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada, chats about why she no longer does New Year's Resolutions and is focusing more on her "intentions" for the year. Her focus for this year is "something is brewing." Tune in to hear about how this intention helped her get through the day filled with a screaming toddler who locked herself in the bathroom, a power outage and other everyday life challenges that can feel extra exhausting as we continue to parent during a pandemic. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

It's almost that time of the year, when the whole world is telling us to be jolly and festive and fun. But let's be honest, the holidays can also be exhausting, overwhelming and sad at times. Tune in as our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada, opens up about her own struggles around this time. Growing up, Nina's family holidays involved mixing her mom's Japanese culture and her dad's Jewish culture. Her husband's childhood memories, however, are of advent calendars and home-made apple cider. Together they are committed to creating special memories for their almost 3-year-old daughter without unrealistic expectations and pressure for perfection. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

Hello and Happy Almost Thanksgiving. As we head into the holiday weekend, our digital editor and first-time mom Nina Harada shares her reflections on what it means to feel like a mom. Whatever your journey was to become a parent, is it everything you expected? Did you feel like a parent right away? And what about all the "shoulds" in your mind. This is what a mom "should" do, this is what a parent "should" feel. We're not sure where all those "shoulds" come from, but they don't always serve a positive purpose. Let's focus more on talking about our parenting journeys and supporting each other and reminding each other that if you're asking yourself "am I doing it right" -- you're doing it right. Thanks for joining us. We love connecting with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

A blank canvas, the unfinished manuscript, training for a half-marathon -- what do these have in common? Tune in as our digital editor and first-time mom shares how motherhood can alter your sense of identity and how an old friend reminded her that just because the canvas she bought weeks ago is still blank doesn't mean she is no longer an artist. Thanks for joining us. We're so excited to connect with you in this space -- a place to be seen, to be heard and to be cheered on. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

We've all been there -- going through Instagram and seeing all the "perfect" photos of the "perfect" family moments. And then our thoughts come back to us and how we are simply not doing enough with our kids. Did we really spend the whole weekend at home having snacks? Our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada, shares her pumpkin patch adventures with us. Yes, she did manage to get a few great family photos, but she also shares the not-so-perfect moments. There were tears, skinned knees, tantrums about car seats, throwing pumpkins and, well, tune in and Nina will tell it all. And to remind us that there is no "perfect", no standard way -- just our way. And that's so OK. Thanks for joining us. We're so excited to connect with you. This is your space -- to be seen and to be heard. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

Hi everyone! Today, our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada is asking parents an important question. What fills you up? As parents we're often so busy taking care of everyone else in our family that we forget about us. But we can't show up for the people we love if we're exhausted. This Sunday, Nina worked through her mom guilt and took a couple of hours with her husband to have a lunch date outside and eat delicious tacos in Highlight Park. The simple act of standing in line, feeling the sunshine and having an adult conversation is all she needed to come back rejuvenated. What fills you up? Nature? a good book? fashion magazines? the farmers market? sitting quietly in the sun? Whatever it is, take the time and get at least a little taste of it. You deserve it. Trust us, your family will thank you for it. Thanks for joining us. We're so excited to connect with you. This is your space -- to be seen and to be heard. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

Happy Fall families. The last week was full of big feelings for our digital editor and first-time mom Nina Harada. Tune in as she shares how her quiet household of 3 adjusted to her mom being in town and how her toddler adjusted to when Nana had to go back home. As we all know, transitions are really hard for kids (and us adults too). Our parenting days are often filled with struggles and wins and we're all learning day by day. Tell us about your struggles and wins. We want to hear from you and share you stories. This is how we build community and make our parenting journey a little easier, a little more joyful and a little more magical. Thanks for tuning in. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

Hello families, We've enjoyed hearing from our listeners and L.A. Parent readers about what's on your mind and today we're chatting about how we are still parenting in a pandemic. Hard to believe and hard to process. Tune in as our Digital Editor and first-time mom, Nina Harada takes us on her journey with her daughter who was just shy of 14-months when the pandemic started. There are heartwarming moments of moms helping moms in a local L.A. supermarket, meltdowns at the playground, worrying about lost time and how all of this is affecting our kids. But the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. We're your community. For more parenting tips and resources visit laparent.com

Hello families, we're back with something new with our Digital Editor Nina Harada. Starting this fall, Nina will tackle different parenting topics as we explore this wild ride of parenting we're all on. Raising kids is many things all at once -- joy, laughter, frustration, fear, love, fatigue, gratitude, hope and so much more. We struggle with parenting questions every single day, just like you. But there is one thing we know for sure -- we need each other. We need a community of other parents, living and raising their kids here in L.A. -- a city that can feel large and disconnected at times. Join us, share your questions and concerns and lets make this parenting ride of our lives more joyful and more magical. Together, we'll make great memories. For more parenting inspiration, articles on education, community programs, the people of L.A., recipes, travel tips and fun things to do in and around our amazing city visit laparent.com.

Hello families! Labor Day Weekend is coming up and we have some fun ideas for the whole family to enjoy in and around L.A. Our digital editor and first-time mom Nina Harada, is sharing her favorite events for the long weekend. Chili Cook-off with an ocean view, music under the stars, harvest festivals and so much more. Listen in and for more fun events and happenings, plus articles on family travel, education, parenting and more visit laparent.com.

Hello L.A. families, today we are chatting about getting closer to nature right here in our own city. Our editor has 5 unique events that will take you on a sunset trail ride, bring you up close and personal with jellyfish, take you on a family fishing adventure and much more. Listen in and tell us some of your favorite spots to escape into nature with your family. For more events and happenings, visit us at laparent.com

Summer is not over yet and in this episode we're bring you our top picks for outdoor movies. The big screen and a bowl of popcorn is a great way to continue to enjoy our warm summer nights and make lasting family memories.

Parents, how often do you get the chance to let go of planning, lists and worries and just have fun? With these 6 unique immersive experiences happening in and around L.A. you will have a few hours to let your imagination soar and make some magical memories with your family. Listen in as our digital editor and L.A. mom shares her top picks. Check our L.A. Parent Calendar of Events online for more fun things to do with your kids.

Do you remember your first concert? There is something so special about experiencing music live with a group of people. Our editor has gathered the best 5 music events happening outdoors. Pack your picnic blanket and chairs and head out with your family and enjoy the show and make great family memories. Check out our LA. Parent Calendar of Events for more fun things to do with your family.

What marks summer in L.A. for you? For many of us is all about live theatre. Our digital editor and new mom highlights her top 5 shows happening right now in and around L.A. Listen in and go make some awesome family memories.

Our Summer Spectacular Series continues with our Digital Editor and first time mom Nina Harada. Tune in as Nina brings us her favorite things to do in and around Los Angeles this summer. Today, she's sharing 5 upcoming events that are sight-specific to our city. These unique L.A. experiences are perfect for families. Go enjoy and make memories.

We are celebrating sunny days and warm nights in L.A. with our special Summer Spectacular series with our very own L.A. Parent Digital Editor and mom Nina Harada. Nina is our go-to person on all fun events and happenings in and around L.A. So listen in as she shares her top three events that are all about yummy food. Let's go make memories.

Meet the Lee Family, L.A. residents and the creators of "Big Changes, New Adventures! A Covid Feelings Workbook." The couple's daughter was the inspiration for the book to help kids work through the emotional challenges of the global pandemic. The book features activities such as writing, drawing, movement and breathing techniques to help kids better process their emotions, which can range from sadness to fear. Designed for kids ages 8-12. For more information on the workbook, click HERE.

Welcome to part 2 of our chat with husband and wife duo Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis about their love of Los Angeles, blending their music and acting careers with parenting, raising their kids bilingually, and their new picture book. Paletero Man is a vibrant debut picture book celebrating the strength of community and inclusivity (on-sale June 1 from HarperCollins Children's Books). This bilingual read-aloud book is based on Lucky's diverse Los Angele neighborhood and Latinx culture. The Lucky Band (by Diaz and Gaddis) are among the top artists in family music. For more than a decade, their songs and performances have celebrated diversity and inclusion, blending cultures seamlessly through song. Among their many awards and nominations, they won an Emmy Award for their kids' variety show, “Lishy Lou and Lucky Too,” and Latin GRAMMYs for two of their family music albums: ¡Fantastico! (2013) and ¡Buenos Diaz! (2019). Read more about this dynamic duo HERE

We're so excited to chat with husband and wife duo Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis about their love of Los Angeles, blending their music and acting careers with parenting, raising their kids bilingually, and their new picture book. Paletero Man is a vibrant debut picture book celebrating the strength of community and inclusivity (on-sale June 1 from HarperCollins Children's Books). This bilingual read-aloud book is based on Lucky's Los Angeles diverse neighborhood and Latinx culture. The Lucky Band (by Diaz and Gaddis) are among the top artists in family music. For more than a decade, their songs and performances have celebrated diversity and inclusion, blending cultures seamlessly through song. Among their many awards and nominations, they won an Emmy Award for their kids' variety show, “Lishy Lou and Lucky Too,” and Latin GRAMMYs for two of their family music albums: ¡Fantastico! (2013) and ¡Buenos Diaz! (2019). Read more about this dynamic duo HERE

We have the pleasure of chatting with LA-based father of two, Antonio Sacre. Antonio is an internationally recognized and award-winning bilingual storyteller, author and educator. He has performed at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center and the National Storytelling Festival. His tales of growing up bilingually in a Cuban and Irish-American household have inspired children worldwide to gather their own family stories and become storytellers themselves. His stories have been published in award-winning books and audio recordings. His Professional Developments and Keynote addresses have helped educators teach writing to students from pre-Kindergarten through graduate school. He has often said that one of the most important parts of storytelling is family. He jokes that while he has built his career around his family's stories, he's considered the clan's 10th best storyteller, “and that's an honor. Sacre says that building family connections is the most important reason to tell stories to your children – especially in a world where we're all more inclined to text than to talk. Learn more about Antonio HERE

Omar y Argelia Show on K-LOVE 107.5 FM has been among the top-rated morning shows in Los Angeles for many years. This married team of Argelia Atilano and Omar Velasco have been business partners for 18 years this summer and married for 13. We're so excited to catch up with these two tesoros, aka treasures, of Los Angeles. Argelia & Omar, welcome. Bienvenidos!

In this two-part series with New York Times Bestselling Author Peggy Orenstein we delve into how to talk to our kids about sex, relationships, consent and all the emotions and feelings involved. Orenstein's latest book is Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent and Navigating the New Masculinity. Her other books include Girls & Sex, Cinderella Ate My Daughter and Waiting for Daisy as well as Don't Call Me Princess, Flux, and the classic SchoolGirls. A contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and AFAR, Peggy has also written for such publications as The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, New York, The Atlantic and The New Yorker, and has contributed commentaries to NPR's All Things Considered . She has been featured on, among other programs, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, The Today Show, Morning Joe, NPR's Fresh Air and The PBS News Hour. Her TED Talk, “What Young Women Believe About Their Own Sexual Pleasure,” has been viewed over 5.4 million times. Her work has also been honored by the Commonwealth Club of California, the National Women's Political Caucus of California and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Additionally, she has been awarded fellowships from the United States-Japan Foundation and the Asian Cultural Council and been a grateful resident at Mesa Refuge and the UCross Foundation. For more information on Orenstein, as well as more resources visit peggyorenstein.com

In this two-part series with New York Times Bestselling Author Peggy Orenstein we delve into how to talk to our kids about sex, relationships, consent and all the emotions and feelings involved. Orenstein's latest book is Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent and Navigating the New Masculinity. Her other books include Girls & Sex, Cinderella Ate My Daughter and Waiting for Daisy as well as Don't Call Me Princess, Flux, and the classic SchoolGirls. A contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and AFAR, Peggy has also written for such publications as The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, New York, The Atlantic and The New Yorker, and has contributed commentaries to NPR's All Things Considered . She has been featured on, among other programs, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, The Today Show, Morning Joe, NPR's Fresh Air and The PBS News Hour. Her TED Talk, “What Young Women Believe About Their Own Sexual Pleasure,” has been viewed over 5.4 million times. Her work has also been honored by the Commonwealth Club of California, the National Women's Political Caucus of California and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Additionally, she has been awarded fellowships from the United States-Japan Foundation and the Asian Cultural Council and been a grateful resident at Mesa Refuge and the UCross Foundation. For more information on Orenstein, as well as more resources visit peggyorenstein.com

We're continuing our chat with the iconic Debbie Allen in a two-part series about the importance of cultivating creativity in our kids and the critical need for arts education in schools. An internationally recognized director, choreographer, author, dancer and actor, Ms. Allen has touched the lives of many young dancers in Los Angeles through the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Ms. Allen has earned three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, a Drama Desk, an Astaire Award (for Best Dancer), and the Olivier Award. She holds four honorary Doctorate degrees and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was appointed by President George W. Bush to represent the United States as a Cultural Ambassador of Dance. She has been artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for over 15 years. Her long list of directing and producing credits include television classics such as FAME, Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Jane the Virgin, Empire, A Different World, Everybody Hates Chris, Stompin' At The Savoy, Polly, That's So Raven, Cool Women, Quantum Leap, The Fantasia Barrino Story, and on stage, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She is currently an Executive Producer as well as a director and actress on ABC's Grey's Anatomy.

We're thrilled to chat with the iconic Debbie Allen in a two-part series about the importance of cultivating creativity in our kids and the critical need for arts education in schools. An internationally recognized director, choreographer, author, dancer and actor, Ms. Allen has touched the lives of many young dancers in Los Angeles through the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Ms. Allen has earned three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, a Drama Desk, an Astaire Award (for Best Dancer), and the Olivier Award. She holds four honorary Doctorate degrees and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was appointed by President George W. Bush to represent the United States as a Cultural Ambassador of Dance. She has been artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for over 15 years. Her long list of directing and producing credits include television classics such as FAME, Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Jane the Virgin, Empire, A Different World, Everybody Hates Chris, Stompin' At The Savoy, Polly, That's So Raven, Cool Women, Quantum Leap, The Fantasia Barrino Story, and on stage, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She is currently an Executive Producer as well as a director and actress on ABC's Grey's Anatomy.

We know them as award-winning newscasters on TV covering breaking stories. Gadi Schwartz is a national correspondent for NBC News, host of the @Overview on Peacock and Stay Tuned on @Snapchat. You've seen Kim Tobin all around L.A., from Long Beach to Santa Clarita, covering stories for NBC4. The couple is expecting their first child, a girl, in June. During our chat, they'll take us through how they ended up dating (different cities, a news station in common, Schwartz' mom, a snowstorm — it was meant to be) to moving to L.A., life as TV journalists, pandemic pregnancy and getting ready for their baby girl. You can read more about them in our May/June issue of L.A. Parent.

You've known us for more than 40 years as the trusty monthly Los Angeles-based magazine full of stories, inspiration and fun family events. And now we want to bring you even more inspiration with this podcast. Real Parents, Real Conversations is about all us—moms and dads trying to figure it out day by day. Join us as we talk to parents, experts, authors, community leaders and celebrities. Our podcast host is Jorge Martin, born and raised in L.A. and the proud father of three daughters. He gets us. He gets you. “Parenting is not easy, but it's pretty incredible,” Jorge says. Like us, like you, he loves L.A.—its culture, its people, its zaniness. L.A. Parent. From your hands to your ears to your hearts. Good things come in threes.