Best Parenting Podcasts (2024)

1
No Contact Means NO Contact 55:02

3h ago55:02

55:02

Lynette opens the show by talking about an upcoming trip she’s taking to New Jersey. Then the ladies remember a few of the times they got in trouble at their old jobs. After that Lynette talks about a new HBO true crime show called Web of Lies. Before they wrap, Stefanie talks about watching a show called Betrayal Thanks for supporting today's spon…

1
Why Is My Friend Body Shaming Toddlers? 45:12

1h ago45:12

45:12

On this episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth and Zak help a listener who’s wondering why her friend is bodyshaming her own toddler so intensely — not to mention our listener’s kid, too — and what to do about it. These kids are still little enough to avoid lifelong damage to their relationships with food, and their bodies… but where’s the line when it comes …

1
Hearing from God as a Busy Parent 13:17

1h ago13:17

13:17

All of us are busy raising our kids. As your schedule gets crowded, how do you make time to pray and hear God speak to you? Jim Daly and Courtney Ellis share how learning to hear from God is possible, even when you're super busy. Then, Danny talks with John about how learning to hear from God has helped him be a better parent. Find us online at foc…

1
Weekly Roundup: “Fish Farts,” Audiobrary, and Free-Time Activities 17:59

2h ago17:59

17:59

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find this week is another kids' nonfiction book that relies on a scatological title to grab the attention of reluctant readers (see also: Butt or Face?). This one's called Fish Farts: And Other Amazing Ways Animals Adapt by Joanne Settel. Terri's random recomm…

1
Parenting: My child has three showers a day

1h ago

—

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune joins Seán Moncrieff to answer your parenting questions…

1
Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E5, “White Rabbit” 14:35

1h ago14:35

14:35

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode brought Jack to the brink, as he was haunted (maybe literally?) by his dad and his past demons, so much so that he ran himself right off the side of a cliff. The good news is that Locke was there to save the day, so that Jack could resume his job as…

1
Honoring God by Decluttering 9:40

19m ago9:40

9:40

Most of us don't expect our houses to become messy, yet sadly, a lot of us are overwhelmed with stuff. Courtney Ellis and Jim Daly share why it honors God for you to declutter your home. Plus, John and Danny offer hope to those who are struggling to get rid of things. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. …

1
Normalizing Anxiety- Episode #776 1:00:00

34m ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Cathy and Todd talk about anxiety and why it’s a completely normal part of life. They explain how anxiety isn’t just a response to stress but a built-in part of our survival system. Using the movie Inside Out 2, they show how anxiety, like the other emotions in the film, helps us navigate uncertainty and stay safe. They also offer practical tips fo…

1
It's Called Menopause 58:29

2h ago58:29

58:29

Stefanie opens this week’s first show by giving an update on getting COVID and being out last week. Then the ladies talk about the kids going back to school, especially the ones going into college now. After that, Lynette talks about Sonny’s trip to Japan that he just got back from. Before they wrap, Lynette and Stefanie talk about the HBO Max show…

1
Help Kids Realize Their Potential With the Power of Less (With Kim John Payne) 42:10

4d ago42:10

42:10

When we're concerned about our kids' behavior, their stress and difficult moods, a lack of motivation, or an overall sense that we're not in harmony with them — the solution almost certainly comes down to "less." In this episode, Janet is joined by Kim John Payne, M.ED., renowned family consultant, lecturer, and author of the seminal parenting guid…

1
Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E5, “An Arrival” 16:02

2h ago16:02

16:02

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 5, "An Arrival," Alexander gets a crash course in fatherhood and learns it's very different from being the fun uncle. Mentioned: A Screenrant recap of this episode. Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the…

1
I’m Struggling to Love My Daughter 43:59

1d ago43:59

43:59

On this episode: Lucy, Zak, and Elizabeth answer a tricky question from a listener who’s struggling to feel love for her daughter. Mismatched neurodivergence might be to blame… but what is a parent to do when they don’t feel connected with their kids? How can they work on translating irritation into love — and grappling with the guilt of not feelin…

1
Nanny Olga 53:25

1h ago53:25

53:25

On today’s episode, Lynette welcomes a special guest co-host, her family’s longtime nanny Olga. They open the show by talking about Olga recently becoming a grandmother and what that’s been like for her. Olga and Lynette then continue to talk about the 18 years she’s been working for them, how they feel now that the kids are going off to college, a…

1
We’re Friends With a Flaky Family 37:37

20m ago37:37

37:37

On this episode: Lucy, Elizabeth and Zak help a listener who’s grappling with whether it’s worth trying to keep up a friendship with a family that is just not reliable. It’s only started recently, but they show up to events and hangouts hours late… if at all… with very scant communication. The flakiness disappoints our listener’s kid, but is this w…

1
Weekly Roundup: “Sasquatch Sunset,” “Hands of Time,” and Current Obsessions 22:44

5d ago22:44

22:44

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find this week is a movie that somehow seems to be very popular in her library system: Sasquatch Sunset. If you're looking for an adventure/comedy told entirely in grunts, this one's for you! Terri's random recommendation is a book she thinks is worth your whil…

1
Setting an Example of a Good Attitude 11:00

11m ago11:00

11:00

Have you ever wanted to say what was on your mind, but you knew you shouldn't in front of your kids? John and Danny share times that's happened in their own parenting. Also, Dr. Kathy Koch tells Jim Daly a funny story about a time she held her tongue, even when it was difficult situation. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or …

1
Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E4, “Walkabout” 14:20

1h ago14:20

14:20

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we got more of Locke's back story, which also gave us more a lot more to wonder about when it comes to the properties of this island. On the parenting tip, Michael searched for a babysitter and decided on someone who doesn't speak a word of Engl…

1
Guest Co-Host Mark L Walberg 1:05:30

2h ago1:05:30

1:05:30

On today’s episode, Lynette is joined by special guest co-host and Temptation Island host Mark Walberg, while Stefanie recovers from COVID. Lynette and Mark open the show by talking about mushrooms and weed. Then they get into a conversation about the kids leaving for college. This leads to some more parenting talk. Before they wrap, Lynette asks M…

1
Karen Walrond: How to Reclaim Aging as Something to Celebrate 37:11

2d ago37:11

37:11

Guess what? We all age! So why is the world so tough on women who do just that? Can we reclaim aging as something to celebrate? You'll get some wonderful answers today from Karen Walrond, author of the award-winning Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell We discuss how we all inadvertently promote ageism (ever said …

1
Life Trajectories- Episode #775 52:29

4h ago52:29

52:29

Cathy and Todd discuss life trajectories, emphasizing that success isn’t confined to a single right path, way, class, major, or job. They highlight the importance of children trusting their instincts and their own knowledge as they go through life. They also explore how resilience and adaptability are developed through every setback, and how we can…

1
The Scoop on Independent Play (And Myths That Get in the Way) 25:25

3h ago25:25

25:25

Children are innately driven to play, and the benefits are enormous. They're also driven to seek our attention and connection, so how can we encourage our kids' play without becoming their constant playmate? In this episode Janet dispels seven common misunderstandings that make the lifelong habit (and gift) of self-directed play much more challengi…

1
Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E4, “Good Times” 16:33

44m ago16:33

16:33

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 4, "Good Times," Alexander has become a gentlemanly waiter, and is realizing that life in the hotel is not representative of life in the real world. And by the end of the episode, he's become a su…

1
288: Comedy legend Helen Lederer 45:49

1h ago45:49

45:49

Our guest for this episode is the hilarious comedian Helen Lederer! We talk about how she helped pave the way for slags trying to be funny like us. She tells us what it was like to do stand-up in the eighties, alongside the likes of Ben Elton and Ellie's Dad, and we discuss what's changed since. Lederer tells us all about her brilliant book, Not Th…

1
Ugh, What’s For Dinner? 35:44

35m ago35:44

35:44

On this episode: Lucy, Zak, and Chris Duffy answer a question from the Slate Parenting Facebook group about what to do when dinner rolls around. This member of the group would be perfectly happy with toast or popcorn, but also wants to make sure their toddler grows up with a healthy relationship to food. We’ll share some low-effort, high-tastiness …

1
That’s Not The Flex You Think It Is 57:48

1h ago57:48

57:48

Lynette and Stefanie open the show by talking to Producer about a new podcast he’s producing with his dad called Just Fooling About with Michael Biehn. Stefanie then recaps her recent trip to the dentist to get a root canal. After that, the gang talks about different drugs they’ve tried in the past. Before they wrap, the ladies get into a little Re…

1
Is Nudity in Art OK For Kids? 44:22

12d ago44:22

44:22

On this episode: Lucy and Zak are joined by special guest host Chris Duffy to talk about the power of a painting. Our listener has a piece of art hanging on her wall that features some nudity — and it recently startled a crew of kids over for a playdate. Should the painting be moved, or taken down? Or is our listener just becoming the fabled Cool A…

1
Struggles and Desires of This Upcoming Generation 10:57

8m ago10:57

10:57

The current generation is facing many challenges through social media, shows and peer pressure. The world is constantly telling them what's acceptable. Jim Daly and J. Warner Wallace bring up how kids and teens today long for something that's real. Plus, John and Danny give some ideas for how kids can practice authenticity. Find us online at focuso…

1
Weekly Roundup: “Deadly Biters,” Movie Games, and Mom Confessions 18:25

26m ago18:25

18:25

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is another scary nonfiction series for children: Deadly Biters (including Grizzly Bears Bite!, Piranhas Bite!, Hippos Bite!, and more). Mentioned: The similar series Animal Battles and Who Would Win?. Terri's random recommendation is a set of games that t…

1
Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E3, “Tabula Rasa” 18:20

36m ago18:20

18:20

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode, "Tabula Rasa," focused on flashbacks to Kate's back story, so we learned more about how she was pursued all the way to Australia by a U.S. Marshal (if not exactly why she was in his sights). We also saw a real parenting win when Locke recovered Wal…

1
Balancing Cognitive Labor- Episode #774 54:22

14d ago54:22

54:22

Cathy and Todd discuss cognitive labor, which is the mental effort and worry of anticipating needs, considering options, making decisions, and tracking progress in the home and with kids. They explore how it’s connected to emotional and invisible labor and stress the importance of ongoing discussions to reduce resentment and ensure everyone feels s…

1
Breaking News Alert 54:18

5h ago54:18

54:18

Lynette opens this week’s first show by talking about her dog having another seizure. Then the ladies talk about their sleeping and Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race. After that, Stefanie recaps her karaoke night which leads to more music talk. Before they wrap, Lynette and Stef go over a few things they’ve been watching lately. Thank…

1
Surviving a Storm of Emotions 28:26

18d ago28:26

28:26

Our child’s uncomfortable feelings can manifest in many ways, the most obvious being tantrums, meltdowns, or long lasting monsoonal crying jags. Often, those feelings are expressed in behaviors, sometimes aggressive. The two emails Janet addresses in this episode come from parents whose kids’ rocky moods and behaviors are persistent, no matter how …

1
Why Some Kids Stay with God and Others Leave Him 11:54

18d ago11:54

11:54

It's become a popular trend on social media for people to announce they're leaving the Christian faith. In a world where that's promoted, how do you train your kids to be close to God? J. Warner Wallace and Jim Daly discuss some of the faith challenges kids are dealing with today. Then, Danny and John share about why some kids stay strong in their …

1
Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E3, “The Last Rostov” 13:59

8d ago13:59

13:59

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 3, "The Last Rostov," the Count's reckoning with all the changes in his world brings him to the brink, but a kindly beekeeper rescues him. He also deepens his relationships with Anna (the actress)…

1
What Does My Son Need To Shave? 38:01

15d ago38:01

38:01

On this episode: Lucy, Jamilah, and Dan Kois help a member of the Slate Parenting Facebook community who’s wondering how to help her teenage son through the rite of passage that is shaving. We’ll also help out a listener whose six-year-old is an overzealous shaver, and talk through whether it’s a real problem. We also dole out a round of recommenda…

1
Prepare To Be Disappointed 54:58

22d ago54:58

54:58

Lynette and Stefanie open the show by talking about hate watching/listening to content. Lynette then talks about a true crime documentary she watched on the Slenderman murder. After that, Stefanie talks about going out to do Karaoke the other night. Before they wrap, Stefanie talks about her kids looking for jobs. Thanks for supporting today’s spon…

1
I Can’t Sleep When My Teen’s Gone 33:52

1d ago33:52

33:52

On this episode: Lucy, Jamilah, and special guest host Dan Kois help a member of the Slate Parenting Facebook group who’s unable to sleep unless everyone in the household is tucked in and all the doors are locked. That’s making it challenging to live with a 16-year-old night owl… so is the answer to just suffer through the evenings where not everyo…

1
Good Dialogue with Your Teen 10:45

1h ago10:45

10:45

Practicing healthy dialogue with your teenager can make a major difference in keeping your relationship strong. Danny and John address how to balance giving your teen freedom and having good dialogue. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Ken Wilgus share some tools to help equip parents for healthy conversations. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingp…

1
Weekly Roundup: “Glassworks,” HARDY’s “Quit!!”, and Refusing to Simplify 19:59

1h ago19:59

19:59

Here's what's on our minds (and playlists) this week: Catherine's library find is a book she judged by its cover. Glassworks's art and blurbs appealed enough for Catherine to give this debut novel by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith a try (it also happens to be on the Staff Picks table at her library right now, chosen by another staff member). It's a creative…

1
Parenting: Daughter will only eat pink food 18:22

4h ago18:22

18:22

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune joins Seán Moncrieff to answer your parenting questions…

1
Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E2, “Pilot Part 2” 16:15

14d ago16:15

16:15

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. Happily for Catherine, the second part of the pilot was much less migraine-inducing than the first part. The castaways are likely not as happy, as they are dealing with mysterious monsters, mysterious fellow passengers, and mysterious raw fish dishes. As for par…

1
Balancing Presence, Thought, and Action in Parenting- Episode #773 1:04:08

11d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Todd and Cathy emphasize the importance of being present, thinking critically, and doing in parenting, and discussed the concept of human archetypes and the need to focus on the present moment. They also shared personal anecdotes about balancing ‘being’, ‘doing’, and ‘thinking’, and discussed the challenges of societal expectations and the importan…

1
This Is Default Parenting 1:00:03

16d ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Lynette opens the show by talking about Sonny leaving for Japan this morning. Then the ladies give a little update on how their dogs are doing. After that, Stefanie talks about her younger daughter finally getting her drivers license. Before they wrap, Stefanie gives an update on her daughter’s ADHD diagnosis. Thanks for supporting today’s sponsors…

1
Potty Learning: What Kids Need From Us 36:44

16d ago36:44

36:44

Potty training is always an adventure, and it can be a confusing, sometimes frustrating experience. There are countless books on the subject, and there's plenty of advice from both experts and well-meaning friends and family. Since every child’s process is unique to them and depends on so many internal and external influences, it’s difficult to fin…

1
Should I Tell My Teen What to Do? 9:50

25d ago9:50

9:50

You ask your teen to do a simple favor. But instead of doing it, he or she gives you the eyeroll! Many of us have dealt with that! John and Danny bring up some of the challenges parents deal with in letting go when their kids reach the teen years. Also, Dr. Ken Wilgus and Jim Daly discuss how to give your teen appropriate kinds of freedom. Find us …

1
Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E2, “An Invitation” 16:08

37m ago16:08

16:08

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. "An Invitation," the second episode of eight, did in fact bring a couple of invitations (some threatening, some not), along with a secret expansion of the Count's living quarters and--sadly—the departure of …

1
287: Grief, sex and Ronan Keating with Stacey Heale 54:34

18d ago54:34

54:34

What's the best thing to say to someone who's in mourning? Is the second year of grief really the hardest? And who was the lead singer of Westlife? Helping us answer all these questions is the amazing Stacey Heale! She tells us what it was like to lose her husband, Greg, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer on their daughter's first birthday…

1
5 Small Life Edits to Create Big, Positive Change in Your Life: Dr. Christine Koh 36:51

7d ago36:51

36:51

"Life is hard. Adulting is hard. The political climate is hard," confesses Dr. Christine Koh, one of my favorite humans and the host of the Edit Your Life Show. So she's here to share 5 small (really!) life edits you can make right now, that have immediate and positive impact. One of my favorite: Identifying the kinds of people you should be spendi…

1
My Kid’s Friend Has Zero Supervision 22:43

18d ago22:43

22:43

On this episode: Zak, Lucy and Jamilah help a member of the Slate Parenting Facebook Group who’s torn about her kid’s new bestie. This girl is mostly unsupervised and tends toward naughtiness — ding-dong ditching, messy play, and watching adult YouTube — and that tendency is trickling down to our group member’s son. How can this parent make sure he…

1
I’m Sorry I’m Not Super Intellectual 55:45

2d ago55:45

55:45

Lynette and Stefanie open the show with some of the things they’ve been watching recently. Then the ladies get into a discussion about the kid’s sports over the year. This leads them to remember their days playing sports in school, and the hassle of having to do it with big boobs. Before they wrap, Lynette and Stef talk about disciplining children …

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