Mom And Dad Are Fighting | Slate's Parenting Show

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah and Elizabeth help a listener who’s struggling with a deep pessimism about the state of this country — and he wants to make sure that his kids have some hope to hold onto.  We also go over our week in parenting triumphs and fails. Then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus, we’ll share some strategies for explaining the war in Gaza to kids – and hopefully not frightening them in the process. On that topic, here are some resources that our hosts wanted to share: From the New York Times: What I Told My Daughter About The War From NPR: How to talk to children about the violence in Israel and Gaza From The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to Children about War Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up f

On this episode: Zak Rosen and Elizabeth Newcamp are joined by Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh, a psychologist and military marriage coach. She also hosts a podcast called Married to Military. Lindsay is here to help Zak and Elizabeth answer a listener question about a couple who cannot agree on parenting styles. The letter writer loves to research and consume parenting content. The husband, on the other hand, refuses to do any education and the information discrepancy has led to disagreements on how to raise their kids.  Recommendations:  Lindsay: Marriage coaching with me!   Elizabeth: Sound Detectives  Zak: The Very Best of Enya Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive con

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah and Elizabeth help a listener who feels like a failure for leaning on YouTube to get their energetic 10-month-old to chill out — so they can handle household stuff for 30 minutes a day. Is this something to feel bad about? We also go over our week in triumphs and fails, and listen in on a real-time parenting moment for Zak. Then, if you have Slate Plus, Elizabeth and Jamilah tackle some common issues that crop up for us around the holidays. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our w

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah and Elizabeth help out a listener who’s not sure why their family’s bedtime routine isn’t working. Their school-aged kid just won’t settle down sometimes, even after storytime and lights out – so what other tools are out there? We also share a round of recommendations, and a round of your own tips and tricks for flying with kids. Elizabeth recommends: Google Chrome Library Extension  Za recommends: Puppy Chow, aka Muddy Buddies, with milk  Jamilah recommends: No Hard Feelings Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.co

Note: This episode contains discussions of murder and grief. Listener discretion is advised between 6:30 and 12:00 of this episode. You can read more about Sam Woll, a close friend of Zak’s family, here. On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen help a listener who’s worried that her son’s play is skewing a little too much toward good guys, bad guys, and violence. What’s the difference between normal play and a red flag – and how can we make sure boys want to include girls? Zak found two great resources for this listener that we want to share: an article about violent play from Parents.com, and a book called Under Deadman's Skin: Discovering the Meaning of Children's Violent Play. We also go over our week in triumphs and fails — and then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus, we discuss an episode of RadioLab that got us thinking about how kids change our perception of time. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thoug

On this episode: Zak Rosen interviews Erin Johnson of the Detroit Urban Forest School about how her work brings kids from different backgrounds together – all in the name of appreciating the great outdoors. Then, Jamilah Lemieux and Elizabeth Newcamp share some tips for wrangling some of the trickier treats that come with parenting during Halloween. And, as always, we end with a round of recommendations. Elizabeth recommends: LectroFan Portable Sound Machine  Jamilah recommends: The Golden Bachelor Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/moman

On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux, Elizabeth Newcamp, and guest host Ophira Eisenberg of “Parenting is a Joke” help a listener whose daughter is sorry. For everything. All the time. For no reason. Why is this happening, and how can this parent help her stop feeling sorry?  We also go over our week in triumphs and fails — and then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus, Ophira and Elizabeth tackle some of the most controversial topics in MADAF history… from toddler leashes to cloth diapers and co-sleeping.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and guest host Duarte Geraldino share all their tips for flying with young kids. They talk about navigating security, in flight entertainment, and energy management throughout the trip. They also tackle a question about making sure your kid’s things come back from the lost and found. (Shout out: The Best Labels for Kids School Gear and Clothing by Lauren Sullivan.)  Recommendations:  Duarte: Alphabet Learning Locks Jamilah: Patti Labelle’s Macaroni and Cheese recipe Zak: Mario Lopez dancing with his daughter on IG Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and guest host Duarte Geraldino tackle twin-dom.  Durate, a single dad of twins, helps us help two listeners (both of whom asked questions on our Slate Parenting Facebook page): one whose twins are at different levels of advancement, and one whose twins have a fierce rivalry.  We also go over our week in triumphs and fails — and then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus, we’re taking on a bracket-style tournament to determine who are the best pop-culture twins. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at sla

On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux is joined by Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett, authors of This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained. They explain how puberty has changed over the last few decades, what these shifts mean for today’s kids, and how caregivers can guide these young adults through this transition. If you want to check out more of Cara and Vanessa’s wonderful advice, they also host The Puberty Podcast.  Recommendations:  Elizabeth: Clubhouse Games (Nintendo Switch)  Zak: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Jamilah: You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak and Jamilah help a listener whose niece lives overseas… and thinks that racism doesn’t exist anymore. How can the listener help educate, but not in a judgy or alienating way? We also go over our week in triumphs and fails — and then, if you stick around for Slate Plus, we decide whether Arnold Schwarzenegger’s parenting strategies deserve an “I’d Do That” or a termination.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie. Learn

On this episode: Elizabeth Newcamp is joined by Dr. Sarah Wayland, founder and owner of Guiding Exceptional Parents and co-author of Is This Autism. Together they answer a parent whose child is exhibiting neurodivergent behaviors and, as such, their pediatrician recommended an evaluation. The letter writer is nervous that an evaluation will mean that their child will be seen as a diagnosis, not for the person she is.  We also go over our week in triumphs and fails — and then, if you stick around for Slate Plus, we talk about what your kid actually means when they tell you ‘no.’  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supportin

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp help a listener who loves sharing the bed with their partner and kid. However, their current sleeping arrangement is creating quite the barrier for intimacy. How can they maintain a healthy and passionate relationship while also parenting?  Recommendations:  Elizabeth: “We Overcame The Wind” from The Drop That Contained the Sea.  Jamilah: Clue Jr.  Zak: Splitting up kids on the weekend.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work. Podcast pro

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp help a listener who’s struggling with a very outgoing kid who can’t seem to understand stranger danger. How can the listener help their child be more aware, without causing fear — and what should they do when a stranger is a little too friendly in return?  We also go over our week in triumphs and fails — and then, if you stick around for Slate Plus, we talk about no-gift birthday parties… and whether we’re tempted to ignore other parents’ rules. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at sla

On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux, Zak Rosen, and Elizabeth Newcamp are joined by Slate writer, Aymann Ismail, to talk about his piece, Closed Book. He tracked down one of the most challenged books—a health and sexual education book called It’s Perfectly Normal—to see why it’s being banned. It’s “particularly blunt and graphic” yet Aymann was surprised at the feelings of embarrassment and shame surfacing as he read the book. They talk about parent’s squeamish feelings when it comes to sexual education, why age-appropriate education is so important, and what these involuntary reactions have to do with book bans.  Recommendations:  Zak: Slow-Cooker Cauliflower, Potato and White Bean Soup Elizabeth: Make your own ‘choose your own adventure’ game. Jamilah: Connections Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp talk about toxic achievement culture. The three of them talk with Jennifer Breheny Wallace, journalist and author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – And What We Can Do About It — about how we push our kids, and ourselves, even when we don’t need to. We also go over our week in parenting. And then, for Slate Plus, we’ll debrief on our conversation with Jennifer, and the hosts will discuss how they, and their kids, fall victim to toxic achievement culture. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp talk about climate change and kids with Anya Kamenetz. Anya is a journalist who covers the intersection of the climate crisis and parenting in her newsletter, The Golden Hour. She is a former NPR education reporter and author of many books including, The Stolen Year. She has lots of wonderful information and advice for any caregiver who will be helping a kid navigate this crisis.  Recommendations  Jamilah: DenTek floss picks  Zak: Cleaning the dishwasher Anya: YouTube karaoke Elizabeth: Spyrogliphics  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work w

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp talk about parenting digital citizens.  Elizabeth sits down with author and speaker Dr. Devorah Heitner about her latest book, Growing Up in Public. The book helps guide parents through navigating social media and phone usage for their kids — and the privacy, freedom, and surveillance issues that come along with phones.  We also go over our week in parenting. And then, for Slate Plus, we’ll debrief on our conversation with Devorah — and how the hosts handle screentime and internet access in their own households. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supportin

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp tackle two listener questions. First: How young is too young for an allowance? The question-asker’s 4-year-old really likes asking for things when they go to the store and she’s wondering if an allowance will help him learn the value of money. Second: How to make time for playdates, especially when both parents work and the weekend is pretty packed. Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends Curb Your Enthusiasm Elizabeth recommends this fridge calendar Zak recommends The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work

On this episode: Zak interviews Jake Gyllenhaal, Greta Caruso, and Dan Santat about their new book, The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles. They dive into what makes that particular relationship so special, why it’s overlooked in children’s literature, and even what goes into crafting a kids book.  We also go over our week in triumphs and fails. Then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus, we share some Instagram accounts that are actually making our lives better. Zak recommends:  @owen.han @daily dad  @inspiredtowrite (author Amy McNee) Elizabeth recommends:  @games.4two (The Board Game Couple) @sexpositive_families @adailycloud Jamilah recommends:  @singleblackmotherhood @goodmoms_badchoices And of course, you can always follow your hosts on Instagram, too: Jamilah: @jamilahlemieux Zak: @bestadviceshow Elizabeth: @ejdn Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should