Mom And Dad Are Fighting | Slate's Parenting Show

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak answer a question from a family who has a very sick dog. The dog, who is two, has been experiencing chronic health issues and requires more care than the mom and her two daughters can provide. Our letter writer is thinking about rehoming the dog but doesn’t know how to break it to her girls who have bonded deeply with their dog. Also on this show, recommendations and advice from listeners. Recommendations:  Zak: Using a chafing dish to catch your kid’s throw up.  Jamilah: America, Goddam: Violence, Black Women, and the Struggle for Justice by Treva B. Lindsey. (Bonus, catch Jamilah on RapCaviar, available on Hulu.) Elizabeth: Brains On episode with Emily Hanford 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.

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak are joined by Natasha Nelson, who is known as Supernova Momma, to discuss positive parenting. Natasha explains what positive discipline actually entails, how to realistically use the approach, and what people misunderstand about gentle parenting. They also give advice to a listener who has been trying to adhere to a positive parenting philosophy but are finding themselves frustrated in the face of big temper tantrums.  Then on Slate Plus, they play a round of parenting One Gotta Go.  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. 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 futu

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth answer a question from an overwhelmed listener who is doing most of the childcare and housework for her family. Her husband isn’t helping out and is citing his ADHD as the reason why. What can they do to make the workload more manageable for everyone?  Recommendations:  Zak recommends letting kids take the lead in the museum. Elizabeth recommends Exit: The Game.  Jamilah recommends Wellmania on Netflix 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. 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 NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318!  Podcast produc

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth answer a question about a six year old who asked his aunt why her belly is so big. The question surfaced some body image issues for our listener and she was left feeling bad about herself for over a week. Now she’s wondering if she should talk to her nephew about size diversity and why not everyone appreciates random questions about their bodies.  Then on Slate Plus, they discuss How They See Us: The Humbling Tyranny of the Pictures Our Children Take of Us. 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. 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 c

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Evan Urquhart. Evan covers anti-trans propaganda on Assigned Media, writes for Slate, and manages Slate’s comments section.  Today we’re going to be talking with Evan about his recent piece, There Are Two Sides to the Debate on Health Care for Trans Kids. Here’s What You’re Missing About One of Them. People and resources mentioned: Julia Serano, Assigned Media, and Trans Safety Network.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends the Dear Culture podcast.  Evan recommends the Washington Post-KFF Trans in America survey.  Zak recommends letting kids watch TV during breakfast on school days.  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. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new ques

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Evan Urquhart. Evan manages Slate’s comments section, covers anti-trans propaganda on assignedmedia.org, and has experience fostering teens, which will be extraordinarily useful for today’s questions. We recently got two letters from listeners who are thinking about becoming foster parents and are specifically interested in caring for teens. We’ll dive into what they should know. Then on Slate Plus, we are talking about Utah’s new laws restricting minors' ability to access and use social media. 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. 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 a

On this episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth and Zak talk about their experience with video games — and then Elizabeth speaks with Ash Brandin, also known as @TheGamerEducator, about their tips for parenting young gamers. Then the hosts issue recommendations, and respond to a listener letter asking for tips on the latest and greatest in books for young eyes and ears. Recommendations:  Zak recommends: Abigail Lapell Elizabeth recommends: Free Run Wild My Child Treasure Hunt  Jamilah recommends: Swarm on Amazon Prime  Books for beginning readers: E: Usborne My First Readers  & Elephant & Piggie & Usborn Phonics Readers Z: Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things that Go, The Color Monster: a story about Emotions.  J: Can Read books, including Ty’s Travels and Amelia Bedelia Graphic Novels: E:  EL Deafo & This Was Our Pact & The Witch Boy (upper elementary & Middle) & Peter & Ernesto A Tale of Two Sloths (lower elementary) J: Twins (lower elementary) The Baby Sitter’s Club (lower elementary) Books about Loss: E: One

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a listener who is having a family travel dilemma. The letter writer is wondering how to handle retired in-laws who live far away, while balancing full-time work, pets, and a child who hates flying. All of that, and dealing with a guilty spouse – who feels like they should prioritize visiting his family over taking vacations. Then on Slate Plus, they dive into a New York Times Opinion piece by Jessica Grose. It explores the unique challenges facing middle-aged millennials as they navigate parenthood, careers, and aging parents.  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. 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

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak first answer a question about teaching a blunt kid to hold their tongue, for the sake of a friendship. Then they tackle a question about pets being underfoot now that there is a new baby in the house.  Recommendations:   Jamilah recommends Jared from Subway: Catching a Monster Zak recommends Have I Ever Told You? By Shani King Elizabeth recommends SQUILT Music  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. 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 NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318!  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie. Le

On this bonus episode from our friends at Slate's How To! podcast—Keith prides himself on being a good dad to his three sons. But in a post-pandemic world with looming student debt and uncertain opportunities, the future can be really scary. He’s especially worried about his middle son Ben, an introvert who doesn't know what to do after he graduates high school this year. On this episode, co-host Carvell Wallace brings on Rebecca Lavoie. She’s a versatile podcaster and former co-host on Slate’s parenting show Mom and Dad are Fighting. She’s also a recent empty nester, and has some tough love for Keith about how he can stop fretting and find more joy in his own life. If you liked this episode, check out: “How To Fill an Empty Nest” Do you have a question without an answer? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the networ

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a listener who is worried her kid’s backyard birthday party won’t compete with the other kids’ extravagant parties. They come up with some budget-friendly ideas for creating an awesome birthday celebration. Then on Slate Plus, they talk about Everything Everywhere All at Once winning at the Oscars and all the love moms are getting.   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. 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 NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318!  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie. Make an impact this Women

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah and Zak help a listener whose six-year-old has started telling them “f*ck you.” Swearing is allowed in their house but this feels pointed and categorically different than a casual curse. How can they curb the cursing before it gets worse?  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends giving Flaming Hot Cheetos a second chance.  Zak recommends The Nugget Elizabeth recommends Edx Education Fun Play Number Rods.  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. 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 NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318!  Podcast produced by Rose

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak answer a listener letter about a preteen who is interested in converting to Islam. Her parents are supportive and have offered opportunities to explore the faith. But instead of starting with learning more deeply about the religion, she wants to start with wearing a headscarf to school—which makes our letter writer worry that this is a performative move. Our hosts talk through ways to be supportive, but also frank about the seriousness of religion. They also dive into their ‘triumphs and fails’ of the week, which include: some “light bullying” and conflict resolution, successful LA meetups, and violent language softened by the Mountain Goats. Then, on Slate Plus: the ‘dadfluencers’ who have taken Sweden by storm.   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 no

On this episode: Elizabeth and Jamilah are joined by Lizzie O’Leary, host of Slate’s What Next: TBD. First up—when (if ever) are toddler leashes OK? Then they discuss In my work I see tragedy daily and think: someone worked so hard to keep this person alive by Ankita Rao. Finally, they end with recommendations.  Lizzie recommends Babybug magazine. Elizabeth recommends getting ChatGPT to tell bedtime stories.  Jamilah recommends Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am.  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. 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 NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

On this bonus episode from our friends at The Waves, Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion is joined by NPR political reporter Danielle Kurtzleben to unpack all the fears that come with pending motherhood. They unpack Danielle’s brilliant Substack piece, “A Professional Lady Correspondent Stares Down Motherhood,” their fears of “cool moms” and…the possible merits of ”lean in feminism.” Heavy emphasis on the possible. In Slate Plus, how Danielle navigated covering abortion post-Roe while pregnant.    Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Tori Dominguez with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery. Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth and Jamilah are joined by Lizzie O’Leary, host of Slate’s What Next: TBD. They help a mom whose toddler has practically become her shadow. He cries whenever his dad is caring for him and it’s made his bedtime routine near impossible. Our listener is desperately trying to change the situation before their youngest arrives in April.  They also dive into their triumphs and fails of the week, which include: avoiding embarrassment on the big-screen, drawing body boundaries, and a misconnected meetup. Then on Slate Plus, they dive into the mailbag to read two pieces of interesting listener advice!  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. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell u

On this episode: Elizabeth and Jamilah are joined by friend of the show, Travis Nichols. Travis is a writer and editor from Georgia and recently wrote an interesting piece about his experience trying to find a youth basketball league for his daughters. Other parents pointed him towards an affordable, accessible option. The catch? It was run by the Southern Baptist Church. Which begs the question—should you still sign your kids up if you don’t agree with the church’s values and prayer is built into the program.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends baking a chocolate strawberry cake.  Travis recommends revisiting The Diaries of Franz Kafka as a parent.  Elizabeth recommends a good ole sing-along and dance party in the car.  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

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak, and Jamilah dish about traveling with kids (featuring forgotten carseats and a TSA scramble), searching for love, and appreciating your kids for the wonderfully unique people they are. They also answer two listener questions. The first is about combating the colds kids constantly bring into the house and the second is about creating a cozy sleep environment for your little ones. On Slate Plus, they dig into the mailbag and read some wonderful listener letters.  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. 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 N

On this bonus episode from our friends at Slate's newly returned Dear Prudence podcast: Slate’s Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris ) is on the mic answering questions about conversion therapy, awkward friends, and more. Slate’s own Nadira Goffe joins to lend her wisdom.  If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first three months. Again, that’s Slate.com/prudieplus. Podcast production by Kayla Lattimore and Daisy Rosario. Production help from Se’era Spragley Ricks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth debrief from their week in parenting. Which included lost teeth, a mental health day, and a ski tantrum. Then they commiserate with a parent who is fed up with rigmarole around school holidays. Finally, on Slate Plus, they discuss Rihanna’s pregnancy reveal.  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. 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 NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318!  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices