Parenting Roundabout
2,380 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsJoin parenting writers Terri Mauro and Catherine Holecko for a weekly look at the things parents are talking about, complaining about, and obsessing about right now.
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Episodes
Roundabout Roundup: Edmund Unravels, Imprint App, and “Taylor Swift” by Walker Hayes
June 30, 2023 04:00 - 5 minutes - 5.4 MBOn this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Catherine shouts out Edmund Unravels by Andrew Kolb, a children's book with an unlikely hero. Nicole's learning new things with the Imprint app, and Terri's fandoms unite in the song "Taylor Swift" by Walker Hayes. Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music, which you hear on every episode.
Attendance Is Mandatory (Maybe)
June 29, 2023 04:00 - 10 minutes - 9.21 MBAn article in which a mom claimed to "never" force her kids to attend family events got us obsessing about the precarious balancing act of good manners, familial duty, and kids' autonomy.
Gift-Giving and Social Media
June 28, 2023 04:00 - 9 minutes - 8.27 MBAfter noticing an uptick of requests for gifts on social media (and car windows), we mildly complain about this practice, which is really just the millennial version of sending out formal announcements for life events.
What We’re Watching: Primo “The Carnival” and “The Candy Bar” and Brothers and Sisters “Feast of Epiphany”
June 27, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBOn this week's entertainment-themed Round 2, we're still charmed by Primo (performances, relationships, plots―all of it!) and already sad about the fact that there are only two episodes left in this season: E7, "The Recruitment Fair," and E8, "What?" It's status quo, too, on Brothers and Sisters, as a family dinner turns into a litany of secrets revealed in front of an unsuspecting potential romantic partner. These people will never learn. Next: S2 E11, "The Missionary Imposition" (groan).
When Kids Have Endless Energy
June 26, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBWe reached way back into the mental archives to talk about how to manage a parent-child energy-level mismatch. Godspeed, parents of little ones! Mentioned: Last week's shout-out of an icy activity.
Speed-Round Sunday: Terrible Parenting Advice
June 25, 2023 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.57 MBOn Speed-Round Sunday, we share a mini episode from our past for your weekend listening pleasure. Parents (and therapists) from past generations have passed on some truly crummy wisdom. We've totally gotten over resenting them for it, sure!
Second-Listen Saturday: Watching Our Kids' Weight and Our Own
June 24, 2023 13:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBOn Second-Listen Saturday, we share moments from past episodes for your weekend listening pleasure. This discussion is from September 2019. We follow up last week's food fight chat with more on WW (formerly known as WeightWatchers): How it works (or doesn't) for us, how it could be improved, and how in the world they thought "WW for kids" was a good idea.
Roundabout Roundup: Raffia Earrings, Dog Bandana, and Girl Scout Thin Mints Pretzels
June 23, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBOn this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Nicole found some fun earrings that are perfect for Palm Springs. Terri found an unusual use for a doggie bandana. And Catherine found a special treat at Costco: Girl Scout Thin Mints Pretzels. Also mentioned: more neckwear, from Coolibar. Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music, which you hear on every episode.
Quitting Time
June 22, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBIt's a fact of parenting life: Kids try things, and they quit things. With the benefit of hindsight, we obsessed about all the trying and quitting our kids have done over the years, and how they feel about it now.
Anti-Dopamine Parenting
June 21, 2023 04:00 - 12 minutes - 11 MBAn article on NPR caught our eye with the promising title "Anti-dopamine parenting can curb a kid's craving for screens or sweets." (Can it also curb an adult's craving, we wondered?) The advice within is quite reasonable, but we still managed to complain about how when our kids were little, we didn't even have screens for them to crave. Mentioned: A screen-free activity that held a toddler's attention for a solid hour.
What We’re Watching: Primo “The Ride Home” and “The Game Champ” and Brothers and Sisters “Holy Matrimony!”
June 20, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBOn this week's entertainment-themed Round 2, Primo continues to delight with its lived-in family situations, charming characters, and funny jokes. Next: S1 E5, "The Carnival," and E6, "The Candy Bar." Brothers and Sisters' Walker clan also has plenty of family situations, but they're more outlandish than lived-in, and a precious few characters are charming. Nevertheless, we persist, and move on to S2 E10, “The Feast of Epiphany.”
Proud Parent Moments
June 19, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 12 MBWe are super proud of our kids' big accomplishments, like earning diplomas and degrees. But we're also very proud of the little things, like showing up for a roommate, being a good sport, and sending a thank-you note.
Speed-Round Sunday: Family Conversations
June 18, 2023 13:00 - 6 minutes - 5.83 MBOn Speed-Round Sunday, we share a mini episode from our past for your weekend listening pleasure. After discussing our inadequacies as pet parents, we moved on to talk about another thing we're not that great at.
Second-Listen Saturday: Making Our Kids' Lives Easier
June 17, 2023 13:00 - 10 minutes - 9.49 MBOn Second-Listen Saturday, we share moments from past episodes for your weekend listening pleasure. This discussion is from September 2019. We try to set our kids up for success, one storage bin and phone alarm at a time. But they don't always appreciate (or, let's face it: notice) our efforts.
Roundabout Roundup: Biofreeze Patches, Naturalizer Flexy Flats, and Autom
June 16, 2023 04:00 - 7 minutes - 6.98 MBOn this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Catherine's singing the praises of Biofreeze patches for your aches and pains, while Nicole's back with another comfy shoe: The Flexy flats from Naturalizer (mentioned: this basketball game played in pumps TV commercial ... which was actually for a different brand. Sorry, Easy Spirit!). Terri's shopping for religious items at Autom and recommends it for your religious gift-giving needs. Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music, which you ...
They Mess You Up, Your Mum and Dad
June 15, 2023 04:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MBAn episode of Ted Lasso that highlighted all the ways parents might damage their kids (as in the Philip Larkin poem Mae quotes, "This Be the Verse") got us obsessing about what our kids might say to us about their upbringing, and the beefs we still have with our own parents.
Dumb Fights
June 14, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MBA fracas over fish got us complaining about dumb fights with family members: What they're really about, and why they aren't as effective as the tantrums our own moms threw.
What We’re Watching: Primo “Big Eyes” and “The Cookout” and Brothers and Sisters “Something New”
June 13, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBOn this week's entertainment-themed Round 2, we found that Primo deserves all the paise it's been getting, and we're looking forward to watching the rest of season 1. Next: S1 E3, "The Ride Home," and E4, "The Game Champ." On Brothers and Sisters, we can't say we're looking forward to the many episodes to come, exactly, but at least this one bought the A-list guest stars. Next: S2 E9, "Holy Matrimony!"
Summer Plans and Goals
June 12, 2023 04:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBWith graduation behind us and warm weather here, we talk about our summer projects, from big (new job! College move-in prep!) to just-the-right size (traveling to Trenton, New Jersey and drinking plenty of water).
Speed-Round Sunday: Homework Help
June 11, 2023 13:00 - 9 minutes - 8.35 MBIt's usually unfair to teachers to blow off homework. But you can find a way to make it work better for your child. Mentioned: Our interview with Meghan Corridan in episode 182.
Second-Listen Saturday: Family Food Fights
June 10, 2023 13:00 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBOn Second-Listen Saturday, we share moments from past episodes for your weekend listening pleasure. This discussion is from September 2019. We complain about how hard it is for people with different priorities, preferences, and metabolisms to share a kitchen.
Roundabout Roundup: Special Olympics, the Scamanda Podcast, and Boards Cookbook
June 09, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 5.74 MBOn this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Terri's shouting out the Special Olympics on the occasion of the New Jersey summer games. You can participate, volunteer, or just cheer on the athletes at an event near you. Nicole's listening to a podcast called Scamanda about a scammer named Amanda (see what they did there?), while Catherine's family is jumping on the charcuterie board train with the help of Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings. Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-o...
Resolution Recommitment Day
June 08, 2023 04:00 - 9 minutes - 8.35 MBWe're observing this apparent holiday a week late, which tracks with our general attitude toward making and keeping New Year's resolutions. Mentioned: Kitty's Morning Glories daily rosary, Artful Agenda, and Dance & Co.
Pics or It Didn’t Happen
June 07, 2023 04:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBIncreasingly desperate sales pitches from a graduation photographer got us complaining (and, OK, sometimes celebrating) the corny pictures pressed upon parents from school, sports teams, and more.
What We’re Watching: Ted Lasso “So Long, Farewell” and Brothers and Sisters “36 Hours”
June 06, 2023 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBOn this week's entertainment-themed Round 2, we said "so long" to Ted Lasso and Ted Lasso after three seasons. While not everyone liked this finale (ahem, Alan Sepinwall), we thought it had many beautiful, funny, and touching moments, and we'll miss these characters a lot. Mentioned: Shrinking (and Bill Lawrence's involvement in both shows). On Brothers and Sisters, the Walker family takes on a DIY detox for Justin, which apparently works? They'll neve shake their need to spill each other's ...
Graduation Report
June 05, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBAfter four very long years, we have two newly minted graduates: Nicole's daughter from university and Catherine's son from high school. Their internet auntie, Terri, cheered them on from afar.
Speed-Round Sunday: Summer Camp Packing List
June 04, 2023 13:00 - 10 minutes - 9.56 MBOn Speed-Round Sunday, we share a mini episode from our past for your weekend listening pleasure. This one is from 2017 and follows up on yesterday's summer camp theme. On today's episode: You'll never guess what Catherine's kids are taking to camp along with the bug spray and sleeping bags.
Second-Listen Saturday: Summer Camp Suggestions
June 03, 2023 13:00 - 12 minutes - 11 MBOn Second-Listen Saturday, we share moments from past episodes for your weekend listening pleasure. This discussion is from July 2019. AMC Theaters' Summer Movie Camp got us talking: What other businesses would we like to see offer a summer deal for kids? We're ready to drop our children off at any shopping mall, bowling alley, ice rink, or hair salon that will take them.
Roundabout Roundup: Amazon Sandals and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts
June 02, 2023 04:00 - 5 minutes - 5.08 MBOn this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Both Nicole and Catherine are sharing cute summer shoes they found on Amazon: a two-band braided low block heel and a flat gladiator sandal. And when Terri's son recommended frosted brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts to her, she decided she needed to pass that rec on to you. Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music, which you hear on every episode.
Mementos of the Teen Years
June 01, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBAn article that waxed nostalgic about kids' book collections got us obsessing about what we've hung on to from our kids' teen years (and even our own).
Managing Mean Girls
May 31, 2023 04:00 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBA truly sad advice column question at Slate got us complaining about mean girls and what to do about them, in your kids' lives and in your own. Step 1: Don't live in a small town.
What We’re Watching: Ted Lasso “Mom City” and Brothers and Sisters “Two Places”
May 30, 2023 04:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's entertainment-themed Round 2, Ted Lasso approaches the end of season 3 (and possibly the entire series) with an episode that could alternatively be titled "Parents: They'll Mess You Up." Mentioned: The Philip Larkin poem Mae recites to Ted, "This Be the Verse," and Alan Sepinwall and the commenters on his Substack newsletter. Next: S3 E12, "So Long, Farewell." On Brothers and Sisters, the brothers currently are doing more messing up than the parents, although there is plenty o...
Memorable College Moments
May 29, 2023 04:00 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBAn article at Grown & Flown titled "10 Moments From College That I Would Like to Relive" prompted us to talk about all those precious moments from that time in our lives (although there are precious few that we actually want to relive).
Speed-Round Sunday: Summer Reading
May 28, 2023 13:00 - 9 minutes - 8.63 MBOn Speed-Round Sunday, we share a mini episode from our past for your weekend listening pleasure. This question about what our kids are reading this summer was mostly a confession of what they're not reading.
Second-Listen Saturday: Kids' Big Decisions
May 27, 2023 13:00 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBOn Second-Listen Saturday, we share moments from past episodes for your weekend listening pleasure. This discussion is from August 2019. It's easy to obsess when our kids make big choices, like what college major to declare or what career to pursue. The hardest part might be deciding when to let it become their obsession instead of ours.
Roundabout Roundup: Ashley McBryde Videos, L'Oreal Root Cover-Up Spray, and Queen Charlotte
May 26, 2023 04:00 - 8 minutes - 8.18 MBOn this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Terri recommends two Ashley McBryde songs, with accompanying videos, that are fun, fiery, and female-empowering: "Brenda Put Your Bra On" and "Bonfire at Tina's." Nicole's touching up her color with L'Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Spray. And Catherine watched the Bridgerton spin-off/prequel Queen Charlotte on Netflix. Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music, which you hear on every episode.
Moms’ Superhero Skills
May 25, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBA rather wide-ranging survey on moms' superheroic skills and traits, and their confidence in them, got us obsessing about skills we have--and wish we had.
Waiting Room Woes
May 24, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 12 MBNicole's hours-long passport agency ordeal got us complaining about having to corral kids in waiting rooms and other boring places, and also appreciating the fact that we're past that stage of parenting now.
What We’re Watching: Ted Lasso “International Break” and Brothers and Sisters “Domestic Issues”
May 23, 2023 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBOn this week's entertainment- themed episode, a delightful episode of Ted Lasso featured many character breakthroughs and lovely scenes, plus the return of Phoebe! Mentioned: Sam Richardson in The Afterparty. Next: S3 E11, "Mom City." On Brothers and Sisters, more bad decisions, more secrets kept and revealed, and more accusations of bad mothering. So, par for the course. Next: S2 E6, "Two Places."
Senior Pranks
May 22, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBIt's high school graduation season, so we talked senior pranks and other traditional observances, like senior skip day, cap decorating, and the smuggling of inflatable beach balls into the graduation ceremony.
Speed-Round Sunday: Who's Making Lunch?
May 21, 2023 13:00 - 9 minutes - 8.71 MBOn Speed-Round Sunday, we share a mini episode from our past for your weekend listening pleasure. Of our six (teen and adult) kids, only about two can be trusted to feed themselves independently.
Second-Listen Saturday: High School Starts and Schedules
May 20, 2023 13:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBOn Second-Listen Saturday, we share moments from past episodes for your weekend listening pleasure. This discussion is from August 2019. On today's episode, we complain about high school schedules. Should teens really have to wake up so early? And what about block scheduling, where they're in one classroom for 90 minutes straight? Mentioned: The Start School Later campaign.
Roundabout Roundup: A Man Called Otto and Veeps Livestream Concerts
May 19, 2023 04:00 - 10 minutes - 9.43 MBOn this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Catherine recommends the Tom Hanks movie A Man Called Otto if you need a good cry (it's based on the book A Man Called Ove). Also mentioned: Up in the Air. Terri enjoyed a Walker Hayes concert from the comfort of her couch thanks to Veeps. Mentioned: Hayes' song "If Father Time Had a Daughter" and Flymachine, another streaming platform for concerts. Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music, which you hear on every episode.
Take Your Mom to Work Day
May 18, 2023 04:00 - 10 minutes - 9.34 MBTake Your Child to Work Day was a few weeks back. But today, Terri makes an impassioned pitch for Take Your Mom to Work Day. Will no one think of the mothers whose kids won't tell them anything??
How Strict Are Our Parenting Rules?
May 17, 2023 04:00 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBToday we direct our complaining at a Buzzfeed quiz on parenting which did not necessarily give us sensible responses to choose from. We found that we are pretty aligned with other folks' responses, but we aren't sure that's a good thing.
What We’re Watching: Ted Lasso “La Locker Room Aux Folles” and Brothers and Sisters “States of the Union”
May 16, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBOn this week's entertainment-themed Round 2, an entertaining (if still too long) episode of Ted Lasso brought us some good new phrases to adopt, Rupert still being a snake, and Rebecca getting to be a big boss lady. Next: S3 E10, "International Break." On Brothers and Sisters, the states of all the unions are not strong (which is not surprising), but we always love seeing Scotty turn up to stir the pot. Next: S2 E5, "Domestic Issues" ... which sounds an awful lot like "States of the Union."
Happy Day After Mother’s Day
May 15, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBWe don't ask for much on Mother's Day, especially now that we have quite a few under our belts. You can just get us some chicken nuggets and take yourself on a hike. Mentioned: Goldbelly and Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots singing "Chick-fil-A (... But It's Sunday)."
Speed-Round Sunday: Recent Texts to the Family
May 14, 2023 13:00 - 6 minutes - 5.78 MBOn Speed-Round Sunday, we share a mini episode from our past for your weekend listening pleasure. When we asked "What was the most recent text you sent to or received from a family member?", there was one fervent prayer, one tantrum, and of course, one heart-eye emoji.
Second-Listen Saturday: Weddings Past, Present, and Future
May 13, 2023 13:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBOn Second-Listen Saturday, we share moments from past episodes for your weekend listening pleasure. This discussion is from August 2019. On today's episode, we compare and contrast our own weddings with those of the Kids Today, with their barn venues and their candy buffets and their gender-switched wedding parties. Mentioned: This McSweeney's Monologue from a barn that would prefer not to host your Pinterest wedding, thanks anyway.
Roundabout Roundup: Upload, Coolibar, Top Chef World All Stars
May 12, 2023 04:00 - 8 minutes - 7.66 MBOn this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Nicole's leaning into the world of AI with an Amazon Prime series called Upload. Terri's protecting her neck, Coastal-Grandma style, with a gaiter from Coolibar. And Catherine's watching TV too: The current season of Top Chef, which is Top Chef World All Stars (set in London, with chefs from around the world). Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music, which you hear on every episode.