This episode pulls apart one of the biggest fears circulating among parents right now: plastics and microplastics.

Andrew and Caroline sit down with scientist Dr. Chris DeArmitt, who has reviewed thousands of studies to separate what’s actually proven from what’s being repeated online. The conversation moves from social media backlash and parenting pressure to a deeper look at how fear spreads—and what the science actually says.

You’ll hear why many widely shared claims about microplastics don’t hold up under scrutiny, how media messaging shapes what families worry about, and why some well-meaning environmental choices may have unintended consequences.

There’s also a grounded discussion about parenting: how kids learn through consistent consequences, why follow-through matters more than lectures, and how small daily habits shape long-term behaviour.

This episode is for parents who are tired of guessing, tired of conflicting advice, and ready to make calmer, more informed decisions for their families.

About Dr. Chris DeArmitt

Dr. Chris DeArmitt helps parents cut through the noise and fear surrounding plastics and microplastics by replacing sensationalism with evidence. He offers a cross-disciplinary view that helps families make smarter, lower-impact choices based on real science rather than common myths. Dr. DeArmitt is a Global Authority on Plastics, Microplastics, and the Environment. He is a Materials Scientist, Author, and Founder of the Plastics Research Council.

List of books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/15512220.Chris_DeArmitt

Email - [email protected] 

website - https://plasticsresearchcouncil.com/ 

LInkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdearmitt/

1. The “Follow-Through Test”

• Pick one rule at home (bedtime, screen time, chores)
• Apply the same response every time for one week
• No warnings beyond what you set
• Track what changes

Resource:  Simple tracker (notes app or printed chart)

2. The “Pause Before Panic” Habit

• When you hear a scary headline (plastics, food, tech):
   Ask:
   → Where did this come from?
   → Is this media or actual research?
• Wait 24 hours before changing behaviour

Resource: Bookmark 1–2 trusted science-based sources

3. Device-Free Micro Moments

• Pick one daily interaction (meals, bedtime, feeding younger kids)
• No phone during that time
• Observe connection and engagement

Resource: Set phone to Do Not Disturb during that window

4. Praise What You Want Repeated

• Catch your child doing something right
• Respond immediately with specific praise
• Keep it short and genuine

(“You waited your turn—that was respectful.”)

5. Family “Stuff Audit”

• Count how many reusable items you actually use
• Remove duplicates or unused items
• Keep what’s practical, not what feels “guilty to throw away”

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