A For Effort

Switch Witch disclaimer: If you have kids who listen, and participate in the S.W. program, you might want to skip to 7:06 or preview first as to preserve the magic. Otherwise, the season of gratitude is upon us! Although, we are firm believers in celebrating gratitude from November - October. But in this episode we're sharing the good news that KIDS ARE AMAZING. They're funny, they're witty, they're magic. And you've heard enough from others about how exhausting they are, so let's talk about what's on the other side of that!

All things Halloween in this episode! From costumes that are acceptable, to candy that is not. We're covering all the things that make this holiday what it is... for better or for worse.

It starts right away. Those little phrases you feel like you have on repeat all day long. Get your shoes on. Get your backpack. Shut the door. Shut the door. Shut. The. Door. It's a miracle these phrases haven't made it into our dreams yet... cause heavens knows that's all we ever say.

Grandparents, the only babysitters you'll ever have with their own set of rules.

Look, you're a 10. You're awesome. You're one of a kind. You're as good as they come. 

But your belt takes me down every time. And those counters look like the streets of a carnival. And I already know how you're "such a boss," so keep it to yourself. Love you, but no ones perfect. In this episode we laid it all out for you, and really, don't be offended, it's not personal. We just want a clean kitchen and quiet car. One can hope.

Lisa Valentine Clark joins us this week as we talk through all the seasons of parenthood. What do you do when the kids heads to school with no shoes? When do you have “the talk” with your kids? We learned so much and also felt so validated after our talk with this seasoned mom! We hope you will, too! 

Make sure to find Lisa’s podcast on any platform: The Lisa Show!

This week we compiled all those Tweets that are relatable, almost too relatable…. Chances are high though you’ll leave feeling very seen. We got you! We’re doggy paddling through all this together! 

Like you, WE CANNOT BELIEVE IT!! But yes, it really is him. Chris Van Dusen sits down with us in this bonus episode to talk all things, parenting, Maine and Mercy Watson. PLUS, he also shares the origin story of The Circus Ship! How lucky are we?!

These two moms are obsessed with books. We read a lot and our kids read even more! And if your kids don't read, fear not. Chances are they just haven't found a book yet that speaks to them. In this episode we share all our favorite books, for kids, for tweens, for teens and even for moms! We're taking the guess work out of picking entertaining books for your family. Rest assured, these recommendations will leave you wanting more.

And at 41:40 we have story time for kids! Megan reads: Little Mouse, Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. Then Amanda reads: Escargot. Kids might enjoy listening to this part of the episode!

Megan's to-go picture books:
Creepy Series
Little Mouse, Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear.
Other Books by Don and Audrey Wood
See the Cat
The 7 Silly Eaters

Chapter Books:
The Chronicles of Narnia Collection
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Collection
Last Kids on Earth
Kids Guide to Raising Chickens
The Treasure Hunters
Shipwreckers: The Curse of the Cursed Temple of Curses or We Nearly Died. A Lot A Lot.

What Megan is reading:
Anxious People
Just Mercy

Amanda's to-go picture books:
Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme
Chris Van Dusen Collection
Escargot

Chapter books:
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Roald Dahl Collection
Fablehaven Collection
Wings of Fire Series

What Amanda is reading:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
A Prayer for Owen Meany
Empire of Pain

Honorable mentions from listeners:
Will Ladybug Hug
Will Bear Share
The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It was None of His Business
Indestructibles

It’s practically a right of passage into parenthood to get embarrassed by your cherubic children. We’ve all been there! Now, we’re here to laugh about (mostly because we’re far enough removed from it). This episode recounts listeners’ embarrassing parenting moments, and we share a few of our own gems, too.