A For Effort

Amanda recently lost her 4 year old. Megan has lost a few of hers... but found them. Amanda ran away as a child. Megan also did, but she hid. In Kids-R-Us. And apparently we are not alone in these shenanigans. All of you have lost your kids as well, but luckily, we've all managed to find them again. This episode has many happy endings. 

With summer right upon us it's time to start thinking about how to keep these kids reading! We tried to make it easy for all of us by having the one and only Aimee Smith join us from "Keep A Book Out." Find her on Instagram @keepabookout. You will not regret this follow. This parent knows what she's doing and it was so fun to hear her book recommendations (which we linked below!)

We asked her if she "pre-read" all the books her teenagers read and she said "no! There is no time!" But she did enlighten us by saying she will check out COMMON SENSE MEDIA & AMAZON REVIEWS for info on book content.

Here are the books mentioned in this episode:

- Anything by Kate DeCamillo
- Anything by Dan Santat
- Anything by Mac Barnett
- Anything by Shawn Harris
- The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza 
- Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series

Books for teens:
- Brandon Sanderson
- Hunger Games

Books for tweens:
- Kelly Yang
- The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
- From the Desk of Zoey Washington
- Ella Enchanted
- A Wolf Called Wander
- Bob
- Cranky Chicken
- Wilderwood
- How to Survive Anything

Books for kids:
- Zoey and Sassafras
- Bibi
- Chester Van Chime who Forgot How to Rhyme
- A Dog Named Doug
- When Charlie Met Emma
- The Giggles are Coming & The Yawns are Coming
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Keeping it short and sweet as many of us start Spring Break! This week let's talk about all those things your kids do that just aren't worth talking about. From rewearing dirty clothes, to picking their nose, to backseat bickering. You cannot address it all and you don't want to! We don't blame you because we feel the same way.

We have ALL been lectured or given unsolicited advice at some point or another. And if you've had the courage to say something back, good on you! But some of us (most of us even), don't dare to respond, so we just mutter a chill "oh, uh-huh, k thanks" and walk away only to have a long mental conversation later with all our good responses. You're not alone, we all do it. Today it's your turn to GIVE the lecture. From shoes on the carpets to driving, we're covering all of it, and honestly, it feels so good to be on the other side...

We all want to have fun at home, but why is it so hard?? It takes time, it often results in a mess, and my kids will probably end up fighting. But our friend and fellow mom, Kate Mulford, says go for it! You gotta put some work into making memories. And it can be as much work as you want it to be. A dance party is minimal work, all you need is music and some booties to shake. 

It honestly is almost like committing to a reality TV show. Naked & Afraid? Have you seen that one? It's based off the casual act of trying to potty train a kid. They're practically naked and you're afraid. But if you can commit and survive the week, then you win. What do you win? Well you won't have to buy diapers anymore. Maybe you'll treat yourself to a cold beverage of your choice. But the biggest prize of all is just knowing that you successfully potty trained a human. 

They mean no harm, but sometimes you wonder. That brand new TV? Destroyed. Burning down your parents house? Unintentional yes, but definitely next level. We share all your tales of the expensive fixes you've had in your lives and share a few of ours. Again, sorry, mom, for almost burning down the house that one time with the chicken.... 

If you have the privilege of having a child ever be in your home, then chances are high you learned REAL FAST what items you *should have* hidden. Seemingly harmless, boring items, that "surely no kid will find that interesting...." but alas, everything is interesting when you're under the age of 6. So whatever it is, no matter how boring, and especially if it's sticky or permanent or non-washable.... lock it up! Probably in a fireproof save with a passcode that is not "0000."

From seasons to familial relations, there are some things that are just too big and too complex for these little growing brains! And we are here for it. It will take a lot of explaining and a lot of patience on your part, but we know you have it in you. And maybe after this episode you'll feel a little more inspired to answer those questions. Press on, dear listener!

Podcast Show Notes: Episode - "Kids Just Don't Understand"

Introduction:

• Megan dreams of a spa day while Amanda mourns her chickens lost to a bobcat.

Segment 1: Kid Logic Gone Wild:

• Amanda's son predicts her early demise, prompting a discussion on kids' quirky understandings.
• Listener tales include kids' shock at daily routines, defiance against toothbrushing, and confusion about seasons and clothing choices.
• Kids puzzle over family ties and teachers' off-duty lives, leaving adults amused and flustered.
• Megan shares the surreal experience of students discovering her home address, turning her apartment into a fan shrine.

Conclusion:

• The hosts revel in the hilarity of kids' misunderstandings, urging listeners to embrace the chaos.
• They sign off with gratitude for the audience's support and a reminder to spread kindness.

We all have one, a rough day of the week. A stressful, jam-packed, high intensity day. And if you don't.... LUCKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. But then on the other hand, there is always that one day of the week you look forward to. The bright spot in your week. Most people say that's Friday, but then there is the minority who says it's Monday. And to those people, we see you, we're standing, and we're applauding. 

Podcast Show Notes: Episode - "Weekday Woes: Surviving the Grind"

Introduction:

• Amanda reveals her Tuesday blues, while Megan sympathizes with her own Thursday troubles.

Segment 1: A Day in the Life:

• Amanda paints a vivid picture of her chaotic Tuesdays, filled with an orchestra of kids' activities and logistical nightmares.
• Listeners share their own weekday horror stories, from Monday mayhem to Thursday overdrive.

Segment 2: Weekday Woes and Weekend Wins:

• Listeners dish on their least favorite days, with Sundays and Mondays topping the list for many.
• Megan and Amanda commiserate over the unique challenges of Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering solidarity to fellow sufferers.
• A humorous look at optimal days for activities, from traveling on Tuesdays to scoring bargains on Thursdays.

Conclusion:

• The hosts wrap up with a nod to the universal struggle of weekday woes and the sweet relief of weekends.
• Practical tips for navigating the week with humor and resilience are shared, along with a reminder to spread positivity.