On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Lucy answer a question about a four-year-old who’s starting to dabble in classes and sports, and there’s a problem: she hates pretty much all of them, even though she asks to do it in the first place. Should they take a break or work on teaching this kid how to be coached?

We’ll help this kid’s mom out and then check in and share what’s on our minds this week. Then, if you’re hanging out for the Slate Plus Playground, we’re talking about budgeting.

If you’re not part of the Slate Plus community, we hope you’ll consider joining! Keep reading to learn how.

Zak’s check-in: alternative gift and party chat (party, thrift, Costco)

Elizabeth’s check-in: group project gripes 

Lucy’s check-in: preparing for the most un-quinceañera quinces EVER.

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Lucy are joined by Allison Price from the Care and Feeding web column. Together, they take a letter from a listener whose husband is terminally ill… and whose kids are old enough to understand. We’ll talk about how to approach this conversation with kids and how to stay afloat.

And then, of course, we’ll circle up for a round of triumphs and fails.

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Jamilah answer a question about a mouse, a skateboard, a ball pit, and a lie. It’s as amazing as it sounds. 

We’ll help this mom out and then check in and share what’s on our minds this week. Then, if you’re hanging out for the Slate Plus Playground, we’re talking about saying no.

If you’re not part of the Slate Plus community, we hope you’ll consider joining! Keep reading to learn how.

Zak’s check-in: Feeling impossible 

Elizabeth’s check-in: The PTA chickens come home to roost  

Jamilah’s check-in: To go or not to go or to go somewhere else  

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth open up our mailbag to share your takes on everything from potty towels to Elon Musk.

And then, of course, we’ll circle up for a round of triumphs and fails.

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Lucy and Elizabeth answer a question about going on nap strike. This mom has a toddler who’s suddenly just… not napping. And, of course, she starts getting tired way before a reasonable bedtime. So, mom is looking for advice, but also just solidarity.

We’ll help her out and then check in and share what’s on our minds this week. Then, if you’re hanging out for the Slate Plus Playground, Elizabeth vents about ableism in the news.

If you’re not part of the Slate Plus community, we hope you’ll consider joining! Keep reading to learn how.

Zak’s check-in: visitors and sunnier days.  

Elizabeth’s check-in: Alice in Wonderland.

Lucy’s check-in: no phone spring break.

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Lucy, and Elizabeth are answering a question from a mom who’s wondering if she’s going to accidentally cause body issues for her four-year-old. This kid has developed what seems like a compulsive habit every time she uses the bathroom… and our mom wants it to stop, but also doesn’t want to somehow make things worse.

We’ll talk through what might be happening here — and then, of course, we’ll circle up for a round of triumphs and fails.

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah and Zak talk about the popular kids. A member of the Slate Parenting Facebook group has a daughter who’s become obsessed with being popular… even though she doesn’t seem to fit in with those kids. 

We’ll help her out and then check in and share what’s on our minds this week. Then, if you’re hanging out for the Slate Plus Playground, we’re taking a look at a recent article listing some slang the teens are apparently using.

If you’re not part of the Slate Plus community, we hope you’ll consider joining! Keep reading to learn how.

Zak’s check-in: Rumi.

Jamilah’s check-in: getting the itch. 

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Lucy, and Elizabeth sit down with Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness — a board-certified pediatric dermatologist, an entrepreneur, and a social media star. 

This episode is your one-stop shop for all things skin. We’ll talk about sun protection, rashes, acne, and whether our tweens and teens really need all of those Sephora products.

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah, Lucy and Elizabeth answer a question about separation anxiety. This listener’s 7-month-old is already showing signs of what looks like some serious discomfort with anyone who’s not mom or dad. But with a no-kids wedding coming up, this mom is wondering how to help her daughter get more comfortable with other people. 

We’ll help her out and then check in and share what’s on our minds this week. Then, if you’re hanging out for the Slate Plus Playground, we're talking about what to do to help the homeless… and how to get your kids involved.

If you’re not part of the Slate Plus community, we hope you’ll consider joining! Keep reading to learn how.

Jamilah’s check-in: denial but also book 

Elizabeth’s check-in: milky bottles and outsourcing 

Lucy’s check-in: the preteen serenity prayer 

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Lucy and Jamilah talk about secrets. A member of our Facebook community recently asked how you should handle it when a kid confides in you… and asks you not to tell your co-parent. Is her current no-secrets policy solid, or should she maybe reconsider? 

And after that discussion, we’ll of course circle up for a round of triumphs and fails.

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] 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 phone line: (646) 357-9318.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices