Special guest, Lauren Stamper (@diaperfreediaries), talks to us about exposing children to potty training at a very early age. This "diaper free" method (which is not strictly diaperless) can save you money and have your child out of diapers by their first birthday.  Lauren's a mom of two and it's worked with both of her kiddos. 

It can sometimes feel fruitless when you take your littles to church. If you have older children, sometimes you'll get push-back as they start to own their own faith. The lost shoes, walking the halls, and time in the cry room....Is all the Sunday morning frustration really worth it?  

Do dogs go to heaven? How do you field questions from your child about the loss of a pet?  Losing a pet can leave a child experiencing real grief, often for the first time in their life, and it can be tricky answering all the questions they come up with!  We suggest some ways to be both truthful and sensitive. 

We walk down memory lane with two of our favorite photographers as we trace how family photo sessions have changed.  Dawn Harrison & Rachael Shannon give us the scoop on what makes a great session and their favorite types of photos. There may just be a road trip to Texas for a Glamour Shot experience in our future. 

https://www.rachaelshannonphotography.com/

The science of caregiving--yes, there's research behind it!--is beginning to shed light on what it means to give and receive care (to children, parents, others), and how it changes us. Despite the prominent narrative in our culture that caregiving is a burden and detracts from higher aims, the evidence tells a different story.

The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others

by Elissa Straus

We're answering a listener's question about what to do when your parents (the grandparents) dismiss or disagree with how you're raising your children. Looking at both sides of the coin, we reveal some of what could lie behind this behavior and ways to help the situation.

A familiar childhood complaint --that's not fair!--actually holds more nuance than we might think. What's the difference between fairness, justice, equality and equity? How do you handle it when your kid complains that something's not fair?

If Santa is a part of your Christmas traditions, there's a good chance your kids will visit him & Mrs. Claus at some point. Maybe that's for pictures or perhaps it's just to let Santa know their fondest wish. We've got some best practices and pro tips for visits to the jolly guy in red.

Is Santa just a magical given at your house, or does the whole Santa story give you pause? Are childhood "characters" lying to your children? Join us for a jolly conversation about St. Nick and some options for his place in the holidays.

Before the comprehensive book of baby names, how did parents choose names for their children? What's in a name anyway? What goes into choosing a name today? This episode might make you think twice before filling out that birth certificate!