We're not afraid to say we like these weird foods. Hear us justify our appreciation of rice cakes with margarine, Brussels sprouts, and Vegemite.

We ask: How did you know you were ready for kids? And once you knew, did the universe help you out, or smack you around a little first?

On this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Nicole discovered that the Apple Magic trackpad helps you look your best on video calls [https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ2R2LL/A/magic-trackpad-2-silver]. Catherine is entertained by her new Roomba [https://www.irobot.com/roomba/e-series], and Terri's trying (and liking) Apple's credit card [https://www.apple.com/apple-card/].

We admit it: Sometimes moms behave badly. We confess a few of our recent sins and ask for absolution in what will certainly not be a recurring feature. We're all done making mistakes now!

Helping kids learn independence is never easy. We share some wins, losses, and in-progresses to remind ourselves that this stuff takes time (and trial and error).

On this week's entertainment-themed Round 2: World of Dance returned from an unexplained hiatus with another round of duels, along with the redemption round for the upper division. We're sorry to see Styles and Emma go, because... wow. Next: Duels continue with the junior division.

On Veronica Mars, "Blast from the Past" proved to be an unpleasant episode, because everyone was sad and Jackie played an elaborate and cruel prank on Veronica. Next: The unpleasantly titled "Rat Saw God." Mentioned: Veronica Mars Investigations' special "Pride and Prejudice" episode [https://www.veronicamarsinvestigations.com/vmi/prideandprejudice].

The disruptions of the global pandemic mean making tough decisions about work and school with ever-changing information. It's hard for adults, and much, much harder for teens and their parents.

We recall some cruises we have experienced, both life-changing and nausea-inducing, and wonder if we'd still enjoy them as much today.

We are very live-and-let-live when it comes to kids and technology, but we wonder whether teens need to have better manners when it comes to their phones. (Mentioned: A Round 2 [https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18922638] in which a mother-son argument is resolved via text.)

On this week’s Roundabout Roundup: Terri recommends Despair.com for a daily dose of snark [https://despair.com/], and Nicole's Instagram Minute also brings some gentle sarcasm with @subparparks [https://www.instagram.com/subparparks/]. Catherine suggests the not-snarky, but fascinating novel Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Manhattan-Beach/Jennifer-Egan/9781476716732].