Andrew and Caroline discuss how much our own self-awareness as parents shape the way our kids turn out?

From yelling regrets and chore battles this episode blends humour with honest reflection. They explore how everyday reactions, no matter how big or small, shape connection, resilience, and emotional safety.

Listeners hear real examples of repair, frustration, boundaries, and the awkward but important skill of owning our mistakes. The message running through the conversation: parenting isn’t about perfection. What matters is noticing our reactions, understanding their impact, and showing kids what growth looks like in real time.

Ideal for anyone looking for grounded, relatable conversations about emotional modeling, relationship repair, and realistic parenting.

Homework Ideas

Daily One-Minute Reflection
At the end of the day, jot down one moment where you felt proud of your response and one moment you want to change next time.
Purpose: builds habits without shame.

Repair in Real Time
When you lose your cool or snap, go back later with a short, clear statement:
“I didn’t like how I handled that. Next time I’m going to try __.”
Purpose: teaches kids accountability, not fear. Just be sure you do try something different next time!

“Pause and Separate” Strategy
If emotions spike, walk away before continuing the conversation.
Purpose: models regulation more effectively than trying to force calm.

Identify Your Trigger Points
List the situations that reliably set you off. Then choose one and plan a calmer response for next time.
Purpose: reduces reactive patterns.

Consistent, Clear Boundaries
Choose one boundary that matters.  Follow through on it for a full week without debating or lecturing.
Purpose: builds predictability and reduces power struggles.

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

Andrew and Caroline jump headfirst into one of the biggest pressures modern families face: the urge to hover, track, micromanage, and constantly correct. They unpack why today’s parents feel pulled into overprotecting, how it chips away at confidence, and why kids need room to stumble if they’re going to grow sturdy roots.

With stories about tracking apps, school expectations, Velcro parenting, and the snowball effect of fear-driven parenting trends, this episode gives listeners a real look at how easy it is to slide into over-involvement without noticing.

They bring humour, real family moments, and blunt honesty to questions many parents tiptoe around:
 • How much help is too much?
 • Are we supporting our kids or suffocating them?
 • At what point does “caring” turn into control?

Plus, they share practical ways to give kids responsibility, build independence, and let natural problem-solving kick in without abandoning age-appropriate safety.

Perfect for anyone who want kids to grow strong, confident, and capable, without burning themselves out in the process.

Homework Ideas

The “No Correction” Week
Go an entire week without giving corrective feedback unless safety is at risk.
Purpose: notice how often you micromanage and how relationships shift when you step back.

Responsibility Upgrade
Give kids a real task that has value to the family or classroom.
Examples:
• Packing their own lunch
• Calling to solve their own bank or school issue
• Planning the steps for an outing, project, or practice
• Managing a small budget for a personal goal

Delay Your Response
When a child asks for help, pause before answering. Ask:
“What do you think you could try?”

Screen Boundary Reset
Review every device in the home and remove access kids don’t actually need.
If a child asks, explain the rule plainly: access requires maturity, not age alone.

Personal Reflection
Write down:
• What scares you most about stepping back?
• What outcome are you trying to control?
• What small step feels safe to loosen up first?

Optional Resources to Support the Work

• A simple weekly planner for kids to organize responsibilities
 • A visual checklist for morning or school readiness
 • A “natural consequences” guide (age-appropriate list)
 • Family tech agreement template
 • Reflection worksheet for parents on over-monitoring habits

(If you want, I can produce any of these as downloadable PDFs.)

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

Oversharing Kids Online: Why “Sharenting” Hurts More Than It Helps

Parents are posting more than ever—but at what cost to their children’s privacy, safety, and sense of self? 

In this episode, Andrew and Caroline tackle the growing issue of “sharenting:” the habit of sharing too much about kids online. 

From cute toddler photos to venting about behaviour problems, they explore how these seemingly harmless posts can lead to embarrassment, digital footprints kids never consented to, and long-term risks to self-esteem and identity.

They unpack why parents overshare, what children actually think about it, and how to set healthy digital boundaries at home. With humour, honesty, and real-life examples, this episode invites everyone to rethink how we use technology and model online responsibility.

Homework Ideas

Audit your social media — scroll back through old posts and delete or archive anything that shares personal or potentially embarrassing info about your child.

Family discussion: ask your kids how they feel about photos or stories shared about them. Give them veto power going forward.

Define your “why” — before posting anything, pause and ask: Why am I sharing this? Who benefits?

Create a private space — set up a small, closed photo-sharing album (like Google Photos, Cluster, or Family Album) for grandparents or close family.

Replace online time with connection time — trade 15 minutes of scrolling for a walk, board game, or family check-in.

Other ideas to protect your child's privacy:

• American Psychological Association (APA): Guidelines on Children’s Digital Privacy
• Common Sense Media: Family Media Agreements and Privacy Tips
• Cybertip.ca: Parent resources for online safety and digital consent

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline sit down with Camille Jaramis, founder of Ask Yawn, the first parenting AI designed to cut through the chaos of parenting advice online.

Camille shares how she and a team of parent-engineers built Ask Yawn to give exhausted parents quick, science-backed support—without the judgment or endless Googling at 3 a.m. They talk about how tech can help families, where it can cross the line, and why balance, privacy, and trust matter more than ever.

 From late-night baby sleep struggles to the ethics of AI, this episode is honest, relatable, and packed with aha moments for anyone raising kids in the digital age.

 It’s a conversation about parenting smarter, not harder, and remembering that connection always comes first.

Homework fIdeas

Audit Your Parenting Information Habits

• Track where you get your parenting advice for one week (Google, social media, AI tools, friends).
• Reflect on which sources make you feel calmer vs. more anxious.

Build a “Trusted Circle” of Resources

• Choose 3 reliable go-to sources (a pediatrician, a sleep consultant, or a small expert community).
• Limit online searches to pre-vetted spaces or AI tools with transparent data practices (like AskYawn).

Create a “Screen-Free Parenting Zone”

Set aside one daily block of time — even 15 minutes — where phones stay off and kids get your full attention. Notice how it changes connection and behaviour.

Model Digital Balance for Kids

Let your kids see you ask questions out loud or problem-solve without instantly reaching for a phone. It teaches patience, creativity, and self-trust.

Protect Mental Health During Information Overload

• Remind yourself: not every “expert” is your expert.
• If searching online becomes obsessive or anxiety-driven, take a tech break and reach out to a professional.

📌 Resources:

• AskYawn — AI parenting assistant for baby sleep (ages 0–5)
• The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
• Postpartum Support International for emotional support
• Baby Sleep Training Tips & Help Facebook Community 
• Yawn: The Baby Sleep Training Podcast (Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts)

About Camille

Camille Jaramis is the founder of Ask Yawn, an AI-powered parenting companion designed to support families through the messy, beautiful, and often overwhelming early years of raising children. In addition, Camille built one of the world’s largest parenting communities on Facebook with more than 670,000 members, authored The Baby Sleep Manual, and co-hosted The Baby Sleep Training Podcast. She brings both her lived experience as a mother and her professional background in technology and organizational development to everything she creates.  

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

With Halloween creeping up, Andrew and Caroline revisit one of their most memorable episodes: The night they tried to solve a mystery that still haunts their home: is their ensuite bathroom possessed… or just falling apart?

(PS — the light actually did turn on in the middle of the night. You decide. 👀)

But ghosts aside, this replay digs into something every parent wrestles with: How to keep kids safe without smothering their independence.

They explore why our protective instincts sometimes do more harm than good, and how fear can quietly steer our parenting choices away from what helps kids grow confident and resilient.

This episode is a timely reminder to check which fears belong to you, and which actually belong to your kids.

Enjoy this spooky, insightful, and funny rewind!

Homework Ideas

Name your own fears.
Write down three things that worry you most about your child’s safety or future. Then ask yourself: Are these my fears, or theirs?

Let them try (and maybe fail).
Choose one small thing this week to let your child handle on their own — crossing a street, carving their pumpkin, or choosing a costume. Watch their confidence rise.

Practice “brave talk.”
Instead of “Be careful,” try “You’ve got this — and I’m nearby if you need help.” It rewires how kids hear risk.

Reflect before reacting.
When you feel that protective jolt, pause and ask: Am I keeping them safe, or keeping myself comfortable?

Model courage out loud.
Tell your kids when you feel nervous (like hearing that mysterious bathroom light click on again 👀). Let them see courage in action.

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline dive into the often-overlooked topic of dad loneliness and postpartum mental health for fathers. 

They get real about the invisible expectations men face, the lack of support for dads compared to moms, and the pressure to “just keep going.” Along the way, they share raw stories of exhaustion, survival mode, and the quiet ways dads can feel left out—even in loving families.

From postpartum depression in fathers, to finding balance in friendships, to rediscovering joy through play and laughter, this episode is part serious reflection, part comedy (yes, including ranking the dogs). If you’ve ever wondered how dads really feel, or how families can better support fathers, this is a must-listen.

Homework Ideas

For Couples:

• Schedule weekly partner check-ins. Use “I feel/I need” statements instead of blame.
• Ask your partner directly: “What do you need from me this week to feel supported?”

For Dads:

•  Create and maintain at least one regular friendship ritual (golf, coffee, phone call, “nerd night”).
• Keep a small “quiet space” or ritual daily (walk, motorcycle ride, backyard sit).

·For Families:

• Balance survival mode with play—make space for silliness with kids.
•  Share responsibility for chores and childcare with clear communication.

For Mental Health: If feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, or anxiety interfere with daily functioning—reach out to a healthcare provider. Remember: postpartum depression and anxiety can affect fathers too.

About Peggy

Before becoming a guide for families in conflict, Peggy Walsh spent nearly two decades as a judge in New York’s Family and State Supreme Courts. She presided over some of the most emotionally complex cases—custody disputes, divorces, child protection—and saw firsthand the toll that litigation takes on families. Today, she channels that experience into her work as The CoParent Coach, helping separated parents and caregivers avoid court, rebuild communication, and move forward for the sake of their children.

https://thecoparentcoach.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-walsh-1a5b2133/

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

In this episode of Parents of the Year, Caroline sits down with Peggy, a co-parenting coach and former judge, to talk about one of the toughest challenges families face: raising kids after separation or divorce.

From avoiding conflict and keeping kids out of the middle, to creating respectful communication and future-focused parenting agreements, Peggy shares hard-earned lessons from both the courtroom and coaching practice.

If you’ve ever wondered how to protect kids from conflict, break free from resentment, or build a parenting plan that actually works — this episode is for you.

Homework Ideas:

Shift from Past to Future: Write down how you want to feel in 6 months, 1 year, and 10 years when it comes to co-parenting. Use that as your compass.

Respect Rule: Practice communicating with your co-parent as if your child is listening — because they are. Keep it respectful, brief, and focused on the child.

Create Written Agreements: Even if not filed in court, draft a parenting plan together. Having expectations in writing avoids confusion and conflict.

Check Language: Avoid negative comments about the other parent in front of kids. If you slip, repair it by affirming the child’s right to love both parents.

Future Visualization: Imagine big milestones (graduations, weddings, holidays) — then ask yourself, What do I need to let go of now to make those moments possible together?

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline dig into the rise of AI and how it’s reshaping our daily lives, relationships, and even parenting. 

From the clickbait story of a marriage ending “because of ChatGPT,” to the quiet ways technology chips away at memory, empathy, and connection, this conversation is equal parts cautionary and practical. They explore how AI can be a helpful tool—but also why it should never replace genuine human interaction. 

Most importantly, they share how families can protect their relationships, model authentic communication, and return to the simple, everyday gestures that build trust and love.

Homework Activities for Adults

Tech-Free Check-In: Schedule a weekly family or partner debrief—share the good, the hard, and what support you need. Phones off.

Face-to-Face First: Swap texting with short calls when possible, and encourage kids to practice real conversations.

Connection Rituals: Create small rituals (morning walks, after-school tea, family dinners) that strengthen bonds.

Memory Workout: Use paper maps, cook without recipes, or play memory games to keep cognitive skills sharp.

Relationship Roots: Bring back “early courtship” habits—small notes, thoughtful gestures, shared jokes—that keep love alive.

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

Parenting expert and therapist Todd Sarner joins Andrew and Caroline to unpack what it really means to guide children without shame or punishment. 

From his 20+ years of experience, Todd outlines the three pillars of proactive parenting: strengthening attachment and connection, creating a rhythm and environment that supports kids, and teaching natural consequences without shame. 

Together, they explore how separation anxiety shows up at bedtime, mornings, and school transitions, and why “collect before you direct” can change everything. This episode gives parents practical tools to reduce power struggles, hold boundaries with empathy, and raise resilient, emotionally secure kids. 

Homework Ideas 

Collect Before You Direct: Practice greeting your child warmly (eye contact, smile, touch) before asking them to do something. 

Bridging Practice: At goodbyes (bedtime, school drop-off), give your child a clear picture of when and how you’ll reconnect (“I’ll see you in two sleeps” / “When you get home, I’ll have a snack waiting for you”). 

Reset Routine: If family rules and follow-through feel inconsistent, hold a “reset” talk with your child: acknowledge the inconsistency, clarify expectations, and explain what will happen moving forward. 

Matter-of-Fact Consequences: Next time you enforce a limit, do it calmly and without shame — like Columbo, keep it simple, warm, and firm. 

Empathy Check: After holding a boundary, add empathy: “I know this is hard. I love you, and I’ll be here when you’re ready.” 

Recommended Resources: 

• Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Mate
• Parenting with Love and Logic by Charles Fay & Foster Cline 
• Parenting Teens with Love and Logic by Charles Fay & Foster Cline 

About Todd

Todd Sarner is a parenting coach and psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping families turn daily power struggles and emotional chaos into connection, calm, and cooperation at home. His work is grounded in attachment science and practical psychology, with a focus on giving parents real-world tools that actually work—especially when emotions are high and patience is low. Todd was an original intern of renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld and later served as a Faculty Member of the Neufeld Institute, where he trained professionals in attachment-based approaches to parenting.

www.transformativeparenting.com 

www.masterclassforparents.com

www.facebook.com/tparenting 

www.instagram.com/tparenting 

www.x.com/tparenting 

www.linkedin.com/in/toddsarner/

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

When should parents step in and request a teacher change for their child?

In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline break down one of the most difficult decisions many families face: advocating for a classroom change. 

They share their own recent personal experience navigating a challenging teacher-student dynamic that left their child anxious, tearful, and resistant to school.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between normal classroom struggles vs. true red flags.
• Why “not having friends in class” isn’t enough of a reason.
• How to tell when your child’s learning and emotional well-being are at risk.
• Practical steps for approaching school administrators with confidence and clarity.
• The importance of balancing resilience with advocacy.

Whether you’re a parent currently struggling with this decision, or simply preparing for the “what if,” this candid conversation will leave you better equipped to support your child while maintaining healthy partnerships with teachers and schools.

If you're thinking of making a request: 

• Reflect on Your Child’s Situation: Write down concrete examples of your child’s school experiences (e.g., emotional distress, avoidance, patterns of conflict). Separate opinion from observable facts.
• Debrief with Your Child: Have a calm conversation asking open-ended questions (“How do you feel in this class?” “What makes it hard?”). Avoid immediately offering solutions.
• Assess Severity: Distinguish between everyday discomfort (not being with friends, occasional teasing) and serious concerns (consistent bullying, ongoing tears, refusal to learn).
• Plan Your Approach: Draft an email or talking points for administrators that include specific examples instead of general complaints.
• Collaborate First: List at least 3 questions you’ll ask the teacher to understand their perspective and strategies before requesting any changes.

Send us a text

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!

Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!

Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and
FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526