Navigating Car Chaos: Parenting Tips for Smooth Rides

For the first time, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing something usually reserved just for Good Inside Members - a live Q&A with Dr. Becky and Senior Good Inside Coach, Jamie Pfeffer. From dealing with bullying and hitting to navigating triggers, this conversation gives a peek inside the power of this community: real parents asking real questions - and getting unfiltered, empathetic, and practical support in return. Every question opens the door to powerful reframes and step-by-step strategies that will leave you feeling seen and encouraged. P.S. Have a question that didn’t make it into today’s episode? Join membership to access our daily “Ask a Coach” sessions and our 24/7 “Ask” feature in the Good Inside app (it's the closest thing to texting Dr. Becky!).

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For a full transcript of the episode, go to goodinside.com/podcast.

As soon as one of my kids sneezes, I know it’s only a matter of days before the whole house is feeling under the weather. With kids at school, they seem to bring home every sniffle and sneeze imaginable—and I’ve accepted that’s just part of parenting.

What I don’t accept anymore? The frantic 11 p.m pharmacy runs - when everyone’s already miserable and all we have is a half-used bottle of who-knows-what from who-knows-when in the pantry. Now, I make sure to stock up **ahead of time. And I always look for Mommy’s Bliss: They’ve been making safe, gentle wellness solutions, like their Organic Baby and Kids' cough syrups, for more than 25 years. That means an ingredient list you can actually understand: no high fructose corn syrup, no dyes, no artificial sweeteners, and free from the top nine allergens. Their Pain & Fever medicine is also a staple—it’s the first-ever Clean Label Project certified acetaminophen - and safe for infants.

Find Mommy’s Bliss in-store and online at major retailers. Your future self will thank you.

There’s always a moment - maybe two weeks into the school year - where I stop and think: “Wait, wasn’t summer just five minutes ago?”

Suddenly, we’re back in the rush of packing lunches, signing permission slips, and struggling to find a pair of matching socks every morning. That’s why I’ve started looking ahead to fall breaks now - before the long-weekend creeps up on me and feels less like a break, and more like being stuck at home for three days with three kids!

You know how people say they “need a vacation from their vacation”? I never got it. Then I experienced summer break as a parent.

Summer parenting can feel like a full-time job - so by the time back-to-school rolls around, I find myself wondering: “Okay, when’s the real break happening?” Because honestly, the most enjoyable trips we’ve taken as a family tend to happen during long weekends and fall breaks - no pressure for picture-perfect moments, no meltdowns from the heat, and no built-up tension after weeks of constant togetherness.

My go-to for these short and sweet trips? Booking an Airbnb: There’s space for everyone to spread out, a kitchen for easy meals, and separate bedrooms that let the grown-ups stay up after the kids go down.

But you know what’s even better? While you’re away, you can list your own home on Airbnb, too! Hosting on Airbnb is simple, flexible, and gives you a little extra income to put towards your own trip (or those mounting back-to-school costs). Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com/host.

The back-to-school season is a lot, and moments like this are tough. That’s why I'm so excited to share that I teamed up with Chomps for a "Carpool Q&A," where I answered common questions from parents, like: What do I do when my kids fight constantly in the car? How can I help ease separation anxiety at drop off? And, what's the one song that's guaranteed to brighten the mood in my car? (I shared a personal favorite, and trust me, it's a good one....)

Because let’s be honest - car chaos is real. And when you add a hungry kid to the mix? Forget it. Chomps has got you covered on the snacks: Their meat sticks are easy to stash in backpacks or glove compartments and are a good source of protein, so you’ve got one less thing to stress about mid-commute. And Good Inside has you covered on everything else.

To watch the full video, go to

goodinside.com/chomps

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