Jamilah Lemieux, a writer and commentator, joins the hosts to discuss parenting triumphs and fails of the year. Their kids answer listener questions. Topics include supporting a child's autonomy, sibling care and independence, funny gift fails, and gluing eyebrows together.
Respecting children's autonomy in pursuing different interests is important for their growth.
Moving to a new country can be challenging, but children's adaptability and embracing new experiences can bring a sense of settling and home.
Children taking on responsibility independently can be seen as a positive sign of growth.
Make the most of the present by using and enjoying your special possessions instead of saving them for the perfect occasion.
Embrace the concept of 'Eachy-e, Eachigo' - appreciating each encounter and every moment.
Deep dives
New Season of Podcast Mobituaries Announced
Mo Raka announces season 4 of his podcast, Mobituaries, with new stories about fascinating people and things no longer with us, from famous figures who died on the same day to unpopular things like buffets.
Annual Holiday Party on the Mom and Dad Are Fighting Podcast
The Mom and Dad Are Fighting podcast hosts their annual holiday party episode, featuring triumphs and fails from the year, kids answering questions, and discussions about favorite advice given or received.
Dealing with Naima Quitting Dance
Jamila talks about the challenge of dealing with Naima quitting dance, feeling heartbroken as she loved the experience for her daughter, but realizing the importance of respecting her choices and allowing her autonomy in pursuing different interests like volleyball.
Family Triumphs and Settling into Japan
Elizabeth shares her triumph of feeling mostly settled and at home in Japan after going through the challenges of moving, living in hotels, and adjusting to a new routine. She reflects on the growth of her children, their adaptability, and their ability to embrace new experiences.
Noah's Step into Independence
Noah's parents share a triumph in witnessing their eldest take care of her younger sibling independently, allowing them to have a rare moment of rest. This small step into independence is seen as a positive sign of growth and responsibility.
The Importance of Using Your Good Stuff
Jamila highlights the advice of using your good stuff and enjoying special possessions instead of saving them for the perfect occasion. Emphasizing the importance of appreciating and making the most of what you have in the present.
Embracing the Concept of 'Eachy-e, Eachigo'
Elizabeth shares the Japanese concept of 'Eachy-e, Eachigo', meaning 'one time, one meeting'. She explains how this perspective of making the most of each encounter and appreciating every moment has grounded her and influenced her interactions, particularly with her children.
Accepting Thanks with 'You're Welcome'
Zach recalls the advice of simply accepting thanks and to respond with 'you're welcome' instead of deflecting or minimizing the gratitude. This practice of accepting appreciation is seen as a way to enhance genuine acceptance and embody a sense of gratitude.
Announcement: Mom and Dad Are Fighting Becomes 'Care and Feeding'
Mom and Dad Are Fighting announces a big change as they rebrand and become 'Care and Feeding'. While the name may be different, the show will continue to provide parenting advice, personal stories, triumphs and fails, with the addition of insights from other experts across the Slate network.
On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux, Zak Rosen, and Elizabeth Newcamp discuss their biggest parenting triumphs and fails of the year and reveal their favorite piece of advice they gave or received this year. Also, in grand holiday party tradition, their kids take the mic to answer your listener questions. In Slate Plus, the hosts look to the future and have a few recommendations for starting 2024 off strong.
Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com 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.
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Podcast produced by Maura Currie and Rosemary Belson.
