Life Kit: Parenting

Discover the joys and benefits of raising multilingual kids! From cognitive enhancements to cultural connections, this discussion reveals how bilingualism can enrich your child's life. Insights from speech therapists tackle common myths and provide practical tips for fostering a bilingual home. Learn how music and play can boost language acquisition, turning learning into joyful interactions. This podcast shares real family stories, showcasing the gift of multilingual upbringing as a path to a brighter future.

Andee Tagle, an NPR Life Kit reporter, sheds light on why parental burnout is a looming public health crisis. Today's parents juggle overwhelming responsibilities, resulting in increased stress levels. Tagle shares practical strategies to identify and combat burnout, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and personal time. She discusses the need for equitable household duties and community support to alleviate isolation. Tune in for insights on nurturing connections with other parents and reclaiming your mental well-being.

Beck Harlan, a Life Kit visuals editor and parent, consults with experts Crystal Lewis, a child psychologist, and Vanessa Lapointe, a parenting coach. They dive into the tricky world of whether kids should quit activities they no longer enjoy. The conversation reveals how emotional resilience varies among children, using the dandelion and orchid metaphor. Insights on fostering enjoyment over pressure in kids’ activities emerge, emphasizing the importance of communication and flexibility in supporting children's emotional needs.

Celina Benavides, a developmental psychologist and professor at Oxnard College, shares her expertise on handling children's behavior in public settings. She offers practical strategies for managing tantrums, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation for both parents and kids. Benavides discusses how to teach social skills and communication while navigating conflicts at playgrounds. She also highlights the value of community support, equipping parents to turn challenging moments into learning experiences.

Sulhee Jessica Woo, an author known for her creatively packed lunches, shares her passion for making lunchtime special for her kids. She reveals fun themes and snack ideas that transform ordinary meals into delightful experiences. Sulhee discusses the importance of lunchbox materials, emphasizing eco-friendly choices. Practical tips for nutritious and engaging lunches are highlighted, including fun shapes and personalized notes. Ultimately, she shows how thoughtful gestures can foster connection and make kids feel loved even when they’re away.

Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a recent survey. Teen psychologist Lisa Damour explains how parents can better support their kids as a new school year begins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Learn how to babyproof your relationship before welcoming a baby, including sharing responsibilities, fair conflict resolution, and open communication. Discover the importance of addressing relationship trigger points, seeking compromise, and maintaining gratitude in the postpartum period. Get valuable tips on enhancing your relationship before and after becoming parents, focusing on communication, teamwork, flexibility, and staying connected with your partner.

Psychologist Becky Kennedy, author of the book "Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be," urges parents to spend more time raising thoughtful humans instead of fixing their behavior. This episode originally published September 26, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Experts discuss strategies for reconnecting with your partner, exploring desires, and expanding ideas of sex and intimacy post-baby. Challenges include maintaining intimacy, respecting boundaries, and redefining intimacy beyond sex. Tips on communication, understanding desires, and scheduling quality time together.

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the United States. To prevent drownings, make sure there's always a designated adult watching the water whenever kids are swimming. We'll cover other water safety tips to protect young swimmers safe this summer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy