Life Kit: Parenting

It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to take charge as a parent, stop trying to control your child, says psychologist and author Shefali Tsabary. Her new book, "The Parenting Map," lays out a step-by-step guide for creating conscious parent-child relationships.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Being a teenager is hard. There are emotional highs and lows every day. Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour says instead of jumping into problem-solving mode, parents can learn to ride the wave of emotional management with their teens. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Damour about her book "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Veggies help kids grow and develop, but it can be hard to convince them to eat their broccoli. These research-backed tips can help you encourage your kids to eat more veggies — or at least try them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This is the story of one particularly devious octopus who lost a limb, was captured by humans — then managed to make an escape from its aquarium tank back into the ocean. This episode comes from our friends at 'Terrestrials,' a podcast presented by Radiolab for Kids.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Called 'special time,' the strategy is widely recommended by children's health professionals to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. Here's a guide on how to do it with your kids at home.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Psychologist Becky Kennedy, author of the new 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Having a baby is one of the biggest - and most expensive - life changes a person can experience. Here's what you need to know about financially planning for a baby, according to Farnoosh Torabi, Editor at Large CNET Money. Find out if there is a magic number that tells you you're ready, what to think about ahead of time and learn what can probably wait.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Talking about abortion can be complicated, even with adults. How do you talk about the medical procedure and the politics around it with kids? NPR's Ailsa Chang gets tips from Dr. Elise Berlan and parenting expert Reena Patel.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Talking to kids about civics is kind of like talking to kids about sex - avoiding the conversation can have some really negative consequences. Here's how to talk to kids about civic participation, from discussing our hard history to taking action. This episode originally aired in November 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The news can be devastating, and tragic events can be incomprehensible for adults — so how do we talk about them with kids? Child development experts offer advice on what parents, teachers and other caregivers can say to help kids process all the scary news out there.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy