Life Kit: Parenting

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

Raising kids is among the most essential work humans do, and yet it's rarely valued as labor. Angela Garbes, author of Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change, guides us through a shift in mindset to help give mothering the value it deserves.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Calling all working parents and caregivers! We see you, and we know you don't have much time. Career coach Daisy Dowling shares time management tips to help working parents find sanity and joy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Amid the omicron surge, there is understandable anxiety among parents, particularly those with kids under 5. In this episode, infectious disease doctor Ibukun Kalu answers listeners' questions on the latest COVID variant, daycare and travel for unvaccinated children.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Most students who want to transfer colleges, don't. The process can be complicated and confusing and differ from state to state and institution to institution. Despite these hurdles, transferring is a common route to college. So how do you make the process go as smoothly as possible? Start early, stay organized, and find a good fit.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Getting enough sleep helps you focus, retain information and helps to fortify your immune system. But when it comes to children, they aren't always thinking about these benefits. For parents and caretakers struggling to get their little ones to bed on time, here are tips on establishing healthy sleeping habits — that can benefit your entire family.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For expectant parents, navigating pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum can raise a range of emotions. There are so many things to think about and prepare for, and knowing where to start can feel daunting. But a birth plan can help!In this episode, Martina Abrahams Ilunga and Gabrielle Horton of NATAL, offer guidance on creating a birth plan that works for you, and makes it simple for your support system to pitch in.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy