
Life Kit: Parenting
Raising awesome kids takes help. NPR has science and experts to get you through the toughest parenting moments. Updated every time we have Life Kit episodes on parenting.Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks an exclusive sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit
Latest episodes

Mar 25, 2021 • 22min
Helping Teens Cope With Mental Health Struggles
Over a year into the pandemic, many teens are missing milestones and struggling with their mental health. Here's how to spot red flags and when to get help.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mar 1, 2021 • 24min
Deciding When To Have A Baby
Whether you've always wanted to be a parent or not, starting a family is a big decision. The pandemic makes it even tougher. In this episode, experts talk through what to consider.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Jan 7, 2021 • 26min
What To Tell Kids When The News Is Scary
When the headlines are terrifying, how can parents make sure kids get the facts without traumatizing them? Whether it's a school shooting, a global pandemic or an insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, child development experts have some advice. (This episode originally ran in March 2019.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dec 10, 2020 • 21min
Helping Kids (And Parents) Cope During COVID-19
Kids and teens have had their lives upended by COVID-19. Here's what parents can do to help them stay positive and feel supported.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nov 16, 2020 • 19min
Transforming Kids' Worries Into Superpowers
Kids have anxiety — but it's not always a bad thing. Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary have some ideas about how to help children use those feelings to their advantage.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nov 2, 2020 • 24min
How To Raise Good Citizens
Now is a good time to talk to the kids in your life about how to engage in civics. Here's a primer from our Life Kit parenting team.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Oct 22, 2020 • 15min
FAFSA 2020: Here's How To Apply For College Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open to potential college students to fill out. Here's how to fill out the form to get money for college — and why you should apply now instead of waiting.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sep 8, 2020 • 23min
A Simple Equation to Help Kids Love Math
Math anxiety is real for kids and adults. But parents can help. The solution goes beyond equations and textbooks.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Aug 13, 2020 • 16min
How To Make Sure Your Child Learns This School Year
This school year, families with children are in a serious bind. Whether you're looking for options for childcare or need resources to keep your kid entertained, this episode will walk through some ideas to think about.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Jul 21, 2020 • 16min
How To Work With — Not Against — Screen Time
Some parents think the best way to manage a child's screen time is to set hard limits. But those rules are particularly difficult to keep during a pandemic, when screens are a lifeline for all of us. So what should the rules be? Sonia Livingstone and Alicia Blum-Ross, coauthors of Parenting For A Digital Future, explain why being too strict about screen time might not be the best strategy for your kids — or the whole family.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy