Life Kit: Parenting

American parents often feel like event planners for their kids. There's a pressure to make sure kids are entertained and content every minute of the day. NPR's Michaeleen Doucleff says kids can be trained to occupy themselves.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's Been A Minute host Sam Sanders talks with his colleague Kenya Young, executive producer of Morning Edition and mother of three boys about "the talk" — The series of conversations black parents have with their kids, particularly their sons, about how to deal with police encounters.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

NPR's Michel Martin talks with Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, about how to talk with white kids about racially charged events — and how to keep the conversation going. If you're a white (or nonblack) parent, don't wait for your kids to bring up the topic of race to start the discussion, says Harvey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether it's a family pet or a loved one, every child will experience a death at some point — and their parents will likely struggle to explain it. This episode, we revisit the Mr. Hooper episode of Sesame Street, which provides a master class in talking about death and grief with young children.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

While it's hard to know what college will look like this fall, college decision day is almost here. So what can students do to make a sound choice during this uncertain time? Education reporter Elissa Nadworny gives an update on what incoming college students need to know about appealing financial aid, changing plans and thinking through a gap year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Many parents are struggling right now — juggling kids at home 24/7 and coping with their own losses. In this episode, Rosemarie Truglio, a developmental psychologist and senior vice president of curriculum and content at Sesame Workshop, offers helpful pandemic parenting tips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Hey kids! Sesame Street's Grover is here and he's got some great ideas for making your days brighter during coronavirus. Grover explains how to make virtual play dates more fun, how to daydream and how to be a helper.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Parenting during self-isolation can be challenging, and let's be honest — sometimes screen time helps you just get through the day. Our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour offer TV recommendations for those with young kids at home.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The coronavirus pandemic is making college decisions more complicated. This episode answers the burning questions: How do I get a hold of final transcripts if my school is closed? How do I decide on a school I can't visit? What if I need more financial aid than I thought I did?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Tens of millions of parents are homeschooling their kids during the coronavirus. Here's a realistic guide to keeping kids engaged and everyone sane. Hint: this is a good time for passion projects and sleeping in a bit.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy