Life Kit: Parenting - podcast cover

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.
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Episodes

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jan 07, 202126 min

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 10, 202021 min

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 16, 202019 min

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 02, 202024 min

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 22, 202015 min

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 08, 202023 min

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 13, 202016 min

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/adchoices ...

Jul 21, 202016 min

Kids Know How To Occupy Themselves. We Need To Let Them Do It

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 22, 202013 min

Discussing 'The Talk'

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 11, 202020 min

How White Parents Can Talk To Their Kids About Race

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 04, 202010 min

Be Honest And Concrete: Tips For Talking To Kids About Death

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 28, 202023 min

Decision Day Is Almost Here. Here's How To Decide For An Unknown Future

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 26, 202016 min

When Will This Be Over? Sesame Workshop's Tips For Parenting During A Pandemic

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 12, 202017 min

Sesame Street's Grover On Coping During Coronavirus: Just For Kids

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 10, 202013 min

Kid-Friendly TV Show Recommendations

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 08, 202016 min

Here's How To Pick A College During The Coronavirus Pandemic

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 02, 202021 min

6 Tips For Homeschooling During Coronavirus

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 24, 202018 min

Coronavirus And Parenting: What You Need To Know Now

Coronavirus is raising a lot of questions for parents. From how to talk to children about coronavirus to weathering school closures, enforcing good hygiene and some screen time strategies when you're home with little ones, Life Kit answers your coronavirus questions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 13, 202014 min

'Big Mouth' Creators On Embracing The Awkwardness Of Puberty

Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg are the co-creators of 'Big Mouth,' an animated comedy about a group of tweens stumbling through the mysteries of puberty. Kroll and Goldberg talk with Life Kit parenting hosts about normalizing shame, building empathy, weathering awkward puberty moments and hormone monsters. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 12, 202017 min

What Your Teen Wishes You Knew About Sex Education

Consent, dating, masturbation, porn. It can be difficult talking with teens about sex and relationships. NPR's Life Kit has a few tips to help make those conversations with your kids a little easier. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 11, 202027 min

Helping A Child Whose Parent Is Struggling With Addiction

What can you do if you suspect a child is being impacted by a family member's addiction? Experts say you don't need to be an addiction expert, just a caring adult. This episode offers guidance to help a kid through a tumultuous time. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 06, 202025 min

What Is Postpartum Depression? Recognizing The Signs And Getting Help

One in seven women experiences postpartum depression. But it's easy to feel alone — especially when you're told having a baby is supposed to be blissful. This episode helps both struggling moms and loved ones identify the symptoms and find treatment. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 28, 202025 min

The Birds And The Bees — How To Talk To Children About Sex

Sex, genitals, consent, self-touching — it's tricky to talk to younger kids about these topics. This episode helps parents get past the confusion and embarrassment around sex education so they can raise healthy, responsible kids. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 17, 201926 min

How To Help A Child Struggling With Anxiety

When is your kid just scared of the dark and when are they dealing with a larger anxiety disorder? This episode will teach you how to help a child with anxiety and reach them in stressful moments. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 29, 201925 min

How To Talk To Kids About Climate Change

Today's kids are bombarded with the realities of climate change — whether through extreme weather or in the news. These tips will help you and your kids cope with the overwhelming feelings to move beyond helplessness and toward action. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 24, 201923 min

Rethinking Brilliance: Raising Caring, Collaborative Kids

We all want our kids to succeed, but that doesn't mean running math drills. Author Kathy Hirsh-Pasek explains the "6 C's" that kids need to thrive and why raising brilliant kids starts with redefining brilliant. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 15, 201917 min

From First Phones To Online Porn: Answers To Your Screentime Questions

NPR's Life Kit answers parents' questions about their kids' screen use. Education consultant Ana Homayoun says it's all about empowering your kids to make good decisions when you're not around. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 18, 201921 min

Parents, Check Your Own Screen Habits

From distracted parenting to "sharenting," an honest look at our own use of electronic media can make us into more skillful parents and better role models. Here's what to remember: - Put your phone away whenever possible when you're with your kids. - If you want calmer children, be a more focused parent. - Before you post a picture or share a cute story about your kids on social media, think twice and get their permission if possible. - Don't use technology to stalk your children. - Work for hea...

Jun 28, 201922 min

The Darker Side Of Screen Time

Emotional outbursts. Lost sleep. These are signs that your kids are spending too much time with digital devices. Here's what you can do about it. Here's what to remember: - Pay attention to your children's emotional relationship with screens, not just how much time they are spending with them. - Don't just make technology rules based on time. - Do guard bedtimes and mealtimes. - Don't expect taking away the phone to solve all your family's problems. - Mentor your kids; don't just monitor them. L...

Jun 26, 201928 min