Is it too early to teach manners when kids are just learning to ask for what they want? Is there a point where it’s too late to teach manners and the habits are already ingrained? And WHY do manners matter? Today Lynn talks with Zack Bush, best-selling children's book author, father of three, and co-writer of The Little Book of Good Manners. Then we’ll hear from writer, director, producer, and parent Laura Mullin, whose work on manners with her daughter resulted in triumph, relief, and a deep un...
Mar 27, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 10
How can you feel lonely when you have your baby with you all the time? It’s not only possible, it’s common. People just don’t talk about it, but we will! And don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to just go and find a playgroup. We go much deeper than that for an incredibly satisfying conversation with expert Dr. Juli Fraga, and then we laugh and nod in understanding as we hear brilliant storyteller and mom, Nell Frizzell, tell us about her loneliness journey. There may even be a Sylvester St...
Mar 13, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 9
If you ask any parent out there, raising confident kids is a number one priority, but when you think about it, it’s really hard to quantify how to give confidence to children. Is it about encouragement? Independence? Striking a balance between the two? It’s complicated but don’t worry, we have answers for you. Today we sit down with parent, TED speaker and Harvard Business Review contributor Suzanne Brown about the little things we can do to instill confidence in our kids. Then we hear an amazin...
Feb 27, 2023•24 min•Season 3Ep. 8
What does it even mean to bond with your child? What do you do if you can tell it’s not happening? Lynn bonds (see what we did there?) with nationally recognized experts Dr. Gabrielle Mauren and Dr. Michelle Wiersgalla through their conversation on building relationships with our kids. Then we learn even more when we hear from mom Jen Malia who went from a strained relationship with her son to a meaningful connection. Lastly, we’ll whisk you away for a relaxing time out!
Feb 13, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 7
The Rabbit is feeling pretty confident that he can beat the turtle in a race... UNLESS he were to get distracted by his phone right in the middle of the race! Our 9-year old director leads his cast of amazing improv actors as they perform a one-of-a-kind version of the classic children's story 'The Tortoise & The Hare'. It's full of musical surprises, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too!
Feb 06, 2023•7 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In our selfie culture, it’s crucial that we teach our kids to care about each other and to connect with other people. How do we do that, and how can kids become empowered with assertive kindness and not be pushovers? Are people just born kind, or do we learn it? Lynn explores all of this and more by speaking with Leon Logothetis - TV host, speaker and author, best known for his series “The Kindness Diaries” (now streaming on Discovery Plus.) Then, we hear a powerful story from Cassandra Ridder C...
Jan 30, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 5
There’s tons of mom blogs and websites for moms, but what’s happening in Fatherhood? What have been the hardest changes (besides diapers)? What didn’t Dads expect? First, Lynn hears the latest from Brian Anderson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Fathering Together, and his community of dads. Then, we hear a funny, real, and heartwarming story from Glen Henry, founder of Beleaf In Fatherhood, on how his world turned upside down when he became a stay-at-home Dad. Make sure to stay until the e...
Jan 16, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 4
There you are being your fabulous parenting self when your child suddenly gets furious. Or frustrated. Or surprisingly quiet. What are they feeling and why? Is there a way to quickly decode and translate so they feel understood and we feel sane? Turns out, there are several techniques you can try! First, Lynn talks with child development expert and education journalist, Deborah Farmer Kris to learn ways to better help you AND your child understand their emotions. Then we hear from psychologist a...
Jan 02, 2023•26 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Are the holidays stressing you out more than a trip to the store with 3 toddlers? In just 20 minutes, we'll take you away from the madness and into the magic. In this special holiday episode of StrollerCoaster we're gifting you tips from Rosemarie Truglio, a childhood development specialist at Sesame Workshop, on how to talk to your kids about the true meaning of the season without breaking the bank. Then you'll hear from journalist Vanessa McGrady about the time her daughter asked that dreaded ...
Dec 12, 2022•20 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 3! From climate change to extreme weather, how do we talk to our kids about important issues that seem scary to us as parents? Julian Lennon - humanitarian, philanthropist, musician and children’s book author, sits down with Lynn to talk about his work to make the planet a better place. He shares an incredible story about the connection he has to his father, John Lennon, and offers some great insights into how we can inspire curiosity and responsibility for the planet in our ki...
Nov 29, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 1
StrollerCoaster is back for another landmark season, bringing you new interviews with cutting edge experts and inspiring stories from real parents across the country! Our host Lynn Smith investigates your burning parenting questions with empathy, laughs, and a ton of heart. The wild ride of parenting continues in Season 3 of StrollerCoaster. Brought to you by Munchkin, the most loved baby brand in the world.
Nov 14, 2022•56 sec
We’ve gotten so many fresh ideas about parenting from making this very podcast, we couldn’t help but burst about it. Today Lynn and Justin share their real-life stories about what they’ve tried at home and how things turned out. The suspense!
Apr 04, 2022•27 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Lynn and Justin open up the StrollerMail bag to hear from you! It’s a great conversation with stories, laughs and real advice all for the StrollerCoaster community. Plus author, home designer and HGTV superstar Jasmine Roth joins us with some great tips to make your home more reflective of YOU. More from Special Guest, Jasmine Roth: https://www.jasmine-roth.com/
Mar 28, 2022•22 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Ever yelled at your kid? Raised your voice? Felt terrible about it after? You are not alone. The question is: Can we avoid yelling in the first place? The answer is yes. Lynn will talk with national award-winning educator Dr. Chae, and then we’ll hear a profound story from Best-Selling author Rachel Macy Stafford about why - and how - she stopped yelling quickly and for good. We’ll have a StrollerMail after-party, and then wrap it up with a relaxing time out for you. More from Expert, Dr. Chawan...
Mar 21, 2022•37 min•Season 2Ep. 8
When you have a second child, are you giving your kids a lifelong best friend or instant rival? In this episode, we get into all the benefits and issues that can arise between siblings. We sit down with Dr. Siggie Cohen to talk about her work exploring the relationships between siblings as well as her life at home as the parent of three boys. Then we’ll hear a story from Deborah Goldstein about how her relationship with her sister changed over the years. More from Expert, Dr. Siggie Cohen: https...
Mar 14, 2022•27 min•Season 2Ep. 7
"Can we get a dog? Can we get a dog? Can we get a dog?” It’s a chant that many parents hear, but how important is having a pet to your child’s life? We talk to Dr. Marc Bekoff, who shares what you need to know as you prepare the family for a new pet. Then we hear a story from Jo Simmons, who adopted a therapy dog that completely changed her son Ben’s life. Plus, a special giveaway! More from Expert, Marc Bekoff: https://marcbekoff.com/ More from Dogs for Good, from Parent of the Day Jo Simmons: ...
Mar 07, 2022•32 min•Season 2Ep. 6
You can’t know how your spouse is going to parent until you’re parents. Surprise! Today we get to the heart of the matter. Lynn talks with best-selling author and founder of Positive Parenting Solutions Amy McCready. We’ll hear from Kate Stahl whose work on her marriage is having fantastic results on the whole family. Then Lynn talks with one and only fitness motivator Shaun T, and we’ll wrap it all up with a relaxing time out for you. More from Expert, Amy McCready: https://amymccready.com/ Mor...
Feb 21, 2022•43 min•Season 2Ep. 5
When you get down, do you bounce back? Resilience is a crucial skill for life! So what can we parents do to raise resilient kids? First Lynn has a riveting convo with Christina Hillsberg, a former CIA Intelligence Analyst and author of “License to Parent: How My Career as a Spy Helped Me Raise Resourceful, Self-Sufficient Kids”. Then we’ll hear from Jacqueline Chen about her son whose resilience motivates everyone around him. Next up, Lynn has an incredible conversation with Ginger Zee, best sel...
Feb 14, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Is it healthy to be a parent to your children as well as their best friend? Is it even possible? It seems like modern parenting attempts to straddle this line but what are the facts behind the fad? We talk to Dr. Nicole Beurkens, a clinical psychologist, nutritionist, and special education teacher, about finding the right dynamic between parent and child. Then we hear the story of Aaronica Cole, a mother of three who firmly believes that being friends with your kids is the best way to parent. Mo...
Feb 07, 2022•32 min•Season 2Ep. 3
When kids want something in the store should you buy it for them? Do you give them an allowance? Why? On this episode Lynn talks with mother of two, financial planner, and author of “Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How To Teach Young Kids About Finance”, Liz Frazier Peck, so we can figure out how and when we should talk to our kids about money. We’ll also hear the incredible story of how mom Sharita Humphrey broke the cycle of financial struggle for her children when she went from homele...
Jan 31, 2022•27 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Bullying is an issue that so many of us grapple with but not enough of us understand. In this episode, we're going to change that. Today, Lynn talks with journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer to learn about some of the science behind bullying. We also have an amazing story from author Carrie Goldman about how her daughter’s encounter with bullying became a rallying point for people all around the world. Then we’ll hear from you in our StrollerMail segment and bring it home with a calming Ti...
Jan 24, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 1
After ranking in the top 2% of Apple Podcasts for Kids & Family in our debut season…we’re back for Season 2! That means even more insightful interviews with parenting experts and inspiring stories from parents just like you. Leading the way is StrollerCoaster’s brand new host, news anchor for CNN and NBC, Lynn Smith! Plus exciting celebrity guests who share incredible stories about how they balance their lifestyle with being a parent. Strap yourself in for another ride, Season 2 of StrollerC...
Jan 17, 2022•1 min
No StrollerCoaster season would be complete without our very own mailbag. What questions did you curious listeners have for us? How did our incredible experts and parenting stories change Faith’s and Justin’s lives? Faith and Justin reveal their OWN Parenting Confessions, and of course a time out for YOU!
Aug 30, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Our hosts share their favorite smart and surprising parenting moments - all wrapped up in one episode! With eye-opening info from experts and great take-aways on topics like: screen addiction, surviving the “parenting mental load,” connecting with our kids, and more. It’s a can’t-miss 26 1/2 minutes!
Aug 16, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 15
We’re talking sleep for the whole family. Including YOU. This episode is solution-based and inspiring! We’ll talk with the awesome and down-to-earth Dr. Craig Canapari, author, and Director of the Yale Pediatric Sleep Center. We’ll also hear from super sleep guru Tonja B., who you will SO relate to: She went from sleep deprived, to professional sleep guide! And of course a peaceful time out - for you!
Aug 02, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 13
'There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, who had so many kids she didn't know what to do'... but honestly she wasn't THAT old when you think about it and she and her kids have PLENTY to do. Our 9-year old director and his cast of amazing improv actors perform their version of the classic nursery rhyme that’s full of surprises, sound effects, twists and turns and a shoe on the move! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too!
Jul 19, 2021•7 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Listening. It sounds easy but it's actually quite complicated. Today, Faith will explore the topic with Joanna Faber & Julie King, the authors of ‘How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7’. These moms and educators have spent their entire LIVES figuring out strategies to talk and listen to kids more effectively. Then, Kevin Del Aguila of Frozen on Broadway joins the show to discuss what it takes to get an audience of children to actually listen ...
Jul 05, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Oh no! Hansel and Gretel are lost in the woods! Can they find their way back home? Join them on their journey filled with breadcrumb-loving birds, a chocolate lawnmower, and a magical Candy Wizard! Presented by our 9-year-old director and his cast of amazing improv actors, this version of Hansel & Gretel is full of surprises, interactive fun, original songs and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too!
Jun 28, 2021•10 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Whether you’re a working parent or stay-at-home, join us as Faith talks with Josh Levs, former NPR and CNN journalist and a leading expert on work-life balance, who opens our eyes (and ears) to why dads need balance. Get inspired by Marla Bautista, military wife, entrepreneur, and mom who reminds us that it’s never too late to create balance. And nod along to some parenting confessions.
Jun 21, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Goldilocks just wants to visit her Aunt Joanie but she has the wrong address! So she ends up in the house of three friendly bears tasting everybody's favorite afternoon snack: porridge. Our 9-year old director leads his cast of amazing improv actors as they perform a one-of-a-kind version of the classic children's story. It's full of musical surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And p...
Jun 14, 2021•8 min•Season 1Ep. 9
