What Fresh Hell

episodes

Feb. 23, 2024

Fresh Take: Charles Duhigg on Supercommunicators

Why do we sometimes feel like people have heard what we've said but they haven't really listened? Charles Duhigg, author of the new book SUPERCOMMUNICATORS, explains how parents can have truly productive and meaningful conversations with their spouses, children, and friends.

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Feb. 21, 2024

The Power of "Not Yet"

If our children don't reach milestones at the "correct" time, are we failing as parents? Here's how the power of "not yet" can transform our outlook and empower our kids.

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Feb. 19, 2024

DEEP DIVE: Middle Kids

Most of us assume middle kids get the short end of the parenting stick. But some experts believe their place in the birth order makes them uniquely poised to succeed. Are there lifelong benefits for kids who grow up with a little benign neglect?

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Feb. 16, 2024

Fresh Take: Dr. Kevin Simon on What Parents Need to Know About Kids a…

What makes some adolescents and teens more susceptible to substance use disorders? What do parents misunderstand about how kids use alcohol and drugs, and how can we better protect our kids from those dangers? Dr. Kevin Simon explains.

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Feb. 14, 2024

I Love My Family But...

Mothers would do anything for their families, but they would also like them to stop saying and doing some things that drive them absolutely bonkers. Here are some of the things our mom friends can't stand.

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Feb. 12, 2024

DEEP DIVE: Birth Order: Can We Fight It?

Based on our own families and our families of origin, we're calling it: birth order is a thing. But is it a problem? Does it matter if our own birth order has shaped who we are and how we parent?

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Feb. 9, 2024

Fresh Take: Kelly Corrigan on Letting Big Kids Go

Kelly Corrigan, host of "Kelly Corrigan Wonders", discusses with Amy how she has navigated the emptying nest and her continually changing relationships with her older children.

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Feb. 7, 2024

How Is It Still Winter? Stuff for Kids to Do When They're Stuck Inside

Winter isn't over, no matter what the groundhog said, and we've got bored and noisy kids stuck inside on long and gray afternoons. Here are some fun ways to keep kids busy during any stretch of cold or rainy weather.

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Feb. 5, 2024

Ask Margaret: How Do I Help My Kids Through a Big Move?

How can we prep our kids for a cross-country move? Here's what worked for Margaret to establish connections for herself and her kids in a new town.

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Feb. 2, 2024

Fresh Take: Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket of "Modern Dadhood"

Why is it rare for men to discuss parenthood when they're together? What's the difference between being a "dad" and being a "father"? Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket, co-hosts of the podcast "Modern Dadhood," discuss gendered perceptions of parenting.

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Jan. 31, 2024

Why Is It Easier to Solve Other People's Problems?

Why is it so much easier to solve other people's problems than our own? How do we transfer that clarity to others—and how do we gain that clarity when it's our own problems we're struggling with?

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Jan. 29, 2024

Ask Amy: How Do I Get My 8-Year-Old to Read a Real Book?

How can we encourage kids to read REAL books, not the gross-out books they prefer? And does it really matter as long as they're reading something? Here are some tips to get reluctant readers turning the pages.

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Jan. 26, 2024

Fresh Take: Dr. Linnea Passaler on Healing Your Nervous System

When our nervous systems are continuously dysregulated, it leads to unwanted physical and emotional symptoms. Dr. Linnea Passaler, author of HEAL YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM, discusses how to address the root causes of dysregulation, especially for mothers.

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Jan. 24, 2024

We Just Don't Get It: Stuff That Everyone Likes But Us

We asked our mom friends what trends, average daily occurrences, and certain superstars they just don't get—don't understand the hype around. Here is all the funny stuff that everyone likes but us.

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Jan. 22, 2024

Ask Margaret: What Should I Do When Friends Exclude My Kid?

How do we handle it when our kids are excluded from social circles? Ostracization when you're a kid stinks, but it's part of life. Margaret shares her own parenting tips for when kid social dynamics go sour.

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Jan. 19, 2024

Fresh Take: Jessica McCabe on How to ADHD

How do we effectively parent kids with ADHD—and how do we effectively parent when we're the ones with ADHD? Jessica McCabe, author of the new book HOW TO ADHD, details day-to-day strategies for those with ADHD, whether it's you or someone you love.

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Jan. 17, 2024

Why Do Moms Get All The Blame?

Whatever goes wrong, experts have traditionally agreed: it's all mom's fault. Why do moms get all the blame? Who and what else do we give a pass when we stop looking for other causes (and solutions)?

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Jan. 15, 2024

Ask Amy: My Kid Is Always Saying "That's Mine!"

Do your toddlers and preschoolers love to shout "That's mine!" We explain why that's a phase, and offer some parenting tips for promoting sharing between little kids.

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Jan. 12, 2024

Fresh Take: Andrea Owen of "Make Some Noise"

Women are told to stay strong—but that advice can make us afraid to ask for the help we need. Life coach Andrea Owen gives us strategies and tools that push back on traditional self-help.

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Jan. 10, 2024

Why Kids Need More Time To Play

Kids today spend 11 more hours a week on school and homework than we did. That means a lot less time to play. A new study theorizes that this decline is directly related to the decline in kids' mental health.

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Jan. 8, 2024

Ask Margaret: How Do I Get My Baby Sleeping Through the Night?

When are babies ready to sleep through the night? When they're old enough and big enough, how can we encourage longer nighttime stretches of sleep—for everyone?

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Jan. 5, 2024

Fresh Take: Dr. Camilo Ortiz on How to Help Kids With Anxiety

How can we best protect kids from anxiety? We need to balance our desire to keep our children safe with letting them learn and grow on their own. Psychologist Dr. Camilo Ortiz explains how to let kids explore and learn without our oversight.

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Jan. 3, 2024

What We're Taking Into The New Year (with Life Coach Ann Imig)

How can we enter the new year with a confidence in what we already have and do well, rather than a list of things we have to fix? Life coach Ann Imig shares strategies for discovering and cultivating our existing personality strengths.

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Jan. 1, 2024

Ask Amy: All My Kids Do Is Fight!

Constant sibling fighting doesn’t last forever. It just feels that way. Let go of feeling guilty your kids aren’t living in perfect harmony. Pretend you’re parent to a dog and a rooster– who expects them to share? Sometimes it’s easiest to separate.

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