Mom And Dad Are Fighting | Slate's Parenting Show

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a parent who has been monitoring their teenage daughter’s text messages. Have they crossed a line, or are they doing their due diligence to ensure their child is safe? Then they answer a question from a parent whose 2 year-old daughter wants her ears pierced. How early is too early, and who should be making this kind of decision?  On Slate Plus, the hosts talk about how one Black mother’s video about her night doula went viral, sparking a debate about privilege, luxury, and the expectation that mothers, particularly Black mothers, must be suffering to succeed at motherhood.  Recommendations: Zak recommends calling your kids' creative hobbies an art practice. Jamilah recommends Passing on Netflix Elizabeth recommends the book Letters From Father Christmas Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a parent who is sick of their generous neighbors constantly sending over hand-me-down toys. The letter writer is already running out of space in their house. Is it OK to simply refuse? Can they donate the toys? Would tossing the toys crush the neighbors’ generous spirit? Then they answer a question from a dad whose daughter needs surgery. How can he explain the procedure without frightening her? On Slate Plus, the hosts talk about how this time of year forces families to really figure out how they’re celebrating the holidays and, in turn, how religion operates within their family. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Recommendations: Zak recommends @MenWithThePot on Instagram Jamilah recommends Love Life on HBO Elizabeth recommends a printable Christmas reading calendar.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questi

On this week’s episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Amber Smith advise a listener who wants to provide their preschooler with a less whitewashed history of Thanksgiving. They have some helpful tips for explaining the real thanksgiving in a more realistic, age-appropriate manner. Zak then sits down with Jenny Rosenstrach, bestselling author and creator of Dinner: A Love Story, to strategize how to include your child in holiday cooking and avoid Empty Celebration Syndrome. If you want to hear more of Zak’s conversation with Jenny, check out The Best Advice Show. On Slate Plus, Zak, Jamilah, and Amber recount some Turkey nightmares and share their attempts at tricky new dishes. Recommendations: Jamilah recommends taking time to pause and play with your child this holiday season. Amber recommends baby sock-shoes, Grookz. Zak recommends bringing your child to the bookstore and supporting your local book sellers. Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of to

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a parent who is in over her head when it comes to bath time. Her little one used to love taking baths but has since changed her mind. Now bath time is a nightmare for both of them. Then they’re joined by Dr. Syra Madad, an infectious disease epidemiologist with New York City Health + Hospitals and Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. She shares how parents can keep their family, especially kids who are still too young to be vaccinated, safe during the holiday season. On Slate Plus, the hosts talk about how they’re approaching the holidays this year.  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends Root Magic by Eden Royce.  Zak recommends unsubscribing to EVERYTHING!  Elizabeth recommends the Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Grow Kit.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast p

On this week’s episode: Zak, Elizabeth, and Greg Lavallee advise a listener whose rambunctious little one is on his third visit to the emergency room. How can our listener teach him that he can get hurt if he keeps up with the daredevil antics? They also debate how to talk to kids about screen time and how to set up healthy boundaries with devices. On Slate Plus, they lament the impending winter clothes chaos.  Recommendations: Greg recommends asking your cool adult friends to give your kids compliments.  Elizabeth recommends Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty.  Zak recommends taking yourself to the movies. The new Wes Anderson film, The French Dispatch, is a great pick-me-up.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Don't miss the member-exclusive segment on MADAF every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now at slate.

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Zak help a listener whose kid just will not get out the door in the mornings. Next, they dive into a debate about the purpose of homework and who gets to decide how much homework a child is required to do. On Slate Plus, they discuss an interesting package from Romper called Parenting at the End Of the World.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends the card game Boom Goes the Dynamite. Zak recommends the musician Caspar Babypants.  Jamilah recommends the show Wu-Tang: An American Saga.  Additional reading: The History Of Homework: Why Was It Invented and Who Was Behind It?  Never Mind the Students; Homework Divides Parents Ask a Teacher: Slacker or Genius? Ask a Teacher: Homework: Who Needs It? Ask a Teacher: Homework Is a Constant Battle in Our House Care and Feeding Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  P

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak debate if a distracted toddler deserves to be pulled out of their gymnastics class. Next, they advise a mother who is nervous about a long flight with her toddler. From getting a toddler to wear a mask to entertaining snacks, the hosts have tips for all aspects of the flight. We’re playing a round of hot takes in Slate Plus. So stick around for some spicy parenting opinions.  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends Popeyes’ hottie sauce collab with Megan Thee Stallion.  Zak recommends making or buying a fire pit to polong the outdoor season.  Elizabeth recommends the DragonBox Elements: Geometry App Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson.  Don't miss the member-exclusive segment on MADAF every week. Sign up for Slate Plus now at slate.com/momanddadplus and you'll also get

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Aymann hotly debate a question about a kid who is vegan but decides to eat meat at their friend’s house. Is 13 mature enough to make their own dietary decisions or should the kid’s parents be told? Then, Jamilah talks with Lauren Linder, mom and attorney for a cannabis company, about how they incorporate cannabis into their parenting. In Slate Plus: Aymann talks about the effect of toxic masculinity on paternity leave. If you want to hear more from Aymann on masculinity, check out his podcast Man Up.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Simple Modern insulated cups with straws.  Aymann recommends starting a garden.  Jamilah recommends the Instant Pot Duo. Additional Links:  Check out Elizabeth's great tips for finding (and keeping friends) on Slate’s How To! podcast: How To Make Friends as an Adult.  It's Just a Plant: A Children's Story about Marijuana by Ricardo Cortés.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell

On this week’s episode: Aymann, Jamilah, and Elizabeth tackle a desperate dispatch from a parent who just wants their kid to go to bed. Instead he is pooping in the closet. Then they take on the case of the threenage temper tantrums. How can you calm a kid who is being completely irrational? In Slate Plus: They’re talkin’ tech. Specifically, the gadgets that have transformed their parenting. If you love recommendations, you’ll definitely want to stick around for that discussion.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Sharice’s Big Voice by Sharice Davids and Nancy K. Mays. Plus, check out Erika McLemore’s Instagram for more great book recommendations.  Jamilah recommends Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence by Anita Hill. Aymann recommends Elif by G. Willow Wilson and buying a new case for your old phone, especially if you’re itching to get your hands on a new phone.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show,

On this week’s episode: Aymann, Elizabeth, and Jamilah discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener whose 5 year old has been acting out at school recently. How can she encourage her child to change his behavior? Later, they share some advice with a listener whose 16 year old has not taken kindly to her mother’s boyfriend of 3 years. What can she do to bridge the divide between her partner and her daughter? In Slate Plus: We’re discussing movies and TV shows we’ve been enjoying with our families lately.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends finding a race series through your local track club for your kids to run a race! Some races even have baby races. So cute and fun! Aymann recommends potato chip bags for babies -- wash it out first and you get an amazing toy for a baby! Jamilah recommends Blazy Susan Pre Rolled Cones for the cannabis-enthusiastic parents out there. They’re slow-burning, vegan, GMO-free and PINK! Join us on Facebook and email us at momand

On this week’s episode: Aymann, Elizabeth, and guest-host Amber Smith discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener whose child has become deeply afraid of the dentist and other medical procedures. How can she help prevent her daughter’s fears from becoming phobias? Later, they share some advice on how to politely deter other parents' from making comparisons of your children.  In Slate Plus: Hiding from your kids. Because sometimes, parents just need a break! The tricky part can be in explaining this to your kids.   Recommendations: Jamilah recommends the incredibly precious book, Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson for your child. Amber recommends 2Harts24 Baby Bottom Cream to help rescue your baby from diaper rash.  Aymann recommends The Wonder Weeks App to help you keep track of your baby’s major milestones! Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about

On this week’s episode: Aymann, Elizabeth and Jamilah discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener whose baby has received a lot of monetary gifts. At 5 months old, does her baby need a bank account? Later, they share some tips to help you evaluate schools. Beyond testing scores, how do you determine which school you should send your child to?  In Slate Plus: When to take a hands off approach vs. a hands on approach with your kids when you see them making a mistake.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends listening to the Greeking Out podcast with your family. It’s a fun, kid-friendly podcast about Greek mythology! Aymann recommends taking a break now and then to go stay with your relatives. Especially to those who have very young kids.   Jamilah recommends making your own bone broth. All you need are chicken bones, water, some veggies, add a few spices and let it simmer. It’s easy, healthy and delicious!  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Aymann and guest-host Michaela Smith discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener whose 4 year old daughter has recently become obsessed with wearing makeup. Should her mother be worried about this new development or just let it play out naturally? Later, they have some advice for a parent whose toddler is dealing with some separation anxiety. What can she do to help support her daughter through these difficult feelings? In Slate Plus: It’s almost officially fall! So we’re discussing what we’re most looking forward to and some of our favorite fall activities to do with the family.  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends reading Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems with your kids.   Aymann recommends giving out compliments more often! It’s been a saving grace for him and his wife during the stressful first few months of parenthood.   Michaela recommends getting ahead of your child’s anxiety or other big feelings by consulting

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth and Aymann discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener whose first grader is bored at school. Should her mother have a talk with her daughter’s teacher or wait and see if things change in a few weeks?   Later, they have some advice for a parent whose 11-almost-12-year-old son is campaigning hard for a cell phone. Would a phone serve as a helpful tool or a terrible distraction?  In Slate Plus: We’re getting into the “why’s” of it all! Why? Because it’s the favorite and sometimes very annoying question of many young children. What can parents do to answer their kids' endless “why’s” without losing their cool?  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Wise Owl Hammock & Straps for easy comfort when you’re camping with the family.  Aymann recommends the Self Cleaning LARQ Water Bottle for purifying water for you and your baby on the go.  Jamilah recommends making your own bootleg sangria! Using grand marnier and/or rum, wi

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth and Aymann discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener who feels she’s being borderline ghosted by other parents after their children’s playdates.  Later, they have some advice for a parent whose 12 year old son is very set in his views as they pertain to religion but his mom worries that this may cause problems down the line for one of his new friendships. How can she help her son navigate this potential conflict?  In Slate Plus: Free-range parenting: what is it and is it for you? Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Perler Bead Craft Bead Sweeper to help you clean up all of those pesky beads in one quick sweep.  Aymann recommends getting a Kodak Photo Printer so that you can join him in instantly printing out all of those adorable photos of your kids that you have stored on your iPhone.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us i

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Aymann discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener whose 4-year-old daughter has developed some attention-seeking behaviors with the arrival of a newborn sibling. Later, they have some advice for someone whose 6-year-old is struggling to learn table manners. How long will mealtimes be a struggle before the constant and repetitive “chew with your mouth shut and sit at the table” bears fruit? In Slate Plus: What to do with keepsakes and mementos that cause physical and emotional clutter? The group discusses their strategies for preserving, or tossing, those letters, drawings, and awards that accumulate over childhood. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to listen and support our work. Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis and Asha Saluja. Recommendations Aymann recommends  the subreddit for Dads called Daddit. Jamilah recommends Shantrelle P. L

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Aymann discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener whose 6 year old daughter has become fixated on finding a cure for death.  Later, they have some advice for a parent whose own parents are excellent grandparents to her children but who often cross some boundary lines.  In Slate Plus: The latest UN report on climate change. How can we discuss this with our children without scaring the crap out of them?  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends AND8 Fitness for people who love to have fun during their workouts.  Elizabeth recommends Kids Quip -- an electric toothbrush for kids that will help you get them out the door a little faster in the mornings.  Aymann recommends buying an INSTAX Polaroid Camera to hand out polaroid pictures in place of party favors.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should

On this week’s episode: It’s Dan’s last show before book leave! Jamilah, Elizabeth, and Dan discuss their triumphs and fails for the week. Then they answer a question from a listener who is wondering how she should help her son navigate a friendship that’s not so friendly. Later, they have some advice for a mother who would like to avoid talking about her daughter right in front of her, but that’s hard to do when you’re a single parent. In Slate Plus: Summer jobs, entrepreneurial kids, and Dan’s crushing camp counselor file secrets are revealed!  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends the graphic novel Twins by Varian Johnson & Shannon Wright. Elizabeth recommends you pack your kids lunches using the PackIt Freezable Classic Lunchbox, the Yumbox and Bee's Wrap! Dan recommends watching Netflix’s teen show Never Have I Ever with your older kids.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should ta

On this week’s episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth, and guest host Courtney Martin discuss triumphs and fails, co-housing and Courtney’s new book, Learning in Public: Lessons for a Racially Divided America from My Daughter's School.  Then they answer a question from a listener who is wondering how to help her child adapt to wearing a uniform at school while still encouraging self-expression. Jamilah suggested to mix things up by adding in fun ties, like this one she dressed her daughter in a few years ago. In Slate Plus: When should we talk to our kids about sex? According to researchers, much earlier than you may think! NY Times - Sex Talks Should Start Earlier Than You Think  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends online vintage shopping. And if you’re worried about sizing, pay attention to the fabric! Stretch is key.  Elizabeth recommends pelvic floor PT to help with pelvic weakness. One resource she mentioned is this instagram page. Courtney recommends subscribing to the Substack Newsletter by Sarah Wheeler c

On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Dan, and Jamilah discuss how we should be talking to our kids about Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from the Olympics.  Then, they answer a question from a listener who is wondering how to deal with their bad babysitter. The problem is, the babysitter is grandma.   In Slate Plus: Is it a faux pas to request no gifts at a child’s birthday party? Or is it OK?  Recommendations: Elizabeth recommends Draw Your World, a sketch book for kids (or adults!) that helps familiarize you with world maps.  Dan recommends the Cat Video Festival, now playing in theaters around the country. Jamilah recommends quarantine, whether you’re sick or not.  Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes.  Podcast produced by Morgan Flannery.  Hosts  Elizabeth Newcamp is a co-host of Mom and Dad Are Fighting. She's a traveling mother of three bo