187. Are parents violating their kids’ privacy online?
Oversharing Kids Online: Why “Sharenting” Hurts More Than It HelpsParents are posting more than ever—but at what cost to their children’s privacy, safety, and sense of self? In this episode, Andrew and Caroline tackle the growing issue of “sharenting:” the habit of sharing too much about kids online. From cute toddler photos to venting about behaviour problems, they explore how these seemingly harmless posts can lead to embarrassment, digital footprints kids never consented to, and long-term risks to self-esteem and identity.They unpack why parents overshare, what children actually think about it, and how to set healthy digital boundaries at home. With humour, honesty, and real-life examples, this episode invites everyone to rethink how we use technology and model online responsibility.Homework IdeasAudit your social media — scroll back through old posts and delete or archive anything that shares personal or potentially embarrassing info about your child.Family discussion: ask your kids how they feel about photos or stories shared about them. Give them veto power going forward.Define your “why” — before posting anything, pause and ask: Why am I sharing this? Who benefits?Create a private space — set up a small, closed photo-sharing album (like Google Photos, Cluster, or Family Album) for grandparents or close family.Replace online time with connection time — trade 15 minutes of scrolling for a walk, board game, or family check-in.Other ideas to protect your child's privacy:American Psychological Association (APA): Guidelines on Children’s Digital PrivacyCommon Sense Media: Family Media Agreements and Privacy TipsCybertip.ca: Parent resources for online safety and digital consentSend us a textEnjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526
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186. Can AI actually make parenting easier?
In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline sit down with Camille Jaramis, founder of Ask Yawn, the first parenting AI designed to cut through the chaos of parenting advice online.Camille shares how she and a team of parent-engineers built Ask Yawn to give exhausted parents quick, science-backed support—without the judgment or endless Googling at 3 a.m. They talk about how tech can help families, where it can cross the line, and why balance, privacy, and trust matter more than ever. From late-night baby sleep struggles to the ethics of AI, this episode is honest, relatable, and packed with aha moments for anyone raising kids in the digital age. It’s a conversation about parenting smarter, not harder, and remembering that connection always comes first.Homework fIdeasAudit Your Parenting Information HabitsTrack where you get your parenting advice for one week (Google, social media, AI tools, friends).Reflect on which sources make you feel calmer vs. more anxious.Build a “Trusted Circle” of ResourcesChoose 3 reliable go-to sources (a pediatrician, a sleep consultant, or a small expert community).Limit online searches to pre-vetted spaces or AI tools with transparent data practices (like AskYawn).Create a “Screen-Free Parenting Zone”Set aside one daily block of time — even 15 minutes — where phones stay off and kids get your full attention. Notice how it changes connection and behaviour.Model Digital Balance for KidsLet your kids see you ask questions out loud or problem-solve without instantly reaching for a phone. It teaches patience, creativity, and self-trust.Protect Mental Health During Information OverloadRemind yourself: not every “expert” is your expert.If searching online becomes obsessive or anxiety-driven, take a tech break and reach out to a professional.📌 Resources:AskYawn — AI parenting assistant for baby sleep (ages 0–5)The Tech-Wise Family by Andy CrouchPostpartum Support International for emotional supportBaby Sleep Training Tips & Help Facebook Community Yawn: The Baby Sleep Training Podcast (Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts)About CamilleCamille Jaramis is the founder of Ask Yawn, an AI-powered parenting companion designed to support families through the messy, beautiful, and often overwhelming early years of raising children. In addition, Camille built one of the world’s largest parenting communities on Facebook with more than 670,000 members, authored The Baby Sleep Manual, and co-hosted The Baby Sleep Training Podcast. She brings both her lived experience as a mother and her professional background in technology and organizational development to everything she creates. Send us a textEnjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526
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185. How do parents keep kids safe without holding them back? (Special Recast Episode)
With Halloween creeping up, Andrew and Caroline revisit one of their most memorable episodes: The night they tried to solve a mystery that still haunts their home: is their ensuite bathroom possessed… or just falling apart?(PS — the light actually did turn on in the middle of the night. You decide. 👀)But ghosts aside, this replay digs into something every parent wrestles with: How to keep kids safe without smothering their independence.They explore why our protective instincts sometimes do more harm than good, and how fear can quietly steer our parenting choices away from what helps kids grow confident and resilient.This episode is a timely reminder to check which fears belong to you, and which actually belong to your kids.Enjoy this spooky, insightful, and funny rewind!Homework IdeasName your own fears. Write down three things that worry you most about your child’s safety or future. Then ask yourself: Are these my fears, or theirs?Let them try (and maybe fail). Choose one small thing this week to let your child handle on their own — crossing a street, carving their pumpkin, or choosing a costume. Watch their confidence rise.Practice “brave talk.” Instead of “Be careful,” try “You’ve got this — and I’m nearby if you need help.” It rewires how kids hear risk.Reflect before reacting. When you feel that protective jolt, pause and ask: Am I keeping them safe, or keeping myself comfortable?Model courage out loud. Tell your kids when you feel nervous (like hearing that mysterious bathroom light click on again 👀). Let them see courage in action.Send us a textEnjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526
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184. Are we ignoring loneliness and postpartum depression in dads?
In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline dive into the often-overlooked topic of dad loneliness and postpartum mental health for fathers. They get real about the invisible expectations men face, the lack of support for dads compared to moms, and the pressure to “just keep going.” Along the way, they share raw stories of exhaustion, survival mode, and the quiet ways dads can feel left out—even in loving families.From postpartum depression in fathers, to finding balance in friendships, to rediscovering joy through play and laughter, this episode is part serious reflection, part comedy (yes, including ranking the dogs). If you’ve ever wondered how dads really feel, or how families can better support fathers, this is a must-listen.Homework IdeasFor Couples:Schedule weekly partner check-ins. Use “I feel/I need” statements instead of blame.Ask your partner directly: “What do you need from me this week to feel supported?”For Dads: Create and maintain at least one regular friendship ritual (golf, coffee, phone call, “nerd night”).Keep a small “quiet space” or ritual daily (walk, motorcycle ride, backyard sit).·For Families:Balance survival mode with play—make space for silliness with kids. Share responsibility for chores and childcare with clear communication.For Mental Health: If feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, or anxiety interfere with daily functioning—reach out to a healthcare provider. Remember: postpartum depression and anxiety can affect fathers too.About PeggyBefore becoming a guide for families in conflict, Peggy Walsh spent nearly two decades as a judge in New York’s Family and State Supreme Courts. She presided over some of the most emotionally complex cases—custody disputes, divorces, child protection—and saw firsthand the toll that litigation takes on families. Today, she channels that experience into her work as The CoParent Coach, helping separated parents and caregivers avoid court, rebuild communication, and move forward for the sake of their children.https://thecoparentcoach.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-walsh-1a5b2133/Send us a textEnjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526
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183. Can co-parenting actually work without going to court?
In this episode of Parents of the Year, Caroline sits down with Peggy, a co-parenting coach and former judge, to talk about one of the toughest challenges families face: raising kids after separation or divorce.From avoiding conflict and keeping kids out of the middle, to creating respectful communication and future-focused parenting agreements, Peggy shares hard-earned lessons from both the courtroom and coaching practice.If you’ve ever wondered how to protect kids from conflict, break free from resentment, or build a parenting plan that actually works — this episode is for you.Homework Ideas:Shift from Past to Future: Write down how you want to feel in 6 months, 1 year, and 10 years when it comes to co-parenting. Use that as your compass.Respect Rule: Practice communicating with your co-parent as if your child is listening — because they are. Keep it respectful, brief, and focused on the child.Create Written Agreements: Even if not filed in court, draft a parenting plan together. Having expectations in writing avoids confusion and conflict.Check Language: Avoid negative comments about the other parent in front of kids. If you slip, repair it by affirming the child’s right to love both parents.Future Visualization: Imagine big milestones (graduations, weddings, holidays) — then ask yourself, What do I need to let go of now to make those moments possible together?Send us a textEnjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
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