Would you rather.... a toddler’s meltdown at 30,000 feet or a diaper disaster at Costco? This week, Andrew and Caroline get a little personal as they tackle the parenting would-you-rather game that nobody asked for—but everyone secretly needs. From sketchy chopstick translations to deep dives on failure, independence, parenting regrets, and co-parenting with someone you can't stand, this episode mixes honest laughs with real talk about raising kids today... and surviving it yourself.Listen now — your inner tired parent will thank you. Homework IdeasThink about your parenting “Would You Rather” Pick 3 “Would You Rather” questions from the episode and talk about them with your partner.· Where are you aligned?· Where are you totally different?· What does it say about your approach to parenting?Enter their quality worldChoose one activity this week to fully enter your kid’s “quality world” — show up with curiosity for something they love, even if you don’t. Enjoying 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
--------
38:29
160. Why can’t my kid just get ready for school?! The truth about executive functioning
Executive functioning—it’s the behind-the-scenes power that keeps us organized, flexible, and in control. But what happens when it doesn’t come naturally? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Dr. Anna Levy-Warren joins Andrew and Caroline to break down executive functions in real life—why working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control matter, and how to support kids (and ourselves) when these skills don’t come easily. With humour, personal stories, and practical strategies, they tackle everything from school struggles to emotional regulation and screen time battles. Tune in for real talk and actionable tips to make daily life smoother for you and your kids.Homework Ideas✅ Reframe how you see executive functioning struggles – Instead of assuming laziness or defiance, remind yourself that your child’s brain may be working at a younger developmental level in certain areas.✅ Create a visual checklist – Work with your child to break down common routines (e.g., getting ready for school) into a step-by-step chart with pictures or words.✅ Try a time timer – Use a visual clock to help kids manage time better for tasks like homework or getting ready.✅ Model and narrate self-regulation – When feeling frustrated, say aloud: “I feel overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a deep breath before I answer.” Show kids how to pause before reacting.✅ Reduce screen distractions – If your child struggles with focus, try moving devices out of sight during study time and limiting evening screen exposure.Try:📌 Post-it Notes & Whiteboard – To help with memory and multi-step tasks.📌 Calendar System – Try colour-coding family schedules to help kids see upcoming events and responsibilities.📌 Assistive Tech – Explore apps like “Todoist” for organizing tasks or “Forest” to help limit screen distractions.📌 Name It to Tame It – Practice labelling emotions to help kids (and yourself) regulate feelings before they escalate.🎧 Tune in to this episode for more strategies and real-life examples that make a difference!ResourcesDawson, P., & Guare, R.: Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary Executive Skills Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential Mougios, V.: Action Potential: The Secrets of Successful Learners Palladino,L: Parenting in the Age of Attention Snatchers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Your Child's Use of Technology Yeager, M & D: Executive Function and Child Development About Dr. Anna Levy-WarrenAnna Levy-Warren is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Organizational Tutors. With over 20 years of experience in the field of psychology including a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Anna is a leader in the field addressing executive functioning challenges in children and teens. With an expert understanding of diverse learning profiles and first-hand experience as a parent, Anna offers a unique combination of clinical experience and a passion for empowering children and teens to develop skills to excel in all aspects of their lives. Anna regularly speaks to parents and teachers at schools and education-based organizations throughout the country, addressing a wiEnjoying 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
--------
37:03
159. Why does my kid hate me?
Ever feel like your kid hates you? You’re not alone. This episode is a real, funny, and honest conversation about what’s really going on when our kids push us away. Andrew and Caroline break down the difference between “I hate peas” and “I hate you,” why your child might unload on you after school, and how parenting through emotional blow-ups is more about connection than control. Plus, what’s your role in the tension—and how can you show up differently without losing your mind? Homework IdeasRun a Self-Talk Inventory For 24 hours, jot down (or record a voice memo) every time you give your child a direction, correction, or piece of feedback. Review at the end of the day:How many were positive?How many were negative?How many were about screens?Enter Their World Pick one activity your child enjoys and commit to doing it with them—without trying to teach, improve, or redirect. Just join in. Be curious. Take notes after: What did you learn about them?What made them laugh?What frustrated them?What did they talk about most?Clarify Expectations, Drop the Power Struggle Write out one daily expectation you’re tired of repeating. Share it calmly with your child as a “choice”:“Here’s what needs to happen. You get to choose when/how.” Then hold the boundary—without nagging.Enjoying 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
--------
23:02
158. What would your ideal community for raising kids look like?
What if you could build a dream community from scratch—one where kids roam freely, neighbours co-parent, schools are reimagined, and baby gates are banned? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline go off-script (again), mapping out their not-so-gentle vision of paradise. They talk about core values and whether technology belongs anywhere near a truly connected life. Warning: quicksand pits and dumb phones may be involved.This isn’t about fantasy. It’s about how the small choices we make today shape our kids’ worlds tomorrow.Homework Ideas:Write down your top 3 values for raising kids. Now ask: does your daily life reflect them?Take your kids outside for unstructured play. No gear, no agenda. Just nature.For one full day, leave your phone behind and track how it changes your attention and connection.Enjoying 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
--------
36:59
157. Do labels like 'lighthouse parenting' actually help — or just sell books?
Parenting trends come and go — gentle parenting, helicopter parenting, lighthouse parenting. But what if all these labels are just distractions? In this episode, Andrew and Caroline dive into why chasing parenting fads can pull us further from what really matters: connection, trust, and raising capable humans. They share personal stories (including life lessons from Willy Wonka) and talk about the danger of over-labelling.Plus, we tackle the billion-dollar industry profiting off parents’ insecurities and explore how to cut through the noise and stay anchored to your own family values. Grab your coffee and join us — no labels required.Homework Ideas:Define Your Parenting North Star: Write down 3-5 values that matter most in your family. Pin it somewhere visible. (Example: connection, respect, curiosity, kindness)Digital Detox: Take a week off reading any parenting content online (including social media “advice”) and notice how you feel.Create a Connection Space: Carve out a “no screens, no agenda” zone in your home — where you simply exist together.Enjoying 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.
New Zealand