On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak and Jamilah help a listener whose middle schooler is being asked to hang out with the popular kids… and he’s worried that there’s a catch. 

They also go over their week in triumphs and fails — and then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus, they talk about parenting advice from child-free adults.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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The Popular Girl Wants My Son. He Doesn’t Know How to Turn Her Down.

From our friends at Slate's How To!: Guns are now the leading cause of death for children in America. Each tragedy can be visceral, whether it’s in your community or across the country. And it’s especially heartbreaking when your kid voices that fear directly, as our listener Allison recently experienced. On this episode of How To!, co-host Amanda Ripley brings in Melinda Wenner Moyer. Melinda is an author and science journalist with years covering gun violence and parenting issues. She’s also the author of the substack, Is My Kid the Asshole? where she shares science-based approaches to lower the possibility of gun violence, help kids feel safe, and, ultimately, change the environment. 

If you liked this episode, check out: “My Kid’s Anxiety Is Giving ME Anxiety! How Do I Fix This?”

Do you wonder how best to use your time? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on How To!. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus to help support our work.
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How To Raise Kids in a Nation Full of Guns

On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux and Zak Rosen are joined by Willa Paskin, host of Slate’s Decoder Ring. The three talk about the beauty of weird little rituals, and help a listener through her ick of tooth fairy-ing. Listen to Decoder Ring’s episode: Who Owns the Tooth Fairy?

Jamilah and Zak also share their triumphs and fails for the week. Then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus: public schools in Akron recently tried out a no-phones policy, and it might inspire some new philosophies for summer screen time. 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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Why Do We Need The Tooth Fairy?

On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux, Zak Rosen and guest host Maribel Quezada Smith advise a couple who have one kid. They thought they were a ‘one and done’ family but they’re feeling the pressure of the biological clock and now don’t know if they should have a second before it’s no longer an option. We also have listeners weigh in on how they approach family composition. 

Recommendations: 

Zak: Embrace mismatching socks! 
Maribel: Laundry bags. 
Jamilah: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.—the movie. 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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Creating Your Perfect Family

On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux, Zak Rosen and guest host Maribel Quezada Smith help a listener whose toddler will. not. stop. licking. things. Is it just a phase, or can our listener redirect that desire to explore?

We also tackle circulating sicknesses, upended routines on family vacation, and friendship trouble at school. Then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus: a researcher suggests that there’s a better way to raise emotionally healthy children, though it might not be popular. 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.

Make an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
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My Toddler Licks Literally Everything

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Elizabeth Newcamp and Jamilah Lemieux tackle a heartbreaking listener letter from a mom who longs for her career. But it’s currently being overshadowed by her kids' needs and a system that isn’t built for working parents. 

Recommendations: 
Jamilah: Baby J on Netflix.
Elizabeth: Animal erasers 
Zak: Osmo

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.

Make an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
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Desperately Missing Work

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Jamilah Lemieux brainstorm some ideas for a parent who is mourning the loss of ‘read aloud’ time with her kid. They also discuss their week in parenting and what’s on the docket for Mother’s Day. Then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus, everyone shares memories of their favorite teachers and professors in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.

Make an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reading Rituals You (and Your Kids) Will Love

On this episode: Elizabeth Newcamp, Jamilah Lemieux, and Zak Rosen answer a question about a little boy who was mostly potty trained but now is having daily accidents. They’re joined by Dr. Christine Stephenson, a pediatric physical therapist who specializes in kids with urinary and fecal incontinence and chronic bladder infections. She’s also the author of The Constipation Game Plan. Christine has some useful advice for stopping the accidents as well as general advice for anyone either on or starting a potty training journey with kids. 

Recommendations: 
Zak: Mr. Farts: Farting Around the House
Jamilah: Never Have I Ever on Netflix
Christine: Picking up litter outside with kids. 
Elizabeth: Does it Fart? The Definitive Field Guide to Animal Flatulence 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.

Make an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Preventing Potty Problems

On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux sits down with journalist Virginia Sole-Smith to discuss her new book, Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture. This conversation is a special collaboration with Slate’s The Waves podcast. Virginia talks about the body shame kids face, reclaiming the word ‘fat,’ and supporting kids in the bodies they’re in. They also talk about how parents, grandparents, and other figures in kids’ lives can dismantle fatphobia and other learned behaviors that perpetuate our current culture.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.
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Let Kids Eat Cake

On this episode: Elizabeth talks with Chris Balme, author of Finding the Magic In Middle School. He explains what drives tweens, why this period is fundamentally different than high school, and how to guide them through this transition. Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth also open up the mailbag and give some recommendations. 

Recommendations: 
Zak: Watch David Byrne sing When Doves Cry at a karaoke bar
Elizabeth: Professor Noggin Cards, Binder Rings
Jamilah: Florida Man on Netflix

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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Middle School Magic

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth answer a question from a listener with an estranged mother-in-law who has a habit of sending gifts to her grandchildren accompanied by mean notes for her kids. But the issue has reached a new head, because a man in an unmarked car sat in the listener’s driveway for 15 minutes… before getting out and dropping off gifts. 

We also go over triumphs and fails for the week… and then for Slate Plus, the hosts take ChatGPT’s parenting advice for a spin with some classic kid questions.  

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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Mysterious Gifts From an Estranged Mother-In-Law

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth advise a listener who is fed up with her partner’s picky eating. His preferences have made it nearly impossible to meal prep, which he doesn’t help with. On top of that, he’s taken to complaining about the food in front of their kid. 

Recommendations: 

Jamilah: Cheetos’ Flamin’ Hot with Limón
Elizabeth: Self-Compassion Workbook for Kids 
Zak: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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Mealtime Meltdowns

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah, and Elizabeth answer a question from an exhausted parent of two little kids. She is tired and ‘touched out.’ It has left her wanting to scale back physical intimacy on multiple levels but especially sex. Honestly, she says she’d love a pass to be celibate for a few years until they want to try for a third child. 

Then on Slate Plus, what public places should babies be banned from? 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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Too ‘Touched Out’ For Sex

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak answer a question from a family who has a very sick dog. The dog, who is two, has been experiencing chronic health issues and requires more care than the mom and her two daughters can provide. Our letter writer is thinking about rehoming the dog but doesn’t know how to break it to her girls who have bonded deeply with their dog. Also on this show, recommendations and advice from listeners.

Recommendations: 
Zak: Using a chafing dish to catch your kid’s throw up. 
Jamilah: America, Goddam: Violence, Black Women, and the Struggle for Justice by Treva B. Lindsey.
(Bonus, catch Jamilah on RapCaviar, available on Hulu.)
Elizabeth: Brains On episode with Emily Hanford

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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Giving Up Our Family Dog

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak are joined by Natasha Nelson, who is known as Supernova Momma, to discuss positive parenting. Natasha explains what positive discipline actually entails, how to realistically use the approach, and what people misunderstand about gentle parenting. They also give advice to a listener who has been trying to adhere to a positive parenting philosophy but are finding themselves frustrated in the face of big temper tantrums. 

Then on Slate Plus, they play a round of parenting One Gotta Go. 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.

Make an impact this Earth Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to bring more parks to more people across the country. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
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Busting "Gentle Parenting" Myths

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth answer a question from an overwhelmed listener who is doing most of the childcare and housework for her family. Her husband isn’t helping out and is citing his ADHD as the reason why. What can they do to make the workload more manageable for everyone? 

Recommendations: 
Zak recommends letting kids take the lead in the museum.
Elizabeth recommends Exit: The Game. 
Jamilah recommends Wellmania on Netflix

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.

Make an impact this Earth Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to bring more parks to more people across the country. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My Husband Isn’t Helping Out With Childcare. I’m Overwhelmed.

On this episode: Jamilah, Zak, and Elizabeth answer a question about a six year old who asked his aunt why her belly is so big. The question surfaced some body image issues for our listener and she was left feeling bad about herself for over a week. Now she’s wondering if she should talk to her nephew about size diversity and why not everyone appreciates random questions about their bodies. 

Then on Slate Plus, they discuss How They See Us: The Humbling Tyranny of the Pictures Our Children Take of Us.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.

Make an impact this Earth Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to bring more parks to more people across the country. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
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Body Shamed By a 6-Year-Old

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Evan Urquhart. Evan covers anti-trans propaganda on Assigned Media, writes for Slate, and manages Slate’s comments section. 

Today we’re going to be talking with Evan about his recent piece, There Are Two Sides to the Debate on Health Care for Trans Kids. Here’s What You’re Missing About One of Them. People and resources mentioned: Julia Serano, Assigned Media, and Trans Safety Network. 

Recommendations: 
Jamilah recommends the Dear Culture podcast. 
Evan recommends the Washington Post-KFF Trans in America survey. 
Zak recommends letting kids watch TV during breakfast on school days. 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.

Make an impact this Earth Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to bring more parks to more people across the country. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gender-Affirming Care For Kids

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Evan Urquhart. Evan manages Slate’s comments section, covers anti-trans propaganda on assignedmedia.org, and has experience fostering teens, which will be extraordinarily useful for today’s questions. We recently got two letters from listeners who are thinking about becoming foster parents and are specifically interested in caring for teens. We’ll dive into what they should know. Then on Slate Plus, we are talking about Utah’s new laws restricting minors' ability to access and use social media.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.
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How to Foster Teens

On this episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth and Zak talk about their experience with video games — and then Elizabeth speaks with Ash Brandin, also known as @TheGamerEducator, about their tips for parenting young gamers. Then the hosts issue recommendations, and respond to a listener letter asking for tips on the latest and greatest in books for young eyes and ears.

Recommendations: 
Zak recommends: Abigail Lapell
Elizabeth recommends: Free Run Wild My Child Treasure Hunt 
Jamilah recommends: Swarm on Amazon Prime 

Books for beginning readers:
E: Usborne My First Readers  & Elephant & Piggie & Usborn Phonics Readers
Z: Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things that Go, The Color Monster: a story about Emotions. 
J: Can Read books, including Ty’s Travels and Amelia Bedelia
Graphic Novels:
E:  EL Deafo & This Was Our Pact & The Witch Boy (upper elementary & Middle) & Peter & Ernesto A Tale of Two Sloths (lower elementary)
J: Twins (lower elementary) The Baby Sitter’s Club (lower elementary)
Books about Loss:
E: One Wave At A Time  & The Invisible String & When Dinosaurs Die & Circus Mirandus (older readers) 
Z: Lilah Tov Good Night
J: A Kid’s Book About Death, The Sad Dragon
Just Really Good Books:
E: Hello Universe & We Dream of Space (both by Erin Entrada Kelly)& The Big Umbrella & Anything by Aaron Reynolds (Teddy’s favorite, see President Squid) 
Z:The Napping House
J: The People Could Fly, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters 

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

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. You can also call our NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Maura Currie and Zak Rosen
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