Childproof

Context matters when you want to call your brother a Silly Pumpkin Doo-Doo Head. This week, Gwenna and Tori discuss the complexities of sibling dynamics with your kids, from fairness in gift giving, to baby tooth envy, and how to explain when name calling crosses the boundary from playful to mean. They compare notes on what to do when your kids are fighting, how to foster each of their individual...

Have a melancholy Christmas, it is…a time of year. This week, Gwenna and Tori share their struggle to get into the holiday spirit, and the way they're living vicariously through their kids' joy. They unpack the feeling of inadequacy wrapped up in Elf on a Shelf, the unrealistic expectations that social media sets us up for, and quality over quantity when it comes to gifts for your kids. Sometimes,...

Sometimes, you just have to push through the discomfort and get really specific. This week, Gwenna and Tori discuss what moms actually want for the holidays, how to give a truly thoughtful gift that won't break the bank, and demystifying the idea that you are "hard to shop for." Don't forget to think about yourself for once - after all, if you don't know what you want, how is anyone else supposed...

It’s always parenting on hard mode when you’re parenting anywhere else but home territory. This week, Gwenna and Tori share their ultimate Thanksgiving food rankings for both eating and cooking, and Gwenna vents about the nightmare of holiday house hopping. Then, they share some helpful tips for ways that child-free people hosting Thanksgiving can prepare their house for young kids (consider the f...

Your best is still your best when you don't have as much to give. This week, Gwenna and Tori talk all about emotions, what to do with them, and how to feel your feelings without making them everyone else's problem. They get into their coping mechanisms, how to teach your kids about processing their emotions, and the ways we co-regulate with other adults both IRL and online. Whether your head hurts...

Good parents never stop thinking they’re doing a bad job; bad parents never stop to wonder if they’re doing a good one. This week, Gwenna and Tori turn to the Childproof inbox to read your emails, and share some thoughts of their own. Much to Gwenna's dismay, it turns out Surge *did* have a short-lived revival. And much to Tori's dismay, the debate about what part of NY is actually Upstate appears...

Just because you've never *seen* a tiger robot stuffy, that doesn't meant it doesn't exist. This week, Gwenna and Tori are here to help distract you from the news cycle with a mini games episode. They share their latest cute kid-isms ("My leg brains forgot"), pet updates, thoughts on all the most nostalgic foods from their own childhood (do Lunchables actually taste worse now or have our tastebuds...

Have you ever found yourself googling "Why is my child saying gyatt?" into the wee hours of the morning? This week, Gwenna and Tori turn to Google Auto Complete for the internet's most burning parenting questions, and share their insights. They tackle everything from "Why do kids walk on their toes?" and "When should kids learn to read?" to "When should parents have The Talk?" and what to do if "M...

If your child has ever screamed in a library, had a melt down in the freezer aisle, or if you've ever felt like apologizing for having kids (you don't!), then this episode is for you. In this episode of Childproof, Tori and Gwenna discuss the unpredictable nature of parenting, particularly in public settings. Together they chat about focusing on teaching children safety, social skills, and empathy...

Why does it seem like reverse psychology only works when you don't want it to!? In this episode, Tori and Gwenna explore the humorous and often frustrating paradoxes of parenting. They discuss the conundrum of finding clothes that actually fit children, how illnesses always seems to strike before vacation, and the flabbergasting peculiarities of children's memories. Tori and Gwenna explore the com...

If you're a hobby collector, this episode is for you. Gwenna and Tori discuss their many extracurricular pastimes, past and present (RIP Tori's miniature building), and why occupying your hands can be the key to quieting your mind. They catch each other up on their kids' hobbies, how to figure out if their latest fixation is a true passion or just a phase, and what to do when your kid gets really...

Teachers are a vital part of our village, and they are on our side. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori unpack all things back to school, from field trips, to pockets full of rocks, and bafflingly disorganized folders. They tackle the question that every parent faces when it comes to their kids’ projects: keep or throw away? And is your kid’s head just itchy, or it is another lice outbreak? All we kn...

It’s time for another mail bag! Gwenna and Tori dive right into the Childproof inbox to see what’s been on the listeners’ minds, and share some stories of their own. They cover everything from embarrassing your kids, to learning to give yourself grace when you lose your cool, and memories of getting lost in the supermarket. Then, in a segment sponsored by Splash Refresher, they share some of their...

Sometimes, bribery is the solution to the problems you create for yourself. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori compare notes on some of the weird things they’ve done and said for their kids, from emotional support rats, to Hamilton hyper-fixations, and explaining how libraries work. Gwenna discovers that breakfast candy can rewire years of sleep habits, Tori explains a hack for making sandwiches mor...

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate birthdays. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna share their reasons for not hosting parties, the challenges of planning and organizing kids parties, and the importance of accessibility and inclusivity. They also talk about their own birthday traditions and celebrations, including decorations and treats. They share tips and advice on topics such as opening pr...

If a child is old enough to ask a question, they are old enough to deserve an answer. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori discuss the importance of having hard conversations with kids about topics like death, divorce, and illness. They also highlight the need to take time to think before responding to difficult questions and to approach these conversations in a developmentally appropriate way. They s...

Routines, habits, schedules, and systems are different but interconnected. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna share personal examples of how they have implemented systems in their own lives, such as organizing art supplies and keeping track of iPads. They also discuss the importance of buy-in from children and how to get them involved in the system-building process. Together they discuss the need to...

Did you think you were going to be packing bento boxes or going on every field trip, but then never did? That’s ok, us too. In this episode, Tori and Gwenna discuss their expectations of parenthood versus the reality. They explore how our expectations can be way different than the realities of parenting, focusing on various aspects such as teaching kids to drive, cooking creative meals, taking fam...

Kids music parents will actually like?! This week, Tori and Gwenna are joined by Tim Kubart, a Grammy Award winning children’s musician, to share his journey into the world of children's music and his approach to creating engaging and meaningful songs for kids. Together they discuss the importance of finding a balance between not talking down to kids and not talking over their heads, while making...

In this episode, Tori and Gwenna dive into the complexities of parenting with wisdom and humor as they tackle the tough questions: Should you skip errands on a rough day? How can parents help kids manage their fears? They offer invaluable advice on staying flexible, regulating emotions, and embracing the silly moments with your little ones. Drawing from personal experiences, they offer insights on...

“Who is ready for their kids to go back to school?!” If you raised your hand, you’re in good company. In this episode, Gwenna and Tori discuss the buzz of the new school year, the challenges of back-to-school shopping, and strategies for buying school supplies. Their mantra: "Reuse, reuse, reuse!" In this anticipatory episode, they touch on everything from drop-off line etiquette to uncomfy school...

In this episode, Tori and Gwenna delve into the intricate world of parenting children with deep passions, exploring how their kids' intense interests shape their family dynamics. Reflecting on the influence of pop culture on their kids' knowledge and the importance of finding common ground, they discuss the nuances of malicious compliance and various ways children express emotions. From the joys o...

In this episode, Tori and Gwenna discuss the challenges of parenting middle grade, preteen, and teenage children. They emphasize the importance of maintaining open communication and trust with their children during this stage while addressing the misconception that teenagers are solely driven by hormones. They recommend Rachel Coler Mulholland's book, 'The Birds, The Bees, and The Elephant in the...

In this second episode of Ages and Stages, Gwenna and Tori discuss the unique challenges and experiences of parenting children in the pre-K to third grade age range. They talk about the importance of setting boundaries with screens, teaching children to be bored and creative, navigating conflicts and emotions, and the random rules and commands that come with this age. They share their experiences...

Welcome to our first Ages and Stages episode. This week, Tori and Gwenna walk through the early years. They emphasize trusting your instincts, prioritizing sleep, and realizing that disposable products can be self care. They discuss letting go of worries, balancing challenges, and dealing with regressions, while also stressing the importance of keeping and creating memories. They share their stori...