But the Years Are Short

In today’s episode, we answer real parenting questions sent in by listeners — and honestly, these are some of our favorite conversations because they’re the things so many parents quietly wonder about every day. We talk about: Why toddlers throw food on the floor (and why it’s actually developmentally normal) How to set loving, consistent boundaries around mealtime Teaching toddlers to communicate...

When Kids Run the Show: Protecting Family Hierarchy in One Home or Two What happens when kids start making the decisions in the family? In this episode of But the Years Are Short , Katie and Meagan talk about family hierarchy —what it is, why kids need it, and how it becomes even more important (and more complicated) when parenting happens across two homes . If you're co-parenting after divorc...

Collaborative Divorce: A Healthier Wayfor Families to Separate Divorce is one of the hardest transitions a family can go through. Butwhat if the process itself didn’t have to create more conflict? In this episode, Katie and Meagan talk about Collaborative Divorce —anapproach designed to help families separate with more support, less conflict,and a stronger focus on children’s wellbeing. Katie shar...

Feeling stretched thin, touched out, or just plain exhausted? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this episode, we’re talking about how connection with your kids doesn’t have to be big, elaborate, or time-consuming. Instead, it’s built in small, meaningful “micro moments” that add up over time. We’ll share simple, realistic ways to stay connected—even on your hardest days—so you can suppor...

Summer planning is stressful for any parent… and coordinating it across two homes can feel like a whole extra job. In today’s episode, Katie and Meagan kick off a month focused on parenting after divorce with one of the biggest (and hardest) moments: telling your kids your family is changing . If you’re in the early stages of separation, contemplating divorce, or already moving toward two homes —...

Talking about death with kids can feel overwhelming. What if I say the wrong thing? What if I make it worse? What if I scare them? In this episode of But the Years Are Short , Meagan and Katie walk through how to help kids understand death and grief in developmentally appropriate ways — without panic, pressure, or perfect language. We normalize why kids (especially ages 6–8) suddenly become obsess...

In this episode, Katie and Meagan kick things off with a very on-brand smoke-alarm saga before diving into a topic so many parents wrestle with: the difference between privacy and secrecy. We talk through what privacy can actually look like for kids—especially in a world where social media is basically a third parent—and how to balance staying in the loop without hovering. We also get into the eve...

Episode Summary Conflict is normal — in families, friendships, marriages, and yes… even at the paint counter when Texas is “snowed in.” In this episode, Katie and Meagan talk about why repair after conflict matters more than parenting perfectly. They break down a simple repair framework, talk about why repair can feel hard (hello shame + fear of losing authority), and share practical ways to repai...

Emotional Clutter + The Mental Load Detox Ever feel completely exhausted… but you can’t point to one big reason why? In this episode, Katie and Meagan talk about emotional clutter — the invisible weight of unprocessed feelings, constant background stress, and mental load that builds up over time. Not because you’re failing, but because you’re doing a lot — often for everyone else. This conversatio...

Restarts aren’t just a January thing — they happen all year long. Coming back from break, starting a new season, returning to school after summer, re-engaging after a friendship conflict… even just getting back into routine after life gets off track. In this episode, Katie and Meagan talk about why restarts can feel so big for kids (and for adults, too). We unpack the anxiety that shows up with “u...

The holidays are fun… until they’re over and real life hits hard. In this episode, Katie and Meagan talk about the post-holiday routine crash — the sugar overload, the lack of sleep, the missing structure, and the pushback that shows up when it’s time to get back on track. From a therapist’s perspective (and real-life parenting experience), we unpack what’s happening in kids’ bodies and brains whe...

January comes with so much pressure — to start strong, fix what feels broken, and somehow reinvent ourselves overnight. In this episode of But the Years Are Short , Katie and Meagan talk about why that pressure feels especially heavy for parents — and why it so often backfires. Instead of rigid resolutions, they explore the power of intentions : smaller, values-based shifts that actually fit real...

The holidays are magical… and also kind of a dumpster fire. 😅 In this episode, Katie and Meagan talk about the comparison trap — that sneaky holiday spiral where it feels like everyone else is doing more, gifting better, decorating prettier, and making more “core memories”… while you’re over here wrapping a giant present with painter’s tape and holding on by a thread. We get real about the pressu...

The holidays are supposed to feel magical… so why does everyone melt down by 4 p.m.? 🎄 In this episode, Katie and Meagan talk about the joys and the madness of the holiday season — why kids (and adults) get overwhelmed, what “overstimulation” really looks like, and how to protect everyone’s nervous system so you can actually enjoy the good stuff. We’re talking real-life stories (including Thanksg...

Navigating the holidays across two homes is a lot — schedules, feelings, traditions, extended family, and the pressure to “make it magical” for your kids. If you’re parenting after separation or divorce, this episode is for you. 💛 Today we’re talking about how to make the holidays gentler for your kids and for you — without overexplaining, oversharing, or over-functioning. In this episode, we dig...

In this episode, Meagan and Katie get real about a tough but universal part of parenting: when our kids are mean to us. They unpack why kids sometimes lash out at the people they feel safest with, what’s happening underneath those big reactions, and how we as parents can hold boundaries without losing connection. Through honest stories and practical insight, they explore how to stay grounded, supp...

In this episode, Meagan and Katie dive into a topic all parents wrestle with but rarely say out loud: Are adults allowed to have privacy from their kids? (Spoiler: yes.) We talk through what healthy privacy actually looks like inside a family — not secret-keeping, not shutting kids out, but creating space for your own emotional world, your own plans, and your own grown-up life. We explore how to b...

In this episode, Meagan and Katie sit down with special guest Mike MacCrory , a sports performance coach who helps kids build confidence and mental strength through athletics. Together, they dive into the world of youth sports —the wins, the losses, and all the learning that happens in between. They unpack how sports can be a powerful teacher for kids, shaping skills like resilience, teamwork, and...

In this episode, Meagan and Katie get real about mom guilt —that sneaky little voice that tells us we’re never doing enough. They unpack where it comes from, how social expectations make it worse, and why balance sometimes feels impossible. With humor and honesty, they talk about juggling work, family, and the myth of “having it all,” and share ways to give ourselves some grace along the way. Spoi...

In this episode, Meagan and Katie take a walk down memory lane (and maybe down the street to play outside) as they talk about how childhood play has changed over the years. From bikes and backyard adventures to iPads and indoor time, they explore how parenting, safety, and community have all evolved. The conversation touches on how much freedom we give our kids, what’s changed in the world around...

In this episode, Meagan and Katie talk about what it really means to give your kids a “voice and a vote” — and how to do it without turning your household into a democracy gone wild. They dig into how kids’ brains develop, what kinds of choices make sense at different ages, and why letting kids have a say can actually build confidence and cooperation. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between...

In this episode, Meagan and Katie dive into the myth of the “perfect childhood” — you know, the one with the Pinterest parties, magical memories, and zero meltdowns. They get real about the pressure parents feel to make every moment special, and how that can sometimes backfire (for us and the kids). From over-the-top celebrations to the everyday disappointments that build resilience, this conversa...

In this episode, Katie and Meagan dive into the heart of what makes parenting just a little more doable—community. They swap stories about the people who’ve shown up for them, talk about how modern parenting can feel a bit too isolated, and share ideas for how to build your own village (even when it doesn’t come built-in anymore). 00:00:01 Introduction to Community Support 00:01:18 Personal Storie...

In this podcast episode, Meagan and Katie discuss the significance of routines and rituals in parenting. They explore how routines provide structure and safety for children, while also emphasizing the importance of flexibility in adapting these routines. The conversation delves into the difference between routines and rituals, highlighting how rituals can foster connection and meaningful moments b...

In this episode, Meagan and Katie talk discuss how they got here, why we value parenting, and how we support each other through parenting. Don't miss Meagan's tips for keeping your kids off the roof at the end.