Parents of the Year

What happens when you’re raising kids and caring for aging parents at the same time?  In this episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew and Caroline tackle the emotional, practical, and often hilarious realities of being part of the sandwich generation. They explore how to model care, set boundaries, and have conversations with kids about aging, legacy, and showing up for family. This episode gives...

Are parents more judged than ever?  This eye-opening conversation e tackles the quiet shame and loud opinions parents face every day — from their partners, their own parents, in-laws, friends, and especially the online world.  Andrew and Caroline dig into the everyday moments that spark doubt, the awkward birthday parties, the unsolicited advice, and why the loudest voices often come from the most...

Can AI parent better than a human? In this hilarious, sharp-edged episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew and Caroline pit artificial intelligence against real-life parenting—complete with emotional chaos, screen time battles, and accidental forest bathing. Caroline reacts to a parenting philosophy generated by AI that sounds suspiciously familiar…  This episode dives into emotional safety, respec...

What do you do when your kid makes a bad call in front of everyone—and the fallout is social exile?  In this episode, Andrew and Caroline talk about how to help kids bounce back after a social slip-up.  From middle-of-the-playground impulsivity to being labeled the “bad kid,” they dig into how to support kids when they mess up, without adding shame, and how to guide them through social pressure wi...

What does it mean to be a confident parent—when none of us really know what we’re doing?  In this episode, Andrew and Caroline get candid about real-life parenting moments, what it takes to make good decisions in the chaos, and how to anchor parenting choices to your values—not social media.  They explore what confidence actually looks like, how to stay grounded when things don’t go to plan, and w...

What happens when your kid’s wild night out turns into a parent’s unexpected moment of pride?  In this episode of Parents of the Year, we dig into something deep: What happens to our identity as parents when the kids start growing up and heading out?  We talk about losing ourselves in parenting, struggling to find hobbies again, and the messy, honest journey of reclaiming who we are outside of bei...

Helping Kids Follow Through—Without Nagging or Fighting It’s one thing to want kids to take initiative—getting their learner’s permit, challenging an unfair grade, picking up a new skill—but it’s a whole other thing when our "help" just gets ignored (or explodes into a full meltdown). In this episode of Parents of the Year , Caroline and Andrew share stories and practical strategies to h...

In this episode of Parents of the Year , we're getting real about kids, hygiene, and how much of it is your job — and how much might be better left to peer pressure. From stinky kids turning into fashion divas overnight, to whether you should keep nagging about teeth-brushing, Andrew and Caroline share stories and smart strategies that meet kids where they’re at.  If you’ve ever wrestled with...

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 ep...

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) w...

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...

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:...

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 th...

Raising independent, capable kids isn’t about giving them the perfect road map—it’s about teaching them how to navigate life’s twists and turns.  In this episode of Parents of the Year , bestselling author and dad of four, Rob Finlay, joins us to break down the essential life skills kids need before stepping into adulthood.  From handling failure to managing finances, making decisions, and buildin...

Have you ever considered how storytelling—whether through writing, conversations, or reflection—can help kids (and adults) process emotions, strengthen relationships, and even reframe painful experiences?  In this episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew and Caroline chat with author Kennerly Clay to explore the hidden power of writing and storytelling in emotional regulation.  They discuss:  ✔️ Ho...

How do we teach kids to think critically, appreciate different perspectives, and celebrate the success of others—even when it’s tough? In Part 2 of this Parents of the Year episode, Andrew and Caroline dig into the essential life skills that shape confident, independent, and emotionally intelligent kids. This week, we’re flipping the conversation—looking at practical ways parents can model the beh...

How do you know if you’ve done a good job as a parent?  What really matters when it comes to raising kids who believe in themselves, handle challenges, and feel loved?  In this episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew and Caroline discuss the small, everyday moments that shape a child’s confidence and resilience.  📝 What you’ll hear: ✔️ The real reason some kids struggle to believe in themselves (...

In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline chat with Leslie Josel, an ADHD parenting coach and founder of Order Out of Chaos , to break down executive functioning, mood regulation, and the real reasons kids struggle with motivation, focus, and follow-through. What you’ll learn: ✅ Why lazy is the one word parents should never use ✅ How executive functioning challenges impact kids...

In this episode of Parents of the Year Valentine’s special, Andrew and Caroline explore how to make this day meaningful for everyone—not just couples! What you’ll learn: ❤️ How to make Valentine’s Day special for your kids—without gender stereotypes ❤️ Creative ways to celebrate love and appreciation beyond chocolates & cards ❤️ Why boys often feel left out of Valentine’s Day—and how to change...

Parenting comes with its fair share of pressure—from helping kids handle school stress to managing the expectations we place on them (and ourselves). In this "Best of" recasts, which happens to be one of their first groundbreaking episodes, Caroline and Andrew chatted with guest, Dr. Hendrie Weisinger, a world-renowned expert in emotional intelligence and pressure management. Together, t...

In another heartfelt and humorous episode, Andrew and Caroline dive into one of the biggest questions parents face: What does it take to raise kids who are happy, content, and good people? With real-life anecdotes, laughter, and a touch of philosophy, they explore the power of modelling behaviour, the importance of gratitude and connection, and how to set your kids up for long-term contentment. Pl...

Kindness isn’t just for the holidays that have already come and gone… it’s a practice we can carry throughout the year! On this episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew and Caroline chat with retired elementary teacher and children’s author Terri Lilga about how to nurture empathy, gratitude, and kindness in our kids.  Terri shares how small acts of kindness and modeling generosity can create a rip...

When your teenager gets busted by the cops for pulling donuts in a parking lot, how do you respond? This week on Parents of the Year , we dive into parenting through those ridiculous, boneheaded, and sometimes hilarious choices our kids make.  From late-night pizza runs to the heart-stopping call from a "private number," Andrew and Caroline share stories of growing up, parenting misadven...

As we step into 2025, Andrew and Caroline tackle an urgent question:  How can parents foster a kinder, more respectful world for their children?  In this powerful episode, Andrew and Carolina discuss the rise of disrespect, the impact of negativity on kids, and the importance of modeling kindness, gratitude, and emotional regulation. Highlights include: The alarming trends of incivility in schools...

In this festive episode of # ParentsoftheYear Caroline asks Andrew abut the joys and challenges of navigating family dynamics during the holidays. From setting boundaries with extended family to creating meaningful traditions, this episode is packed with practical advice for balancing expectations, managing conflicts, and fostering resilience in your kids.  Learn how to involve your children in ho...