Parents of the Year

In this week's episode we evaluate a list of 55 Positive Things to Say to your Child to see which ones hit the mark and which ones are just hollow words.  With all the content out there that tells everyone how they should act, and what they should say, we wanted to take the time to see just how solid some of the advice is.  We go through the importance of proactive communication, avoiding hol...

Ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and a hefty dose of inspiration? Tune in to our latest episode of Parents of the Year with the ever-engaging Kevin Petersen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a story you won't want to miss. Kevin candidly shares his journey through addiction, resilience, and the sweet triumph of recovery.  Get ready to dive deep into the tangled web of family...

Today's episode focuses on the topic of getting kids to apologize. Long thought of as a typical expectation for kids, an article Andrew read prompted the question about whether we should force kids or not. There's pros and cons to both viewpoints, but the conversation dives into the "whys" around making kids apologize to begin with. Want to learn more? Check out Caroline's...

Ever wonder about using screens as a reward for your kids? This week, Caroline poses this hot topic. We've chatted before about screens in general, but this time, we're focusing on the reward aspect. With so many kids willing to do anything for screen time, it's crucial to understand the potential impact. Spoiler Alert! Screens aren't our reward of choice! 📵 Tune in to hear wh...

Today Parents of the Year, Caroline and Andrew take a detour with Formula 1 racing before pivoting to childhood behaviour. They explore the controversial topic of "bad kids" and challenge the concept altogether. Discussing trauma, societal norms, screen time, and the impact of parenting, they talk about the importance of fostering kids stronger relationships and autonomous behaviours in...

Join Dr. Caroline Buzanko in an enlightening conversation with Andra McHugh, founder of the Eczema Kids brand and host of the Eczema Kids podcast. In this episode, Andra shares her personal journey navigating her children’s severe eczema and how it inspired her to create resources that help other families. Discover practical advice on dietary changes, skincare routines, and environmental adjustmen...

Join Andrew and Caroline as they share their recent whirlwind family trip to New Zealand.  Ever try navigating a vacation with jet-lagged kids while reflecting on the deeper meanings of life? It's like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in a hurricane!  Listen in as they explore themes of mindfulness, gratitude, and the challenges of modern parenting.  They reflect on the balance between striving...

Today on Parents of the Year special guest Cadence Robertson chats about overthinking and perfectionism in parenting. From hilarious family anecdotes to the deep psychological underpinnings of overthinking and the pursuit of perfection, this episode is a must-listen for parents striving to navigate the challenges of raising children. Discover practical strategies for dealing with overthinking, lea...

 Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline discuss the complex world of generational differences, responsibility, and the challenges of adulting. They take a candid look at the expectations and realities of growing up in different eras and the younger generations’ complaints about not being prepared for adulthood. As parents, it’s our job to equip our children with essential life skills, s...

In this incredible episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline have a wonderful opportunity to chat with Wendela Marsh who sheds light on the unique experiences of autistic parents. They discuss the world of neurodivergence in parenting, exploring the strengths, challenges, and practical strategies for managing sensory sensitivities, communication, and societal expectations. Whether you&ap...

Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline discuss the intricate balance between fostering confidence and avoiding overconfidence in children. After a recent event that left them wondering if they raised overly confident girls, they discuss the journey of raising resilient children in a world that often challenges self-esteem and assertiveness. Discover practical strategies for encouraging...

Today on Parents of the Year, we jump into a profound exploration of how the earliest connections between a mother and her child shape the essence of our being (and teenage brain development!. This is an interesting episode in which we discuss the transformative power of birth and early life experiences, featuring Sharon King, acclaimed author and pioneer in healing birth trauma.  We discuss the b...

Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline sit down with Marla, the creator of "Love Your Body, Love Yourself," to explore the deep and complex relationship between body image, food, and self-esteem.  In this episode, we delve into how societal pressures, family dynamics, and the digital age impact our self-perception and what we can do to foster a healthier, more positive body im...

Today on Parents of the Year, despite Caroline having forgotten their anniversary, she and Andrew discuss the intricacies of maintaining a strong and loving relationship amidst the whirlwind of parenting and busy schedules. From the significance of trust and communication to the art of finding joy in the small moments, they share personal anecdotes and insights on building a resilient partnership....

Today on Parents of the Year,  Andrew and Caroline jump into the world of teenage acne with expert Dr. Yug Varma.  Discover what NOT to do when your child is struggling with acne, and gain valuable insights into effective strategies that can make a real difference.   Join us as we explore the do's and don'ts of helping your teenager cope with acne. You'll leave this episode equipped...

Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline have an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Roadruck, known for his innovative approach to resolving conflict and fostering deep connections within families. In this episode, Jeremy shares his insights on the pivotal role of understanding and navigating the triggers our children might push, and how our reactions often mirror unresolved issues fro...

Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline explore the significance of showing love and belonging to our children. Unravel the mystery of the five love languages for children, adapted from the well-known concept for couples, and discover how these can be applied to strengthen your bond with your children. From the power of physical touch and words of affirmation to acts of service, gifts, a...

 In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline discuss bullying once again. They start by talking about bullying’s profound impact on children's well-being – not only emotional and psychological but also physical health – to highlight how important this topic is.  They then define what constitutes bullying, emphasizing the importance of differentiating it from other conflicts th...

Every parent knows the challenge of getting their kids to properly brush their teeth, but do they know why it's important? What about the type of products you should, or shouldn't, be using? Good dental hygiene is important to the overall lifelong health of kids, so we invited an expert to join us this week to discuss everything about dental health, from how to brush to how to deal with...

Join us in a special celebration as Parents of the Year marks its 100th episode milestone! 🎈 To commemorate this momentous occasion, Andrew and Caroline bring you the "Parenting Wisdom Feud" game that's sure to entertain and enlighten. The game is meant to cover the top 100 most important things every parent should know, though they only get to 50 for today. Nonetheless, there is s...

In today's episode of POTY (Parents of the Year), we dive into a thought-provoking topic that challenges traditional wisdom. Join Caroline and Andrew as they discuss why teaching kids to talk to strangers can be a crucial skill in their development. As parents and caregivers, our primary concern is often the safety and well-being of our children. The conventional wisdom has always been to ins...

Step into an example of exceptional parenting on today's episode of Parents of the Year!  Or rather, learn from Andrew's epic failure this week. He recently faced a common parenting challenge – giving simple corrective feedback to one of his daughters in a way that she would listen (and, ideally, learn from). Spoiler alert: It didn't go as smoothly as he hoped.  As Andrew grappled w...

As January unfolds, the tradition of setting New Year's resolutions becomes a topic of discussion in many households. In this (last!) replay of a thought-provoking episode, Andrew sparks a conversation about the appropriateness of involving children in the practice of making resolutions. Acknowledging January as an ideal time for embracing new beginnings for individuals of all ages, this epis...

In this encore presentation of a previous episode, Andrew and Caroline delve deeper into the art of enjoying the holidays to the fullest, focusing on maintaining happiness and health during the chilly weather. For those who might have missed it, we encourage you to explore our comprehensive guide, an invaluable resource for maximizing your holiday experience - there is still time! https://drcaroli...

In this special replay of a past holiday favourite, join Caroline and Andrew as they revisit the essential topic of navigating the holiday season. This episode remains as relevant and insightful as ever, offering practical advice on setting realistic family expectations, managing the complexities of gift-giving, and the significance of establishing meaningful traditions. Drawing from their persona...