On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah and Zak help a listener who’s worried about firearms in their in-laws’ home. They have a strained relationship already, and a recent argument led to threatening words that are lingering. If this parent wouldn’t let their kids be in a friend’s house with guns, should family be an exception? We’ll also debrief with a round of triumphs and fails — including two triumphs about the beauty of abandoning ship. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak sits down with Dr. Nicole Schultz of UC Davis to talk about teens and marijuana. It’s a different world than when we were growing up — so we have Dr. Schultz share her understanding of why and how teens are using cannabis. Elizabeth, Lucy and Jamilah also share a round of recommendations — and then, for Slate Plus, our mom-hosts circle up to talk about how they remember being talked to about drugs… and whether DARE worked on, well, anyone. Elizabeth recommends: iHome Slim USB Wall Charger  Lucy recommends: Have your kids make a movie Jamilah recommends: Jane The Virgin  Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Lucy and Jamilah answer questions from our Slate Parenting Facebook group about using marijuana as a mom. As 4/20 approaches, we decided there was no better time to tackle big-picture questions about substance use… and practical stuff too, like where to hide your stash with kids in the house. We’ll also debrief with a round of triumphs and fails — including two different, unrelated fails involving birds. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth sits down with Jes Daylover and her metamour, Ash, of the Remodeled Love podcast, to talk all things polyamory and parenting. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what polyamory is and isn’t — so we think you’ll love hearing about how it works as a parenting co-op. We’ll also share a round of recommendations — and then, for Slate Plus, Jes and Ash stick around for a round of parenting yeas and nays. Elizabeth recommends: Reusable Water Balloons   Zak recommends: Kasey Musgraves’ song, The Architect Lucy recommends: Grow some stuff in your garden! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Lucy and Zak help a longtime listener who’s expecting her first baby. We’ll offer suggestions for how to manage your whole life changing in an instant – plus, enjoying the before-times, and staying afloat in the aftermath. We’ll also debrief with a round of triumphs and fails — with nary a fail in sight this week. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: a Swedish member of the Slate Parenting Facebook group is getting ready to visit the U.S. with her baby and is wondering about all things puréed, squished, and jarred. We’re here to help.  We’ll also share a round of recommendations — and then, for Slate Plus, we convene a meeting of the Parents Of Picky Eaters Support Group. Elizabeth recommends: The Fish Doorbell & Fish Doorbell News Report Zak recommends: Busy Ideas for Bored Kids: Activity Cards  Lucy recommends: The Regime on Max Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Lucy and Zak put the “feeding” in Care & Feeding by answering a question about traveling with a picky eater. Going to Kenya is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… so should a kid with an American kid’s palate be the reason it doesn’t happen? We’ll also debrief with a round of triumphs and fails — including the sticky situation of managing a young teen’s flirty texts to her peers. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah and Elizabeth help a listener who’s having trouble securing a babysitter for their toddler… and starting to resign themselves to just not going anywhere. We’ll talk about what might be causing the end of the teenage babysitter, and some childcare solutions that might be worth trying instead. We’ll also share a round of recommendations — and then, for Slate Plus, we’ll share some memories of what it was like to be babysat, all those years ago.  Elizabeth recommends: Solar Eclipse Glasses; NASA Solar Eclipse Resources  Zak recommends: Ninja Classes Jamilah recommends: Quiet On Set on MAX Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah and Zak help a member of the Slate Parenting Facebook group who’s getting ready to have their 10-year-old walk home from school. Communication without a phone is one thing… but what about tracking and other bells and whistles? We’ll also debrief with a round of triumphs and fails — including a hotly-anticipated update about Red Lobster. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Jamilah and Lucy offer some quick advice to a listener who’s wondering how to help a young student with possible ADHD focus up, particularly about homework. Then, Elizabeth sits down with Australian author Sally Rippin to discuss her book Wild Things — the story of her neurodivergent son’s struggles in school, and why it’s important to help kids learn when they need it.  Zak, Jamilah and Lucy also share a round of recommendations — and then, for Slate Plus, Elizabeth and Sally continue their conversation by sharing some recommendations for young readers. Jamilah recommends: The 50/50 Solution The Surprisingly Simple Choice that Makes Moms, Dads and Kids Happier After a Split by Emma Johnson Lucy recommends: WomensHistoryMonth.gov Zak recommends: School of Rock (2003) Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Lucy, Jamilah and Zak ask a teacher! We heard your desire to hear from the professionals about education… and we’re so excited to welcome dad, 9th grade English teacher, and longtime C&F listener Jeff Olsen Biebighauser to the show. We’ll talk through grades, homework, and the art of a parent-teacher conference. We’ll also debrief with a round of triumphs and fails, of course — including stories about birthday dinners at Red Lobster, low-budget birthday parties, and the advent of the hair tantrum. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah and Lucy answer a question from the Slate Parenting Facebook group… about whether identity is implicit or explicit in the way we raise kids. This mom is “an invisible minority three times over…” and musing on whether her kid would pick up on those things, even if she didn’t talk about it. We’ll also share a round of recommendations — and then, for Slate Plus, our three mom hosts share the things they miss about the baby and toddler years.  Jamilah recommends: Boarders on Tubi Lucy recommends: Brillando Books Elizabeth recommends: Dixit Board Game  Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: first, a quick update about our discussions on grades. TL;DR: We hear you, and we’re already working on ways to do better.  Then: Lucy, Elizabeth and Jamilah help a listener who wrote in looking for advice on a 7-year-old’s big feelings. This girl is showing some signs of negative self-talk, catastrophic thinking, and anxiety. How can her parents help de-escalate… and is it time to revisit therapy?  We’ll also debrief on our week in parenting with a round of triumphs and fails, including stories about magnet schools, sibling love, and standing on the table. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth Newcamp, Zak Rosen, and Jamilah Lemieux answer a question that someone actually posed to Jamilah on Instagram… about whether it’s okay to entertain compliments about your kid’s appearance. A facilitator at school has suggested redirecting to character compliments when this toddler — the only Black kid in her class — is praised for her appearance. But is there place for just calling a cute kid a cute kid? We’ll also do a round of recommendations. And then, in the Slate Plus realm, we’re talking about a piece in NYTMag… asserting that the teen subculture as we knew it is dead. In its place? The *~ aesthetic ~* Recommendations: Jamilah recommends: Get a 64 oz water jug Zak recommends: Art Hub For Kids YouTube Channel Elizabeth recommends: UV Detection Stickers for Sunscreen (link to uVify)  Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Jamilah open the Care & Feeding mailbag to talk, once again, about grades. A lot of you have thoughts about our take on grades (namely, that they’re bullsh*t), so we thought it was time to revisit the conversation… but include you, too. We’ll also debrief on our week in parenting with a round of triumphs and fails, including stories about Hawaii, the Wiz, and an ongoing puke episode. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie, with special thanks to Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth Newcamp, Zak Rosen, and Jamilah Lemieux talk about cutting through the noise. A member of the Slate Parenting Facebook group recently posted asking about earplugs — but there are lots of strategies for tuning out, and dealing with, the noise and energy of kids in your house. We’ll also share a round of recommendations — and then, if you’re in the Slate Plus club, we discuss a program in Philadelphia that pays parents to handle school dropoff and pickup… and what other tasks we wish we were getting paid for. Recommendations: Jamilah recommends: The End Of Love, and keeping a book of your kid’s quips Zak recommends: Father of the Bride Elizabeth recommends: Rainbow Making Window Clings  Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie, with special thanks to Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jamilah sits down with Andie and Sabrina of Pop Culture Moms, ABC’s newest podcast. The three talk through the origins of the show (and Andie and Sabrina’s friendship), and the onscreen moms who shaped our understanding of motherhood.  We’ll also debrief on our week in parenting with a round of triumphs and fails… including some stories about learning to shower, a shower of [redacted bodily fluid], and choosing clothes for a preteen.  Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie, with special thanks to Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth Newcamp, Zak Rosen, and Lucy Lopez answer a question from the Slate Parenting Facebook group… wondering what counts as a good grade, and what the consequences should be at home for bad grades. We come in hot with a dismissal of the whole premise. It’s great.  We’ll also share a round of recommendations — and then, if you’re in the Slate Plus club, we’re assembling our own toddler book tolerability index. Recommendations:  Elizabeth recommends:  This episode of Radio Lab: Zoozve Lucy recommends: What The Bread Says by Vanessa Garcia Zak recommends: A Light in the Attic read by Shel Silverstein Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie, with special thanks to Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak and Lucy dive into the voicemails you left us about last week’s special After Dark episodes. We’re so glad that these got you talking — so we’re closing the loop on Elizabeth and Jeff’s morning routine, and how to deal with mismatched sex drives. We’ll also debrief on our week in parenting with a round of triumphs and fails… including some stories about the Amazon app, desk doodles, and owning your sexuality. Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@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. 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 Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work. Podcast produced by Maura Currie, with special thanks to Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re off today for President’s Day, but we didn’t want to leave you empty-handed. So! We’re sharing a great episode from our friends at Decoder Ring — where they’ll answer great questions about everything from the baby on board sign to why we all played the recorder in school. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Decoder Ring wherever you listen for new episodes every two weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices