Épisodes

  • On the fence about parenthood? Listen to this

    On the fence about parenthood? Listen to this
    May 26 2026
    Could you see your life just as easily with children as without? What if you're not cut out for parenthood? What if you grow lonely in your old age? Or what if you have a loving partner, but you disagree on this choice? Deciding between parenthood and a child-free life requires clarity about your fears and deepest desires -- no easy task. This episode, psychotherapist and author of the book, The Baby Decision, Merle Bombardieri, helps us get clear. She discusses minimizing regret, figuring out your ideal timeline and navigating differing opinions with a partner.

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    26 min
  • The dos and don'ts of baby talk

    The dos and don'ts of baby talk
    May 19 2026
    If you have a baby in your life, you may not find them the most intellectually stimulating conversation partner. But your baby is soaking up everything you say. On this episode, advice from early childhood experts on the importance of talking to babies from day 1 to 12 months old, and tips on what to say.

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    20 min
  • Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load

    Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load
    Apr 21 2026
    Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the never-ending to-do list is known as the mental load. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner explains how to tame the mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More.

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    25 min
  • How to be a working parent? Lower your standards

    How to be a working parent? Lower your standards
    Apr 13 2026
    From brain fog to identity crises to complicated feelings of guilt (or relief), returning to work as a new parent can be daunting. Luckily, you don't need to navigate this transition alone. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle talks to working parents and experts about how to balance a job, parenting and being a person all at once.

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    26 min
  • Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do

    Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do
    Apr 2 2026
    Using chatbots for emotional support can pose risks to teens' mental health. How should parents talk to their teens about using chatbots safely? And what's the best way to have those conversations without causing conflict? On this episode, NPR's Rhitu Chatterjee speaks to experts about how to support your teen's mental health and talk to them about AI.

    Life Kit's episode on helping a child at risk of suicide.
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    21 min
  • Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter

    Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter
    Mar 26 2026
    Having kids comes with a lot of clutter - some of it even shows up before your baby does. From toys that overflow from the toy chest, to unwanted hand-me-downs and the piles of art your kids make, you can't keep it all. Psychotherapist Denaye Barahona offers advice for parents on the whys and hows of decluttering.

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    23 min
  • Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seat

    Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seat
    Mar 2 2026
    If you're a new parent, picking out a car seat can be stressful. Do you need to spend extra on special features to keep your kid safe? How long should your child be rear-facing? How do you know if the car seat is secure enough? In this episode of Life Kit, we cover common mistakes parents make when installing car seats.

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    26 min
  • The key to a less frantic holiday season

    The key to a less frantic holiday season
    Dec 1 2025

    There can be a lot of stress when it comes to the holidays: figuring out travel plans, preparing the perfect meal, spending time with the whole family for days on end. There can also be a lot pressure to do everything perfectly, but psychotherapist and author of All Is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays, Niro Feliciano, says that letting go of the need for perfection can actually make your holiday less stressful. This episode, Feliciano shares tips for keeping your holiday season merry and bright.

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    23 min