Parents of the Year

Caroline & Andrew
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.

  1. 5d ago

    227. Why won’t your child tell you what’s wrong?

    Your child comes home from school. You ask how their day went. “Fine.” And now you’re left wondering whether they’re actually fine, overwhelmed, lonely, worried about finding their classroom, struggling with a locker, or simply not ready to talk. School transitions can bring excitement, uncertainty, social worries, new responsibilities, and plenty of stress. And when parents see their child struggling, the instinct to step in, fix the problem, offer advice, or make things easier can be hard to resist. In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Dr. Caroline talk about helping kids through transitions without micromanaging the experience. Caroline explains why validation should come before advice, how open-ended questions help kids build their own problem-solving skills, and why parents need to understand what is actually getting in the way before deciding their child needs help. They also share practical ideas from their own family, including their “bravery jar,” practising locker combinations before school, building study habits early, and helping kids stretch beyond their comfort zone without taking over. Whether your child is starting a new grade, moving into junior high or high school, heading to university, or facing another big change, this episode will help you know when to support, when to validate, and when to give them room to figure things out. Parent Homework Ideas These activities come directly from the strategies Dr. Caroline discusses in the episode. The Transition Worry List Kids often genuinely answer “I don’t know” because they cannot identify what they are worried about on demand. Caroline recommends brainstorming possibilities together. Write down possible concerns: Getting lostOpening a lockerFinding friends at lunchHaving nobody in their classA difficult teacherTaking public transitFinding classroomsManaging homeworkAsk your child to cross out what doesn’t bother them and check anything that might. Try Validation Before Advice For one week, notice what happens when your child brings you a problem. Before giving advice, try: “That sounds tough.” “That’s a lot.” “Wow.” Then wait. When they feel heard, ask: “What do you need?”  “What are you going to do?”  “How can I help?” Practise One Practical Skill Choose one responsibility your child will encounter during their transition and practise it before they need it under pressure. Dr. Caroline describes buying a similar lock and having their child practise opening it before school. That removed one worry from an already stressful transition. Other possibilities: Take the bus route together.Practise using a combination lock.Walk through their schedule.Practise ordering or buying lunch.Create a simple homework routine.Practise introducing themselves. Create a Bravery Jar Dr. Caroline shares how their family used a bravery jar to encourage small steps outside their children’s comfort zones. Fill a jar with manageable challenges: “Compliment someone.” “Say hello to someone new.” “Sit with someone at lunch.” “Ask someone a question.” “Try one unfamiliar activity.” The goal is growth, rather than suddenly becoming confident or having lots of friends. Ask: Whose Goal Is This? Before worrying about your child sitting alone, having a small friend group or skipping certain social activities, ask: “Are they unhappy with this, or am I?” Dr. Caroline shares that one of their daughters sometimes chose to read alone because she wanted the downtime. What might look concerning to a parent may be exactly what the child wants. Send us Fan Mail Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!  Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!  Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and  FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

    227. Why won’t your child tell you what’s wrong?

  2. Aug 26

    226. Are Your Expectations Getting in Your Child's Way?

    You want your child to be happy, successful and confident. But when does wanting the best for them quietly turn into deciding what their life should look like? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Dr. Caroline get personal as one of their daughters prepares to move out. That milestone sparks a bigger conversation about the goals parents carry for their children and how easily our own experiences, missed opportunities and expectations can shape them. They talk about raising curious lifelong learners, letting kids choose their own path, modelling rather than pushing, building confidence through new experiences, and why frustration and disappointment have an important place in growing up. Caroline also offers a simple exercise: write down the goals you have for your child, ask why each one matters, who it is really for, and whether it supports growth. Your child doesn't need to become the person you pictured. Your job is to give them opportunities to discover who they can become. Parent Homework Ideas This is the clearest actionable exercise from the episode. Dr. Caroline tells listeners to write down their goals, ask why they hold each one, determine who benefits and consider whether the goal focuses on growth. Write Down Your Goals Without editing yourself, finish: "I want my child to…" Examples might include: Go to universityHave good friendsBe confidentGet good gradesExerciseFind a partnerHave childrenBe financially successfulBe happy Ask "Why?" Beside every goal, write: Why does this matter to me? Then go one layer deeper: Is this connected to something I wanted, missed, struggled with or valued in my own life? Dr. Caroline points directly to this distinction: wanting university because you didn't attend, athletics because you had an unrealized athletic dream, or confidence because you lacked it yourself. Ask "Who Is This For?" Mark each goal: Mostly for my child / Mostly for me / Both Pay particular attention to goals that affect how you believe your child's choices reflect on you. Turn Outcomes Into Growth Change goals you cannot control into opportunities for development. Instead of: "I want my child to always be happy." Try: "I want my child to recognize moments of happiness and develop the skills to cope with difficult emotions." Dr. Caroline makes this distinction in the episode, explaining that children need the full range of emotions and the ability to recognize, manage and move through them. Choose One Opportunity for Exposure Give your child an opportunity to experience something without requiring them to love it. That could be cooking, skating, volunteering, hiking, music, sport, art, reading, travel or another family interest. Parent rule: expose, invite and model. Don't make your child's enthusiasm the measure of success. Andrew and Dr. Caroline describe this with fitness and golf: their daughters were exposed to these activities without being pushed, then returned to some of them later for motivations of their own. Send us Fan Mail Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!  Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!  Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and  FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

    226. Are Your Expectations Getting in Your Child's Way?

  3. Aug 12

    224. When Did Parenting Become Our Entire Identity?

    There is a moment that catches many parents by surprise. The children are growing up, becoming more independent, and suddenly a new question appears: Who am I outside of being Mom or Dad? In this episode, Andrew and Dr. Caroline begin with a light-hearted conversation about adventure, risk-taking, and their very different comfort zones. That playful discussion quickly turns into something much deeper. They explore how parenting has changed across generations, why fathers are more involved than ever before, and how the expectations placed on both parents continue to grow. The conversation looks at: why dads often become more protective as children grow olderhow moms and dads naturally approach boundaries differentlywhy couples can unintentionally work against one anotherthe unseen mental load many parents carryhow appreciation inside a relationship can quietly disappearwhy many parents struggle to answer a simple question: What do I actually enjoy anymore?Andrew and Dr. Caroline also discuss school refusal, parenting as a team, supporting children without rescuing them, maintaining healthy boundaries, and preparing for life after the children leave home. If you've ever felt that your identity has slowly been replaced by schedules, practices, homework, appointments and responsibilities, this conversation will probably feel very familiar. This episode is a reminder that raising healthy children should never come at the cost of losing yourself. Listen now to discover practical ideas for protecting your relationship, supporting your children and reconnecting with the person you were before parenting became your full-time identity. The discussion centres on changing parenting roles, father involvement, maintaining boundaries, parental burnout, and preparing for the empty-nest years. Parent Homework Family Appreciation Audit For one week, each parent writes down five things the other parent did that made family life easier. Share the lists together at the end of the week. The goal here is noticing and acknowledging each other’s contribution rather than empty praise. Identify & Protect Set aside twenty minutes without children or devices and write your answer to: If I wasn't responsible for anyone else today, how would I choose to spend my time? Notice what comes up. What is one step you could do towards that? Next, schedule when you’re going to take that step and protect that time. Continue to build from there.    Check Your Boundaries Think about one recent situation where your child wanted to avoid something difficult, like school, practice, homework, or sleeping alone. Ask yourself: Did I help them through the discomfort?Did I rescue them from it?What could I do differently to help build their confidence?Choose one recurring situation and decide ahead of time what boundary you’ll hold and how you’ll support them through it. If you’re parenting together, agree on the response so there isn’t an “escape hatch” with the other parent. The goal is to help your child learn: “This is hard, and I can still do it.” Family Conversation Ask each family member: "What is one thing you think I really enjoy doing?" The answers are often surprising and can reveal how your children currently see you. See if they spark any ideas of things for you to try. Send us Fan Mail Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!  Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!  Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and  FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

    224. When Did Parenting Become Our Entire Identity?

  4. Aug 5

    223. Why Does Parenting Make You Forget Everything?

    You walk into a room and can't remember why you're there. Your keys end up in the fridge. You forget permission slips, lunches and appointments, then wonder if you're simply becoming forgetful. You're probably not. In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Dr. Caroline explores what actually happens inside the brain after becoming a parent. They explain why "baby brain" isn't about losing intelligence, how caregiving changes the way the brain organizes information, and why parents often feel mentally overloaded. You'll also hear practical ways to reduce mental clutter, including creating an external brain with calendars, visual checklists, launch pads, routines and simple systems that make everyday life easier. If parenting has left you feeling mentally stretched, this conversation offers reassurance and realistic strategies you can begin using today. Homework Ideas Homework Challenge: Build Your "External Brain" Choose one area where you feel mentally overloaded and create a system so your brain doesn't have to remember everything. Create a family calendar. Whether it's digital or paper, keep every appointment, activity, practice and event in one place that everyone can see. Create a launch pad. Choose one location near your door for: BackpackKeysWalletLunch bagSchool agendaSports equipmentEverything goes back to the same place every day. Take photos instead of relying on memory. Create picture checklists for: School backpackHockey or ringette bagBeach dayCampingSleepoverTravelKeep the photos on your phone for quick reference. Automate one recurring decision. Ideas include: Meal planning every SundayBuying matching socksKeeping duplicate chargersPacking bags the night beforePreparing lunches in batchesReduce the number of daily decisions you need to make. Schedule recovery time. Try one of these: 10–20 minutes of Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)Yoga NidraSix-Mississippi hugs with your childA short walkQuiet readingTime with your petLooking after yourself helps your brain support everyone else. Send us Fan Mail Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!  Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!  Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and  FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

    223. Why Does Parenting Make You Forget Everything?

  5. Jul 29

    222. Could an AI Girlfriend Change the Way Your Teen Sees Real Relationships?

    AI companions are becoming part of everyday life, and many families have no idea how quickly they're finding their way into teenagers' worlds. Reports suggest that one in five boys between 12 and 16 either has an AI girlfriend or knows someone who does. That statistic raises important questions about loneliness, connection, emotional development, and what healthy relationships may look like for the next generation. In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Dr. Caroline explore why some young people are turning to AI for companionship, what these virtual relationships provide that real relationships cannot, and the social skills children risk missing when technology removes rejection, disagreement, and emotional discomfort. They also discuss dating apps, loneliness, online validation, unrealistic expectations, and practical ways parents can stay connected without creating shame or secrecy. This conversation is not about fearing technology. It's about understanding why these tools are appealing, recognising the risks, and helping children build the confidence, communication skills, and real-life relationships they need to thrive. In this episode you'll learn: Why AI companions are becoming attractive to teenagersWhat loneliness and disconnection may be drivingHow AI changes expectations about relationshipsWhy learning to handle rejection is an important life skillHow constant validation can affect emotional growthPractical ways parents can talk about AI without judgmentWhy family boundaries around technology still matter during the teen yearsWhat parents should know about emerging AI relationship apps Homework Activities for Adults This week's conversation isn't about banning AI. It's about helping children build the kinds of relationships that technology can never replace. Here are practical ways to put the discussion into action. 1. Ask Before You Advise This week, choose one moment to ask your child about the technology they enjoy without trying to correct or teach. Try questions like: "What's something you've been using AI for lately?""What do you like about it?""What makes it useful?""What do your friends think about it?"The goal is to understand first. 2. Create One Device-Free Connection Each Week Choose one activity where phones stay away. Ideas include: Walking the dogGoing for coffee or ice creamPlaying a board gameCooking togetherDriving without phonesChildren are far more likely to talk when conversation isn't forced. 3. Teach That Relationships Include Discomfort Use everyday situations to reinforce that healthy relationships include: disagreementsmisunderstandingsapologiesforgivenesscompromiseThose experiences build emotional maturity. 4. Learn About AI Together Rather than assuming what AI can or cannot do, spend 20 minutes exploring it together. Look at: AI chatbotsAI companion appsAI image generatorsAI homework toolsKnowing what's available makes future conversations much easier. 5. Review Family Technology Expectations If you don't already have family expectations around technology, now is a good time. Discuss: Bedrooms and devicesHeadphones during family timePrivacy expectationsScreen-free mealsOvernight phone charging locationsMake the conversation collaborative rather than punitive. Send us Fan Mail Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!  Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!  Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and  FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

    222. Could an AI Girlfriend Change the Way Your Teen Sees Real Relationships?

  6. Jul 22

    221. Can You Build Respect Without Yelling or Punishment?

    You feel like every simple request turns into a debate. Picking up a backpack, putting away a phone, getting ready for bed, or helping around the house somehow becomes another power struggle. After enough of those moments, it's easy to wonder whether your child respects you at all. In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Dr. Caroline explain why respect isn't something children automatically have for adults. It's something they learn through consistent leadership, clear boundaries, connection, and practice. They discuss the habits that quietly weaken parental authority, including negotiating every rule, repeating instructions without following through, avoiding conflict, allowing screens to replace family connection, and expecting counsellors or diagnoses to solve parenting challenges. You'll also learn practical ways to strengthen your relationship through family rituals, shared fun, predictable boundaries, calm communication, and leading with confidence instead of control. If you're tired of constant arguments and want your child to listen because they trust your leadership rather than fear your reactions, this episode offers practical strategies you can start using today. Homework Ideas This episode is highly practical. Andrew and Caroline encourage parents to focus less on getting immediate obedience and more on building leadership over time. Choose one family rule that regularly turns into an argument. Rewrite it so it's: clearpredictableenforceableAvoid creating new rules in the heat of frustration. Establish a boundary  Instead of repeating yourself, state the expectation once and state the consequence once. A consequence is something you can enforce, something YOU are going to do. For example, if you tell your child the expectation is that they turn off their screen at dinner, the consequence of not following through is that you will take their screen away until the next day.  To be most successful, remain emotionally neutral.  Follow through calmly and consistently. Notice how much less talking is required. Protect one family ritual this week. Ideas include: family dinnerSunday brunchbreakfast togetherevening walkdessert togethercleaning up dinner togetherThe activity matters less than being consistently present together. Add one moment of fun every day. It doesn't need to be elaborate. Try: sending a funny memecooking togethertaking a walksharing musicplaying cardstelling funny storiesSmall shared moments build connection.  Send us Fan Mail Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!  Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!  Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and  FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

    221. Can You Build Respect Without Yelling or Punishment?

  7. Jul 15

    220. What money lessons should every child learn before leaving home?

    Schools teach algebra, chemistry, and history, but many children graduate without knowing how to earn, manage, save, or spend money wisely. That leaves one important question: who is teaching the financial skills they'll rely on for the rest of their lives? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Dr. Caroline sit down with financial educator Vince Shorb, founder of the National Financial Educators Council, to explore simple ways families can build financial confidence at home. This conversation is packed with practical ideas that fit naturally into everyday family life. You'll learn why financial literacy doesn't require complicated investing lessons, how small daily conversations create lasting habits, and why involving children in real financial decisions can prepare them for adulthood long before they leave home. Whether your child is five or preparing for university, this episode offers realistic strategies that help children develop confidence, responsibility, and important skills that will set them up for future success. In this episode you'll learn: Why financial literacy begins long before a first jobSimple ways to teach earning, saving and spendingHow chores can become valuable life lessonsWhy everyday shopping trips create teachable momentsHelping teens prepare for cars, university and creditCareer exploration before choosing post-secondary educationHow parents can teach money skills, even if they weren't taught themselves About Vince Shorb Vince Shorb is one of the country’s leading advocates for promoting financial literacy and a thought leader in teaching and scaling financial education programming. After spending 15 years in financial services working one-on-one with more than 20,000 people, he founded the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) – an organization dedicated to combating the financial illiteracy epidemic. Shorb has led the NFEC in the development of 2,500 financial literacy programs and more than 80 financial literacy assets. He has been featured in publications on USA Today, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, CNN Money, MarketWatch, Fox Business, Huffington Post, NASDAQ, and Business Insider.  Connect with Vince:   Website: National Financial Educators Council https://financialeducatorscouncil.org LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinceshorb/  Homework Activities This episode encourages families to move beyond talking about money only when there's a purchase to make. These simple activities help children build confidence through real experiences rather than lectures. 1. Hold a Monthly Family Money Meeting Choose one day each month to sit together for 20–30 minutes. Discuss: What everyone is saving forWhat goals were reached this monthOne financial lesson learnedOne goal for next monthKeep the conversation positive and focused on learning, not judgement. 2. Create a Family Chore Economy Instead of assigning chores without discussion, involve children in deciding how they can contribute to the household. Together: List household jobs.Let children choose responsibilities that interest them.Attach a reasonable financial reward."Pay" them monthly.Divide earnings into categories like:SavingSpendingGivingFuture Goals3. Practise Opportunity Cost While Shopping At the grocery store, ask questions like: Which cereal gives us better value?Is the larger package actually cheaper?Do we need this today?If we buy this, what are we giving up?The goal isn't saving every dollar. It's helping children begin weighing choices. 4. Compare Household Bills Choose one utility bill each month. Challenge the family to reduce usage over the next month. Examples: ElectricityWaterNatural gasIf everyone meets the goal, use part of the savings for a family activity. Examples: BowlingIce creamMini golfMovie night5. Research a Future Purchase Before buying something significant, have your child investigate the full cost. Ideas include: First vehicleLaptopPhoneSports equipmentAsk them to calculate: Purchase priceInsuranceMaintenanceFuel or charging costsAccessoriesRepairsOngoing monthly expensesThis teaches ownership rather than simply buying. 6. Career Conversation Challenge Each month, invite someone to talk about their work. Ideas include: GrandparentsFamily friendsNeighboursLocal business ownersAsk: What does your job involve?What do you enjoy?What skills are important?How did you get started?This broadens children's understanding of career possibilities before post-secondary decisions. Send us Fan Mail Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!  Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!  Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and  FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

    220. What money lessons should every child learn before leaving home?

  8. Jul 8

    219. Why kids ignore rules even when they understand them?

    Respect doesn't suddenly appear during the teenage years. Responsibility, honesty, gratitude, and consideration for others are skills children learn through repeated teaching, consistent expectations, and everyday family interactions. In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Dr. Caroline explore why many families struggle with disrespect, constant negotiations, and boundary battles. They explain why discipline should be viewed as teaching rather than punishment and why calm, confident leadership creates far better results than power struggles. You'll hear practical examples of setting limits around chores, honesty, screen time, family responsibilities, and respectful communication while staying connected to your child. They also discuss why children need explicit instruction instead of assuming they already know what respectful behaviour looks like. If you're tired of repeating yourself, negotiating every request, or wondering why consequences don't seem to work, this episode offers practical strategies that help children build responsibility while strengthening family relationships. Homework for Families This week's challenge isn't about adding more rules. It's about becoming more intentional with the rules you already have. 1. Choose Three Family Expectations Instead of correcting everything, identify the three behaviours that matter most in your home. Examples: We speak respectfully.We tell the truth.We clean up our own mess.Write them somewhere everyone can see. 2. Replace "Don't..." With "Do..." Notice how often instructions begin with: Don't yell.Don't hit.Don't leave your shoes there.Replace them with clear instruction. Examples: Use respectful words.Keep your hands to yourself.Put your shoes in the basket.Children learn faster when they know exactly what success looks like. 3. Decide Your Follow Through Before the Problem Happens Ask yourself: "If my child doesn't follow this expectation, what will I calmly do?" Notice the question isn't: "What will I make my child do?" It's: "What action will I consistently take?" 4. Catch Helpful Behaviour This week, intentionally notice one helpful behaviour each day. Examples: "Thanks for putting your dishes away." "I noticed you told me the truth." "I appreciated how calmly you handled that." Positive reinforcement helps repeat behaviours you want to see again. 5. Model Repair If you lose your patience this week: Own it. Apologise. Explain what you'll do differently next time. Children learn as much from watching adults repair mistakes as they do from watching adults succeed. Send us Fan Mail Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community!  Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions!  Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and  FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

    219. Why kids ignore rules even when they understand them?
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.

Information

  • Creator
    Caroline & Andrew
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parents of the Year
  • Show Website
    Parents of the Year