Parents of the Year

Caroline & Andrew
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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. What Do You Do When Your Kid Is the Problem?

    11H AGO

    What Do You Do When Your Kid Is the Problem?

    When another parent pulls you aside and says your kid is the problem… what do you actually do? In this episode, Andrew and Caroline get real about one of the hardest parenting moments: facing the possibility that your child is the one causing harm. From playground conflicts to teen behaviour that crosses a line, they unpack why so many parents jump to defensiveness and what it costs our kids when we do. Through honest stories including Caroline’s own “my kid would never…” moment, they walk through how to stay grounded, gather the full story, and respond in a way that actually helps your child grow. You will hear practical ways to  Respond without escalating conflict between parents  Talk to your child without shutting them down  Separate defending your child from excusing behaviour  Reinforce values like accountability, empathy, and self awareness  Support kids who struggle with impulse control or social cues This episode is for parents who want to raise kids others trust, respect, and want to be around and who are willing to look inward to get there. Homework Activities for Parents The Full Story First Conversation Ask “Anything I should know about today?”  Let them talk without interrupting  No correcting, no lecturing Goal is to get their version before reacting  Resource notes app to track patterns over time Values Check In Ask  “What kind of person do you want to be at school?”  “What matters more here being right or keeping the relationship?” Goal is to build internal decision making  Resource simple list of family values at home Pre Event Reset Quick check in before school or social situations  “What did we talk about yesterday?”  “What would a good day look like?” Goal is to interrupt repeat behaviour  Resource reminder notes or phone prompts Pattern Break for Impulsive Kids Add structure or supervision in problem situations  Reduce unstructured time temporarily Goal is to prevent behaviour before it starts  Resource coordination with teachers or caregivers Separate Behaviour from Identity Say “I am on your side. We still need to fix this.” Goal is to maintain trust while addressing behaviour 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

    27 min
  2. What should you say when you find out your child is self-harming?

    APR 29

    What should you say when you find out your child is self-harming?

    Non-suicidal self-injury is showing up earlier and more often than many expect, and most adults feel unprepared when it does. In this episode, Andrew and Caroline talk openly about why kids hurt themselves without wanting to die, what it actually gives them, and why the usual reactions can make things worse. Caroline breaks down what’s happening in the brain when emotions feel too big to handle, why pain can feel like relief, and how social media is quietly amplifying the problem. You’ll hear what signs to watch for, how to respond without pushing your child away, and what to say when you don’t know what to say. This conversation also tackles common assumptions, including the idea that kids are “just looking for attention,” and replaces it with a clearer understanding of what’s really going on beneath the surface. If you want practical ways to keep communication open, support emotional regulation, and create a home where kids feel safe sharing hard things, this episode gives you a starting point that actually works in real life. Homework Activities for Adults 1. Practice neutral responses  Next time your child shares something uncomfortable, pause before reacting.  Say: “Thanks for telling me. I’m glad you came to me.”  Goal: build safety, not fear. 2. Build daily low-stakes connection  Spend 10 minutes a day talking about anything they choose. No correcting. No teaching.  This creates the foundation so they come to you when it matters. 3. Expand emotional vocabulary together  Instead of “fine” or “bad,” ask:  “Was it frustrating? Disappointing? Stressful?”  Name emotions out loud in everyday moments. 4. Co-watch and audit social media  Sit beside them and scroll together.  Ask what they notice, what feels good, what feels heavy.  Adjust what they’re exposed to. 5. Check the basics first (HALT)  Hungry  Angry  Lonely  Tired  Track patterns for a week. Many big reactions trace back to one of these. 6. Keep the invitation open  Say: “You don’t have to talk now. I’m here when you’re ready. We can also find someone else if that feels easier.” 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

    27 min
  3. 208 Who Is Your Child Actually Talking to Online?

    APR 22

    208 Who Is Your Child Actually Talking to Online?

    Roblox isn’t just a game—it’s one of the most active online spaces kids are spending time in right now. In this episode, Andrew and Caroline get real about what’s happening behind the screen. With over 150 million daily users—many under 13—this platform has become a digital playground where kids are interacting, spending money, and forming connections… sometimes with people they don’t actually know. They break down how features like chat and in-game currency (Robux) are being used to build trust, how conversations move off-platform, and how quickly things can shift from harmless to risky. You’ll also hear the uncomfortable truth many parents wrestle with—choosing convenience today while ignoring what it might cost later. If your child is gaming online, this episode will change how you think about supervision, boundaries, and your role in it. Homework for Parents Bring devices into shared spaces  No bedrooms. No closed doors. Turn off chat features  If it’s not needed, it’s off. No headphones during gameplay  You should hear what’s happening. Check spending together  Walk through how in-game purchases connect to real money. Ask one simple question daily  “Who did you play with today?” Watch for behaviour changes Closing screens quicklyGetting gifts they can’t explainBeing secretiveUrgency to get back onlineCreate your own account  Spend 20 minutes inside the game. See what they see. 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

    20 min
  4. 207. What If Everything You’ve Heard About Microplastics Isn’t True?

    APR 15

    207. What If Everything You’ve Heard About Microplastics Isn’t True?

    This episode pulls apart one of the biggest fears circulating among parents right now: plastics and microplastics. Andrew and Caroline sit down with scientist Dr. Chris DeArmitt, who has reviewed thousands of studies to separate what’s actually proven from what’s being repeated online. The conversation moves from social media backlash and parenting pressure to a deeper look at how fear spreads—and what the science actually says. You’ll hear why many widely shared claims about microplastics don’t hold up under scrutiny, how media messaging shapes what families worry about, and why some well-meaning environmental choices may have unintended consequences. There’s also a grounded discussion about parenting: how kids learn through consistent consequences, why follow-through matters more than lectures, and how small daily habits shape long-term behaviour. This episode is for parents who are tired of guessing, tired of conflicting advice, and ready to make calmer, more informed decisions for their families. About Dr. Chris DeArmitt Dr. Chris DeArmitt helps parents cut through the noise and fear surrounding plastics and microplastics by replacing sensationalism with evidence. He offers a cross-disciplinary view that helps families make smarter, lower-impact choices based on real science rather than common myths. Dr. DeArmitt is a Global Authority on Plastics, Microplastics, and the Environment. He is a Materials Scientist, Author, and Founder of the Plastics Research Council. List of books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/15512220.Chris_DeArmitt Email - chris@phantoplastics.com  website - https://plasticsresearchcouncil.com/  LInkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdearmitt/ Homework for Parents  1. The “Follow-Through Test” Pick one rule at home (bedtime, screen time, chores)Apply the same response every time for one weekNo warnings beyond what you setTrack what changesResource:  Simple tracker (notes app or printed chart) 2. The “Pause Before Panic” Habit When you hear a scary headline (plastics, food, tech):  Ask:  → Where did this come from?  → Is this media or actual research?Wait 24 hours before changing behaviourResource: Bookmark 1–2 trusted science-based sources 3. Device-Free Micro Moments Pick one daily interaction (meals, bedtime, feeding younger kids)No phone during that timeObserve connection and engagementResource: Set phone to Do Not Disturb during that window 4. Praise What You Want Repeated Catch your child doing something rightRespond immediately with specific praiseKeep it short and genuine(“You waited your turn—that was respectful.”) 5. Family “Stuff Audit” Count how many reusable items you actually useRemove duplicates or unused itemsKeep what’s practical, not what feels “guilty to throw away”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

    36 min
  5. 206. Are Screens Stealing Our Kids’ Motivation?

    APR 8

    206. Are Screens Stealing Our Kids’ Motivation?

    What helps kids feel safe, motivated, proud, and ready to try hard things? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline sit down with Matt Kaufman—camp director, author of The Campfire Effect, and lifelong summer camp leader—to talk about what camp gets so right about child development, belonging, and confidence. Matt breaks down five brain chemicals that shape how kids grow: oxytocin, dopamine, cortisol, serotonin, and endorphins. Andrew and Caroline explore how emotional safety comes first, why kids need meaningful goals, how managed stress helps them grow, and why joy and play matter far more than many families realize. You’ll hear practical ideas parents can use right away at home: simple rituals that build connection, better ways to praise kids, how to help children stretch outside their comfort zone, and why screens can make motivation and problem-solving harder for both kids and adults. This is a warm, funny, useful conversation about raising children who feel like they belong—and who believe they can do hard things. In this episode: How emotional safety shapes learning, confidence, and connectionWhy rituals help calm the nervous systemThe difference between shallow dopamine and earned dopamineHow to support kids through stress without removing every challengeWhy kids need many paths to feel capable and valuedHow play, laughter, movement, and silliness refill the tankWhat parents can borrow from camp, even without a cabin, campfire, or ropes coursePerfect for parents of kids and teens who want to build resilience, belonging, motivation, and stronger family connection. About Matt Kaufman Matt Kaufman has spent most of his life at summer camp, but not because he lacked options. In school, things came easily. He moved quickly through classes and eventually graduated from Cornell University with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, finishing his master’s program as valedictorian. Camp was different. He was the quiet kid who had to push himself to talk to people, try things that felt uncomfortable, and work through everyday conflicts in a place where no one cared about grades. That early contrast—school rewarding his mind and camp reshaping his whole self—never left him. Connect with Matt: Website: https://www.ilove.camp/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjkaufman/ Homework activities for adults to support children and teens, plus resources needed 1. Create one family ritual this week Pick one small moment you can repeat every day: a bedtime phrase, a goodbye hand squeeze, a six-second hug, or a check-in question at dinner. Purpose: build safety and connection Resources needed: none, or a sticky note reminder on the fridge 2. Practise “describe, label, praise” Catch your child doing something well and respond like this:  “You put your dish in the sink. That’s being helpful. Great job.” Purpose: make praise specific so it actually sticks 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

    49 min
  6. 205. Are We Putting Too Much Pressure on Kids to Perform?

    APR 1

    205. Are We Putting Too Much Pressure on Kids to Perform?

    What helps kids learn, keep trying, and bounce back after a hard moment? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline sit down with educator, author, speaker, and chess coach Kevin Cripe to talk about what truly helps children thrive at school, in sports, and at home. With more than 27 years in education, Kevin shares what he learned from teaching in high-mobility classrooms, building an after-school chess programme for students from low-income communities, and helping kids grow through encouragement, challenge, and steady support. This conversation gets into why children learn better when they feel safe and relaxed, why praise for effort and improvement matters more than constant focus on results, and how parents can respond when kids lose, struggle, or shut down. Kevin also shares powerful stories from the classroom and from chess tournaments that show what can happen when adults stop pushing for perfection and start making room for growth. You’ll hear practical ideas for supporting children and teens through school stress, competition, mistakes, and self-doubt, plus a refreshing reminder that kids do better when they know they are valued no matter the outcome. In this episode, you’ll hear about: how emotional safety affects learningwhy effort, improvement, and success all deserve recognitionhow to help kids after a loss without making things worsewhy some children learn more slowly at first, then take offhow teaching others helps kids learn betterwhy pressure around grades can damage connection at homehow parents can support resilience in children and teensAbout Kevin Cripe Kevin Cripe is a motivational speaker, author, and educator with more than 27 years of experience supporting students, teachers, and communities. As an elementary school teacher in Modesto City Schools, he created an after-school chess programme that changed the lives of hundreds of students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. His work centres on helping students succeed without frustration and building compassion across diverse communities. He has spoken internationally, including at the Innovative Schools Conference in Atlanta and the Chess in the Schools Conference in London. http://kevincripemotivationalspeaker.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.cripe.31 https://kevincripemotivationalspeaker.com/#books Homework activities for adults to support children and teens 1. Notice effort out loud for one full week Replace result-based praise with comments about persistence, courage, preparation, recovery, and trying again. Say: “I noticed you stuck with that even when it got frustrating.”“You kept going.”“You handled that hard moment really well.”“I saw how much effort you put in.”Resource needed:  A notes app or small notebook to track what you noticed each day. 2. Practise the “say less” response after a hard moment When your child loses, freezes, cries, or shuts down, do less talking. Sit nearby. Offer a hug if they want one. Let them settle before 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

    45 min
  7. 204. Are you ready for the conversations kids are already having?

    MAR 25

    204. Are you ready for the conversations kids are already having?

    When a child says, “This is who I am,” what does a supportive parent do next? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline take on a topic many families are trying to understand with more care and less fear: gender identity, sexual orientation, pronouns, transition, and the language kids and teens may be using right now. This conversation starts the way real parenting conversations often do — with jokes, peanut butter confessions, hummingbirds, and everyday life — then moves into something many parents are quietly wrestling with: how to respond when a child, teen, friend, teacher, or family member shares something personal about who they are. Caroline walks through key terms like cisgender, transgender, gender identity, gender expression, agender, bisexual, pansexual, Two-Spirit, transition, and more, using a resource called the Gender Unicorn and materials from Trans Student Educational Resources. Andrew brings the parent lens many listeners will relate to: wanting to be respectful, wanting to understand, and wanting to get it right without pretending to know everything. This episode is a reminder that kids do not need a perfect speech from us. They need openness. They need respect. They need adults who can pause, stay curious, and listen without shutting them down. If you’ve been trying to support a child or teen through questions around identity, or you want better language for conversations at home, this episode will help you start. In this episode: the difference between gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientationwhy validation matters so much for kids and teenshow parents can respond with curiosity instead of panicwhy respect matters even when a parent is still learningresources that can help families keep the conversation going Homework activities for adults  1. Practise the pause When your child says something surprising, don’t rush to correct, debate, or explain. Take a breath and answer with calm interest. Try saying: “Thanks for telling me.”“I want to understand.”“Tell me more about that.”“What would feel supportive from me right now?”Resource needed: A short list of go-to response lines saved in your phone or written on a note in the kitchen. 2. Learn the basic language Pick 10 terms from this episode and learn what they mean. Not to sound polished. Just to be less reactive and more informed. Start with:  gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, cisgender, transgender, transition, agender, bisexual, pansexual, Two-Spirit Resource needed: Gender UnicornTrans Student Educational Resources (TSER) glossary or terminology page3. Ask your child what respect looks like to them Not every child wants the same kind of support. Some want privacy. Some want language to help them talk. Some want you to use a different name or pronouns. Some just want you not to panic. Try asking: “What would help you feel supported by me?”“Is there anything you want me to say differently?”“Who knows, and who wouldSend 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

    27 min
  8. 203. How Do You Build a Village When You’re Raising Kids Far From Family?

    MAR 18

    203. How Do You Build a Village When You’re Raising Kids Far From Family?

    How do parents build a village when they’re raising kids far from family? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline dig into one of the hardest parts of modern parenting: feeling alone while trying to raise connected, confident kids. From neighbours and school families to sports teams, gyms, dog parks, and simple daily routines, they talk about how community is built in real life — not through grand gestures, but through small repeated moments. A wave across the street. A favour for a neighbour. A shared ride to practice. A standing dinner with friends. The kind of connection that grows slowly, then suddenly feels solid. They also get honest about how much family life has changed in Canada: smaller households, more distance from grandparents, more seniors living alone, and more parents trying to do it all without the built-in support previous generations often had. This episode is for parents who have moved away from home, feel isolated, or want to create stronger ties for their children and teens. It’s a grounded conversation about rebuilding community, modelling connection, and giving kids something every family needs: people they can count on. Listen in for practical ideas on: how to build a village when you’re starting from scratchwhy neighbours still matterhow sports, school, and local routines can create real connectionwhy online connection doesn’t fully replace in-person communityhow parents can model belonging for children and teensPerfect for: parents of kids, tweens, and teens; families new to a city; parents dealing with loneliness; anyone trying to raise children with stronger community ties. Homework activities for adults to support children and teens, plus resources needed 1. Learn the names of five neighbours What to do:  Over the next two weeks, make a point of learning the names of at least five people who live nearby. Say hello when you see them. Keep it simple and warm. Why it helps kids and teens:  Children notice who their adults trust, greet, and feel comfortable around. That helps them feel safer and more rooted where they live. Resources needed: phone notes app or small notebookten minutes during walks, school drop-off, or after work2. Start one repeat family routine in the community What to do:  Pick one regular outing at the same time each week: dog park, local café, library, rec centre, walking route, skating rink, gym, farmers’ market. Why it helps kids and teens:  Familiar faces turn into friendly faces. Repetition builds comfort, and comfort makes connection easier. Resources needed: calendarone local spota realistic time you can keep most weeks3. Offer one small favour to another family What to do:  Send a message or say in person: “If you ever need mail picked up, a quick school pickup, or someone to check on the house, let us know.” Why it helps kids and teens:  Kids grow up seeing support as something people give and receive, not something to be emb 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

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 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
    210
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parents of the Year
  • Show Website
    Parents of the Year

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