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

    3D AGO

    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 somethi Send a text 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
  2. 202. Are screens speeding up adolescence and delaying independence?

    MAR 11

    202. Are screens speeding up adolescence and delaying independence?

    A jar of peanut butter almost ends a marriage… and somehow becomes the perfect opener for a conversation about what’s happening to adolescence right now. In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline unpack what ADHD expert Dr. Russell Barkley calls “early arrival, late departure”: kids hitting adult ideas sooner (thanks, screens) while independence shows up later (thanks, anxiety, money, and over-helping). They talk milestones that are fading (driving, first jobs, even babysitting), why “checklist parenting” can quietly shrink confidence, and what it looks like to raise teens who can handle inconvenience, criticism, and disappointment without melting down. You’ll leave with practical ways to step back without checking out: handing over real-life tasks (appointments, banking, transit), modelling purposeful phone use, and trying Stephen Covey’s “Green and Clean” method to build responsibility at home—without turning your house into a nag-fest. Keywords: parenting teens, adolescence, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, screen time, executive function, independence, ADHD, Russell Barkley, life skills, overparenting, helicopter parenting, snowplow parenting, “curling” parenting, rites of passage, resilience. Homework activities for adults (to support kids/teens) + resources Homework 1: The “Say it out loud” phone habit (7 days) Every time you pick up your phone near your kids, narrate your purpose in one sentence:  “I’m checking the weather.” “I’m texting Grandma back.” “I’m doing Duolingo.”  Kids copy what they think we’re doing—this makes your use visible and intentional. Resource: create a note on your phone titled “Why I’m on my phone” with 6–8 common reasons so it’s easy to stick with. Homework 2: Hand over one real-world task this week Pick one: book a dentist/doctor appointmentcall the bank about a card issueplan a transit route to the mall/friend’s houseorder their own replacement item online (with a budget)Your job: be nearby, don’t do the talking, don’t grab the phone “to speed it up.” Resource: a simple script card in Notes: “Hi, my name is ___.”“I need to ___.”“My availability is ___.”“Can you repeat that?”“Thanks, have a good day.”Homework 3: Build frustration tolerance on purpose (tiny reps) Once this week, don’t rescue a minor inconvenience: let them re-pack the forgotten itemlet them email the teacher about a missed deadlinelet them solve the “wrong bus / wrong stop” problem with you on standbyAim for small stakes. The win is practice, not perfection. Resource: family phrase to repeat: “Try three ways, then ask.” Homework 4: “Green and Clean” at home (one job, one standard) Give one household job with a clear finish line.  No step-by-step coaching. Let them decide how to do it. Resource: Stephen Covey “Green and Clean” — search YouTube: “Green and Clean Stephen Covey”. Homework 5: Create a rite of passage (low drama, high meaning) Pick a milestone you can bring back: solo transit to a familiar placemanaging a monthly buSend a text 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

    31 min
  3. 201. Do You Know Who Your Child Is Talking to in Games and Group Chats?

    MAR 4

    201. Do You Know Who Your Child Is Talking to in Games and Group Chats?

    In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline sit down with Mashood Ahmed, founder and CEO of GigabitIQ (the UK’s safest broadband provider) and a dad of five, to talk about what’s really happening online: strangers in game chats, disappearing messages, school-issued devices that come home unfiltered, and why a bedroom can be riskier than the park. Mashood breaks down where parents get stuck—too many devices, too many apps, too many settings—and shares a simpler way to think about protection: start with a conversation, then add controls that actually work for real life. You’ll also hear about Parentline (parentline.ai), a free, multilingual tool built to help parents quickly figure out things like blocking TikTok, tightening Roblox settings, and creating safer home Wi-Fi rules without spending hours searching. If you want a practical reset for your family’s digital life—without panic, guilt, or tech overwhelm—press play. About Mashood Ahmad Mashood Ahmad is the founder and CEO of Gigabit IQ, a broadband innovator dedicated to creating safer digital homes for children and families. As a father of five, he understands the real and growing challenges parents face in navigating big tech, social media, and hidden online harms. He is a recognised champion for online safety within the UK broadband sector and works closely with policymakers to push for stronger national protections. Mashood also created ParentLine, an AI-powered guidance tool that helps parents understand and manage online risks with clarity and confidence. His work bridges technology, parenting, and public policy to ensure families are better supported in today’s hyperconnected world. “Homework” activities for adults + resources Homework 1: The 10-minute “Today Online” check-in (no interrogation) Do it: Ask one question at dinner or bedtime: “What did you do online today that was fun… and what felt weird or uncomfortable?” Goal: Make “tell me early” normal. Homework 2: Device + app inventory (15 minutes, one page) Do it: Write down every connected device your child uses (phone/tablet/laptop/console/smart TV). Under each: top 5 apps/games. Goal: You can’t protect what you can’t name. Homework 3: One privacy reset together Do it: Pick one high-risk area and do it side-by-side (no surprise lock-downs). Choose one: Roblox chat + friend settingsSnapchat privacy + locationYouTube restricted mode + watch historyConsole voice chat defaults  Goal: Shared responsibility, less sneakiness.Homework 4: Bedroom Wi-Fi rules (simple, clear) Do it: Decide your “where + when” rules for devices (charging station overnight, no headphones behind closed doors, door open during multiplayer, etc.). Goal: Reduce private access points without shame. Homework 5: Use Parentline when you get stuck Do it: Ask Parentline a real question you’ve been avoiding: “How do I block TikTok on an iPhone?” / “How do I tighten Roblox?” / “What should I do about WhatsApp groups?” Resource: parentline.ai (free, multilingual) Send a text 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

    33 min
  4. 200. Why are teens self-diagnosing on TikTok—and what should parents say?

    FEB 25

    200. Why are teens self-diagnosing on TikTok—and what should parents say?

    Peanut butter crumbs, a surprise lap dog, and a teen who’s meeting new people at bars… this episode starts like a sitcom and lands on a real parenting pressure point: when kids start wearing diagnoses like usernames. Andrew and Caroline talk about the “sick role” trend online—especially on short-form video—where teens self-diagnose, compare who has it worse, and sometimes copy symptoms they’ve seen on their feeds. They unpack what gets missed when labels become identity: loneliness, shaky self-worth, and a craving to feel noticed. You’ll hear why this trend can hurt kids who truly need support, why parents can’t treat siblings the same way, and what to say when your teen comes home convinced they have a specific disorder. There’s also a reminder worth writing on the fridge: some kids are just quirky. They don’t need a label—they need their people. And, in the meantime, you’re their people. Homework activities for adults The “Two-Minute Mirror” check-in Ask: “What felt heavy today?” and “What felt good today?” Reflect back what you heard—no fixing.Swap the label for the need “What part of that feels true—feeling overwhelmed, lonely, wired, numb, stuck, left out?”Sibling spotlight audit Identify what each child gets attention for—and what gets missed.Feed clean-up plan (together) Unfollow one account that fuels distress. Replace it with one that supports skill-building, humour, or learning.Build a ‘their people’ map Home / School / Outside. Strengthen one connection this month.Send a text 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

    35 min
  5. 199. Are tracking apps making parents calmer—or more anxious?

    FEB 18

    199. Are tracking apps making parents calmer—or more anxious?

    Tracking your kids can feel like “good parenting”… until it turns your home into a control room. In this Parents of the Year episode, Andrew and Caroline talk about why location-sharing and constant check-ins often backfire—especially as kids become teens and young adults. They unpack the real driver underneath most tracking habits: adult discomfort with uncertainty. You’ll hear how “just nice to know” can quietly turn into stress, distrust, and sneaky workarounds (hello, leaving the phone somewhere “safe”). Along the way, they share what actually keeps teens talking: conversations that aren’t about school, letting kids teach you their world (yes, even Formula 1), remembering the “small” details that matter to them, and owning it when you mess up. If you want more openness, less policing, and a relationship your teen actually uses (calls in the car, debriefs after school, mall trips by choice), this one’s for you. “Homework” activities for adults (to support kids + teens)  1) The “Not School” Daily Check-In (7 minutes) Once a day, ask one question that has nothing to do with grades, homework, or performance. Keep it light.  Prompt ideas: “What was the funniest thing today?” “Who made your day better?” “What’s your current obsession?” Resource: print/write a small stack of dinner questions (they mention using a question box). Use index cards or a notes app. 2) Let Them Teach You Something (15 minutes, once a week) Pick one of their interests and let them lead. Your job is to be curious, not clever.  Easy starters: music playlist tour, game/YouTube trend explainer, sport update, hobby demo. Resource: a shared note called “Things I’m learning from you” where you jot down names, teams, inside jokes, friends, upcoming events. 3) The “Remember One Detail” Practice When they mention something that matters to them (a friend issue, a teacher they can’t stand, a social moment), write one line somewhere. Bring it up later.  Goal: they feel noticed without being managed. Resource: phone note with headings: Friends / School People / Interests / Upcoming. 4) Replace Tracking With a Simple Family Plan Instead of location monitoring, agree on a basic rhythm: where you plan to bewhat time you expect to be backwhat to do if plans changeone check-in rule for late nights (short text is enough)Resource: a shared family note or whiteboard titled “Today’s Plan.” 5) The Clean Apology (30 seconds) When you misread them, embarrass them, overreact, or “torpedo” your partner in front of the kids—own it fast.  Script: “I got that wrong. I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.” No sermon. No courtroom defence. Resource: keep a reminder on your phone lock screen for a week: “Repair beats being right.” Send a text 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
  6. 198. How Do We Help Kids Feel Seen When Their Needs Look Different?

    FEB 11

    198. How Do We Help Kids Feel Seen When Their Needs Look Different?

    What happens when a child feels invisible—and how can adults respond in a way that builds confidence, connection, and kindness? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline sit down with Mark Perloe, a retired infertility physician turned children’s book author and grandfather, to talk about modern parenting through a grandparent’s lens. Mark shares the real family moments that inspired Milo’s Superpower, including sibling dynamics, screen struggles, emotional outbursts, and the quiet strengths that kids often carry unnoticed. This conversation covers raising children across generations, respecting parenting boundaries as grandparents, supporting kids with big emotions, and using humour as a lifelong skill. You’ll hear honest stories about neurodiversity questions, screen time tension, emotional regulation, and how shared experiences—not stuff—shape children long after childhood. Perfect for parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone raising or supporting kids today. About Mark Perloe Mark Perloe worked as a doctor specializing in IVF for 32 years. Now retired, Mark’s favorite thing to do is spend time with his two grandsons. He also enjoys spending time with his therapy dog, Andrew. The two of them travel all over to put smiles on people’s faces. He is thrilled to be writing his first children’s book!   Homework Activities for Adults (Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers) 1. The Superpower Conversation  Ask your child or teen:  “What do you think you’re really good at?”  Follow up with where they’ve seen it help others. Resource: Paper, markers, or notes app to write or draw their “superpower.” 2. Screen Swap Challenge (One Evening)  Replace one screen session with a shared activity: cooking, walking, storytelling, or fixing something together. Resource: A simple activity you already enjoy—no prep required. 3. Sibling Spotlight  Spend 10 uninterrupted minutes with each child separately in the same week. No correcting, no teaching—just attention. Resource: Timer on your phone. 4. Humour Reset  When tension rises, ask:  “How could we make this moment lighter without ignoring feelings?” Resource: Model it yourself first. 5. Memory Over Stuff Check-In  Before buying a gift, ask:  “Would a shared experience mean more here?” Resource: Calendar for planning time together. Send a text 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

    29 min
  7. 197. Are you using ChatGPT for parenting… and is it helping or hooking you?

    FEB 4

    197. Are you using ChatGPT for parenting… and is it helping or hooking you?

    Andrew and Caroline start this episode the same way many parents start a “normal” day: northern lights, a bank visit that ate two hours, and a reminder that adulting is its own full-time job. Then they try something parents are doing more and more—asking AI for parenting advice. They put a “nice British voice” to the test on real-life sticking points: kids refusing chores, screen-time blowups, bedtime anxiety, and the constant tug-of-war between boundaries and burnout. The advice isn’t wild… but the tone is the story. Why does AI feel so comforting? When does reassurance turn into a crutch? And what happens when “helpful” starts replacing your village? If you’ve ever Googled a parenting question at 2 a.m., this one will hit. Expect laughs, some blunt truth about consistency, and a practical way to use AI without handing it the keys to your home. “Homework” ideas! Homework 1: Pick one non-negotiable and make it boring Choose one daily expectation (dishes in sink, teeth brushed, screen off at X).Say it once, neutrally.Follow through with a consequence you’ll actually do (pause screens, delay dessert, Wi-Fi off). Resource: a one-sentence script you can print: “When ___ is done, then ___ happens.” Homework 2: Build a screen-time runway (no surprises) Give a two-step warning: “10 minutes” + “2 minutes.”Add a simple handoff action: “screen off → device charges here → we move.” Resource: set two phone alarms labeled “10” and “2,” or use a visible kitchen timer. Homework 3: Write your “calm plan” for when you feel yourself boiling Pick a pattern interrupt you’ll use every time: step into hallway, cold water on wrists, 10-count down, slow exhale.Practice it once when you’re not mad, so it’s there when you are. Resource: a note on your phone lock screen: “Pause. Breathe out longer than you breathe in.” Homework 4: Bedtime anxiety ladder (reduce reassurance over time) Keep routine steps in the same order nightly.Decide on a “stay time” (3 minutes), then shorten it every few nights.Use one consistent line at the door: “I’m nearby. You can do this.” Resource: a simple bedtime checklist your child can tick off (paper on the wall works great). Homework 5: Use AI without letting it “parent for you” Try a prompt that forces clarity and reduces the cheerleading: “Give me 3 options for handling screen-off meltdowns for a child aged __. Include exact words to say, one consequence I can enforce, and what not to do. Keep it short. No pep talk.”Resource: save that prompt as a note called “Parenting Prompt” so you don’t spiral-scroll when you’re stressed. Bonus Homework (from the bank + Manulife moment): Make a 30-minute “family admin” file One page: mortgage info, insurance contact, school logins, emergency contacts.Put it in a folder labeled “If I get hit by a bus.” Resource: shared note app doc + one printed copy.Send a text 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. 196. How do we teach critical thinking in a world of ChatGPT and Deepfakes?

    JAN 28

    196. How do we teach critical thinking in a world of ChatGPT and Deepfakes?

    AI isn’t going away, and kids are already using it. So how do we protect their curiosity, critical thinking, and safety without panicking or burying our heads in the sand? In this episode of Parents of the Year, Caroline and Andrew sit down with English professor, game developer, and AI builder Jerry White to talk about kids, teens, AI, and critical thinking. Jerry has spent years teaching college students, building AI tools for his university, and helping his own son learn to use AI well. He brings that real-world classroom and parenting experience to this conversation. You’ll hear them unpack: Why using AI as a ghostwriter can quietly erode learning and memoryHow freewriting and “thinking on paper” before asking AI can protect kids’ brainsPractical ways to use tools like ChatGPT and mind-mapping apps without letting them become a crutchHow attention spans and learning styles have shifted with social media and constant techWhat educators can change right now: assignments, discussion boards, and assessmentDeepfakes, Character.ai, Roblox, and other risks parents and schools need to know aboutWhy parents must start using AI themselves to guide their kids safelyThis episode is especially useful for anyone who want to help children and teens: ·       Build real critical thinking skills ·       Keep their own voice in their writing and ideas ·       Stay safer online in an AI-driven world ·       Use AI as a tool, not a replacement for their brain About Gerry White Gerry White is the Dean of Academic Technology at ECPI University and founder of MyTutorPlus, an AI-powered tutoring platform. With two decades at the intersection of education and technology, he creates innovative digital learning experiences, including apps and immersive AR/VR. Gerry writes and speaks about how AI reshapes education and culture, exploring its ethical and societal impacts with a balanced, thoughtful approach. His work equips educators, parents, and professionals with practical insights to navigate the evolving AI landscape while preserving critical thinking and humanity. Resource: https://gerrywhitebooks.com/ Get in touch https://www.instagram.com/the_gerry_white/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrywhitetech/ https://gerrywhite.tech/  https://www.youtube.com/@gerrywhite6197  Send a text 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

    41 min
See All (203)

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
    203
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parents of the Year
  • Show Website
    Parents of the Year

You Might Also Like