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. 206. Are Screens Stealing Our Kids’ Motivation?

    2D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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 budget line (phonSend 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

    31 min
  6. 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 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

    33 min
  7. 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 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

    35 min
  8. 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 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
See All (206)

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
    206
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parents of the Year
  • Show Website
    Parents of the Year

You Might Also Like