How to Be a Grownup: A Humorous Guide for Moms, with CK & GK

Jenny GK and Caitlin Kindred
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How to Be a Grownup is a podcast for elder millennial moms who are still figuring out how to adult—and doing it with humor, honesty, and a lot of Googling. Hosted by Caitlin, a former middle school teacher and current mom based in Texas, the show covers the grown-up topics nobody teaches you: ADHD strategies for women, product recommendations that actually matter (yes, we have opinions on dishwashers), home maintenance you can't ignore, civic engagement that fits your real life, and how to talk to your kids about difficult topics. Part-time co-hosts include longtime friend Jenny and novelist Ariella Monti. This isn't a traditional parenting podcast—it's informational content for moms navigating the chaos of modern adulthood. You'll get practical frameworks, copy-paste templates, product reviews from real people (not influencers), and permission to figure it out as you go. Episodes might cover anything from managing political burnout to choosing the right air purifier to understanding your ADHD diagnosis in your 40s. The tone is warm, direct, and funny. The goal is simple: give you the tools and information you need to handle grown-up life without pretending we have it all figured out. New episodes drop Tuesdays. Find us at ckandgkpodcast.com or @ckandgkpodcast on social media.

  1. 9H AGO

    The Simple 4-Part Framework That Makes Hard Conversations Easier

    Send us a Text! Ever wish you had the exact words when a family member crosses a line? When your kid brings you a scary headline? When your teenager parrots something from a sketchy source? This episode gives you those words. Caitlin’s breaking down nonviolent communication (NVC). This practical, four-part framework helps you hold boundaries, protect your values, and model respect during the hardest conversations at home, online, and in public. Click here for this episode’s blog post with links to sources and even more content.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter!— You Need This Episode If... You want to talk about politics with your kids without freaking them outA family member keeps saying "those people" and you don't know how to respondYou tried gentle parenting and it felt fakeYou need scripts for de-escalating family arguments in front of your kidsYou want to teach your kids to disagree without dehumanizing people— What You'll Get The 4-part NVC framework – Observation, feeling, need, request (with real examples you can use today) Word-for-word scripts for: The living room covered in toys (holding boundaries as a parent)When a relative says "those people" (responding without contempt)When your kid sees scary news (validating without dismissing)When your teen quotes a bad source (teaching media literacy)When you lose your temper (how to repair)Graceful exits – How to leave conversations that cross your line Simple experiments – One feeling word a day, one rewritten text, one boundary stated out loud — Your Host Caitlin is a former middle school teacher, current mom, and someone who has a quick temper and is more often in "oops, I said that" mode than proactive mode. She's here to show you how to do less damage when things heat up—and recover faster when they do. — Sources & Mentions Introduction to Practicing Nonviolence with Children: A Resource for Families and Teachers (PDF) | The Peace Resource Center of San DiegoThe Heart of Parenting: Nonviolent Communication in Action (PDF) | Marion Badenoch Rose, Ph.D.The Center For Nonviolent Communication— What’s Next Ariella joins me to talk about Media Literacy and how not to get sucked in by your algo. Don’t miss it. The best support is a rating and a share. Love,CK & GK Support the show View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok Thanks, y'all!

    18 min

  2. FEB 24

    Nonviolent Civic Engagement for Moms: How to Raise Humans Who Care Loudly and Safely

    Send us a Text! Want to raise kids who stand up for what's right without tearing people down? Wondering what safe, nonviolent civic engagement actually looks like when you have kids in tow? This episode is your roadmap. We're talking about nonviolence as both a strategy AND a family value—from writing one-paragraph emails that move school boards to showing up at protests with clear exit plans. Click here for this episode’s blog post with links to sources and even more content.Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss an episode → Subscribe to our newsletter!We Want to Hear From You What topic would you like to see next? Caitlin's thinking about media literacy, but she wants your input. Use the "send me a text" link in the show notes to share your ideas. — You need this episode if… You want to take action but worry about keeping your kids safeYou're not sure what "nonviolent civic engagement" actually means in practiceYou need low-energy options that still count as real activismYou want your kids to see you stand up for values without modeling aggression— What You'll Get Nonviolence as a family value – How to turn abstract ideals into house rules your kids can practice dailyFrom-the-couch activism – Low-spoons options (letters, calls, donations, petitions) that model civic engagement without leaving homeBring-your-kid options – Safe, family-friendly ways to attend school board meetings, library events, and mutual aid drivesSafety planning for protests – What to know before you go, how to prepare kids, and when to leaveOne simple plan – Pick one couch action and one kid action for this month (that's it, that's the assignment)— Your Host Caitlin is a former middle school teacher, current mom, and someone who believes you don't have to raise tiny revolutionaries—you can raise humans who care loudly and safely, one email at a time. — Sources & Mentions Introduction to Practicing Nonviolence with Children: A Resource for Families and Teachers (PDF) | The Peace Resource Center of San DiegoA Parent’s Guide to School Board Advocacy | ACLU of TexasUnderstanding Public Education Advocacy: A Guide for Parents and Educators | Texas Public Education Defense FundFind the rest in the blog post for this episode. The best support is a rating and a share. Love,CK & GK Support the show View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok Thanks, y'all!

    14 min

  3. FEB 17

    Pick Your Lane: 3 Types of Local Activism That Actually Fit Your Life

    Send us a Text! Feel like you should be doing more but don't know where to start? Stuck between wanting to defend your values and needing to remember that tomorrow is library day? Here's the truth: You don't have to save democracy by yourself between soccer practice and bedtime. This episode is about hyperlocal action that actually fits your life. We're talking school boards, library boards, mutual aid—and how to show up with kids, snacks, and use exactly the amount of bandwidth you have this week. → Click here for this episode’s blog post with links to sources and even more content.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter!— We Want to Hear From You What topic would you like to see next? There's a "send me a text" link in the show notes, or DM us on Threads (@ckandgkpodcast). These topics are unfortunately writing themselves right now, but we want to make sure we're covering what YOU actually need. — You Need This Episode If: You feel guilty for not doing "enough" politicallyYou want to take action but don't know where to startYou're tired of viral outrage but still care deeply about your communityYou need permission to be a "one email this month" activistYou want your kids to see values in action (without mom becoming a martyr)— What You Get In This Episode The "Pick Your Lane" framework – Choose one local focus (schools, libraries, or mutual aid) for THIS season instead of trying to do everythingCapacity-matched actions – Low, medium, and high spoons ideas for each lane so you can do what you can with what you haveCopy-paste templates – Email and phone scripts that take 5 minutes max (no staring at blank screens)The "Show Up with Kids" guide – How to attend meetings with goldfish, headphones, and an exit strategyPermission – To be the mom who sends one email, shows up with crayons, and makes a real difference anyway— Bios Caitlin is a former middle school teacher, current mom, and the person who will absolutely sit by the exit at any public meeting. She's here to remind you that small, consistent actions at the local level are valid and important—and that you're allowed to pick just one lane for this season of your life. — Sources & Mentions A Parent’s Guide to School Board Advocacy | ACLU of Texas (roles, how boards work, tips for writing, calling, and speaking at meetings)Understanding Public Education Advocacy: A Guide for Parents and Educators | Texas Public Education Defense Fund (ways parents can engage: meetings, advocacy groups, contacting reps)Contact Your Representatives | Save Texas Schools (very simple “copy, edit, send” letter/email guidance; useful model for your templates) The best support is a rating and a share. Love,CK & GK Support the show View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok Thanks, y'all!

    20 min

  4. FEB 3

    3 Quick Self-Care Tips for Moms Who Can't Stop Reading the News

    Send us a Text! If you've ever found yourself reading about the collapse of democracy while your groceries melt in the car, this one's for you. We're being told to "stay informed" and "be engaged"—and honestly, it feels irresponsible to be anything but. But we're also the default parent, the orthodontist appointment scheduler, and the person who remembers everyone's dietary restrictions at Thanksgiving. Your nervous system was not designed for an endless breaking news ticker plus elementary school drop-off. This episode is about building sustainable habits so you can care about the world without setting yourself on fire. Listen now → You Need This Episode If... You've scrolled the news instead of sleeping (again)You've snapped at your kids and realized you were really mad at something you saw onlineYou feel guilty for NOT doomscrollingYou're trying to figure out how to be a good citizen AND a functional humanYou need permission to take care of yourself without feeling like you're abandoning the fightWhat You'll Get Micro-grounding tools that work in the pickup line, at red lights, or while hiding in your closetThe "News Container" method – three practical boundaries (time, space, source) that let you stay informed without losing your mindCapacity-based activism – how to align your actions with your actual energy levels (not your guilt levels)Concrete micro self-care that fits into a real mom schedule—no vision boards or bubble baths requiredPermission to be human with limits in a world that pretends we have noneCaitlin is a former middle school teacher, current mom, and someone who once doomscrolled for 45 minutes in a Target parking lot and then forgot why she went to Target. Ariella is a novelist, former journalist, mom, and the friend who will text you "no need to respond, just needed to tell someone I'm overwhelmed today." Together, they're here to remind you that doing what you can, when you can, with what you have is not laziness—it's sustainable engagement. Take One Action Today Pick just one: Turn off one notification (start with news alerts)Choose one time of day for your news check-inText one friend: "I'm trying to care about the world without wrecking myself. You in?"— Sources & Mentions Media overload is hurting our mental health. Here are ways to cope. – American Psychological AssociationDoomscrolling Scale: its Association with Personality Traits and Psychological Distress – NIH (PMC)Doomsurfing and doomscrolling mediate psychological distress in COVID-19 lockdown – NIH (PMC)[Full resource list available in blog post.] The best support is a rating and a share. Love,CK & GK Support the show View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok Thanks, y'all!

    37 min

  5. JAN 27

    How to Talk to Kids About Protests: Helpful Scripts for Every Parent

    Send us a Text! Your kid just asked, "What's a protest?" When protests are all over the news and their social feeds, how do you explain what's happening without panic, preachiness, or paralysis? Today, we're breaking down exactly what to say to kids at different ages, with scripts you can steal and alternatives for when attending a march isn't right for your family. Confidently answer your kids' questions about protests—listen for honest, age-appropriate scripts that explain what's happening without creating anxiety. Click here for this episode’s blog post with links to sources and even more content.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter!— Who Should Listen This episode is for parents fielding questions about protests from kids who see them on TV and social media, caregivers who need practical scripts that work for different ages, and anyone who wants to raise informed citizens. — What You Get In This Episode Simple, values-based scripts for ages 4-8: what protests are, why they're allowed, and how to address safety concernsScripts for tweens (9-12): adding nuance about rights, responsibilities, and how change happens beyond protestingAlternatives to attending marches: writing cards, calling representatives, making signs for windowsHow to talk with teens (13+) about evaluating protests: who's organizing, safety plans, and deciding togetherThe three-point summary kids can remember about why people protest— Bios Caitlin is a former middle school teacher, current parent, and someone navigating these conversations alongside you. She's here to help you raise informed citizens who base opinions on good information and treat people with dignity—not political clones of yourself. Coming next week: Resources and tips for self-care and boundaries for moms balancing caregiving, activism, and work while trying to stay normal through the chaos. Important reminder: As parents, our job is to guide children to become informed citizens who treat people with dignity. — Sources & Mentions This excellent list of resources from Boston UniversityHow to Be a Good Activist and a Good Mom | All In TogetherPolitics of Parenthood | About - Vote Mama Foundation The best support is a rating and a share. Love,CK & GK Support the show View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok Thanks, y'all!

    10 min

  6. JAN 20

    How to Handle Family Politics in Front of Your Kids: Scripts That Work

    Send us a Text! Parenting through family conflict feels like walking a tightrope. On one side sit your values and a strong urge to protect your child. On the other side lives your love for relatives who see the world differently. And all the while, your kid is watching—not for perfect talking points, but for how you handle the tension. Today we're sharing what to say to kids before, during, and after disagreements with relatives—how to model respect, clear boundaries, and steady courage when the room gets loud—because tense moments around the table are powerful classrooms. Build confidence for family gatherings where politics come up—hit subscribe and get scripts for what to say to your kids before, during, and after disagreements with relatives. Click here for this episode’s blog post with links to sources and even more content.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter!— Who Should Listen This episode is for parents navigating family gatherings where politics come up, anyone who needs scripts for managing disagreements in front of kids, and caregivers who want to model being brave and kind at the same time. — What You Get In This Episode Scripts for before family gatherings: setting expectations, teaching values, and creating code words for when kids feel uncomfortableWhat to say in the moment when disagreements happen (and when relatives try to pull your kid in)How to debrief after arguments: validating feelings, normalizing disagreement, clarifying your stanceWhat to do when you mess up: scripts for when you lose your temper, freeze, or are too harshThe meta-lesson: modeling reflection, apology, and trying again— Bios Caitlin is a former middle school teacher, current parent, and someone navigating these messy family dynamics alongside you. She's here to remind you that you can be imperfect while still showing up and being the best mom for your kids. — Sources & Mentions Organizations like All In Together and the Vote Mama Foundation offer tools for civic engagement while parenting, reminding us that advocacy and family life can coexist. Important reminder: Your kid is watching how you act when things get tense way more than they're memorizing your talking points. You're not trying to raise a political clone—you're modeling values. The best support is a rating and a share. Love,CK & GK Support the show View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok Thanks, y'all!

    15 min

  7. JAN 13

    When the News Is Scary: How to Talk to Your Kids Honestly

    Send us a Text! Life hasn't stopped, even though it feels like the world is falling apart. You're still doing laundry, packing lunches, dealing with broken freezers. And your kids are picking up on your tension—the tone in your voice, the headlines they overhear, the things their friends are saying at school. You don't have all the answers, and that's okay. But staying silent isn't the answer either. Today we're breaking down how to talk to your kids about scary news—with scripts for every age, permission to mess up, and the reminder that you don't need perfect words. You just need to show up. You don’t have to feel paralyzed about how to talk to your kids—hit subscribe and get age-appropriate scripts that help them feel safe, heard, and empowered to ask questions (even when you don't have all the answers). Click here for this episode’s blog post with links to sources and even more content.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter!— Who Should Listen This episode is for parents feeling overwhelmed by current events, anyone who doesn't know how to talk to their kids about scary news, and caregivers who want scripts that actually work without downloading trauma into their children's brains. — What You Get In This Episode Why talking with kids matters—even when you don't have all the answersGround rules: honesty, boundaries, and emotional safetyScripts by age band (4-8, 9-12, 13+) for different scenarios: protests, scary headlines, "are we going to be okay?"A simple 3-step conversation framework you can remember and reuse: Ask what they know, name the feeling + basic facts, offer safety + one actionWhat to do when conversations go wrong: oversharing, shutdowns, and the "I messed up" script— Bios Caitlin is a former middle school teacher. Jenny is a current middle school assistant principal. Both are current parents, and people navigating these scary times alongside you. They’re here to normalize feeling overwhelmed and offer practical scripts that work—because you don't need perfect words. You just need to show up. — Sources & Mentions What to say to kids when the news is scary : Life Kit | NPRHow to talk to kids about scary news | Parents | Nat Geo KidsA Parent’s Guide to Comforting Kids When News Is Frightening: Age-Appropriate Tips For Parents | Stanford Medicine Children’s Health BlogGreat resource list: Helping Children Cope: Talking to Kids About Violence and Tragedy in the News | Minnesota Children's MuseumRemember: Kids benefit more from a slightly messy, honest conversation than fr The best support is a rating and a share. Love,CK & GK Support the show View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok Thanks, y'all!

    51 min

  8. JAN 6

    The Post-Holiday Blues Are Real: Here's 3 Ways to Beat Them

    Send us a Text! The holidays are over. The decorations are packed away, the laundry pile is bigger than ever, and the calendar just got serious again. You're staring down that jarring shift from holiday magic to alarm clocks, packed lunches, and after-school meltdowns. The post-holiday blues are real—and they hit parents just as hard as kids. We're sharing practical strategies to ease back into routine without the whiplash, plus ways to keep a little magic alive in the everyday chaos of January. We totally understand dreading the return to normal life—hit subscribe and learn how to beat post-holiday blues with routines that actually stick (and tiny sparks of joy that make January feel less like a comedown). Click here for this episode’s blog post with links to sources and even more content.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter!— Who Should Listen This episode is for parents feeling that post-holiday letdown, anyone struggling to get back into routine after winter break, and families who need practical tips for making the transition smoother without losing all the holiday joy, connection, and warmth. — What You Get In This Episode The school supply reset: what to restock, check, and replace before chaos hitsWhy restraint collapse hits harder after breaks—and the decompression rule that actually worksHow to build anticipation in everyday life (hint: visible calendar + tiny "yeses")Quick, cheap ways to keep connection alive without adding to your to-do listPermission to feel the post-holiday letdown, too (even if you did all the work to create the magic)— Bios Caitlin and Jenny are moms and besties in Austin, Texas. Jenny is a middle school assistant principal and Caitlin is a former middle school teacher turned EdTech marketer. They understand the post-holiday transition from both the parent and educator perspectives—and they're here to help you survive it. — Sources & Mentions Tips to Help Families Get Back Into the School Routine After Winter Break | Sallie B Howard SchoolPrintable scavenger hunts for errands: Grocery Store, Target, Costco (links on blog)Thanks to CK's friend Joey for the hilarious New Year's resolution!Special shoutout to Karen, CK's mother-in-law, for restoring her cherished baby blanketNote: This is a re-aired episode that's incredibly timely every January. Whether you're heading back to school, work, or just regular life—these tips help ease the transition without losing all the holiday warmth. The best support is a rating and a share. Love,CK & GK Support the show View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok Thanks, y'all!

    35 min
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About

How to Be a Grownup is a podcast for elder millennial moms who are still figuring out how to adult—and doing it with humor, honesty, and a lot of Googling. Hosted by Caitlin, a former middle school teacher and current mom based in Texas, the show covers the grown-up topics nobody teaches you: ADHD strategies for women, product recommendations that actually matter (yes, we have opinions on dishwashers), home maintenance you can't ignore, civic engagement that fits your real life, and how to talk to your kids about difficult topics. Part-time co-hosts include longtime friend Jenny and novelist Ariella Monti. This isn't a traditional parenting podcast—it's informational content for moms navigating the chaos of modern adulthood. You'll get practical frameworks, copy-paste templates, product reviews from real people (not influencers), and permission to figure it out as you go. Episodes might cover anything from managing political burnout to choosing the right air purifier to understanding your ADHD diagnosis in your 40s. The tone is warm, direct, and funny. The goal is simple: give you the tools and information you need to handle grown-up life without pretending we have it all figured out. New episodes drop Tuesdays. Find us at ckandgkpodcast.com or @ckandgkpodcast on social media.

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