The End of the World as We Know It: A First-Time Parenting Podcast Erik & Maya

Oh, dear lord. Ok: if you are embarking on potty training with your toddler, the first thing we need you to know is that it is going to be ok. The second thing we need you to know is to BUCKLE UP. This was one of the toughest phases/transitions of parenthood for us so far, and if you're a long time listener of this podcast, you know we don't say that lightly.

In this episode, we share details about the techniques we used (yes, we did resort in the end to bribery with fruit snacks, as everyone does, and our only regret is not doing that sooner), horror stories about public accidents, and we finally answer the question that's on everyone's mind: will Erik get another motorcycle if we have a second child???

(Oh Crap! is the book we used / apparently the one everyone with a toddler has read and used. Highly recommended.)

We recorded this episode so long ago that it includes a Scandoval reference. Hey man, we're busy parents! Otherwise, enjoy this evergreen tale of weaning our two year old son off the pacifier he's used for sleeping since he was born. This episode also includes: our first ever parent-teacher conference, our son's first self-aware birthday party, our first vacation since having a baby, and – as you will surely pick up on – several cocktails while recording.This episode is sponsored by Price Woodshop. Need a cutting board or some custom furniture? Give us a call. Need it any time soon? Try Raymour & Flanigan. pricewoodshop.com

Oops, it's been a year! But believe it or not people are still listening, so we're still recording. In this episode, Maya and Erik talk about life with a 20-month-old: childcare woes, starting to talk (or not...), and whether or not it's reeeeally a problem to spoil your firstborn rotten. (I mean can YOU go to Target without buying your kid 30 toys?!)

We also discuss the very real toll having a young child can take on your marriage, and the sorts of dumb fights we get into and talk about at couples' therapy. The best advice we can give you, if you're new parents: go to therapy now. And certainly go before you decide to have a second kid 😬



As always, you can thank our incredible editor AJ for turning our ramblings into a coherent and enjoyable podcast episode: twitter.com/ajfillari

If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback for us, you can reply to our question ("What did you think of this episode?") on Spotify! And don't forget to participate in our poll (also on Spotify): we want to know if you'd watch a video version of this podcast!

Our baby's 9 months old now, so he's doing lots of exciting things, like eating solids (!), opening his own Christmas presents, and refusing to sleep*. We're also doing exciting things, like watching a lot of TV** and learning that our experience is not actually universal. We know, this was a shocking realization for us too.

Suggested resources:


Our favorite book about baby sleep, Precious Little Sleep
Our favorite sleep coach, recommended by many of our friends: A Little Support (UK based, but works with clients all over the world)
And if you're a mom who wants to feel really angry at your husband and every other husband in the world, check out r/Mommit, Maya's favorite subreddit

*We found out after recording this episode that our son had an ear infection. Once we got him on antibiotics he went back to sleeping like an angel. Your mileage may vary, but if your kid is suddenly having trouble sleeping, maybe get their ears checked out before you sink into a deep depression and accept that none of you will ever sleep again.

**This episode is sponsored by the Boulet Brothers' Dragula. (Not really, please don't sue us Boulet Brothers.)

What really happens to your body after you give birth? How long does it take to bounce back? Why is it impossible to find jeans when your waist and hips are the same size? And for the love of god, why is it assumed that preventing unwanted pregnancies right after giving birth – because yes, actually, this is something you need to worry about – falls on the woman who just gave birth? We don't really know, but here's our feelings about all of it.

There’s a lot about going back to work after maternity leave that is hard. Childcare in particular - especially in the midst of a pandemic! - is a baffling paradox where none of the choices seem even remotely appealing. Do you put your kid in daycare, miss them desperately all day, and hope they somehow don’t get sick? Do you hire a nanny or an au pair who then suddenly becomes a permanent fixture in your household, whether you like it or not? If you’re lucky enough to have family nearby, can you convince a relative to watch your baby full or part time? Should one of you just quit your job?!

This episode was recorded in two parts: one right before Maya went back to work, and the other a few weeks later. Spoiler alert: basically nothing turned out the way we thought it would.