The Parenting 411 Podcast

Carol Muleta
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

When it comes to parenting, “the days are long, and the years are short.” You treasure the journey, but when chaos erupts you need solutions. That’s where we come in. We deliver information parents need from sources they can trust. You’ll hear from authors, educators, and other professionals who bring knowledge and compassion in service of their calling to help parents and children thrive.

  1. 5d ago

    Kids Are Reading Less

    Our children are consuming more information than ever—but are they spending enough time slowing down, thinking deeply, and making sense of what they encounter? In this episode, I look beyond declining reading scores to explore a bigger concern: what happens when scanning, swiping, and constant stimulation begin to crowd out the kind of sustained attention that reading helps develop? And if your child insists, “I hate reading,” the answer may not be another lecture, reading log, or required book. Carol shares practical ways parents can make reading feel more inviting and more connected to a child’s own interests—without turning it into another performance measure. From giving children meaningful choices to modeling reading at home, protecting small pockets of quiet, having better conversations about books, and keeping shared reading alive as children grow, this episode offers realistic ideas families can actually use. Most importantly, this conversation is about more than raising kids who finish books. It’s about raising children who are curious, discerning, able to focus, and willing to ask thoughtful questions about the information coming at them from everywhere. If reading has become a struggle in your home—or you simply want to help your child develop a stronger relationship with books, ideas, and learning—this episode will give you a fresh place to start.   CHAPTERS 00:00 — Reading Is About More Than Test Scores 02:30 — Reading vs. Scanning 05:00 — When Reading Becomes Another Performance Metric 14:00 — Keep Shared Reading Alive 16:00 — “I Hate Reading!” Now What? 18:00 — Conversation Starters for the Weekend 19:00 — The Bigger Goal: Raising Thinkers 20:00 — Readers Are Leaders CHECK OUT OUR BRAND PARTNERS for this episode.  The Parenting 411 Mother’s Work - Motherhood doesn’t come with a roadmap, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. In Mother’s Work: Pearls of Wisdom & Gems from My Journey, Carol Muleta shares candid stories from raising her twin sons, along with seven guideposts to help moms navigate the challenges, breakthroughs, and joys of their own parenting journey. Plus, you get bonuses – access to my popular webinar, “Do You Hear Me?  Staying Connected in the Chaos” plus the companion workbook with practice activities and MORE! Get your FREE copy of Mother’s Work at www.mothersworkthebook.com  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/  IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411 #shorts #fyp #foryou #parenting #theparenting411 #carolmuleta

  2. Sep 8

    What's In a Name? Legacy!

    This is an intriguing conversation with Dr. Tamara Nall, founder of the Junia Movement.  We talk about legacy, identity, and a formal naming tradition that gives daughters their mother’s full name.  It is the feminine equivalent of “Junior,” using the suffix Junia and abbreviation “JN.” Dr. Nall shares how her challenging journey to motherhood led her to reflect on legacy and create a structured option for mothers who want to pass down their names. She notes that about 30,000 U.S. females are named after their mothers and describes what the Junia Legacy is all about and what she has done formalize this naming practice and gain federal recognition of Junia in official databases. The conversation also highlights the importance of documenting family stories and archiving life experiences.  Dr. Nall also shares resources at junialegacy.com.    CHAPTERS 00:00 Legacy Through Adversity 03:18 Infertility Journey Sparks Junia 05:23 Creating Junia Naming Tradition 09:02 Identity Voice And Equality 12:52 Legacy In Everyday Motherhood 16:52 Names Trends And Hard Questions 21:04 Faith Roots And Family Impact 24:19 First Steps Document Your Story 25:51 Resources Journaling And Legislation 28:37 Follow Junia Online 29:20 Closing Thoughts Check out our Brand Partners for this episode!   The Parenting 411 Mother’s Work - Motherhood doesn’t come with a roadmap, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. In Mother’s Work: Pearls of Wisdom & Gems from My Journey, Carol Muleta shares candid stories from raising her twin sons, along with seven guideposts to help moms navigate the challenges, breakthroughs, and joys of their own parenting journey. Plus, you get bonuses – access to my popular webinar, “Do You Hear Me?  Staying Connected in the Chaos” plus the companion workbook with practice activities and MORE! Get your FREE copy of Mother’s Work at www.mothersworkthebook.com   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

  3. Sep 1

    Parenting Against The Grain

    Today, I talk with stay-at-home mom and social media creator Chloe Brewster about her “crunchy,” non-toxic approach to motherhood and the judgment moms face for their choices. Chloe shares how her journey started, especially, the moment which led to her deep dive into researching ingredients in food and cleaning products. What she learned intensified her efforts to find safe, healthy products once she became pregnant. Chloe describes an 80/20 approach where food dyes, sweet snacks and clothing materials are concerned. She also explains how she discusses food choices with her young children without creating fear and emphasizes building adventurous palates in her children. Finally, Chloe addresses misconceptions about the time, effort, and money it takes to remove harmful food ingredients and fragrances from the home.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Fragrance Wake Up Call 02:00 Crunchy Journey Begins 03:43 Pregnancy Research Mode 05:27 Pushback And Perfume Swap 09:22 80 20 Flexibility Rules 12:14 Teaching Kids The Why 15:58 Crunchy Is Not Expensive 21:32 Kids Palates Without Sugar 27:37 Avoiding Food Anxiety 34:33 Finding Trusted Resources 40:02 Closing Thoughts   CHECK OUT OUR BRAND PARTNERS for this episode. The Parenting 411 - ProPicks - Get Your Brand in Front of More Parents. ProPicks by The Parenting 411® connects businesses serving children and families with an engaged parenting audience. With 20,000+ followers and subscribers across The Parenting 411 platform and a podcast reaching listeners in 25+ countries, ProPicks gives your business added exposure beyond a traditional ad. Amplify your reach. Boost your visibility. Drive your growth. Learn more and get featured at www.propicksbyp411.com. Mother’s Work - Motherhood doesn’t come with a roadmap, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. In Mother’s Work: Pearls of Wisdom & Gems from My Journey, Carol Muleta shares candid stories from raising her twin sons, along with seven guideposts to help moms navigate the challenges, breakthroughs, and joys of their own parenting journey. Plus, you get bonuses – access to my popular webinar, “Do You Hear Me? Staying Connected in the Chaos” plus the companion workbook with practice activities and MORE! Get your FREE copy of Mother’s Work at www.mothersworkthebook.com   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

  4. Aug 25

    Screentime for Babies and Toddlers

    In this episode of The Parenting 411 Podcast, I discuss renewed concerns about screen time for babies and toddlers.  A new UK review recommends no intentional screen use for children under two due to risks to development, health, sleep, language, bonding, emotional regulation, and long-term quality of life. I invite listeners to consider what screens may replace during a period of rapid brain development, including physical and vocal interaction with parents and caregivers. I offer practical alternative tools for handling meals, errands, meltdowns, bedtime, and managing parental phone habits.    CHAPTERS   00:00 Screens Replace Essentials 00:59 Why We Hand Over Phones 01:55 New UK Review Findings 03:22 Helpful Now Costly Later 05:23 Relationship Rhythm Regulation 06:51 Real Life Exceptions 07:39 Is It Becoming A Pattern? 09:21 Practical Screen-Free Practical Alternatives 11:31 Parents Screen Habits Matter 12:41 Key Takeaways And Grace 14:52 Closing Question And Farewell   CHECK OUT OUR BRAND PARTNERS for this episode.  The Parenting 411 ProPicks by P411 Ready to elevate your brand to new heights? Discover the power of ProPicks by The Parenting 411! With our global reach, influential platform, and star-studded lineup of guests, your brand is set to shine like never before. Amplify your reach, boost your visibility, and drive growth with ProPicks. Sign up today and let's make magic happen! Visit https://www.propicksbyp411.com.  Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual.  It can be hard to figure out which road to take and when it’s time to shift.  Thankfully, my mini motherhood memoir offers a blueprint for charting your own course – and being intentional about the steps you’re taking and confident you can recover from any missteps.  Grab it FREE at https://www.mothersworkthebook.com.   Along with the book you will gain access to powerful parent-child communication tools and so much more!  **For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks     👍 If this episode helps you, please like, subscribe, and share with a mom who’s carrying too much. #TheParenting411Podcast #Screentime #Electronics #TechTalk #BabiesAndScreens #ChildHealth #ChildrenandScreens  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: https://www.carolmuleta.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theparenting411  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@theparenting411    Let's stay connected: https://www.carolmuleta.com

  5. Aug 11

    A Legacy of Purpose

    In this episode, I sit down with Ben Kamal Ali, co-owner and operator of Ben’s Chili Bowl to talk about his new book, Ascend:  The Black Man’s Guide to Success, Elevation, and Purpose. We also explore his philosophy about how to equip young Black men to lead fulfilling lives that incorporate key elements such as healing, mindset, purpose, leadership, financial freedom, and spiritual growth.  Inspired by his father and the principles of the Success Motivation Institute, he emphasizes releasing the past through faith, affirmations, daily rituals and writing practices, and wealth building habits.  To learn more about Ben Ali, visit https://www.benalimotivation.com.    CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Growing Up at Ben's Chili Bowl 04:37 The Neighborhood Through Change 06:47 Entrepreneurship & Family Lessons 12:49 Faith, Pain & Releasing the Past 17:17 Healing Practices & Daily Rituals 26:17 Building Wealth & Freedom 35:00 Legacy & Parenting 39:10 Writing Ascend & Closing Reflections     CHECK OUT OUR BRAND PARTNERS for this episode.   The Parenting 411 – Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual.  It can be hard to figure out which road to take and when it’s time to shift.  Thankfully, my mini motherhood memoir offers a blueprint for charting your own course – and being intentional about the steps you’re taking and confident you can recover from any missteps.  Grab it FREE at https://www.mothersworkthebook.com.   Along with the book you will gain access to powerful parent-child communication tools and so much more!   **For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks   👍 If this episode helps you, please like, subscribe, and share with a mom who’s carrying too much. #TheParenting411Podcast #Legacy #Motivation #BlackMen #BlackBoys #BlackExcellence   Website: https://www.carolmuleta.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@theparenting411  Let's stay connected: https://www.carolmuleta.com

  6. Jul 23

    Screen Time at School: Finding the Right Balance

    Today's conversation was recorded LIVE at Podcast Summit 2026.  The environment was a buzz with creative energy you can likely hear in the background.  My apologies.  I just had to seize the opportunity to discuss growing parent and educator concerns about excessive screen time during in-person school, highlighted by Los Angeles Unified School District’s strict new limits (no screens before second grade and weekly caps for older students). I take a look at how pandemic-era emergency device use became routine and why families are now questioning the amount, purpose, and impact of school technology on attention, deep learning, and human connection. There are benefits and risks associated with these practices.  I close out with practical steps like asking schools for transparency and purpose for screen use in school and creating low-tech time at home, and building kids’ self-awareness.  Parents and educators must reckon with our ever-increasing engagement, and sometimes unhealthy dependence, on screens and make some crucial choices.  For more ideas, check out our eBook, Connected Hearts, Digital Smarts.    CHAPTERS   00:00 School Screen Backlash 00:59 Why It Matters Now 05:34 Parents Demand Transparency 08:57 Kids Perspectives on Screens 13:08 Experts Weigh In 16:43 What Parents Can Do 19:03 Practical Steps at School 20:31 Home Habits and Balance 22:12 Big Picture Takeaway 23:22 Closing   CHECK OUT OUR BRAND PARTNERS for this episode. The Parenting 411 – Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual.  It can be hard to figure out which road to take and when it’s time to shift.  Thankfully, my mini motherhood memoir offers a blueprint for charting your own course – and being intentional about the steps you’re taking and confident you can recover from any missteps.    Grab it FREE at https://www.mothersworkthebook.com.   Along with the book you will gain access to powerful parent-child communication tools and so much more!   **For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks 👍 If this episode helps you, please like, subscribe, and share with a mom who’s carrying too much.   #TheParenting411Podcast #Family #ScreenTime #Education #ParentingIntheDigitalAge   Website: https://www.carolmuleta.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@theparenting411

  7. Jul 8

    Could Lowering YOUR Stress Help Protect Your Child From Obesity?

    Today, I invite you to consider that parent stress is an often-overlooked factor in childhood obesity alongside food, exercise, screen time, and sleep.  Rather than blaming parents, I propose that supporting parents with compassion and practical tools can make a difference. I discuss a randomized study conducted by Yale University researchers who worked with114 parent-child pairs (ages 2–5) while comparing the outcomes of two 12-week programs.  Both sets of parents received nutrition and physical-activity guidance, but one set also completed a stress intervention, Parenting Mindfully for Health, teaching mindfulness and behavioral self-regulation. Listen into hear the impact on child weight gain and parent stress levels.    CHAPTERS 00:00 Parent Stress Matters 02:00 Yale Study Breakdown 03:36 How Stress Shapes Routines 06:57 Equity and Uneven Stress 08:20 Program Components 09:42 Capacity Over Knowledge 11:02 Practical Stress Tools 13:18 No Shame Just Support 15:51 Closing Thoughts   CHECK OUT OUR BRAND PARTNERS for this episode. The Parenting 411 – Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual.  It can be hard to figure out which road to take and when it’s time to shift.  Thankfully, my mini motherhood memoir offers a blueprint for charting your own course – and being intentional about the steps you’re taking and confident you can recover from any missteps.  Grab it FREE at https://www.mothersworkthebook.com.   Along with the book you will gain access to powerful parent-child communication tools and so much more! **For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks 👍 If this episode helps you, please like, subscribe, and share with a mom who’s carrying too much. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LET’S CONNECT: Website: https://www.carolmuleta.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@theparenting411

  8. Jun 20

    Let's Talk About New Fathers' Mental Health

    This conversation addresses new fathers’ mental health, emphasizing that struggling after a baby’s arrival is common and not a sign of weakness. It cites research, including a large Swedish study of over one million fathers, showing increased risk of depression and stress-related problems by the end of the first year, and notes estimates that 8–13% of fathers experience postpartum depression. The host explains how men’s depression may present as anger, irritability, withdrawal, overworking, substance use, or emotional numbness, and why dads are often overlooked as attention centers on mom and baby. The episode outlines effects on relationships and family wellbeing, offers practical solutions, encourages loved ones to check on dads.  Learn more about Carol Muleta and her work at The Parenting 411 at www.carolmuleta.com    CHAPTERS 00:00 Dads, You Are Not Weak 02:06 The Research 06:00 Why Dad’s Struggles Get Missed 10:22 Signs A Dad Is Struggling 12:21 Family Impact And Why It Matters 15:42 How Loved Ones Can Support 17:08 Practical Steps For Dads 19:07 Crisis Support And Wrap Up 20:26 Closing Thoughts   CHECK OUT OUR BRAND PARTNERS for this episode. The Parenting 411 – Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual.  It can be hard to figure out which road to take and when it’s time to shift.  Thankfully, my mini motherhood memoir offers a blueprint for charting your own course – and being intentional about the steps you’re taking and confident you can recover from any missteps.  Grab it FREE at https://www.mothersworkthebook.com.   Along with the book you will gain access to powerful parent-child communication tools and so much more!   **For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks   👍 If this episode helps you, please like, subscribe, and share with a mom who’s carrying too much. #TheParenting411Podcast #Family #ADHD #GutHealth #Nutrition #Behavior

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

When it comes to parenting, “the days are long, and the years are short.” You treasure the journey, but when chaos erupts you need solutions. That’s where we come in. We deliver information parents need from sources they can trust. You’ll hear from authors, educators, and other professionals who bring knowledge and compassion in service of their calling to help parents and children thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Carol Muleta
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    198
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Parenting 411 Podcast