EPISODE 10 is here!

Spring is in the air… or at least the stink bugs are. Caitlin, Charlotte, Kallie, and Megan kick things off with springtime woes (do stink bugs even stink?!) and April Fools' Day hot takes. Then, we dive into a listener-submitted question: How much do families actually spend on childcare? We break down the real costs, the tough decisions parents make, and why this topic feels so taboo. Plus, we share our latest Mom Fails (laundry struggles, work/life balance), Peaks & Pits (new shows, outdoor adventures, baby alligators?!), and plenty of laughs along the way.

🎧 Tune in now! #ParentingPodcast #ChildcareCosts #MomLife

In this episode, the hosts reunite after a long winter break, swapping stories about vacations and raccoon encounters. The conversation takes a fun detour into awards season, with Caitlin sharing favorite nominated films while Kallie remains hilariously out of the loop—even missing the latest Timothée Chalamet dating news.

Next, the ever-relatable Mom Fails segment returns, featuring forgotten sheets, travel mishaps, and Christmas decorations that just won’t come down.

The main discussion dives into technology and screen time for kids. Charlotte shares her strategy for introducing phones at 13, using BARK parental controls to set boundaries. Megan talks about managing devices in her household, where her daughters have phones but her son sticks to an iPad. Caitlin keeps a tight rein on her daughters' smartwatches and iPads, enforcing strict internet and messaging rules. Meanwhile, Kallie embraces a tech-minimal lifestyle, with no screens on school days and an intentional approach to phone use in the mornings.

The hosts also reflect on childhood independence, parental control apps, and the importance of screen-free play—contrasting today’s digital habits with their own MapQuest-and-atlas upbringings.

Wrapping up with Pits and Peaks, the group shares everything from fireplace stencil disasters to Bingo losses, new family-favorite meals, and an unexpected squirrel visitor.

Join the conversation for laughs, parenting wins (and fails), and practical insights on navigating screen time with kids in a tech-driven world!

In this episode, Kallie and the crew dive into the complex and often hilarious world of sibling rivalry—what it really means, how it manifests in different family dynamics, and the lifelong impact it can have. The conversation kicks off with a chat about bestselling author Rebecca Yarros, who nearly quit writing before finding massive success in fantasy. This leads to a discussion on perseverance, career highs and lows, and the moments that push us forward when we’re ready to give up.

Then, it’s time for Mom Fails, featuring Caitlin’s toddler regressing back to a pacifier, Megan’s overdue library books, and Kallie’s struggle to feign enthusiasm for her son’s endless house drawings.

The main topic—sibling rivalry—unpacks deep-rooted competition for attention, resources, and parental approval. The hosts share personal experiences, from Charlotte feeling the pressure of “scorekeeping” in her childhood to Caitlin’s realization that she wasn’t always the nicest older sister. They explore how parenting styles, gender, and age gaps shape sibling relationships, and how to navigate the inevitable conflicts.

Key Takeaways:
📌 Parental Language Matters – Kids internalize how they’re spoken about, shaping their roles in the family.
📌 Fighting Isn’t Always Rivalry – Siblings arguing is normal, but long-term tension stems from deeper roots.
📌 Coaching is Key – Encouraging kids to support each other, share, and express their feelings fosters healthier sibling bonds.

Charlotte shares a touching analogy about how hurtful words leave lasting marks on the heart, and Kallie reflects on the unique, irreplaceable bond of siblings—“You’re never going to have another one like this in your whole life.”

The episode wraps up with Pits and Peaks, celebrating Megan’s bird-feeding success, Caitlin’s potty-training win, Charlotte’s talented dog, and Kallie reclaiming her home office.

Tune in for laughs, heartfelt moments, and practical tips on managing sibling dynamics! 🎧