Season 5

Hey Other Parents S05E002: So You Gave Your Kid a Phone… Now What? (The PH Word)

Giving your kid a phone feels like a big step—and maybe a risky one. This week, we’re talking about when it actually feels right to hand one over, what we’re really worried about (social pressure, exposure, bullying, and losing control), and how we try to balance safety with independence. We get into setting boundaries, checking in without hovering, and what happens when things go wrong—both with your own kid and others. Because let’s be honest… once the phone enters the picture, everything changes.

🎧 Parenting Unplugged

SaraD: The story of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette—so good

Levine: March Madness… and appetizers …

Hey Other Parents S05E003: I’m Bored. What Is This Feeling!?!

“I’m bored.” It hits differently now. We grew up with “Do you know where your children are?”, after-school specials like Punky Brewster, faces on milk cartons, and a completely irrational fear of quicksand… and did that impact us with our own kids?

This week, we’re talking about what boredom used to look like, what changed, and whether kids today have lost the ability to just be bored. Are we overscheduling them… or are we just uncomfortable letting them sit with themselves? Because learning how to be bored might actually be one of the most important skills we can give our kids.

🎧 Parenting Unplugged

SaraD: The ‘Burbs (remake series with Keke Palmer)—a fun watch …

🎙️ S05E004: Kids & Taking Initiative (Wilson… I’m Sorry)

This week, we’re talking about why kids struggle to take initiative—and whether we might be part of the reason why. From stepping in too quickly to structuring every moment, we explore how good intentions can accidentally take away the very opportunities kids need to figure things out on their own. Inspired by everything from Bluey to Cast Away, this episode is all about learning when to step back, let them struggle, and trust that they’ll get there—even if it’s uncomfortable to watch.

💬 Question of the Week

What do you want to see your kids doing independently without being asked?

🔌 Parenting Unplugged …

S05E005: Talk Less. Connect More.

This week, we’re getting real about something we all do—talking at our kids instead of actually connecting with them. Because somewhere between asking questions, giving advice, and trying to “help,” our conversations start to feel like lectures… and kids shut down fast.

We break down why that happens, what better conversations actually look like, and how small shifts—like timing, tone, and just letting silence sit—can completely change the way our kids open up. From car ride confessions to one-word answers, this episode is all about creating space where kids actually want to talk.

🎧 Parenting Unplugged:

Heit: Secrets of a Passionate Marriage — Secrets of a Passionate Marriage …

🎙️ Hey Other Parents — S05E006: Working Moms in America (The Balance Myth)

This week, we’re talking about working moms—and the pressure to somehow do it all. Show up at work like you don’t have kids, show up at home like you don’t have a job, and somewhere in between try to create perfect moments, make every event, and keep it all together. We get real about the myth of balance, the guilt, the double standards, and why it can feel like no matter what you do, you’re falling short somewhere. This isn’t a “how-to” episode—it’s an honest look at what it actually feels like to live in that space, and why maybe balance isn’t the goal at all. 

❓ Question of the Week:

What do you want your partner to understand about work-life balance? …

🎙️ Hey Other Parents — S05E007: Candles and Mayhem (The Birthday Episode)

This week, we’re talking about birthdays—and how something that’s supposed to be fun somehow turns into a full-on production. Somewhere between cakes, gifts, decorations, Pinterest parties, and trying to create the “perfect” day, birthdays became stressful, expensive, emotional, and just a little chaotic. We get into the pressure parents put on themselves, the moments that completely fall apart, and why the memories kids actually keep probably aren’t the ones we spend weeks stressing over. Because sometimes the best birthday moments happen after the plan goes completely sideways. 

❓ Question of the Week:

What is your absolute most ridiculous birthday moment? …

🎙️ Hey Other Parents — S05E008: Text Me When You Get Home

This week, we’re talking about that moment when parenting starts to change. The point where sleepovers become parties, quick hangouts turn into late nights, and our kids start entering situations we can’t fully supervise anymore. Somewhere along the way, parenting shifts from protecting… to preparing.

We’re talking about the unspoken rules people use to stay safe when they go out — buddy systems, location sharing, checking the vibe before staying somewhere, watching drinks, texting when you get home, and knowing how to leave a situation when things suddenly feel wrong. We also get into trust, tracking apps, party safety, teaching responsibility around alcohol, and why one of the hardest parts of parenting is realizing you can’t always go…

🎙️ Hey Other Parents — S05E009: Countdown To HS

This week, we’re talking about the countdown to high school — and how suddenly it feels like parenting shifts into an entirely different gear. One minute your kid is figuring out lockers and late homework… and the next you’re hearing about SATs, AP classes, transcripts, clubs, guidance counselors, and “building a future.” We get into what actually matters heading into high school in 2026, including academics, mental health, independence, social growth, failure, leadership, and helping kids build a life instead of just a résumé. Because high school shouldn’t only be about getting into college. It should also be about becoming a person.  

We also reference a fantastic post from former Blizzard developer and Bungie executive…

Hey Other Parents — S05E010: F-Ups and Fixes (Season Finale)

Nobody gets parenting right all the time—and that’s exactly what we’re talking about in our Season Five finale. This week, we dive into the mistakes we make as parents: the moments we lose our patience, overreact, miss something important, or realize we handled a situation completely wrong. But this episode isn’t really about the mistakes—it’s about what comes next. We discuss apologizing to our kids, repairing relationships, owning our decisions, and showing our children that accountability matters more than perfection. Because being a good parent isn’t about having a flawless record. It’s about continuing to show up, learn, and do better when things don’t go according to plan.

❓ Question of the Week: …