Spawned Parenting Podcast: Latest Episodes
The latest from Spawned, our award-winning parenting podcast
How to help kids identify and develop their interests | A Parents Guide to College Admissions
In January, I interviewed Alyse Levine, one of the foremost college counseling experts in the country, about de-stressing the college application process. It was so well-received, that we've partnered to create A Parent's Guide to the College Application Process....
Are we thinking about kindness all wrong? A chat with Jaclyn Lindsey, founder of Kindness.org | Spawned Podcast
The Spawned Parenting Podcast is back and I couldn't be more thrilled! I'm excited to get back to what I love most -- helping us get through the ups and downs of parenting together, especially today when we all seem to need support more than ever. I am honored to kick...
A college guidance expert and former admissions officer helps de-stress the application process. Phew! | Spawned Ep 301
Navigating the college search and admission process is rough -- emotionally, practically, financially. (Eep!) It completely stressed me out, and I'm a pretty Type B mom. So learn from my mistakes! Make it easier on yourself by listening to all the helpful advice...
More coolness from recent weeks…
Personalized Squishmallows have our kids’ names all over them! (Or at least on the belly.)
While our team did a great job putting together graduation gifts for high school seniors, and sharing gift books for grads of all ages, I just stumbled on one more super cool graduation gift I had to share: Personalized Squishmallows. (And here is where my 17-year-old...
How to help kids identify and develop their interests | A Parents Guide to College Admissions
In January, I interviewed Alyse Levine, one of the foremost college counseling experts in the country, about de-stressing the college application process. It was so well-received, that we've partnered to create A Parent's Guide to the College Application Process....
Brilliant: Same-day flower delivery without the high fees. Perfect for last-minute gifts.
We're very excited about the new plant and flower gifts from our longtime fave last-minute gift source, Sugarwish. Because if you're like me, sometimes you want to send same-day flowers or next-day flowers, but you don't want to pay a huge premium for the service. If...
16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
With high school graduation time coming up, I've been getting so many questions from friends about the best high school graduation gift ideas that kids will actually want. So I've been asking around, talking to my own teens, and the answer is most often, "cash."...
This folding stadium seat for sports parents will save your butt in the bleachers!
Calling all parents who have ever endured hours on a rock-hard stadium bench while attending their kids' sports games. Or assemblies. Or graduation ceremonies. I discovered this portable, packable, reclining stadium seat on sale, and it's a game-changer. (Ha.) The...
12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
While there are so many graduation gift ideas that we could give to this year’s accomplished graduates, from preschool to high school, we love giving sweet, inspirational books for graduation gifts. Especially when they deliver messages about empowerment, adventure,...
Our guide to last-minute Mother’s Day gifts that she’ll truly appreciate.
If you haven't secured the perfect Mother's Day gift yet and now you're looking for last-minute Mother's Day gifts, rest easy. Okay, not that easy, because it's literally just a few days away. But if you hustle, we can still help you out with these awesome last-minute...
This 5-Star Insulated Tumbler on Amazon may be the Best Affordable Yeti Alternative
If you're looking for the best Yeti alternative, Owala's Insulated Steel Tumbler is not only a 5-star rated reusable straw tumbler, it's one of the fastest selling products on all of Amazon. It's just $27.99 for the 24 oz tumbler -- compare that with $38 for the...
These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)
If your kid is headed to sleepaway camp this summer, we've got some sleepaway camp packing tips compiled by a bunch of BTDT parents on our team. Especially if it's the first time you're sending your kid to sleepaway camp, you're probably already dealing with a lot of...
Are we thinking about kindness all wrong? A chat with Jaclyn Lindsey, founder of Kindness.org | Spawned Podcast
The Spawned Parenting Podcast is back and I couldn't be more thrilled! I'm excited to get back to what I love most -- helping us get through the ups and downs of parenting together, especially today when we all seem to need support more than ever. I am honored to kick...
11 last-minute Mother’s Day beauty gifts on Amazon with fast, free Prime shipping
Browsing through Amazon, we're finding so many last-minute Mother's Day beauty gifts -- that are on sale, too! -- plus they ship fast and free for Prime members. Sometimes as fast as 1-2 days. Maybe you're looking for an interesting beauty gift for an awesome mom,...
15 personalized gifts for grandmothers who deserve the best | Mother’s Day Gift Guide
I've been spending so much time seeking out the best personalized gifts for grandmothers this Mother's Day, to make it clear just how much we love them. Lord knows I couldn't do this parenting thing without my kids' Mimi, Grama, and Nana in their lives. They deserve...
6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground
You've got to admit, it helps motivate the kids to get outside and active when you have cool backyard swings for them to play with. My own kids have all enjoyed hanging out on some new swings we've installed to update the old swing set. My four-year-old daughter...
Thoughtful first Mother’s Day gifts for new moms | Mother’s Day Gift Guide
That first Mother's Day is so special, and if you're looking for a wonderful Mother's Day gift for a new mom, these ideas should make her day. From thoughtful jewelry to commemorate the year, to a first family portrait, to luxiurious pampering just for her, we hope...
One Cool Thing: The Self-Care Gift Box That’s Perfect for Moms
Journaling is a proven self-care activity with meaningful benefits, and this beautifully packaged Self-Care Gift Box from Silk & Sonder is a lovely start that we're so happy to have found. It includes a 30-day illustrated wellness planner filled with journaling...
One Cool Thing: Skura Style x Eva Mendez Sponges now in Target!
I shared Skura Style anti-microbial sponges when they first launched in 2018, and I'm still a subscriber who recommends them all the time. They are the best. B-E-S-T. As someone who hates housework, Skura Sponges actually make me like washing dishes, and believe me,...
Daily Question: Who Does the Most Housework, and How Do You Feel About It?
Welcome to today's Daily Question! Today, we're thinking about housework, which has disproportionately fallen on women and mothers, regardless of employment status. However by many accounts, that's starting to change. So tell us, what's going on in your home? [poll...
Daily Question: How do you feel about cell phones in schools?
Welcome to today's Daily Question! Today we want to know your views on the issue every parent seems to talking about these days. There are no wrong answers, just your opinion. So tell us... Feel free to elaborate in the comments if you'd like. And...
One Cool Thing: New Grogu Crocs are on every kids’ wish list
I just got a peek at the new Mandalorian Grogu Crocs and whew! Get ready for kids everywhere to be begging for them. It's easily going to be among the hottest kidswear of the summer. Some sales may generate a small commission to help support us at no additional cost...
The Best ABC Songs For Kids: 17 Essential Tunes for Learning the Alphabet from a 3-Time Grammy Nominee
The best ABC songs for kids is such a fun topic for me to write about, and I'm so happy that Cool Mom Picks asked me to share my favorites. For my band, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, rock ‘n’ roll is just like the ABCs. It’s the foundation for everything...
The Best Prom Dress Rentals: Comparing the Rent-the-Runway alternatives for prom dresses and wedding season
A reader and friend asked for some Rent the Runway alternatives for from dress rentals, on behalf of her daughter who's currently prom dress shopping. She pointed out that today's teens are so eco-conscious, that many would prefer not to buy a new dress for a spring...