Fair warning: This episode may really make you miss your IRL get togethers with your favorite mom friends, because that is exactly what this conversation with Dr. Janice Johnson Dias feels like. We knew that talking to Janice would be helpful, but to be honest, we had no idea it be so funny, so honest, so inspiring, and just so nourishing!
(Also a little NSFW if you have little ones around — as you might have guessed from the headline here. Hey, it’s her favorite word and we don’t blame her.)
While you may know her best as mom of Marley Dias, the teen founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, Janice is pretty incredible in her own right, and is the author of the brand new Parent Like It Matters: How to Raise Joyful, Change-Making Girls,which is just out today. Find it from our affiliates Amazon, Indiebound, or your local bookseller.
You’re going to want to grab a copy for sure. But for a teaser, take a listen right now to her thoughts she shares with us on raising great kids, helping them pursue their passions, not trying to live through your children (ahem), the difference between joy and happiness, making your own space for your own passions, and setting your intentions.
This show is just packed with tons of fantastic, funny, real-world parenting tips (and fail confessions! ) that will really make you feel good about where you are as a parent. Enjoy!
You can listen to this chat right here, or through your favorite podcast app, and be sure to subscribe to Spawned on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. And thanks so much for taking the time to leave nice reviews! We really appreciate this support.
Related episodes and reading:
KJ Del’Antonia: How to be a happier parent without guilt or shame
KJ Dell’Antonia: How to be a happier parent in a pandemic. Is it even possible?
Alysia Reiner: On acting, activism, and taking action
Christine Koh: Reframing how we talk about self-care
Casey O’Roarty: How to enjoy, not endure, your kids
Finding small joys in crazy times: How we’re making memories with our kids
Activism 101: How to get involved with issues you care about when you don’t see yourself as the activist type
5 terrific children’s books about activism to help raise activist kids
2 great books by kids, for kids about activism
About our awesome sponsor: The 3M Young Scientist Challenge
If you’re the parent or teacher of a middle schooler, or just have some clever tweens in your life in grades 5 through 8, they could win $25,000 from the 2021 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
No need to get any crazy supplies or build an exploding volcano that takes down your kitchen. It’s not a science fair, but a contest of ideas. In fact, entering is as easy as thinking up a unique solution to an everyday problem, and then recording a 1-2 minute video describing it.
That’s it!
While the grand prize winner will receive $25,000, there are some other terrific prizes too. The top 10 finalists will get an exclusive summer mentorship with a 3M scientist, and who knows what incredible opportunities that can lead to. Plus, you know — bragging rights. I mean, this is basically the ultimate middle school STEM competition. Past winners have even gone on to give TedX talks, start their own non-profits, make some cool national morning show appearances, even meet President Obama at the White House.
Our Cool Picks of the Week
Janice She’s rediscovered the joy of thrifting, with a shout-out to 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore in New Jersey.
Kristen If you’re missing live music, Mandoline.com is a great way to watch virtual concerts which is the nest best thing.
Liz The DaniBarbe jewelry shop on Etsy, (above) as seen in our 10 favorite gifts for women this year. Also, the makers of Liz’s favorite new Zoom-ready earrings.
Cool Mom Picks is a reward style affiliate.
