Spawned Parenting Podcast: Latest Episodes
The latest from Spawned, our award-winning parenting podcast
The benefits of Minecraft for kids, with author Delilah S. Dawson | Spawned Episode 259
If your kids are like our kids, they are obsessed with Minecraft. Still! Kids of all ages are loving this game, and well, let's just say, it's here to stay. That's why we were so glad to welcome former Cool Mom Picks associate editor, now New York Times bestselling...
How to make change in the world, without losing your joy: A chat with author Karen Walrond | Spawned Episode 258
We know that over the last few years in particular, many of us have felt extra activated to help make change in the world. But if we're honest, engaging in activism can be exhausting and at times, soul sucking. Well, our good friend, life coach and author Karen...
Can you name the 5 core principles of raising responsible digital citizens?
We've talked a long time on Cool Mom Tech about the importance of raising responsible digital citizens. And one thing we know: However old your kids, it's never too early -- or too late -- to learn a few new parenting tips to keep our kids safe in the digital world....
More coolness from recent weeks…
The Ryka x Chanel Miller sneaker collab that’s helping survivors of sexual assault.
I was immediately drawn to these Pro Courage Ryka Sneaker before I even learned that they were designed to support a truly important cause. Ryka, the shoe brand founded by survivor/entrepreneur/advocate Sheri Poe, has collaborated with the indomitable Chanel Miller on...
My all-time favorite jean shorts are back at Target. Hooray!
As someone who basically lives in jean shorts once the weather gets warm enough, I've purchased a lot of pairs from many different places over the years. But when Lisa introduced me to these jean shorts at Target a couple of years ago, I've never worn anything else....
A comparison of the best kids consignment shops online: Where to buy, and where to sell.
Lately I've been on the hunt for the best websites for kids' consignment clothes and trying to compare them to help me find the best option for my own needs. Buying gently pre-owned clothes is more sustainable, for one thing, plus kids grow so fast! I know that for a...
A Kids Book About War: A free download that we wish didn’t have to be written
We've been posting a lot of resources about how to talk to our kids about the war in Ukraine as well as a list of wonderful children’s books about anxiety and worry. We wish we didn't have to, but that's the world we are living in right now, and we know that even our...
Moms are wondering, “What’s next for me in life?” Here’s one way to figure it out. | Spawned 272
If you've hit a point where you're asking yourself, "what's next for me? Should I keep this career? Should I dump this side hustle? And where should my efforts go when my kids are getting older?" you're definitely not alone. And this is the podcast episode that may...
3 of my favorite styling products for grey hair
If you've been growing out your grey hair, or have already finished like me, you'll probably notice that your new grey hair requires slightly different products for styling. I'll be honest: I feel pretty fortunate that my current grey hair texture is the same as my...
Wonderful children’s books about anxiety: for kids who are worried about the world around them
We were actually surprised to realize that that we hadn't yet put together a list for parents of children's books about anxiety. Considering how many other topics that children's books have helped us with -- from books about neurodiversity to children's books about...
Wordle nation, we found a Wordle t-shirt that’s as clever as you are!
I instantly knew this super clever Wordle t-shirt from the funny folks at RAYGUN was going to be a hit with so many people I know. I mean, anyone else wake up to a flurry of Wordle scores from their friends slash competitors every morning on Twitter? Yes? Me too. So I...
How to talk to kids about war and Ukraine: Expert tips from Melinda Wenner-Moyer | Spawned 271
After science journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer published the NY Times article, How to Talk to Your Kids About Ukraine, I knew we had to have her back on Spawned to elaborate on her 5 expert tips. You may remember Melinda from our recent interview on raising...
Beautiful, authentic Ukrainian Easter egg coloring pages that help support Ukrainian artists
As Easter gets closer, sitting down with Ukrainian Easter egg coloring pages and crayons or markers opens the door to talk to our kids about what they’re coloring — just as we mentioned in our roundup of fabulous, famous International Women’s History Month coloring...
This absolutely wonderful preschool program lets kids learn right from home
This is a sponsored message from New Sphere Not every preschool-aged child is currently enrolled in preschool, for all kinds of reasons -- maybe the ones near you are expensive, there are no seats available, or maybe your kids are just learning at home with parents....
Discover the Joy of Movement with Beyond Yoga: Empowering Mothers One Pose at a Time
In the journey of motherhood, finding time for self-care and physical well-being is essential, but it's often challenging. Beyond Yoga, a lifestyle brand that champions comfortable, stylish, and inclusive activewear, offers solutions that resonate with mothers across...
Why our parenting stories matter, with author Zibby Owens | Spawned Episode 270
Liz and I have a special place in our hearts for storytelling, because that's how we first met online almost 17 years ago. That can't be right, can it? We connected through our personal blogs—Mom 101 and Motherhood Uncensored—and the rest is Cool Mom Picks history....
Sunflower earrings for Ukraine: A sweet purchase for a great cause.
This spring, we hope to see sunflowers everywhere, and that includes sunflower earrings. Especially when they're giving back to Ukraine like the ones we've just found. Indie jewelry designer, mom and art director Farah Brigante of Naaz Design Co has created a...
Affordable music lessons from Grammy winners and Juilliard musicians, all from the comfort of your home
This is a sponsored message on behalf of Virtu.Academy Instilling a love of music and supporting your child's passion for the arts just got a whole lot easier and more affordable, thanks to Virtu.Academy, a convenient online platform that offers private music lessons...
How we can protect transgender kids in Texas and throughout the U.S.
If you are as outraged as we are by last week's directive out of Texas that equates gender-affirming medical care to child abuse and calls on licensed professionals and members of the general public to report transgender parents of minors to the authorities, keep...
What we can do to help Ukraine right now: Donate, share, call
I know I'm not the only one worrying nonstop about citizens in Ukraine the past few days. Despite claims to the contrary, President Putin invaded Ukraine at multiple points on the Ukraine border this past week and seems to be targeting Ukrainian troops defending their...
Gen Z: They’re not snowflakes, they’re warriors. Here’s the data to prove it. | Spawned Ep 269
The world feels like a pretty awful place right now. I've seen a lot of people in my social feeds say things like, "it must be hard to have kids and have to explain things like the Russian aggression against Ukraine to them." I always think that yes, sure it is --...
Our kids are sharing memes about WWIII. Here’s how to talk to kids about the fear of war and unrest.
This article was originally written in 2020 about the increase in tension between the US, Iran and Iraq. It was updated in 2021, with the riots in DC and violent insurrection at the US Capitol -- and now, February 2022 as we watch the invasion of Ukraine live on TV,...
Where to stream the 2022 Oscar-nominated movies, and which ones to watch with your kids
If you're looking for where to stream the Oscar-nominated movies -- both the ones you can watch with kids and the ones you can watch alone after they're bed -- I get it. Parent usually struggle to catch up on all our movies this time of year. Or hey, maybe you've...
8 wonderful children’s books about neurodiversity that we—and our special needs kids—love
And as the mom of a daughter with autism and as a children's book lover, I've wanted to highlight some incredible children's books about neurodiversity that represent kids just like her. If you're a frequent reader here, you know it's always been important for us to...