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…
10 ways to celebrate Earth Day with kids, today and every day.
Readers have asked us for ways to celebrate Earth Day with the kids -- and while the 50th anniversary in 2020 was marred by quarantine, 2022 seems like a perfectly good time to make up for it. Certainly there will be celebrations in local parks, collaborative town and...
The Crayon Project: Helping get more inclusive school supplies into every U.S. classroom.
Two years ago, Crayola introduced the Colors of the World crayons, which included a veritable rainbow of 24 skin tone crayons that not only celebrate diversity, but create an opportunity for kids to learn respect for others and more fully represent themselves. The...
8 wonderful Mother’s Day gift book ideas to celebrate all she is, and all she loves.
This year, I've been on the hunt for Mother's Day gift books, because even the mom who has everything can always use an inspiring, uplifting, sentimental, or just thoughtful new book. Consider that a Mother's Day gift book can be for any mom who loves reading of...
Presenting your kids’ new favorite play clothes, especially at these prices
This is a sponsored message for Generation Joy When parents say we need need basics for our kids, we don't mean basic basics. They have to be soft and comfy so kids wear them, high-quality and durable so kids can wear them a lot, and of course stylish. Because why...
Our favorite skincare products: Let’s talk about a self-care skin routine
If you're like us, then you're always quite curious about everyone else's self-care skin routine. So when author and podcaster Kate Spencer (you know her from Forever 35!) was a guest on Spawned a few weeks ago, we had to ask. Especially since she (along with co-host...
The new LEGO Muppet minifigs have us singing Mahna Mahna
Calling all chaos Muppets, order Muppets, and general fans! LEGO is launching a new line of Muppet Minifigs, including some of our most favorite and iconic Muppet friends. Kermit! Grover! The Swedish Chef! And yes, my personal favorite, Miss Piggy, plus a few more....
13 truly creative DIY Mother’s Day gifts that kids can make and give | Mother’s Day Gift Guide
The truth is, handmade DIY Mother's Day gifts that kids can make and give themselves (or okay, maybe with a little help) are just extra touching. Of course as moms, we know that every gift from our kids is a special gift, whatever it is, whatever the cost. But, from...
Theraderm Cool Skin: A must-have for sunburn season (and beyond) | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message on behalf of Theraderm With summer right around the corner, that means it's sunburn season too, which can totally stop a family vacation or beach trip in its tracks. You probably already know how important aftercare can be to help prevent...
5 simple tips to help you save money that you can do right now
We’re always searching for ways to save money where we can, but with grocery and gas prices on the rise, it’s definitely on our minds. Thankfully, there are simple changes you can make right now that can save you money. And no, we’re not going to tell you to start a...
Give your kids behind-the-scenes access with Laurie Berkner’s Fan Club
My teens have grown up watching Laurie Berkner's fun-filled music videos on Nick Jr, and spent many afternoons dancing to her greatest hits like Victor Vito and I'm Going to Catch You. They've fallen to sleep listening to her gentle lullabies playing in the...
I tried Kim Kardashian’s Skims line and here’s what I thought
My relationship with Kim Kardashian is a bit fraught, so I was pretty reluctant to try her Skims line of undergarments. But after getting bombarded with Instagram ads after my search for a strapless tube bra, I figured I would give them a try. A little background on...
These gorgeous bracelets can help you manage anxiety and OCD with a little help from cognitive therapy techniques.
There's a lot of inspirational quote jewelry out here. And it's lovely -- but this is definitely not that. Instead, Presently has created a truly meaningful collection of bracelets, each engraved with mantras derived from actual cognitive behavioral therapy...
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...