Spawned Parenting Podcast: Latest Episodes
The latest from Spawned, our award-winning parenting podcast
What we’re keeping and what we’re ditching, after the pandemic is over | Spawned Ep 203
This past week, Liz and I were chatting about some of the changes we've made since this pandemic started. We're finding ourselves cooking more, taking more time for ourselves, and spending way less (waaaaay less) on Starbucks. So it got us thinking: what are some...
KJ Dell’Antonia on how to be a happier parent in a pandemic. Is it even possible? | Spawned Ep 202
This much is clear about parents right now: We're stressed. We're tired. We're anxious. We're sad. We're coping in any way we can, all while taking care of our kids' feelings too. So the big question is, is it selfish to want to find ways to be a happier parent these...
How to Be a Person (aka how to raise responsible, independent kids), with author Catherine Newman | Spawned Episode 201
Do your kids know how to do laundry? Do your teens know how to leave a tip? It's amazing how many life skills tend to fall through the cracks when it comes to raising our kids. That's why we're so excited to chat with Catherine Newman, whose new book How to Be a...
More coolness from recent weeks…
16 fabulous Mother’s Day gifts that give back to Covid relief and healthcare workers | Mother’s Day Gift Guide
We've always had a heart for Mother's Day gifts that give back, but this year, we're focusing on gifts that give back to Covid relief efforts, including donations to frontline healthcare workers, food banks, restaurant workers, and all kinds of incredible...
16 special Mother’s Day gifts from the kids this year: Gifts to make, gifts to buy, gifts to mail
As we keep saying, this year's Mother's Day gifts from the kids are going to be something extra special. If you're sheltering in place together, you'll have to secretly have something delivered or find the time -- and space! -- to help the kids make something without...
Humor, struggles, and clown sex with Tova Leigh | Spawned Ep 198
Tova Leigh is the exact person we needed to talk to this week. At least if these days, your dream social life would include time with a few friends for some real talk, real laughs, some needed venting, and a random reference to clown sex. No wonder this episode was...
7 special graduation ideas during Covid-19 for your 2020 grad. They deserve it!
Our Facebook groups have been asking for graduation ideas during Covid-19 and quarantine, and as a mom to a rising senior, and a high school grad last year, my heart goes out to all the 2020 grads. While school kids everywhere have had their lives and routines upended...
Print and play the new Cards Against Humanity Family Edition for free.
We've been long time fans of the super irreverent extra awesome game Cards Against Humanity, so it's no surprise that we can't wait to get our hands on their new Cards Against Humanity Family Edition game. Well, lucky us, they're offering the public beta version free...
Feeling bored? Need a little fun? Try this play-at-home scavenger hunt and help get food to hungry children.
We're on day 30-hundred of this here quarantine, and while we've been keeping busy with work and isolation schooling and 400 hours of TikTok, we could all use a little excitement, am I right? Well, our friends at GISH have that covered, with their first ever...
These 5 eco-friendly paper towel alternatives make it easy to make the switch
I've been meaning to switch to an eco-friendly paper towel alternative for years, and if 2020's quarantine didn't push you toward a new alternative, maybe we can help! In time for Earth Day, I've been chatting with eco-conscious friends and colleagues about favorite...
How to get gorgeous Mother’s Day flower deliveries for less. But hurry!
While we're busy putting the finishing touches on our 2020 Mother's Day Gift Guide, I had to share this terrific deal that I just caught wind of. One of my favorite flower delivery sites, The Bouqs, is offering double-sized Mother's Day bouquets for the price of the...
4 colorful DIY crafts from Joy Cho to inspire curiosity in your kids
I recently had such a great podcast discussion with Joy Cho of Oh Joy! Design Studio, about ways to encourage creativity in kids. Now more than ever, we're all looking for ways to keep our kids engaged, and for those of you with little ones at home, I really feel you....
Finding small joys in crazy times: How we’re making memories with our kids | Spawned Ep 197
Real parenting talk: Emotions are up and down in the age of Covid, times are stressful -- in fact we both just got the "school is cancelled for the whole year" notices. Sigh. We definitely are not trying to "win" quarantine with 800 millions Instagrammable family...
#SaveThePostOffice: 7 thoughtful things you can mail to friends and family during quarantine
Even before the Coronavirus pandemic, the United States Postal Service (USPS) was getting hit pretty hard. And now, well, it's worse than ever, with no bailout in sight. As you might have seen on social media with the #SaveThePostOffice hashtag, people are rallying...
8 board games you can play over FaceTime or Zoom for remote fun with friends
We love our game nights with friends, and cancelling those has been a sad part of the quarantine for us. But we've found 6 great games you can play over FaceTime or Zoom. It helps make that distance feel not so far at all, and gives you more opportunities to connect...
These customizable face masks help support families in need.
With the CDC recommendations that we now where face masks in public, I made a few myself - no sewing involved! - and purchased a couple from a few local businesses who have pivoted their businesses during this Coronavirus pandemic. But when I saw these customizable...
How families are making Easter special for the kids this year: 7 ideas from our readers
No matter how you celebrate Easter with your kids, things are going to be different this year during quarantine. There will be no town-wide Easter egg hunts or photos with the Easter Bunny at the mall. Church services, if you attend, will be virtual, and big family...
Gladskin offers quick relief from eczema, without all the harsh ingredients. And it worked for us!
As a long time eczema sufferer myself, along with a now teen daughter who's been battling it since she was a baby, I've tried and used my fair share of creams and lotions with the hopes of getting some relief. So, when I was introduced to our newest sponsor, Gladskin,...
So who’s ready for a cool new LEGO set? LEGO Super Mario to the rescue!
With our kids tearing through our craft kits, puzzle boxes, activity books and more while they shelter indoors, the brand new, 231-piece, interactive LEGO Super Mario Starter course could not have come at a better time. I can't think of anything more delightful to say...
Feeding your kids during a quarantine with author and food editor, Stacie Billis | Spawned Ep 196
You've braved the grocery store or you've had your groceries delivered. Your kids are home 24-7. And you've got to feed them. So, why is it so hard? Well, it doesn't have to be difficult, in fact, feeding your kids during a quarantine (and cooking during one) can...
This browser extension helps you save money at thousands of online shops while you do…nothing.
This is a sponsored message from Capital One Shopping Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the Capital One Shopping extension using the links provided These days, we're all shopping online, and we're all looking for great prices on anything we buy....
The world’s easiest DIY face mask tutorial, no sewing required.
I have spent the past week grappling with whether or not to make my own face mask and upgrade from the bandana I've been wearing over my mouth and nose when I head out for groceries. The thing is, I don't sew. This post last updated April 6 with new information, tips,...
Lincoln Center at Home offers the most amazing art classes and concerts for kids. Free! From home!
Even those of us who are seasoned homeschoolers are feeling a little frazzled about how to fill our kids' long, uninterrupted days at home right now. But I've loved the way our artist community has come out to support our kids and families in so many ways -- drawing...
Birthday parties in the age of quarantine: We love these social distance birthday party ideas that make the day special no matter what
My son turned 10 this month, and I have to admit, it was a bit of a bummer birthday. He had a great attitude and enjoyed some chocolate cake, but with the current quarantine and social distancing guidelines, his party was cancelled and his friends weren't able to come...