The Martini ShotIt's the last episode of I Shouldn't Have Had Kids and we're taking a minute to look back at how things started and how they're going now—with parenting, pandemicing, and podcasting!How it started and how it's going with kids: From baby blowouts to graduating seniors who remind us how incredible the journey of parenting really is.How it started and how it's going with the pandemic: From total lockdown to kids at home 24/7 trying to make remote learning palatable in any way sha...

Trying to make magic and create memorable holiday traditions—especially for a newly blended family—is a pretty tall order. It takes intention, patience, and a willingness by everyone to embrace the idea that families come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, it also takes a lot of wine.This week we'll take you behind the scenes of our first Thanksgiving celebration as a new blended family — complete with exes, in-laws, and a raw turkey. The fun just keeps coming through the holidays and the ye...

This week's episode is inspired by a POTUS unwilling or unable to accept the facts. Indeed, you can probably currently find him prone on the floor of the Oval Office, pounding his feet and fists, screaming, "I won't go! I won't! I won't go, and you can't make me!!"If you've ever parented a 2- or 3-year-old, you know exactly what's happening. It's a temper tantrum, and they are the bane of every parent's experience. Full-body sweats, tears, pleading, and begging are the hallmark signs of a tem...

Millennials are so... special. Believe us. We have one. In the Millennial generation, everybody gets a ribbon and everything gets a sticker. They even have a word for growing up. It's called "adulting." In fact, there's a book and about a million articles all about the subject. There's really nothing new about growing up or adulting, but there is certainly enough to talk about! Especially since we have one "adult-ish" son, another who is in full-fledge adulting mode, and a third boy on ...

Imaginary friends and freaky role in the familyUh, honey? Who are you talking to? Cue Twilight Zone music as your son or daughter turns around slowly, looks at you, cocks their head and asks, "Can't you see him, mommy?"What does it mean when a child has an imaginary friend? One with whom they spend the bulk of their time. One that plays the role of confident, family member, and trouble maker all at once. "But Mommy, Wiggy doesn't WANT to nap, so I have to stay awake with him.."Is it a sign of...

A woman runs down a dark street screaming in terror. She races up the steps to her best friend's house and pounds on the door. As the door creaks opens, the woman pulls out her (hot glue) gun and trains it on her friend."Hot toddy. Stat!" she pants. "Oh, and I need to borrow some orange felt. I just ran out." The joy that many parents get in the planning, buying, cutting, and placating that goes into one night of tricks and treats has always been a head–scratcher to us. Halloween gives ...

On episode 47: Chores and allowance are on our mindsIs it a bad idea to pay kids to help around the house?A house they live, eat and sleep in?A house where their parents work, on their behalf, from sun up to sun down? This week, we unpack the ins and outs of rewarding kids for what is the simple act of "pitching in." In this episode, more than most, we invite you to learn from our (massive) mistakes! Total case of "Do what we say, not what we do"!Now, if a son or daughter offers to repa...

On episode 46: Grandparents steal the show!Oh, baking pies with grandma or building birdhouses with grandpa might sound like a quintessentially grandparental moment, but let's not forget the somewhat more interesting tidbits about the role of these important family members. For instance:Grandma glued to her police scanner to stay in-the-know about all of those "no-goods" out there. Her investigative bent taught the grandkids good research skills.Grandpa taking off his hollow, wooden leg to sh...

This week we tackle the thing on everyone's mind: How can we protect the mental health of our children during the dark months of winter? Yes it's going to be H-A-R-D. But you are absolutely capable of weathering the storm that's brewing. We've collected sage advice from experts—because god knows that's not us—and are bringing that advice to you this week, couched in our own irreverent look at life with kids. One thing is crystal clear. Flight attendants know what they're talking about. When i...

Exercise. They need it. We know it. But how to make it happen?Why does Minecraft win out over biking, Super Smash Bros beat a neighborhood run, or the promise of Among Us lure our kids back early from a summer swim? We know exercise is good for them, but what's the magical spoon full of sugar that will make the medicine go down? Little kids exercise without thinking – chasing each other, splashing in the shallows all day, or sledding until they can't lift their legs to climb the hill ag...