Home Podcasts Life Kit: Parenting
Life Kit: Parenting

Life Kit: Parenting

NPR 117 episodes Latest May 26, 2026

Life Kit: Parenting is a podcast from NPR that offers science-backed advice and expert guidance for raising children. Each episode tackles common parenting challenges, from toddler tantrums to teenage milestones, with practical tips and insights. The show aims to help parents navigate the toughest moments with confidence and humor. It is updated regularly with new episodes as part of the Life Kit series.

Episodes

On the fence about parenthood? Listen to this May 26, 2026 1571 Could you see your life just as easily with children as without? What if you're not cut out for parenthood? What if you grow lonely in your old age? Or what if you have a loving partner, but you disagree on this choice? Deciding between parenthood and a child-free life requires clarity about your fears and deepest desires -- no easy task. This episode, psychotherapist and author of the book, The B
The dos and don'ts of baby talk May 19, 2026 1175 If you have a baby in your life, you may not find them the most intellectually stimulating conversation partner. But your baby is soaking up everything you say. On this episode, advice from early childhood experts on the importance of talking to babies from day 1 to 12 months old, and tips on what to say.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or fee
Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load Apr 21, 2026 1482 Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the never-ending to-do list is known as the mental load. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner explains how to tame the mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter
How to be a working parent? Lower your standards Apr 13, 2026 1553 From brain fog to identity crises to complicated feelings of guilt (or relief), returning to work as a new parent can be daunting. Luckily, you don't need to navigate this transition alone. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle talks to working parents and experts about how to balance a job, parenting and being a person all at once.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have a
Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do Apr 2, 2026 1277 Using chatbots for emotional support can pose risks to teens' mental health. How should parents talk to their teens about using chatbots safely? And what's the best way to have those conversations without causing conflict? On this episode, NPR's Rhitu Chatterjee speaks to experts about how to support your teen's mental health and talk to them about AI.Life Kit's episode on helping a child at risk
Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter Mar 26, 2026 1389 Having kids comes with a lot of clutter - some of it even shows up before your baby does. From toys that overflow from the toy chest, to unwanted hand-me-downs and the piles of art your kids make, you can't keep it all. Psychotherapist Denaye Barahona offers advice for parents on the whys and hows of decluttering.  Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode
Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seat Mar 2, 2026 1544 If you're a new parent, picking out a car seat can be stressful. Do you need to spend extra on special features to keep your kid safe? How long should your child be rear-facing? How do you know if the car seat is secure enough? In this episode of Life Kit, we cover common mistakes parents make when installing car seats.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an epis
The key to a less frantic holiday season Dec 1, 2025 1405 There can be a lot of stress when it comes to the holidays: figuring out travel plans, preparing the perfect meal, spending time with the whole family for days on end. There can also be a lot pressure to do everything perfectly, but psychotherapist and author of All Is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays, Niro Feliciano, says that letting go of the need for perfe
How to talk toddler Oct 2, 2025 1626 Toddlerhood is a big and beautiful period of self-discovery. Kids are picking up new cognitive and motor skills and learning language a mile a minute. But there are some behaviors in this age range that can be confusing, frustrating or spirit-breaking for parents, like tantrums, hitting, stealing toys and more. This episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle helps you decode your toddler's behavior an
A smarter way to pick the right college Sep 25, 2025 1188 When deciding between colleges, it can be tempting to let prestige guide your choice. But so many factors go into finding the right fit: research opportunities, campus extracurriculars, social life, specific classes or programs, and of course, very real financial considerations. This episode, higher education journalist Jeffrey Selingo, author of Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for
Teens are using AI. Here’s how parents can talk about it. Sep 2, 2025 1413 High school and college students graduating in 2026 will have had access to artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT since their freshman year. Teens are using it in creative ways to help them study, but many have also received little to no guidance on responsible use. In this episode, we discuss how to talk to teens about AI, including its risks and potential benefits for young people.Follow u
A better way to support your teens as they go back to school Aug 19, 2025 1376 Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a 2024 Walton Family Foundation and Gallup poll. Teen psychologist Lisa Damour explains how parents can better support their kids as a new school year begins. This episode originally published Aug. 27, 2024.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection

Recommended

Playing