What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face...
When you're a parent, every day brings a "fresh hell" to deal with. In other words, there's always something. Think of us as your funny mom friends who are here to remind you: you're not alone, and it won't always be this hard.
We're Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, both busy moms of three kids, but with completely different parenting styles. Margaret is a laid-back to the max; Amy never met a spreadsheet or an organizational system she didn't like.
In each episode of "What Fresh Hell" we offer lots of laughs, but also practical advice, parenting strategies, and tips to empower you in your role as a mom. We explore self-help techniques, as well as ways to prioritize your own needs, combat stress, and despite the invisible workload we all deal with, find joy amidst the chaos of motherhood.
If you've ever wondered "why is my kid..." then one of us has probably been there, and we're here to tell you what we've learned along the way.
We unpack the behaviors and developmental stages of toddlers, tweens, and teenagers, providing insights into their actions and equipping you with effective parenting strategies.
We offer our best parenting tips and skills we've learned. We debate the techniques and studies that are everywhere for parents these days, and get to the bottom of what works best to raise happy, healthy, fairly well-behaved kids, while fostering a positive parent-child relationship.
If you're the default parent in your household, whether you're a busy mom juggling multiple pickups and dropoffs, or a first-time parent seeking guidance, this podcast is your trusted resource. Join our community of supportive mom friends laughing in the face of motherhood!
376
Ask Margaret: My Kid Keeps Running Away!
Preschoolers love to run. It helps them flex their newfound independence and gives them an exhilarating feeling of freedom. But this behavior can be frustrating – and frightening– for parents. So how do we get our kids to stop taking off on us?
6 min
377
Fresh Take: Katherine May on "Enchantment"
How do we find deep meaning in today's world amidst the bad news all around us? Katherine May, author of "Enchantment: Awakening Our Wonder in an Anxious Age," tells us how she gained new perspective and mental energy by rediscovering the power of enchantment.
29 min
378
It's Not "Nagging"
When women ask repeatedly for something to be done– because it wasn’t done the last time they asked– they’re often rewarded by being told they’re “nagging.” How do we push back on the sexism of this word? And are there more effective ways to get those around us to do their share?
38 min
379
Ask Amy: We Have a Newborn - and Houseguests
What happens when the "help" from family right after a baby is born means constant houseguests (and more work?) Here's how to ask for the postpartum help you actually need.
6 min
380
Fresh Take: Dr. Dana Dorfman on When Worry Works
As parents we try to support our children’s current well-being while also setting them up for future success. But when worry begins to drive our parenting decisions, it’s time for a reset. Dr. Dana Dorfman, author of WHEN WORRY WORKS, explains how.
31 min
381
Our Quirkiest Personal Rules
Peanut butter on both sides of the PB&J? Parking in a certain spot at Trader Joe's? Setting the alarm for odd-numbered times? We asked our listeners about the weird rules they have put into place - and Amy and Margaret give a glimpse into their personal quirks too.
38 min
382
Ask Margaret: What Do You Do When Your Kid Ruin...
When our kid throws a fit or storms out of a social gathering, embarrassing themselves AND us, how can we problem-solve in the moment in a way that's not punishing or even more disruptive?
7 min
383
Fresh Take: Francesca Royster on "Choosing Family"
Francesca Royster, author of the memoir CHOOSING FAMILY: A Memoir of Queer Motherhood and Black Resistance, explains what it means to build a “chosen family” of friends, and how to parent while yearning for the world that we want, but don’t have yet.
33 min
384
BONUS TEASER! Our Jobbiest Jobs
What are the worst jobs Amy and Margaret have ever had? Listen to them spill the tea (and ketchup) in this teaser for our March bonus episode.
10 min
385
So What Do You Do All Day?
Tired of people assuming stay-at-home moms have nothing to do? Well, there's not a lot we can do about what other people perceive about stay-at-home-moms, but we can change how we think about our labor as SAHMs to validate ourselves and how hard we really do work.
43 min
386
Ask Amy: How Much Micromanaging Is Too Much?
When do we lay down the law as parents and when do we let our teens make their own choices, especially when we feel the decision they're making will affect their future?
4 min
387
Fresh Take: Lisa Damour on the Emotional Lives ...
Powerful emotions in teenagers are a feature, not a bug–but when our kids are dysregulated it can feel like something parents are supposed to fix. Dr. Lisa Damour, author of THE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF TEENAGERS, tells us how to become "safe containers."
29 min
388
Minor, Life-Changing Tips
Here are our minor and yet life-changing tips for making your car, kitchen, bathroom, handbag, and day run just a little more smoothly.
36 min
389
Ask Margaret: Can We Help Kids Get Better at Lo...
What do we do when our kids throw tantrums over everything from losing a board game to striking out at the plate? Here's how to help kids put their small losses in perspective.
6 min
390
Fresh Take: Susan Linn on How “Big Tech” Target...
These days, wherever kids are, they’re not far from a screen or a smart speaker– or the brands who are using “educational” toys and games to sell them stuff. Susan Linn, author of WHO’S RAISING THE KIDS?, explains how big tech is targeting our kids.
27 min
391
Pushing Kids the Just-Right Amount
How do we know when to let our kids quit the sport they hate or skip a homework assignment? Will it be our fault they miss out on the Olympics or being president? Amy and Margaret discuss when they pushed (or didn't push) their kids and reflect on the outcomes.
37 min
392
Ask Amy: Can I Politely Decline a Playdate?
What do you do when your child and their friend are begging for a playdate– and you're not so sure it's a good idea? Here's how to redirect or politely decline playdates– plus when to consider going ahead.
5 min
393
Fresh Take: Ryan Wexelblatt, The "ADHD Dude"
Ryan Wexelblatt, aka the “ADHD Dude,” coaches both kids with ADHD and their parents. In this interview Ryan offers us helpful perspectives and useful tips for creating scaffolding for our kids with ADHD, without becoming overly accommodating.
32 min
394
When Our Kids Have Different Relationships with...
Are you adrift in the "Only Mommy" or "Only Daddy" doldrums of parenting? Here's when to accept the biological imperative of preferring one parent over the other, and when to push back on the behavior.
34 min
395
Ask Margaret: Is It Normal to Feel This Lonely?
Are you overwhelmed by life with little ones, worried that you will never feel like an actual person again? We're here from the future to tell you it gets better.
7 min
396
Fresh Take: Jen Lumanlan of "Your Parenting Mojo"
We can sometimes get so focused on correcting our kids' behavior that we neglect to consider what unmet needs are being expressed. Jen Lumanlan, host of "Your Parenting Mojo," explains how to shift our responses to parenting triggers.
29 min
397
Our 2/1 Back-to-Ones
We don’t love New Year’s resolutions. We do love resets– or as we call them, “Back To Ones”– and February is our favorite time to put them in place. Here’s how to reframe goals as resets, and why that’s not only a kindler and gentler approach, but a more effective one.
40 min
398
Ask Amy: How Do I Prepare My Kids for Leaving T...
How do you explain to your kids that going away for the weekend doesn't mean you're leaving them forever? Amy explains how to "rebrand" your trip to minimize separation anxiety and toddler tears.
5 min
399
Fresh Take: Liz Gumbinner on Ditching the Hustle
Do we have to monetize, publicize, and optimize all of our hobbies into a legit "side-hustle" that must also fulfill us? Guest Liz Gumbinner, co-host of the podcast "Spawned," talks with Margaret about the pressure to perform in every aspect of our lives.
32 min
400
Things We Weirdly Enjoy
We asked our listeners about the things that make them unreasonably happy. From petrichor to butter cubes to sausage dogs in sweaters, the weirdness certainly abounded.
33 min