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!
826
Screen-Free Week: How To Survive and Why It's W...
Screen-Free Week starts 4/29. If the very notion sends ice through your veins, you’re not alone! But we loved it, and we think you might too. We discuss how to prepare, what to do instead, and why it’s all truly worth it. Learn more: screenfree.org.
47 min
827
Changing How We Talk To Our Kids (with guest Dr...
We know what’s wrong with how our kids speak to us: the sarcasm and eye-rolling are two things we could live without. But does how we talk to our kids need a little fine-tuning as well? Guest: Dr. Wendy Mogel, author of VOICE LESSONS FOR PARENTS.
58 min
828
100th Episode! The Best Stories We Haven't Told...
Amy and Margaret celebrate 100 episodes by trying to stump each other with crazy stories that are either “True or False.” Was Amy ever interviewed by Child Protective Services? Did Margaret greet her MIL for first time by saying, “Don’t touch me”?
45 min
829
Youth Sports: If You Must
Is there any middle ground between the 9-year-old with a pitching coach and the kid who quits after the second game? Maybe. Even if your family has mortgaged all its weekends for travel lacrosse, here’s how to put the “play” back in playing sports.
42 min
830
What We Thought Being a Mom Would Be Like (with...
Some of the things we imagined about motherhood turned out to be pretty accurate. Some of it was WAY off base. We talk what lived up to, exceeded, and confounded our expectations with the hilarious Betsy Stover of the podcast “Why Mommy Drinks.”
45 min
831
When School Projects Become Parents' Projects
Sooner or later every kid gets assigned a school project that is, without question, a PARENTS' project. Here’s how to discern the right amount of help such projects require, whether it’s a shoebox diorama or the science fair. Put the glue gun down!
45 min
832
When You Feel Like a Failure as a Parent
Why do all mothers feel like failures sometimes? Is it the 24/7 job description? The high stakes of nurturing small humans? A culture which tells us no matter how hard we try, there’s another mom doing it better? All of the above. Here’s what works.
46 min
833
The Best Relationship Advice Ever
Here's the best relationship advice we’ve ever gotten: how to prioritize our partners, how to fight better, how to keep things going for the long haul. Thanks to all our contributors from our Facebook group- search “whatfreshhellcast” to join us!
46 min
834
Helping Kids Manage Anxiety
Anxious kids often can’t explain how they’re feeling, so they’ll act out instead. We talk how to help anxious kids settle their “glitter brain” with Dr. Lisa Damour, author of Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls.
52 min
835
Middle Kids
Most of us assume middle kids get the short end of the parenting stick. But some experts believe their place in the birth order makes them uniquely poised to succeed. Are there lifelong benefits for kids who grow up with a little benign neglect?
40 min
836
The Best Advice Ever
Here is (no lie) the best advice ever when it comes to making choices, doing what matters, ignoring the haters, and liking ourselves a little better. Thanks to all our contributors from our Facebook group- search “whatfreshhellcast” to find us there!
47 min
837
Punishing Kids: What Works and What Doesn't
What makes a punishment effective? Is the primary goal payback or providing insight? Can our discipline help kids make better choices- even when they’re not worried about being caught? Here’s what does and doesn’t work for punishing kids of all ages.
44 min
838
Making It Work When You Go Back To Work
Going back to work with little ones at home is complicated— even if you’re secretly thrilled to get back that half hour on the train. Here are our listeners’ tips for smoother returns to work, whether it’s been 6 weeks, 6 months, or a lot longer.
44 min
839
Surviving a Toddler and a Newborn
No lie: parenting a toddler and a newborn is as hard as parenting gets. Here’s what to have on hand, what to do when you have a hand free, how you can let people help you, and why naps are the most important thing to get organized (for you too, Mom).
45 min
840
Having People Over
Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the potluck! Here’s how to take the stress out of having people over, whether it’s beers on the couch or a dinner party for ten. If we make it fun enough, we just might do it more often.
40 min
841
The Birds and The Bees: Having 'The Talk'
We’ve got to talk- and sooner than any of us would probably like to think. Here’s how to talk to kids of all ages about sex, how to be an “askable” parent, how to punt when the moment isn’t right—and how to steer kids towards making better decisions.
42 min
842
Our Goals for 2019
New year, new datebook, some very familiar goals. But this is the year we make things HAPPEN. At least sometimes. In this episode we discuss what we hope to accomplish in 2019- as moms, as friends, as people who exercise once in a while.
44 min
843
Live Show Bonus! Chappaqua, NY 12/1/18
This episode was recorded live at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on Dec 1, 2018. We book live shows into theaters around the country as well as smaller custom events for PTAs and moms’ groups. To find out more: info@whatfreshhellpodcast.com
40 min
844
Holiday Traditions: The Good, The Bad, The Wish...
What are the holiday traditions that work great for your family? What are the things you kind of dread but can't stop now? Here’s how to create a holiday season that works for everyone- including those of us who do most of Santa’s heavy lifting.
41 min
845
How Not To Go Insane in the Winter
Everyone’s energy levels get depleted during the winter. But parents with low batteries also have to deal with cranky kids who’ve watched way too many YouTube videos and who probably should have gotten outside but it’s 4:35 pm and dark as deep space.
39 min
846
Sometimes We Lose It (with guests Heather Turge...
Sometimes we lose it. And while yelling kinda feels good in the moment, afterwards? Not so much. But studies show that trying to clamp down on anger actually makes us MORE angry. Here’s how to recognize our parental triggers in time to control them.
42 min
847
Saying No When Other Parents are Saying Yes
How should we handle group situations where we have different parenting styles? When our particular rules around bedtimes, screens, curfews, or sugar are up against more lax rules (or none at all)? Here’s how to talk it out with everyone beforehand.
38 min
848
Are We Oversharing On Social Media?
We all know parents who chronicle their baby’s every bathtime, give their toddlers hashtags, and air their tween’s hurt feelings on social media. We don’t do *that*…but what are the long-term ramifications for our kids’ privacy when we press SHARE?
38 min
849
Listener Questions: Fussy Babies, Toddlers, and...
We answer a few of our listeners’ most pressing questions: on comforting a really fussy baby, preparing a toddler for a new arrival, and dealing with siblings who squabble constantly. Send us your questions! info@whatfreshhellpodcast.com
34 min
850
Dinosaurs and Trains and Superheroes and Nerf G...
Why are some little boys so obsessed with trains or dinosaurs? Psychologists call these preschool preoccupations “extremely intense interests,” and they’re much more common among boys than girls. Here’s why boys love the things they love so dearly.
44 min