Anna Macfarlane

Anna Macfarlane, a mom of four kids and an online marketing and branding expert, joins me to break down how to build a fanbase on Instagram and TikTok: family style. Anna manages the @kidsaretheworst parenting humor account on Instagram, which has more than 500,000 followers. She also manages several other successful accounts and teaches social media marketing courses for families, businesses and bloggers. In our conversation, we talk about how to get started on Instagram and TikTok and how to grow a healthy fanbase. We also discuss the benefits of being on social media and why TikTok is growing faster than most people realize. (It’s not just for teenagers.) Other topics we cover include how to manage your time on social media, talk to your kids about social media and post responsibly.

Anna Macfarlane, a mom of four kids and an online marketing and branding expert, joins me to break down how to build a fanbase on Instagram and TikTok: family style. Anna manages the @kidsaretheworst parenting humor account on Instagram, which has more than 500,000 followers. She also manages several other successful accounts and teaches social media marketing courses for families, businesses and bloggers. In our conversation, we talk about how to get started on Instagram and TikTok and how to grow a healthy fanbase. We also discuss the benefits of being on social media and why TikTok is growing faster than most people realize. (It’s not just for teenagers.) Other topics we cover include how to manage your time on social media, talk to your kids about social media and post responsibly.

How to Build a Fanbase on Instagram and TikTok: Family Style with Anna Macfarlane

Mike Julianelle

Mike Julianelle, a dad of two who writes online as Dad and Buried, joins me this week to break down the cost of parenthood. In our conversation, we cover expenses every parent faces such as child care, transportation, vacation, food, medical expenses, diapers and more. We also cover the emotional cost of parenthood, such as stress and the loss of sanity. Learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast at www.ParentNormal.com. 

Mike Julianelle, a dad of two who writes online as Dad and Buried, joins me this week to break down the cost of parenthood. In our conversation, we cover expenses every parent faces such as child care, transportation, vacation, food, medical expenses, diapers and more. We also cover the emotional cost of parenthood, such as stress and the loss of sanity. Learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast at <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ParentNormal.com</a>.

The Cost of Parenthood with Mike Julianelle

Sara Buckley

Sara Buckley, a comedian, podcaster, social media pro and most importantly, a mom of 3, is this week’s guest. In our conversation, Sara opens up about her experience as a teenage mother and how it changed her life in high school and beyond. Sara explains how she felt when she learned she was pregnant and how friends and family responded to the news. Sara also shares her strong opinion about MTV’s Teen Mom “reality” show and how we don’t support teen moms enough. We also talk about when Sara gave the birds and the bees talk to her kids, how her marriage has remained strong after 15 years and how she started doing standup comedy.

Sara Buckley, a comedian, podcaster, social media pro and most importantly, a mom of 3, is this week’s guest. In our conversation, Sara opens up about her experience as a teenage mother and how it changed her life in high school and beyond. Sara explains how she felt when she learned she was pregnant and how friends and family responded to the news. Sara also shares her strong opinion about MTV’s Teen Mom “reality” show and how we don’t support teen moms enough. We also talk about when Sara gave the birds and the bees talk to her kids, how her marriage has remained strong after 15 years and how she started doing standup comedy.

Life as a Teen Mom with Sara Buckley

Jeff Kinney

Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series, is this week’s guest. It’s an interview from the archive that took place a couple of years ago while Jeff was on the set of the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, which many of you have probably read or watched with your kids by now. We’ll be back with new interviews next week. Learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast on www.parentnormal.com. 

Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series, is this week’s guest. It’s an interview from the archive that took place a couple of years ago while Jeff was on the set of the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, which many of you have probably read or watched with your kids by now. We’ll be back with new interviews next week. Learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast on <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.parentnormal.com</a>.

Jeff Kinney on His Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series

Nick Thune

My guest this week is one of my favorite all-time comedians Nick Thune. Now this isn’t a typical Breaking Down Parenting interview because this interview dates back to 2015 when this podcast was called The ParentNormal Comedy Podcast. I wanted to share it again not just because I’m a fan of Nick Thune and he tells a couple of funny stories, but because it was the very first podcast interview I ever did, which makes it perhaps the most memorable podcast interview I’ve ever done. And if you’re a fan of this show, I thought you’d enjoy hearing how this show all started. You can hear I’m a little bit nervous in the interview. That’s partly because it’s the first podcast interview I’ve done. But it’s mainly because we’re talking 15 minutes before Nick’s about to go on stage and I wasn’t sure how cool he was going to be about answering my questions and opening up about his family. But as it turned out, he was very cool about it and I’ll always be grateful for it.

My guest this week is one of my favorite all-time comedians Nick Thune. Now this isn’t a typical Breaking Down Parenting interview because this interview dates back to 2015 when this podcast was called The ParentNormal Comedy Podcast. I wanted to share it again not just because I’m a fan of Nick Thune and he tells a couple of funny stories, but because it was the very first podcast interview I ever did, which makes it perhaps the most memorable podcast interview I’ve ever done. And if you’re a fan of this show, I thought you’d enjoy hearing how this show all started. You can hear I’m a little bit nervous in the interview. That’s partly because it’s the first podcast interview I’ve done. But it’s mainly because we’re talking 15 minutes before Nick’s about to go on stage and I wasn’t sure how cool he was going to be about answering my questions and opening up about his family. But as it turned out, he was very cool about it and I’ll always be grateful for it.

The Start with Nick Thune

James Breakwell

This week’s guest is James Breakwell, a father of four daughters and a comedy writer known to many as @XplodingUnicorn. In our conversation, we break down the parts of parenthood that send us into parent survival mode, how to survive with the stress and crazy parenting moments that James has had to survive however he can. We also talk about James’ new book How to Save Your Child from Ostrich Attacks, Accidental Time Travel, and Anything Else that Might Happen on an Average Tuesday. This is James’ third appearance on the podcast, dating back to the early version of the show when it was called the ParentNormal Comedy Podcast. We reminiscence on how James’ popularity has grown and how his writing life has changed. Find more at www.parentnormal.com. 

This week’s guest is James Breakwell, a father of four daughters and a comedy writer known to many as @XplodingUnicorn. In our conversation, we break down the parts of parenthood that send us into parent survival mode, how to survive with the stress and crazy parenting moments that James has had to survive however he can. We also talk about James’ new book How to Save Your Child from Ostrich Attacks, Accidental Time Travel, and Anything Else that Might Happen on an Average Tuesday. This is James’ third appearance on the podcast, dating back to the early version of the show when it was called the ParentNormal Comedy Podcast. We reminiscence on how James’ popularity has grown and how his writing life has changed. Find more at <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.parentnormal.com</a>.

Parent Survival Mode with James Breakwell (Xploding Unicorn)

Macgill Frutchey

This episode is a must-listen for parents of twins. My guest is Macgill Frutchey, a mom of three, including twins. She’s also the funny mom behind the social media account Macgyvering My Way Through Motherhood. In our conversation, we talk about how Macgill literally had dreams of having twins come true and the excitement that brought her family. We also cover recognizing different baby cries, how to tell baby twins apart, best baby shower gifts for moms of twins, synchronized milestones of twins, being parent-trapped, how to carry two babies, getting creative like Macgyver and much more. Find every episode of Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast and more at www.parentnormal.com. 

This episode is a must-listen for parents of twins. My guest is Macgill Frutchey, a mom of three, including twins. She’s also the funny mom behind the social media account Macgyvering My Way Through Motherhood. In our conversation, we talk about how Macgill literally had dreams of having twins come true and the excitement that brought her family. We also cover recognizing different baby cries, how to tell baby twins apart, best baby shower gifts for moms of twins, synchronized milestones of twins, being parent-trapped, how to carry two babies, getting creative like Macgyver and much more. Find every episode of Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast and more at <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.parentnormal.com</a>.

Raising Twin Babies with Macgill Frutchey

Jenna Kim Jones

This week’s guest is Jenna Kim Jones, a mom of two, comedian and co-host of the podcast Couple Friends. In our conversation, we break down parent friendships. Specifically, we talk about how to find friends when you're a parent, what to expect from parent friends, why parent friendships are important, what to do with parent friends and much more. Find every episode of Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast on www.ParentNormal.com. 

This week’s guest is Jenna Kim Jones, a mom of two, comedian and co-host of the podcast Couple Friends. In our conversation, we break down parent friendships. Specifically, we talk about how to find friends when you're a parent, what to expect from parent friends, why parent friendships are important, what to do with parent friends and much more. Find every episode of Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast on <a href="http://www.ParentNormal.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ParentNormal.com</a>.

Parent Friendships with Jenna Kim Jones

Jennifer Douglas

This week’s guest is Jennifer Douglas, a mom of two and the creative mind behind Goldfish and Chicken Nuggets (the website and social media accounts, not the foods). After reading Jen’s blog post on The Hot Mess Mom’s Guide to Throwing Your Kid A Solid Birthday Party, I knew she would be a great guest to help break down pro tips for birthday party planning. In our conversation, we talk about when kids should start having birthday parties with friends, how long the parties should last, good locations for a party, what to eat, party gift ideas for guests and much more. I also ask Jen about her time as team captain for UCLA swimming and representing Canada on the National swim team. Isn’t that so cool?

This week’s guest is Jennifer Douglas, a mom of two and the creative mind behind Goldfish and Chicken Nuggets (the website and social media accounts, not the foods). After reading Jen’s blog post on The Hot Mess Mom’s Guide to Throwing Your Kid A Solid Birthday Party, I knew she would be a great guest to help break down pro tips for birthday party planning. In our conversation, we talk about when kids should start having birthday parties with friends, how long the parties should last, good locations for a party, what to eat, party gift ideas for guests and much more. I also ask Jen about her time as team captain for UCLA swimming and representing Canada on the National swim team. Isn’t that so cool?

Birthday Party Planning with Jennifer Douglas

This week, Tara Clark, the mom behind the popular social media account Modern Mom Problems, joins me to break down modern parent problems. In our conversation, we talk about how parenting today is both harder and easier than it was for previous generations of parents. We discuss technology, safety, television, helicopter parents, evolving roles for moms and dads and much more.   To learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast, visit www.parentnormal.com. 

This week, Tara Clark, the mom behind the popular social media account Modern Mom Problems, joins me to break down modern parent problems. In our conversation, we talk about how parenting today is both harder and easier than it was for previous generations of parents. We discuss technology, safety, television, helicopter parents, evolving roles for moms and dads and much more. To learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast, visit <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.parentnormal.com</a>.

Modern Parenting Problems with Tara Clark from Modern Mom Problems

Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast is a show that’s for imperfect parents by imperfect parents. Hosted by humorist and imperfect parent of three Chris Cate, every episode breaks down a topic that causes parents to break down, such as putting kids to bed, potty training, the terrible twos, homework, family communication, clothing, discipline, cleaning up, cooking for kids, etc.The mission of the show is to help parents laugh when they want to cry. By the end of each topic breakdown, parents will hopefully realize they aren’t alone in their struggles and that the craziness all parents go through is actually quite funny when it’s looked at in the right light.Longtime listeners will know the show began as The ParentNormal Podcast. For nearly 100 episodes, it featured celebrity interviews, parenting fails and even a few skits. All of those episodes are still available, but the best is yet to come.Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast is diving deeper than ever into the crazy realities of parenthood with more stories and hilarious confessions from real parents all over the world.

Love this show. Great interviews with awesome parents!

Great show for parents

This show is great for parents with young children. I especially enjoy the parenting fails.

Funny and Relatable

Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast is a show that’s for imperfect parents by imperfect parents. Hosted by humorist and imperfect parent of three Chris Cate, every episode breaks down a topic that causes parents to break down, such as putting kids to bed, potty training, the terrible twos, homework, family communication, clothing, discipline, cleaning up, cooking for kids, etc. The mission of the show is to help parents laugh when they want to cry. By the end of each topic breakdown, parents will hopefully realize they aren’t alone in their struggles and that the craziness all parents go through is actually quite funny when it’s looked at in the right light. Longtime listeners will know the show began as The ParentNormal Podcast. For nearly 100 episodes, it featured celebrity interviews, parenting fails and even a few skits. All of those episodes are still available, but the best is yet to come. Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast is diving deeper than ever into the crazy realities of parenthood with more stories and hilarious confessions from real parents all over the world.

Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast

Amy McCready

Amy McCready, the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and the author of The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World, is the featured guest this week. Amy is a frequent guest on the TODAY Show. She has also appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and many other stations. But now she is on the ParentNormal Comedy Podcast to talk about how to know if your child is too entitled and what you can do about it. We also talk about positive parenting techniques, even when it comes to discipline.

Amy McCready, the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and the author of The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World, is the featured guest this week. Amy is a frequent guest on the TODAY Show. She has also appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and many other stations. But now she is on the ParentNormal Comedy Podcast to talk about how to know if your child is too entitled and what you can do about it. We also talk about positive parenting techniques, even when it comes to discipline.

Ep. 47 Interview with Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and author of The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World

Greg Pembroke

Reasons My Kid is Crying author Greg Pembroke is the featured guest in this episode is all about meltdowns – something all parents have to deal with, and usually when it’s least convenient.

Reasons My Kid is Crying author Greg Pembroke is the featured guest in this episode is all about meltdowns – something all parents have to deal with, and usually when it’s least convenient.

Ep. 4 Meltdowns – featuring Reasons My Kid is Crying author Greg Pembroke

Simon Holland

This week Simon Holland, who I consider the funniest dad on social media, joins me to break down dad stereotypes versus reality. In our conversation, we talk about rival dads, how the role of a dad has progressed since the 1950’s and what happens when dads try to be cool. We also break down some of Simon’s (@simoncholland) most popular tweets, such as:  I accidentally said skrt when I meant to say yeet in front of my daughter’s friends and they went sicko mode making fun of me. I’m afraid I’m out of the squad.     Accidentally played dad instead of dead when I encountered a bear and now it can ride a bike without training wheels.  To learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast, visit ParentNormal.com

This week Simon Holland, who I consider the funniest dad on social media, joins me to break down dad stereotypes versus reality. In our conversation, we talk about rival dads, how the role of a dad has progressed since the 1950’s and what happens when dads try to be cool. We also break down some of Simon’s (@simoncholland) most popular tweets, such as: <ul> <li>I accidentally said skrt when I meant to say yeet in front of my daughter’s friends and they went sicko mode making fun of me. I’m afraid I’m out of the squad.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Accidentally played dad instead of dead when I encountered a bear and now it can ride a bike without training wheels.</li> </ul> To learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast, visit <a href="http://ParentNormal.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ParentNormal.com</a>

Dad Stereotypes Versus Reality with Simon Holland

Jill Smokler

Scary Mommy Jill Smokler is the featured guest this week. She is the creator of the very popular parenting website Scary Mommy. Jill is also the New York Times bestselling author of Confessions of A Scary Mommy and Motherhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies). Her honest take on parenting has appeared in countless publications and on television programs including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline and Fox and Friends. And now she can add The ParentNormal Comedy Podcast to her resume. The theme this week has been Scary Good, so Jill is a perfect fit.

Scary Mommy Jill Smokler is the featured guest this week. She is the creator of the very popular parenting website Scary Mommy. Jill is also the New York Times bestselling author of Confessions of A Scary Mommy and Motherhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies). Her honest take on parenting has appeared in countless publications and on television programs including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline and Fox and Friends. And now she can add The ParentNormal Comedy Podcast to her resume. The theme this week has been Scary Good, so Jill is a perfect fit.

Ep. 21 Interview with Scary Mommy Jill Smokler

Nicole Johnson

Nicole Johnson, the lead baby sleep consultant and owner of The Baby Sleep Site, is this week's featured guest. In our conversation, we talk about how to get your baby to sleep better and how to make bedtime easier for you and your kids. We also discuss common mistakes parents make at bedtime, about the impact of naps and food on sleep, and how much sleep you and your kids actually need.

Nicole Johnson, the lead baby sleep consultant and owner of The Baby Sleep Site, is this week's featured guest. In our conversation, we talk about how to get your baby to sleep better and how to make bedtime easier for you and your kids. We also discuss common mistakes parents make at bedtime, about the impact of naps and food on sleep, and how much sleep you and your kids actually need.

Ep. 91 How to get your baby to sleep better with baby sleep consultant Nicole Johnson

Karen Alpert

Arianna Huffington

Amy Bellgardt

Rosie Pope

Asha Dornfest

Parenting fails are a such a big part of this podcast, I thought it would be fun to create a countdown of the best parenting fails shared on the show. Because who doesn’t love a countdown? Now, obviously, it is really strange to say one parenting fail is better than another. That’s obviously not the case. But there have been some really entertaining stories shared on the show. Of course, like any countdown, there are probably some stories that should have made the list but didn’t. And there are probably some stories ranked too high or too low. The reality is that all of these stories are great for parents to hear, and the takeaway I hope you get from listening is that we all make mistakes, but it’s better to laugh than get stressed out to the point of crying. So this is part 1 of 3 episodes counting down the "best" parenting fails shared on the podcast. Parents in Part 1 of the countdown include: 30. Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, one of moms behind the Science of Parenthood book and website, who was interviewed in episode 9 of the podcast. 29. Karen Alpert, the New York Times bestselling author of I Heart My Little A-Holes and I Want My Epidural Back, who was interviewed in episode 31 of the podcast. 28. Rosie Pope, who starred in the Bravo Network's Reality Show Pregnant in Heels, who was interviewed in episode 30 of the podcast. 27. Mary Elizabeth Williams, author of A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles: A True Story of Love, Science and Cancer, who was interviewed in episode 35 of the podcast. 26. Brian Gordon, creator of the Fowl Language webcomic, who was interviewed in episode 29 of the podcast. 25. Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor in chief of the Huffington Post, who was interviewed in episode 34 of the podcast. 24. Asha Dornfest, author of Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids, who was interviewed in episode 56 of the podcast. 23. Clint Edwards, author of This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, who was inteviewed in episode 10 of the podcast. 22. Amy Bellgardt, the mom who runs Mom Spark, who was interviewed in episode 57 of the podcast. 21. Mike Spohr, editor of BuzzFeed Parents, who was interviewed in episode 36 of the podcast.

Parenting fails are a such a big part of this podcast, I thought it would be fun to create a countdown of the best parenting fails shared on the show. Because who doesn’t love a countdown? Now, obviously, it is really strange to say one parenting fail is better than another. That’s obviously not the case. But there have been some really entertaining stories shared on the show. Of course, like any countdown, there are probably some stories that should have made the list but didn’t. And there are probably some stories ranked too high or too low. The reality is that all of these stories are great for parents to hear, and the takeaway I hope you get from listening is that we all make mistakes, but it’s better to laugh than get stressed out to the point of crying. So this is part 1 of 3 episodes counting down the "best" parenting fails shared on the podcast. Parents in Part 1 of the countdown include: 30. Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, one of moms behind the Science of Parenthood book and website, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode9/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 9</a> of the podcast. 29. Karen Alpert, the New York Times bestselling author of I Heart My Little A-Holes and I Want My Epidural Back, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode31/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 31</a> of the podcast. 28. Rosie Pope, who starred in the Bravo Network's Reality Show Pregnant in Heels, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode30/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 30 </a>of the podcast. 27. Mary Elizabeth Williams, author of A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles: A True Story of Love, Science and Cancer, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode35/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in</a><a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode35/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> episode 35</a> of the podcast. 26. Brian Gordon, creator of the Fowl Language webcomic, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode29/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 29</a> of the podcast. 25. Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor in chief of the Huffington Post, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode34/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 34</a> of the podcast. 24. Asha Dornfest, author of Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode56/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 56</a> of the podcast. 23. Clint Edwards, author of This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode10/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">inteviewed in episode 10</a> of the podcast. 22. Amy Bellgardt, the mom who runs Mom Spark, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode57/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 57</a> of the podcast. 21. Mike Spohr, editor of BuzzFeed Parents, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode36/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in</a><a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode36/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> episode 36</a> of the podcast.

Ep. 61 Best of the Parenting Fails Part 1 featuring Karen Alpert, Rosie Pope, Arianna Huffington, Asha Dornfest, Amy Bellgardt and more

Thomas Armstrong

How can you improve your child’s behavior and attention span without drugs, labels or coercion? Dr. Thomas Armstrong, author of The Myth of the ADHD Child: 101 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Behavior and Attention Span without Drugs, Labels, or Coercion, attempts to answer this question on this week's episode of the podcast. Now, I want to point out that Dr. Armstrong has opinions on ADHD that many doctors don’t share, but I think it’s important to ask questions and he does a good job of asking questions about a disorder that confuses many parents. In our conversation, we talk about the rise in ADHD diagnoses, what schools are doing right and wrong to help kids who have short attention spans, and about tips to improve your child’s behavior and attention without drugs.

How can you improve your child’s behavior and attention span without drugs, labels or coercion? Dr. Thomas Armstrong, author of The Myth of the ADHD Child: 101 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Behavior and Attention Span without Drugs, Labels, or Coercion, attempts to answer this question on this week's episode of the podcast. Now, I want to point out that Dr. Armstrong has opinions on ADHD that many doctors don’t share, but I think it’s important to ask questions and he does a good job of asking questions about a disorder that confuses many parents. In our conversation, we talk about the rise in ADHD diagnoses, what schools are doing right and wrong to help kids who have short attention spans, and about tips to improve your child’s behavior and attention without drugs.

Ep. 84 How to improve your child’s behavior and attention span without drugs, labels or coercion – with Dr. Thomas Armstrong

Adam Mansbach

Adam Mansbach, author of #1 New York Times Bestseller Go the F**k to Sleep and You Have to F**king Eat, is the featured guest this week. If you’ve never heard of these books, you must not have an internet connection. Go the F**k to Sleep has been translated into 40 languages and Time Magazine named it the “Thing of the Year.” Even though the book came out a few years ago, it is still on the New York Times Bestseller List. If you search YouTube, you’ll find it hilariously narrated by people like Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Garner.

Adam Mansbach, author of #1 New York Times Bestseller Go the F**k to Sleep and You Have to F**king Eat, is the featured guest this week. If you’ve never heard of these books, you must not have an internet connection. Go the F**k to Sleep has been translated into 40 languages and Time Magazine named it the “Thing of the Year.” Even though the book came out a few years ago, it is still on the New York Times Bestseller List. If you search YouTube, you’ll find it hilariously narrated by people like Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Garner.

Ep. 33 Interview with Adam Mansbach, author of Go the F**k to Sleep, a #1 New York Times Bestseller

Dave Barry

Jeannie Gaffigan

Michele Lepe

Hillary Frank

Here are the top ten parenting fails shared on the podcast so far! Two weeks ago, we started the countdown at number 30 and counted down to 21. In last week’s episode, we counted down from 20 to 11. And while all of those stories were great, and I hope you go back and listen to them if you haven’t already, this episode features the best of the best parenting fails shared on the podcast. I realize that “best” is not really the best word when you’re talking about parenting fails, because one parenting fail isn’t better than another one - which made ranking these stories quite difficult. But I really think you will get something more than just comic relief by listening to these top 10 stories. The takeaway I hope you get isn’t that mistakes are no big deal. It’s that we all make mistakes, and that there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. And that being the case, it’s much healthier to be able to laugh at yourself than beat yourself up - not to mention much more entertaining. I'll continue to ask guests to share parenting fails, but here are the storytellers of the best fails shared on the podcast so far. 10. Kristen Chase, half of the duo from Cool Mom Picks, who were interviewed in episode 45 of the podcast. 9. Greg Pembroke, author of Reasons My Kid is Crying, who was interviewed in episode 4 of the podcast. 8. Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and author of more than 30 books, who was interviewed in episode 51of the podcast. 7. Hillary Frank, host of the Longest Shortest Time podcast, who was interviewed in episode 18 of the podcast. 6. Deva Dalporto, the YouTube sensation whose videos about parenthood have been downloaded millions of times, who was interviewed in episode 15 of the podcast. 5. Jill Smokler, the mom who created the Scary Mommy website, who was interviewed in episode 21 of the podcast. 4. Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, who was interviewed in episode 53 of the podcast. 3. Adam Mansbach, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Go the Fk to Sleep and the book You Have to Fking Eat,who was interviewed in episode 33 of the podcast. 2. Jeannie Gaffigan, comedian Jim Gaffigan’s writing partner who also happens to be his wife and was his co-writer on the Jim Gaffigan Show, who was interviewed in episode 38 of the podcast. 1. Michele Lepe, best known as Nina on the Good Night Show on Sprout. It’s not easy to rank parenting fails, but I knew this story would be number one as soon as I decided to do a countdown. I was so grateful when Michele agreed to be my first guest ever on the podcast. It helped launch the show with a great interview and she knocked it out of the park when she shared her parenting fail.

Here are the top ten parenting fails shared on the podcast so far! Two weeks ago, we <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode61/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">started the countdown at number 30 and counted down to 21</a>. In last week’s episode, we <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode62/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">counted down from 20 to 11</a>. And while all of those stories were great, and I hope you go back and listen to them if you haven’t already, this episode features the best of the best parenting fails shared on the podcast. I realize that “best” is not really the best word when you’re talking about parenting fails, because one parenting fail isn’t better than another one - which made ranking these stories quite difficult. But I really think you will get something more than just comic relief by listening to these top 10 stories. The takeaway I hope you get isn’t that mistakes are no big deal. It’s that we all make mistakes, and that there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. And that being the case, it’s much healthier to be able to laugh at yourself than beat yourself up - not to mention much more entertaining. I'll continue to ask guests to share parenting fails, but here are the storytellers of the best fails shared on the podcast so far. 10. Kristen Chase, half of the duo from Cool Mom Picks, who were <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode45/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 45</a> of the podcast. 9. Greg Pembroke, author of <a href="http://amzn.to/2ldJlbt" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Reasons My Kid is Crying</a>, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode4/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 4</a> of the podcast. 8. Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and author of more than 30 books, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode51/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 51</a>of the podcast. 7. Hillary Frank, host of the Longest Shortest Time podcast, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode18/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 18</a> of the podcast. 6. Deva Dalporto, the YouTube sensation whose videos about parenthood have been downloaded millions of times, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode15/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 15</a> of the podcast. 5. Jill Smokler, the mom who created the Scary Mommy website, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode21/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 21</a> of the podcast. 4. Jeff Kinney, author of the <a href="http://amzn.to/2kxdCmn" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid</a> books, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode53/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 53</a> of the podcast. 3. Adam Mansbach, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller <a href="http://amzn.to/2ldQMz7" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Go the Fk to Sleep</a> and the book <a href="http://amzn.to/2kc9KWR" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">You Have to F</a><a href="http://amzn.to/2kc9KWR" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">king Eat</a>,who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode33/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 33</a> of the podcast. 2. Jeannie Gaffigan, comedian Jim Gaffigan’s writing partner who also happens to be his wife and was his co-writer on the Jim Gaffigan Show, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode38/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 38</a> of the podcast. 1. Michele Lepe, best known as Nina on the Good Night Show on Sprout. It’s not easy to rank parenting fails, but I knew this story would be number one as soon as I decided to do a countdown. I was so grateful when Michele agreed to be my <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">first guest ever on the podcast</a>. It helped launch the show with a great interview and she knocked it out of the park when she shared her parenting fail.

Ep. 63 Best of the Parenting Fails Part 3 (Top 10 Fails) featuring Jeff Kinney, Dave Barry, Jeannie Gaffigan, Hillary Frank, Adam Mansbach and Michele Lepe

Jay Papasan

Lev Grossman

Chris Pegula

Heather Haupt

We've reached the end of the countdown of the best parenting fails shared on the ParentNormal Podcast in 2017.  This episode features the five most memorable stories of the year. Keep in mind, we're not celebrating parenting fails. We're just recognizing every parent fails sometimes. Parenting is stressful enough without beating yourself up for past mistakes. The best thing we can do is just acknowledge our mistakes, apologize and try not to make the same mistakes again. Parents Featured in this Episode: #5 Chris Pegula, author and creator of Diaper Dude, who was interviewed in episode 81 of the podcast. #4 Lev Grossman, the New York Times bestselling author of The Magicians, who was interviewed in episode 65 of the podcast. #3 Jenna von Oy, who played Blossom’s fast-talking best friend Six on the show Blossom, who was interviewed in episode 72 of the podcast. #2 Jay Papasan, author of multiple bestselling books including The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, who was interviewed in episode 77 of the podcast. #1 Heather Haupt, author of Knights in Training: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous, and Compassionate Boys, who was interviewed in episode 80 of the podcast.

We've reached the end of the countdown of the best parenting fails shared on the ParentNormal Podcast in 2017.  This episode features the five most memorable stories of the year. Keep in mind, we're not celebrating parenting fails. We're just recognizing every parent fails sometimes. Parenting is stressful enough without beating yourself up for past mistakes. The best thing we can do is just acknowledge our mistakes, apologize and try not to make the same mistakes again. Parents Featured in this Episode: #5 <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode81/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Pegula</a>, author and creator of Diaper Dude, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode81/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 81</a> of the podcast. #4 <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode65/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lev Grossman</a>, the New York Times bestselling author of The Magicians, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode65/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 65</a> of the podcast. #3 <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode72/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jenna von Oy</a>, who played Blossom’s fast-talking best friend Six on the show Blossom, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode72/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 72</a> of the podcast. #2 <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode77/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jay Papasan</a>, author of multiple bestselling books including The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode77/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 77</a> of the podcast. #1 <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode80/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Haupt</a>, author of Knights in Training: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous, and Compassionate Boys, who was <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/podcast/episode80/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed in episode 80</a> of the podcast.

Ep. 90 Best Parenting Fails of 2017 Part 3 of 3 featuring Jay Papasan, Jenna von Oy, Lev Grossman, Chris Pegula and Heather Haupt

Phil Rosenthal

Phil Rosenthal, creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and host of the new Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil, is this week's featured guest. During our conversation, we talk about how Phil’s love for food and travel led to Somebody Feed Phil and how he’s involved family members on the show. We also talk about creating a family sitcom like Everybody Loves Raymond and how his own family influenced the writing on the show.

Phil Rosenthal, creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and host of the new Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil, is this week's featured guest. During our conversation, we talk about how Phil’s love for food and travel led to Somebody Feed Phil and how he’s involved family members on the show. We also talk about creating a family sitcom like Everybody Loves Raymond and how his own family influenced the writing on the show.

Ep. 93 Interview with Everybody Loves Raymond creator and Somebody Feed Phil host Phil Rosenthal

Victoria Kann

Julie Clark

Matt Schneider

Jennifer Lehr

This is the second of two parenting fail episodes I'm releasing this week in honor of my new book Perfect Parenting: A Complete History. (Spoiler Alert) There is no history of raising kids perfectly. Thus, every one of my new book’s 40 chapters are empty. It is the parenting book with the fewest words but most important lesson: You aren’t going to be a perfect parent. Get Perfect Parenting: A Complete History now on Amazon for only $5.

This is the second of two parenting fail episodes I'm releasing this week in honor of my new book <a href="http://amzn.to/2qGiRma" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Perfect Parenting: A Complete History</a>. (Spoiler Alert) There is no history of raising kids perfectly. Thus, every one of my new book’s 40 chapters are empty. It is the parenting book with the fewest words but most important lesson: You aren’t going to be a perfect parent. Get <a href="http://amzn.to/2qQXAXi" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Perfect Parenting: A Complete History</a> now on Amazon for <a href="http://amzn.to/2qQXAXi" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">only $5</a>.

Ep. 75 Parenting Fails Vol. IX featuring stories from Pinkalicious author Victoria Kann, Blossom star Jenna von Oy, Baby Einstein creator Julie Clark, City Dads co-founder Matt Schneider and ParentSpeak author Jennifer Lehr

Laurie Berkner

Nate Bargatze

Nick Jr

We are now 10 episodes into the show, and if you’ve listened to even a few seconds of the podcast, you know that I am not a parenting expert, nor do I even think it’s possible to be a parenting expert. And that’s really the purpose of this podcast - to show that we’re all imperfect parents and that it’s okay to laugh at how crazy parenting can get for all of us.

We are now 10 episodes into the show, and if you’ve listened to even a few seconds of the podcast, you know that I am not a parenting expert, nor do I even think it’s possible to be a parenting expert. And that’s really the purpose of this podcast - to show that we’re all imperfect parents and that it’s okay to laugh at how crazy parenting can get for all of us.

Ep. 11 Parenting Fails Vol. 1 – featuring Michele Lepe from Sprout, Laurie Berkner from Nick Jr., Nate Bargatze, Nick Thune, Greg Page of the Wiggles and more

Stephanie Jankowski

This week, Stephanie Jankowski, a teacher and mom of three, joins me to break down what teachers really think of their students. In our conversation, we talk about what parents might not realize about the job of a teacher, how teaching goes beyond what’s in a textbook, memorable stories from the classroom, parent/teacher conferences and much more. Stephanie’s new book Schooled: A Love Letter to the Exhausting, Infuriating, Occasionally Excruciating Yet Somehow Completely Wonderful Profession of Teaching is now available. To learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast, visit www.ParentNormal.com.

This week, Stephanie Jankowski, a teacher and mom of three, joins me to break down what teachers really think of their students. In our conversation, we talk about what parents might not realize about the job of a teacher, how teaching goes beyond what’s in a textbook, memorable stories from the classroom, parent/teacher conferences and much more. Stephanie’s new book Schooled: A Love Letter to the Exhausting, Infuriating, Occasionally Excruciating Yet Somehow Completely Wonderful Profession of Teaching is now available. To learn more about Breaking Down Parenting: A ParentNormal Podcast, visit <a href="http://www.parentnormal.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ParentNormal.com</a>.

What Teachers Really Think About Their Students (Our Kids) with Stephanie Jankowski

Catherine Pearlman

Family coach, Dr. Catherine Pearlman, is this week's featured guest. She is the author of the new book Ignore It! How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction. In our conversation, we talk about common concerns parents have when they seek help and about how ignoring some problems is actually a smart thing to do. We also talk about the proper way to manage a time-out, whether it’s too late to help a spoiled child and much more.

Family coach, Dr. Catherine Pearlman, is this week's featured guest. She is the author of the new book <a href="http://amzn.to/2wV2Uiq" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ignore It! How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction</a>. In our conversation, we talk about common concerns parents have when they seek help and about how ignoring some problems is actually a smart thing to do. We also talk about the proper way to manage a time-out, whether it’s too late to help a spoiled child and much more.

Ep. 83 Can looking the other way decrease your child’s behavioral problems? – with Dr. Catherine Pearlman

Family therapist Colleen O'Grady, author of Dial down the Drama: Reducing Conflict and Reconnecting with Your Teenage Daughter, is the featured guest this week. In our conversation, Colleen gives me a preview of what I have to look forward to when my kids become teenagers. We’ll talk about the differences between parenting young kids and teenagers. And since Colleen is the first family therapist to appear on the show, I ask her about how to know when you should actually see a family therapist. Because who hasn’t thought they could use a therapist at one time or another?

Family therapist Colleen O'Grady, author of Dial down the Drama: Reducing Conflict and Reconnecting with Your Teenage Daughter, is the featured guest this week. In our conversation, Colleen gives me a preview of what I have to look forward to when my kids become teenagers. We’ll talk about the differences between parenting young kids and teenagers. And since Colleen is the first family therapist to appear on the show, I ask her about how to know when you should actually see a family therapist. Because who hasn’t thought they could use a therapist at one time or another?

Ep. 68 Interview with Family Therapist Colleen O’Grady, author of Dial Down the Drama

Jen Mann

Bestselling author and mom of two Jen Mann is the featured guest in this episode about Surviving the Holidays, which are the most wonderfully exhausting time of the year.

Bestselling author and mom of two Jen Mann is the featured guest in this episode about Surviving the Holidays, which are the most wonderfully exhausting time of the year.

Ep. 5 Surviving the Holidays – featuring People I Want to Punch in the Throat author Jen Mann

Karen Alpert is the New York Times bestselling author of I Heart My Little A-Holes: A bunch of holy-crap moments no one ever told you about parenting. Her new book is I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting and it's already getting rave reviews. In this week's episode, I talk to Karen about how she became such an open book about parenting, how she launched a kickstarter to complete her first book and what her writing process is like to be able to do everything she accomplishes. We also talk about her new book and she lists some of her favorite authors.

Karen Alpert is the New York Times bestselling author of I Heart My Little A-Holes: A bunch of holy-crap moments no one ever told you about parenting. Her new book is I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting and it's already getting rave reviews. In this week's episode, I talk to Karen about how she became such an open book about parenting, how she launched a kickstarter to complete her first book and what her writing process is like to be able to do everything she accomplishes. We also talk about her new book and she lists some of her favorite authors.

Ep. 31 Interview with Karen Alpert, NYT bestselling author of I Heart My Little A-Holes and I Want My Epidural Back

Comedian Nick Thune is the featured guest in this episode about bad advice. I ask him if he’s ever been told anything completely wrong about parenting, learn how his wife felt when he cut their baby’s hair and discover what he thinks would make a good title for a children’s book. And spoiler alert: it’s something that required me to learn how to bleep out a word.

Comedian Nick Thune is the featured guest in this episode about bad advice. I ask him if he’s ever been told anything completely wrong about parenting, learn how his wife felt when he cut their baby’s hair and discover what he thinks would make a good title for a children’s book. And spoiler alert: it’s something that required me to learn how to bleep out a word.

Ep. 6 Bad Advice – featuring comedian Nick Thune

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