In today’s fast-paced world, parenting can feel both rewarding and challenging, and finding time to sit down and read the latest parenting advice can be difficult. Podcasts provide a flexible way for busy parents and caregivers to learn, find support, and feel empowered—all while tackling daily chores, commuting, or even during a rare quiet moment. Here’s a look at some of the best parenting podcasts available today, each bringing unique insights, humor, and practical advice to the table.
1. The Longest Shortest Time
Host: Hillary Frank
Why Listen: This is one of the most popular parenting podcasts for a reason. With its focus on the surprising and often funny side of parenthood, The Longest Shortest Time is perfect for parents of all ages and stages. Hillary Frank delves into real-life parenting challenges through relatable storytelling and interviews, creating a strong sense of community. Topics range from birthing stories to dealing with teenagers, making it accessible for a broad audience.
Key Episodes:
- The Magical World of Toddlers: This episode explores the fascinating, sometimes strange, and always enchanting world of toddlerhood, with practical insights on handling tantrums and curiosity.
- Why is Parenting So Hard?: A heartfelt look into why parenting can be so exhausting, with tips on mental health and self-care for parents.
Ideal For: New parents, caregivers, and anyone who enjoys an authentic, humorous take on the ups and downs of parenting.
2. The Modern Dads Podcast
Host: City Dads Group
Why Listen: Dads face unique parenting challenges, and The Modern Dads Podcast celebrates fatherhood with an open mind and heart. Each episode covers various issues faced by modern fathers, including how to communicate with kids, managing work-life balance, and navigating changes in family dynamics. With discussions that address the importance of a father’s role, this podcast is also an excellent resource for mothers and co-parents wanting to understand a father’s perspective.
Key Episodes:
- Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year: Full of advice on surviving the first year of parenting, with a focus on how dads can support their partner and find their unique parenting style.
- Work-Life Balance for Dads: Tips and strategies for managing professional responsibilities without compromising family time.
Ideal For: Expectant fathers, new dads, and anyone looking to understand the evolving role of fatherhood.
3. Good Inside with Dr. Becky
Host: Dr. Becky Kennedy
Why Listen: Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, has become one of the leading voices in gentle and positive parenting. Good Inside helps parents better understand their children and the underlying emotions driving their behavior. Dr. Becky’s advice goes beyond traditional parenting tips to explore emotional intelligence and resilience. Her approach emphasizes empathy and actionable tools that foster a healthy relationship between parents and children.
Key Episodes:
- Handling Your Child’s Tantrums: A deep dive into why tantrums happen and effective, compassionate ways to handle them.
- Building Self-Esteem in Kids: Tips for nurturing self-worth in children, encouraging independence, and fostering emotional resilience.
Ideal For: Parents interested in psychology-based parenting techniques that prioritize compassion and understanding.
4. Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled
Host: Janet Lansbury
Why Listen: Janet Lansbury’s podcast on respectful parenting techniques is a must-listen for parents who want to approach their children with empathy and respect. Lansbury offers solutions to common parenting challenges such as dealing with defiance, aggression, and emotional meltdowns. Her calm, gentle guidance helps parents feel more confident in their ability to foster a respectful, secure relationship with their children.
Key Episodes:
- Why Won’t My Child Listen?: Offers insight into understanding why kids sometimes ignore instructions and ways to encourage cooperation.
- Managing Meltdowns with Empathy: Techniques for responding to emotional outbursts without resorting to frustration or anger.
Ideal For: Parents looking for a respectful approach to discipline, particularly helpful for those with younger children.
5. Raising Good Humans
Host: Dr. Aliza Pressman
Why Listen: Dr. Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist, covers a wide range of parenting topics in Raising Good Humans, with an emphasis on raising empathetic, resilient, and emotionally intelligent children. With expert interviews and practical advice, the podcast covers everything from handling screen time to building social skills. It’s perfect for parents who want actionable steps to support their children’s emotional development.
Key Episodes:
- Helping Kids Cope with Change: Techniques for guiding children through life transitions such as moving, school changes, or family shifts.
- Building Empathy in Kids: Practical tips on nurturing empathy in children, a key component of healthy social interactions.
Ideal For: Parents interested in actionable, science-backed parenting strategies.
6. Parenting Beyond Discipline
Host: Erin Royer-Asrilant
Why Listen: Erin Royer-Asrilant, a parenting coach, shares insights on how to tackle discipline without shame or guilt in Parenting Beyond Discipline. The podcast emphasizes positive discipline strategies that focus on empathy, consistency, and boundaries. Parents will find practical advice on how to create a nurturing yet structured environment, which helps children learn from their mistakes and make positive choices.
Key Episodes:
- Setting Boundaries that Stick: Tips on establishing consistent boundaries without causing unnecessary conflict.
- Positive Discipline Techniques: A guide to enforcing rules while preserving a loving connection with your child.
Ideal For: Parents looking for realistic, positive approaches to discipline that build trust and respect.
7. The Motherly Podcast
Host: Liz Tenety
Why Listen: The Motherly Podcast offers encouragement and insight for mothers of all backgrounds, especially those balancing family life with personal and professional goals. Through interviews with inspiring women, including entrepreneurs, activists, and artists, host Liz Tenety explores modern motherhood, touching on topics from mental health to career advancement. This podcast feels like a supportive chat with a friend and is designed to remind mothers of their strength and resilience.
Key Episodes:
- The Myth of the Perfect Mom: A powerful discussion on letting go of perfectionism in parenting and embracing one’s unique journey.
- Self-Care for Mothers: Practical self-care tips for busy moms who may be struggling to find time for themselves.
Ideal For: Mothers seeking inspiration, empowerment, and practical advice on managing life’s demands.
8. One Bad Mother
Hosts: Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn
Why Listen: Sometimes, all you need is a good laugh. One Bad Mother is a humorous, honest look at the realities of parenting. Hosts Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn provide a refreshing break from traditional advice-focused podcasts by embracing the imperfect side of parenting. The show’s motto, “parenting is hard and no one gives you a manual,” resonates with listeners who want to laugh at life’s challenges while sharing support and solidarity.
Key Episodes:
- The Chaos of Family Vacations: A lighthearted take on the highs and lows of family vacations.
- Mom Guilt: An honest discussion on why guilt seems to come with the territory of parenthood and how to combat it.
Ideal For: Parents looking for a laugh and a reminder that it’s okay to embrace imperfection.
Choosing the Right Parenting Podcast for You
With so many incredible parenting podcasts available, you’re sure to find one that aligns with your parenting values, needs, and interests. Whether you’re looking for heartfelt advice, science-backed techniques, or just a little humor to get through the day, these podcasts offer valuable insights, practical tips, and a sense of community for parents everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Parenting is a journey filled with unique experiences, and these podcasts provide the tools, support, and encouragement you need to feel confident and connected. So, whether you’re tackling toddler tantrums or navigating teen transitions, tune in and let these experts, fellow parents, and heartfelt stories guide and uplift you.