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Hockey parents know that the game is about so much more than what happens on the ice. We’ve encountered so many different types of hockey coaches over the years, from the young, energetic coaches full of promise to the cranky, win-at-all-costs coaches. And then there are the ones who seem to have a little anger management issue. We’re talking screaming coaches, kids getting benched for things that are completely out of their control, brutal mid-season cuts and the parents who are somehow still paying thousands of dollars for the privilege. Because youth sports can bring out the best and the absolute worst in grown-ups. And somewhere in the middle of all the yelling, pressure and team drama, someone needs to remember that these are literally just kids playing a game. Keywords youth hockey, coaching styles, parental involvement, youth sports chaos, hockey coaching humor Key topics Different coaching styles and their impactThe role of yelling and discipline in coachingParent and coach dynamics in youth sportsChallenges of team selection and coaching qualityHumorous and chaotic moments in youth hockey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From struggling to figure out tampons as a teenager to unexpectedly bleeding through your jeans onto a stranger’s brand-new white chair, no period story is off limits. Nat is sharing her very real, very mortifying experience with the heavy bleeding she’s been dealing with and the frustrating journey of trying to get answers and treatment. Plus, we get into the conversations women need to be having about periods, birth control, HRT, and making decisions about your own body. Add in restless legs, 3 a.m. thought spirals, and a whole lot of questionable opinions about foot size! Keywords women's health, menopause, menstrual management, HRT, hormone therapy, personal stories, medical advice, women's wellness Key topics Menopause and peri-menopause experiences Tips for managing menstrual health and accidents Insights into hormone replacement therapy and its controversies The importance of trusting and advocating for your doctor Understanding the impact of health decisions on daily life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life is kind of life-ing over here so we are bringing you a repeat episode today of one of your faves! We are talking about screens, kids, and the chaos that comes with both. Remember when we thought parenthood would be easy? Between SnapMaps showing everyone's location, and the cesspool that is Snapchat, it’s enough to fry your brain. We’re talking about how to protect your kids from themselves, why monitoring their digital world is a full-time job, and how even with our ScreenSense guide (that breaks it ALL down for you in a super easy and digestible way) our own kids still managed to get around screen time. Because of course they did. Parenting is a full-time job—you put in all this effort, and now the extra work isn’t carpools or lunches, it’s keeping up with what they’re doing online. That's exactly why we created https://www.thecommonparent.com/screen-sense-ebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever watched parents lose their minds over a kids’ sports game, this episode is for you. We reveal the secret to spotting the most attractive parents and the truth about how the crazy loud ones often have the least self-awareness, and also get into the obsession with pickleball outfits and visors, and whether you really need to tell everyone your kid is “the smartest in the class.” Because apparently, kids’ sports come with their own set of rules, rivalries and completely unhinged adults. It’s funny, it’s ridiculous, and if you’ve ever questioned your sanity sitting on the sidelines, you’ll feel right at home. Kids’ sports: where the kids are playing the game, but the parents are having a full-blown competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever watched parents lose their minds over a kids’ sports game, this episode is for you. We reveal the secret to spotting the most attractive parents and the truth about how the crazy loud ones often have the least self-awareness, and also get into the obsession with pickleball outfits and visors, and whether you really need to tell everyone your kid is “the smartest in the class.” Because apparently, kids’ sports come with their own set of rules, rivalries and completely unhinged adults. It’s funny, it’s ridiculous, and if you’ve ever questioned your sanity sitting on the sidelines, you’ll feel right at home. Kids’ sports: where the kids are playing the game, but the parents are having a full-blown competition.

Ali Budd of Ali Budd Interiors joined us once again to talk about what it’s really like to put your life, your work and your voice out there for everyone to judge. From the unexpected backlash over her voice on House of Ali to why she refused to make the show unless she could do it her way, Ali gets into building a business, trusting your gut and why having haters might actually mean you’re doing something right. Ali breaks down where to splurge and where to save, why your cheap couch might be costing you more in the long run, and the one thing you can do to change a room without spending a fortune. She also shares her very honest take on why you should stop chasing trends, and how to make your home feel like you. We talk about designing dorm rooms, and the judgment moms face over how they set their kids up for university. Ali is funny, refreshingly direct and full of opinions, and we get into all of it. Ali hosts Home Network’s House of Ali, which is back for Season 2, following Ali and her female-led team as they tackle million-dollar renovations, demanding clients and the ups and downs of running a design business. With her unfiltered honesty and one-of-a-kind creativity, Ali wins over even the pickiest clients. House of Ali Season 2 airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network and streaming on STACKTV. Follow Ali @alibuddinteriors. Keywords interior design, TV show, branding, authenticity, women support, home decor, design tips, Ali Budd Key Topics • Ali Budd's journey into TV and design • The importance of authenticity and self-confidence • Supporting women and celebrating success • Design principles: personal style over trends • Using AI as a communication tool in design • Balancing work, family, and personal growth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While our Canadian friends are enjoying Thanksgiving, we are bringing you a repeat of one of your faves! Before we did the research on Roblox, we honestly thought it was just a simple video game. Most parents probably do. But the reality is far more complicated. Roblox is a massive gaming platform with millions of user-created games inside it. Anyone can build a game, and kids can jump in and play — which means there’s essentially no real regulation. And because kids are kids, they don’t always recognize what’s happening. Groomers often pretend to be the same age as the child they’re interacting with, and they know exactly how to move conversations off the platform where they can’t be traced. These people are highly skilled at what they do, which is why parents need to know what’s really happening behind the scenes. We created a guide to help you navigate it all at https://www.thecommonparent.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hockey season is officially here, which means we’re back in the rink, yelling from the stands and trying to understand birth years and rankings. We’re talking tryouts that feel like The Bachelor, the pressure to win, and learning how to lose without rage-quitting. We also have strong opinions on hockey celebrations, including the mysterious post-goal “woo” that Cat absolutely cannot stand, and cowbells that should be reserved for championship games (Cat can't stand those either). Plus, we get into what it’s really like watching our kids compete, the highs and lows of being way too invested, and why one of us is already planning a post-hockey career as a DJ. Keywords youth hockey, Canadian hockey, American hockey, youth sports, parenting, team dynamics, sports culture, hockey tournaments, reclassing, sportsmanship Key topics Differences between Canadian and American youth hockey systemsThe significance of hockey in Canadian cultureParenting strategies and experiences in youth hockeyTeam dynamics and player developmentThe process of reclassing and its impact on young athletesThe emotional aspects of youth sports and sportsmanshipThe role of community and identity in hockeyInsights into youth tournaments and team selection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As moms raising boys, how do we talk to our kids about sexual assault, consent, peer pressure and the bystander effect without making them feel ashamed of being boys? We brought in Registered Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Toronto Psychology Wellness Group, Dr. Nina Mafrici to help us unpack what is happening when a group of young people knows something is wrong but nobody speaks up. We get into pack mentality, group chats, alcohol and drugs, consent, the freeze response, and why “just speak up” can be much harder for a teenager than it sounds. What we can actually do as parents? How do we prepare our kids for situations before they happen? How do we teach them to trust their gut, look out for their friends, stand up when something feels wrong and choose people who share their values? Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is be the one who says, “Guys, this is not okay.” Keywords parenting, consent, sexual violence, peer pressure, adolescent development, mental health, values, safety, communication, teenage boys and girls Key Topics The impact of high-profile sexual violence cases on youth How to talk to children about consent and boundaries The role of peer pressure and group dynamics in risky behaviors Strategies for fostering values of respect and integrity in boys and girls The importance of early and ongoing conversations about safety and morality How to empower boys to be responsible and respectful The influence of social media and group chats on behavior The neurobiology of trauma and dissociation in assault cases Natural consequences and learning from mistakes Building a home environment of trust and open communication Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Trigger Warning: This episode discuss The Cornell 7 The Cornell 7 case has us asking some difficult questions as moms raising boys. How do we teach our sons about consent, respect and accountability without making them feel like they're being blamed for the actions of other men? And what happens when boys witness something wrong but stay silent? We discuss the importance of male friendships, peer pressure and the responsibility of being a good friend, including having the courage to call out bad behaviour. We also explore what we might be missing as parents, why boys need more opportunities for honest conversations and how we can help our sons navigate difficult situations without simply telling them what not to do. Keywords friendship, social dynamics, respect, accountability, relationships, parenting, teenage behavior, social media, consent, education Key Topics • The concept of 'insignificant' friends and social inclusion • The importance of mutual respect and understanding in friendships • How societal and media influences shape perceptions of relationships • Teaching children and teens about consent and accountability • The role of open dialogue in fostering healthy social behaviours • Differences in friendship dynamics between genders • The impact of social media on social interactions and accountability • Strategies for parents to teach respect and responsibility • The importance of standing up against peer pressure and misconduct • The challenges of navigating social hierarchies and peer influence

*Trigger Warning: This episode discuss The Cornell 7 The Cornell 7 case has us asking some difficult questions as moms raising boys. How do we teach our sons about consent, respect and accountability without making them feel like they're being blamed for the actions of other men? And what happens when boys witness something wrong but stay silent? We discuss the importance of male friendships, peer pressure and the responsibility of being a good friend, including having the courage to call out bad behaviour. We also explore what we might be missing as parents, why boys need more opportunities for honest conversations and how we can help our sons navigate difficult situations without simply telling them what not to do. Keywords friendship, social dynamics, respect, accountability, relationships, parenting, teenage behavior, social media, consent, education Key Topics • The concept of 'insignificant' friends and social inclusion • The importance of mutual respect and understanding in friendships • How societal and media influences shape perceptions of relationships • Teaching children and teens about consent and accountability • The role of open dialogue in fostering healthy social behaviours • Differences in friendship dynamics between genders • The impact of social media on social interactions and accountability • Strategies for parents to teach respect and responsibility • The importance of standing up against peer pressure and misconduct • The challenges of navigating social hierarchies and peer influence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How far would you go to help your kid make it to the big leagues? After watching Team Moms, we’re questioning the world of ultra-competitive youth sports, where kids are spending their childhood training for the MLB, parents are dissecting every practice, and sometimes an entire family seems to revolve around one athlete. We get into the pressure and whether all of it is worth it. We also get into Cat's latest hockey rink obsession, the crock pot! Keywords youth sports, parenting, early specialization, athlete development, sports culture, jersey customization, social dynamics, youth athletics Key Topics • The intense dedication of parents to youth sports • Average retirement age of professional athletes and its implications • The culture of early specialization and its impact on childhood • The social dynamics and peer relationships among young athletes • The quirks of youth sports culture, including jersey customization and nicknames • The physical and emotional toll of early sports specialization • The role of social media in following young athletes' careers • The importance of balance and mental health for young athletes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We couldn't wait to bring you part two of our conversation with Dr. Jeremy Alland! In part two we ask the question, is your kid actually loving their sport, or have we turned it into a full-time job? We’re talking youth sports, burnout, the pressure to go “elite,” endless tournaments and the growing expectation that more training always means better athletes. Dr. Jeremy Alland talks about how much is too much, why kids need real downtime, and how parents can support their kids without making their sport their entire identity. Plus, the simple thing he says every parent should tell their kid after a game. If you haven't watched part 1 go back and check it out! And for more on Dr. Jeremy find him @jeremyallandmd. Keywords youth sports, parenting, athlete development, sports system, burnout, competition, fun in sports, youth athlete health, sports parenting, sports system reform Key Topics • The impact of year-round sports on children's health and happiness • Balancing competition and fun in youth sports • The influence of social media and marketing on youth sports • Strategies for parents to support their children's sports journey • Understanding the real chances of making it professionally in sports • The importance of communication and setting expectations • The role of systemic change in youth sports reform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports have officially gotten out of control. We’re talking year-round training, travel teams, rankings, social media, parents spending a small fortune and the pressure to figure out your kid’s “next level” before they’ve even hit puberty. We sit down with Dr. Jeremy Alland, a sports medicine physician in Chicago where he serves as a team physician for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox. He’s also the voice behind Play the Long Game, a youth sports platform built on the belief that every kid deserves the chance to play sports, stay in sports, and develop a lifelong love of the game. Now a dad of young athletes himself, he gets both the medical side and the very real parent side of trying to keep your kids healthy, happy, and actually enjoying the game. We get into what’s really happening in youth sports and whether we’re pushing our kids too hard. When does encouraging them become pressure? When is quitting actually quitting, and when does a kid just need a break? And do they really need to be playing their sport 10 months a year to keep up? We also get into the ridiculous idea that if your eight-year-old isn’t already on an elite team, they’re somehow falling behind. Are we actually listening to what our kids want from sports, or are we projecting what we think they should want? We loved this conversation so much we had to break it up into two parts! Tune in for part two tomorrow and follow Dr. Jeremy Alland @jeremyallandmd. Keywords youth sports, parenting, athlete development, sports system, burnout, competition, fun in sports, youth athlete health, sports parenting, sports system reform Key Topics • The impact of year-round sports on children's health and happiness • Balancing competition and fun in youth sports • The influence of social media and marketing on youth sports • Strategies for parents to support their children's sports journey • Understanding the real chances of making it professionally in sports • The importance of communication and setting expectations • The role of systemic change in youth sports reform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re talking college athletes making millions, kids becoming “famous” on Instagram, parents turning into sports managers, and somehow… Taylor Swift sitting beside Tom Cruise at a football game. Just your average day with ADHD. College sports have changed, and athletes can now make money from their name, image and likeness, which naturally leads us down the rabbit hole of whether parents should help a kid who’s training to be an athlete build a following. Is Instagram part of the job if you’re a young athlete? Key words celebrity gossip, social media influence, AI in fame, youth sports, college scholarships, social media for kids, digital identity, sports marketing, celebrity relationships, online trolling Key topics Celebrity gossip and behind-the-scenes stories The role of social media in shaping youth sports and fame The impact of AI on online reputation and trolling The economics of college sports and athlete compensation Celebrity relationships and privacy issues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.