Are the holidays stressing you out more than a trip to the store with 3 toddlers? In just 20 minutes, we'll take you away from the madness and into the magic. In this special holiday episode of StrollerCoaster we're gifting you tips from Rosemarie Truglio, a childhood development specialist at Sesame Workshop, on how to talk to your kids about the true meaning of the season without breaking the bank. Then you'll hear from journalist Vanessa McGrady about the time her daughter asked that dreaded question: "Is Santa real?" Her response will have you really believing in the magic of the holidays. So put down the wrapping paper and tape, and tune into StrollerCoaster: The Holiday Episode. Rosemarie has been shaping the creative storytelling of Sesame Street for 25 years. Vanessa is the author of Rock Needs River: A Memoir about a Very Open Adoption. It is available at any online or retail bookstore, and you can learn more at rockneedsriver.com.

Welcome to Season 3! From climate change to extreme weather, how do we talk to our kids about important issues that seem scary to us as parents? Julian Lennon - humanitarian, philanthropist, musician and children?s book author, sits down with Lynn to talk about his work to make the planet a better place. He shares an incredible story about the connection he has to his father, John Lennon, and offers some great insights into how we can inspire curiosity and responsibility for the planet in our kids.  Then, we learn to raise little environmentalists with smart ideas from Katie Moore the Deputy Vice President of Animal Rescue at IFAW -The International Fund for Animal Welfare. She has awesome advice for teaching our kids how to protect the animals around them, no matter how small! Check out Munchkin?s special collection of Julian Lennon?s children?s books and WildLove products: https://www.munchkin.com/julian-lennon-white-feather-flier-bundle-blue.html  More on IFAW?s annual World WildLife Day art contest: https://www.ifaw.org/campaigns/wwd-art-contest

StrollerCoaster is back for another landmark season, bringing you new interviews with cutting edge experts and inspiring stories from real parents across the country! Our host Lynn Smith investigates your burning parenting questions with empathy, laughs, and a ton of heart. The wild ride of parenting continues in Season 3 of StrollerCoaster. Brought to you by Munchkin, the most loved baby brand in the world.

We?ve gotten so many fresh ideas about parenting from making this very podcast, we couldn?t help but burst about it. Today Lynn and Justin share their real-life stories about what they?ve tried at home and how things turned out. The suspense!

Lynn and Justin open up the StrollerMail bag to hear from you! It?s a great conversation with stories, laughs and real advice all for the StrollerCoaster community. Plus author, home designer and HGTV superstar Jasmine Roth joins us with some great tips to make your home more reflective of YOU.  More from Special Guest, Jasmine Roth: https://www.jasmine-roth.com/

Ever yelled at your kid? Raised your voice? Felt terrible about it after? You are not alone. The question is: Can we avoid yelling in the first place? The answer is yes. Lynn will talk with national award-winning educator Dr. Chae, and then we?ll hear a profound story from Best-Selling author Rachel Macy Stafford about why - and how - she stopped yelling quickly and for good. We?ll have a StrollerMail after-party, and then wrap it up with a relaxing time out for you. More from Expert, Dr. Chawanna Chambers (AKA Dr. Chae): https://www.drchaeed.com/ More from Parent of the Day, Rachel Macy Stafford: https://www.handsfreemama.com/

When you have a second child, are you giving your kids a lifelong best friend or instant rival? In this episode, we get into all the benefits and issues that can arise between siblings. We sit down with Dr. Siggie Cohen to talk about her work exploring the relationships between siblings as well as her life at home as the parent of three boys. Then we?ll hear a story from Deborah Goldstein about how her relationship with her sister changed over the years. More from Expert, Dr. Siggie Cohen: https://drsiggie.com/ More from Parent of the Day, Deborah Goldstein: https://twitter.com/psandcs

"Can we get a dog? Can we get a dog? Can we get a dog?? It?s a chant that many parents hear, but how important is having a pet to your child?s life? We talk to Dr. Marc Bekoff, who shares what you need to know as you prepare the family for a new pet. Then we hear a story from Jo Simmons, who adopted a therapy dog that completely changed her son Ben?s life. Plus, a special giveaway! More from Expert, Marc Bekoff: https://marcbekoff.com/ More from Dogs for Good, from Parent of the Day Jo Simmons: https://www.dogsforgood.org/

You can?t know how your spouse is going to parent until you?re parents. Surprise! Today we get to the heart of the matter. Lynn talks with best-selling author and founder of Positive Parenting Solutions Amy McCready. We?ll hear from Kate Stahl whose work on her marriage is having fantastic results on the whole family. Then Lynn talks with one and only fitness motivator Shaun T, and we?ll wrap it all up with a relaxing time out for you. More from Expert, Amy McCready: https://amymccready.com/ More from Parent of the Day, Kate Stahl: https://www.mymomalwayssays.com/ More from Special Guest, Shaun T: https://shauntfitness.com/

When you get down, do you bounce back? Resilience is a crucial skill for life! So what can we parents do to raise resilient kids? First Lynn has a riveting convo with Christina Hillsberg, a former CIA Intelligence Analyst and author of ?License to Parent: How My Career as a Spy Helped Me Raise Resourceful, Self-Sufficient Kids?. Then we?ll hear from Jacqueline Chen about her son whose resilience motivates everyone around him. Next up, Lynn has an incredible conversation with Ginger Zee, best selling author and Chief Meteorologist for ABC News. Finally, we wrap it all up with a relaxing time out for you. More from Expert, Christina Hillsberg: https://www.christinahillsberg.com/ More about CP Soccer from Parent of the Day, Jacqueline Chen: https://www.cpsoccer.us/ More from Special Guest, Ginger Zee: https://www.ginger-zee.com/

Is it healthy to be a parent to your children as well as their best friend? Is it even possible? It seems like modern parenting attempts to straddle this line but what are the facts behind the fad? We talk to Dr. Nicole Beurkens, a clinical psychologist, nutritionist, and special education teacher, about finding the right dynamic between parent and child. Then we hear the story of Aaronica Cole, a mother of three who firmly believes that being friends with your kids is the best way to parent. More from Expert, Dr. Nicole Beurkens: https://www.drbeurkens.com/ More from Parent of the Day, Aaronica Cole: https://aaronicabcole.com/

When kids want something in the store should you buy it for them? Do you give them an allowance? Why? On this episode Lynn talks with mother of two, financial planner, and author of ?Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How To Teach Young Kids About Finance?, Liz Frazier Peck, so we can figure out how and when we should talk to our kids about money. We?ll also hear the incredible story of how mom Sharita Humphrey broke the cycle of financial struggle for her children when she went from homeless to being named one of Forbes? 5-Fast Growing Businesses. We?ll commiserate with a round of StrollerMail, and then top it off with a peaceful Time-Out for you. More from Expert, Liz Frazier Peck: https://lizfrazier.com/ More from Parent of the Day, Sharita Humphrey: https://sharitamhumphrey.com/

Bullying is an issue that so many of us grapple with but not enough of us understand. In this episode, we're going to change that. Today, Lynn talks with journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer to learn about some of the science behind bullying. We also have an amazing story from author Carrie Goldman about how her daughter?s encounter with bullying became a rallying point for people all around the world. Then we?ll hear from you in our StrollerMail segment and bring it home with a calming Time-Out for you. More from Expert, Melinda Wenner Moyer: https://www.melindawennermoyer.com/ More from Parent of the Day, Carrie Goldman: ??https://carriegoldmanauthor.com/

After ranking in the top 2% of Apple Podcasts for Kids & Family in our debut season?we?re back for Season 2! That means even more insightful interviews with parenting experts and inspiring stories from parents just like you. Leading the way is StrollerCoaster?s brand new host, news anchor for CNN and NBC, Lynn Smith! Plus exciting celebrity guests who share incredible stories about how they balance their lifestyle with being a parent. Strap yourself in for another ride, Season 2 of StrollerCoaster is here! Brought to you by Munchkin, the most loved baby brand in the world.

No StrollerCoaster season would be complete without our very own mailbag. What questions did you curious listeners have for us? How did our incredible experts and parenting stories change Faith?s and Justin?s lives? Faith and Justin reveal their OWN Parenting Confessions, and of course a time out for YOU! 

Our hosts share their favorite smart and surprising parenting moments - all wrapped up in one episode! With eye-opening info from experts and great take-aways on topics like: screen addiction, surviving the ?parenting mental load,? connecting with our kids, and more. It?s a can?t-miss 26 1/2 minutes! 

We?re talking sleep for the whole family. Including YOU. This episode is solution-based and inspiring! We?ll talk with the awesome and down-to-earth Dr. Craig Canapari, author, and Director of the Yale Pediatric Sleep Center. We?ll also hear from super sleep guru Tonja B., who you will SO relate to: She went from sleep deprived, to professional sleep guide! And of course a peaceful time out - for you!

'There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, who had so many kids she didn't know what to do'... but honestly she wasn't THAT old when you think about it and she and her kids have PLENTY to do. Our 9-year old director and his cast of amazing improv actors perform their version of the classic nursery rhyme that?s full of surprises, sound effects, twists and turns and a shoe on the move! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too!

Listening. It sounds easy but it's actually quite complicated. Today, Faith will explore the topic with Joanna Faber & Julie King, the authors of ?How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7?. These moms and educators have spent their entire LIVES figuring out strategies to talk and listen to kids more effectively. Then, Kevin Del Aguila of Frozen on Broadway joins the show to discuss what it takes to get an audience of children to actually listen and engage. Plus Parenting Confessions and a moment of quiet reflection.

Oh no! Hansel and Gretel are lost in the woods! Can they find their way back home? Join them on their journey filled with breadcrumb-loving birds, a chocolate lawnmower, and a magical Candy Wizard! Presented by our 9-year-old director and his cast of amazing improv actors, this version of Hansel & Gretel is full of surprises, interactive fun, original songs and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too! 

Whether you?re a working parent or stay-at-home, join us as Faith talks with Josh Levs, former NPR and CNN journalist and a leading expert on work-life balance, who opens our eyes (and ears) to why dads need balance. Get inspired by Marla Bautista, military wife, entrepreneur, and mom who reminds us that it?s never too late to create balance. And nod along to some parenting confessions.

Goldilocks just wants to visit her Aunt Joanie but she has the wrong address! So she ends up in the house of three friendly bears tasting everybody's favorite afternoon snack: porridge. Our 9-year old director leads his cast of amazing improv actors as they perform a one-of-a-kind version of the classic children's story. It's full of musical surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too! 

In this episode we take a look at some of the unexpected ways that kids learn about the world. Faith talks to Lyn Huston, a teacher at a one-room schoolhouse in Duckwater, Nevada, about what it's like to teach a whole community of children in the same classroom. We also hear the inspiring story of how Rob Kenney, the creator of the popular YouTube channel "Dad, How Do I?", took the departure of his father and turned it into a tool to bring people heart, hope, and the knowledge to complete important everyday tasks. 

Little Red Riding Hood has a brand new look with her very cool, very fresh sparkly SNEAKERS. This week on StoryTime we?ve got her exciting, never-before-heard adventure to grandma?s house. Our 9-year old director leads his cast of amazing improv actors as they perform their version of the classic children's story. It's full of wolfy surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns! Perfect for kids! And parents too!

When you become a parent, food becomes a bigger part of life than ever before. On this episode: Faith talks to former editor of Epicurious.com, Tanya Steel, who partnered with Michelle Obama on The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge; we hear a compelling story from a mother about her daughter's life-threatening food allergy; and hilarious Parenting Confessions! PLUS! A chance to win super-fun Munchkin gifts! 

We've all heard the story of the Three Little Pigs, but did you know there was a FOURTH little pig who DJ's on the weekends? DJ Oink in the house. It's time for the never before told story of The Four Little Pigs. Our 9-year-old director and his cast of amazing improv actors perform their version of the classic children's story. It's full of surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too! 

Parenting can be stressful. No kidding, right? So, how do we manage stress to create healthy relationships and loving homes while not losing it? We talk and laugh with Katharine Reid about how to handle our stressful ?mental load.? We?ll hear an incredible story from Victoria Wiggins whose son speaks with a stammer and how she?s helping him thrive. Plus Parenting Confessions, and finally, fantastic tips on marriage stress with Marriage and Family Therapist, April Eldemire.

Jack & The Beanstalk? He's old news! Now it's time to hear the never before told story of FRED & The Beanstalk. Our 9-year old director and his cast of amazing improv actors perform their version of the classic children's story. It's full of surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too! 

Phones. Tablets. Video Games. What are we going to do about screens? Faith talks to Sara DeWitt (PBS), who has spent her career finding innovative ways to educate our children in the digital age. We hear a compelling story from Melanie Hempe, the founder of ScreenStrong, about how she turned her son's struggle with screen addiction into a force for change. Plus parenting confessions!

Do those little decisions we make every day as parents have an effect on our kids? Let?s find out! On this episode: Faith talks to child development expert Janet Rotter about which parenting decisions matter most. We also hear an inspiring story of a mother overcoming a unique parenting challenge. And fun with true Parenting Confessions! 

An introduction to StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast. A smart, fun, must-listen podcast for parents of kids of all ages. Created by Munchkin Inc. (The Most Loved Baby Lifestyle Brand in the World), with three time Emmy-winning host Faith Salie (CBS Sunday Morning, NPR's Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me), each episode features amazing stories, fascinating guests, innovative parenting tips, and tons of "Wow, I have been there" moments. It's the perfect podcast to learn, laugh and hear something about parenting that you've never heard before. But wait! There's more! Along-side StrollerCoaster comes StrollerCoaster StoryTime. A short-form podcast with a modern take on your favorite children's stories. It's full of surprises, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns. It's perfect for kids! And parents too.