Episodes

  • Practical advice for modern dads

    Practical advice for modern dads
    Jun 18 2026
    We often talk about the mental load of parenting as something mothers carry. But active, involved dads have questions, too, and not many places to ask them. In this episode, Kevin Maguire, author of The New Fatherhood, and clinical psychologist David Defoe answer listener questions from dads.

    Sign up for Life Kit's skin care newsletter.
    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • On the fence about parenthood? Listen to this

    On the fence about parenthood? Listen to this
    May 26 2026
    Could you see your life just as easily with children as without? What if you're not cut out for parenthood? What if you grow lonely in your old age? Or what if you have a loving partner, but you disagree on this choice? Deciding between parenthood and a child-free life requires clarity about your fears and deepest desires -- no easy task. This episode, psychotherapist and author of the book, The Baby Decision, Merle Bombardieri, helps us get clear. She discusses minimizing regret, figuring out your ideal timeline and navigating differing opinions with a partner.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • The dos and don'ts of baby talk

    The dos and don'ts of baby talk
    May 19 2026
    If you have a baby in your life, you may not find them the most intellectually stimulating conversation partner. But your baby is soaking up everything you say. On this episode, advice from early childhood experts on the importance of talking to babies from day 1 to 12 months old, and tips on what to say.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load

    Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load
    Apr 21 2026
    Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the never-ending to-do list is known as the mental load. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner explains how to tame the mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • How to be a working parent? Lower your standards

    How to be a working parent? Lower your standards
    Apr 13 2026
    From brain fog to identity crises to complicated feelings of guilt (or relief), returning to work as a new parent can be daunting. Luckily, you don't need to navigate this transition alone. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle talks to working parents and experts about how to balance a job, parenting and being a person all at once.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do

    Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do
    Apr 2 2026
    Using chatbots for emotional support can pose risks to teens' mental health. How should parents talk to their teens about using chatbots safely? And what's the best way to have those conversations without causing conflict? On this episode, NPR's Rhitu Chatterjee speaks to experts about how to support your teen's mental health and talk to them about AI.

    Life Kit's episode on helping a child at risk of suicide.
    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter

    Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter
    Mar 26 2026
    Having kids comes with a lot of clutter - some of it even shows up before your baby does. From toys that overflow from the toy chest, to unwanted hand-me-downs and the piles of art your kids make, you can't keep it all. Psychotherapist Denaye Barahona offers advice for parents on the whys and hows of decluttering.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seat

    Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seat
    Mar 2 2026
    If you're a new parent, picking out a car seat can be stressful. Do you need to spend extra on special features to keep your kid safe? How long should your child be rear-facing? How do you know if the car seat is secure enough? In this episode of Life Kit, we cover common mistakes parents make when installing car seats.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins