Parenting Roundabout

On our latest weekly roundup, we belatedly share our experiences with recent natural phenomena. Don't worry, Terri survived the Great New Jersey Earthquake. Mentioned: Catherine's report on the August 2017 solar eclipse. What we're watching: Thanks to our two-by-two watch schedule, we got a perfect pair of Reservation Dogs episodes this week. "House Made of Bongs" flashed back to 1976, and a fateful outing for Maximus, Bucky, Brownie, Irene, Mabel, and Fixico. Then "Frankfurter Sandwich" reassembled several members of that generation to spend time with Cheese out in the woods. Catherine's library find this week is the recently published Luigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Arachnophobes should look away, but everyone else will be charmed by this adorable critter. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed dealing with kids' homework (April 17, 2019); our kids' obsessions (April 18, 2019); and kids' stuff side hustles (April 18, 2022). Mentioned: Taylor Swift playlists and a Joe Diffie Hixtape. ​ Next week, we'll return to Reservation Dogs season 3, E7 ("Wahoo!") and E8 ("Send It"). Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, we find that we're still involved in "youth" sports, even though our kids are well past the age of T-ball and tot soccer. What we're watching: Reservation Dogs season 3 brought two very different episodes. "Deer Lady" gave us both the origin story of this character and a gut-wrenching look at Indian boarding school history. "Friday" bought comic relief with a day at the IHS clinic as the kids served their punishment for running away to California. Catherine's library find this week is Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead, the epic tale of a female aviator born in 1914. It's complex, sweeping, and full of adventure. Mentioned: Previous pick The Strange Case of Dr. Couney. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed saying no to naysaying (April 10, 2019); people asking us for help (April 11, 2017); and how we treat ourselves (April 14, 2016). Mentioned: The movie Champions, a PSA starring its actor Madison Tevlin, and a post Terri wrote on the same topic; Oat Nog and Oats Overnight. ​ Next week, we'll return to Reservation Dogs season 3, E5 ("House Made of Bongs") and E6 ("Frankfurter Sandwich"). Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, Terri has been spiffing up her office by returning the walls to their original blank slate and adding a coffee and tea station. Mentioned: Electric kettles from Amazon Basics and Cuisinart. What we're watching: We return to Reservation Dogs for season 3. The first two episodes, "BUSSIN'" and "Maximus," give Bear his spotlight and his odyssey into oddity and wisdom. Catherine's library find this week is a follow-up to The World's Best Class Plant: This time, we meet Rick the Rock of Room 214, who wants to leave the classroom and go on an adventure out in the world. Rick's creators are author by Julie Falatko and illustrator Ruth Chan. Mentioned: Pet Rocks. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed birthday celebrations for big kids (April 5, 2023); family financial planning (April 4, 2022); and the last photo on our phones (April 6, 2017). Mentioned: IFoundaQuiltedHeart.com. ​ Next week, we'll return to Reservation Dogs season 3, E3 ("Deer Lady") and E4 ("Friday"). Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, Terri (a true Senior Swiftie) is watching the Eras Tour on Disney+ and marveling at the spectacle. What we're watching: Also a spectacle, of a different kind, is season 3 of Girls5Eva. The gang goes on tour and tremendous silliness ensues, as you would expect from this show. Mentioned: Joe Reid at This Had Oscar Buzz. Catherine's library find this week is a nonfiction series for kids called Whose Poo?. It's yet another example of smart people figuring out how to teach science and encourage reluctant readers through bodily functions. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed how to ruin kids' lives (March 25, 2019); anger management (March 26, 2018); and parent-friendly restaurant ratings (March 27, 2015). Mentioned: Annie Kurzweg and The Leighton Show on Instagram, HARDY's the mockingbird and THE CROW album, "Song for the Dumped" by Ben Folds Five, "Ben Franklin's Song" by the Decemberists, and an upcoming AppleTV+ series on Franklin. ​ Next week, we'll return to Reservation Dogs for season 3. We'll watch the first two episodes: "BUSSIN'" and "Maximus." Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, we are still trying to teach our kids about conveying urgency in their texts. What we're watching: We finished season 2 of Reservation Dogs with episodes 9 ("Offerings") and 10 ("I Still Believe"), two more opportunities to weep through our laughter and cheer on the Rez Dogs as they finally make it all the way to California. Catherine's library find this week is a sweet picture book called The World's Best Class Plant by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao, and starring a surprisingly cool spider plant named Jerry. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed the perils of punctuality (March 18, 2021); (not) following your passion (March 18, 2020); and the sting of rejection (March 19, 2018). Mentioned: "I'm Just Ken" at the Oscars; our episode Working Hard, or Hardly Working?. ​ Next week, we'll watch Girls5Eva (which has moved to Netflix) and talk about all of season 3. Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, we start with a cautionary tale about baking your own bread: It could lead to an ER visit. What we're watching: On season 2 of Reservation Dogs, episodes 7 ("Stay Gold Cheesy Boy") and 8 ("This Is Where the Plot Thickens") could not have been more different. One focused on Cheese and his big heart, and the other on Big and an unintentional acid trip that led to some real-life trippiness. We'd watch #7 again and again, and are delighted that it's in the Extra Hot Great Canon. But once was enough for #8. Catherine's library find this week is The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies by Dawn Raffel. It caught her eye because the author was one of Catherine's bosses at her first job after college. Plus, it does sound like a fascinating tale. Mentioned: Empire of the Sum and Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed a clickbait complaint (March 15, 2023); unsound sleep (March 14, 2019); and memorable birthdays (March 15, 2018). ​ Next week, we'll watch the final two episodes of Reservation Dogs, season 2: E9 “Offerings" and E10 “I Still Believe.” Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, what happened in Vegas didn't stay there, as Catherine reported on her recent trip. Mentioned: Omega Mart. What we're watching: We continued with season 2 of Reservation Dogs with episodes 5 and 6: "Wide Net" and "Decolonativization." We learned a little more about the aunties as they headed to an out-of-town conference, and an earnest pair of workshop presenters tried to help the teens learn more about themselves (without much success). Catherine's library find this week, Slug in Love by Rachel Bright with illustrations by Nadia Shireen, prompted mention of other slug and pug books (Slug Needs a Hug, Doug the Pug, Pig the Pug) as well as reminiscences about some other faves, like Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo, both written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed neverending household tasks (March 10, 2021); launching a young adult (March 7, 2019); and Girl Scout cookies (March 8, 2018). A correction: Last week, Catherine said she had learned of a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert scheduled for the afternoon. Turns out, the band in question was the Red Hot Chilli PIPERS, which makes a lot more sense (and frankly sounds a lot more fun). ​ Next week, we'll watch the next two episodes of Reservation Dogs, season 2: E7 “Stay Gold Cheesy Boy" (which has been inducted into the Extra Hot Great Canon) and E8 “This Is Where the Plot Thickens.” Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, Terri's making a Lenten sacrifice and exploring its technicalities. She may need to be more specific next year. What we're watching: We continued with season 2 of Reservation Dogs with episodes 3 and 4: "Roofing" and "Mabel." Both had their share of humor as well as a hearty helping of melancholy and heartbreak, as Elora lost her grandmother but connected with their community. Catherine's library find this week is actually her book club find that could become a library find for someone else. It's called Raft of Stars, by Andrew J. Graff, and it takes place in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Mentioned: Terri's current audiobook listen, From Cradle to Stage: Stories from Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars by Virginia Hanlon Grohl (mother of Dave Grohl, whose own book was a past Terri rec). In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed parenting-related job titles (March 1, 2021); bedtime quandaries (February 26, 2020); and our priorities as parents (March 1, 2017). Mentioned: Dog probiotics, Jamie Lee Curtis's viral plea for afternoon concerts, and VEEPS as another old-person option: Stream concerts from home instead! ​ Next week, we'll watch the next two episodes of Reservation Dogs, season 2: E5 “Wide Net" and E6 “Decolonativization.” Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, we discover that Catherine's children need a refresher on what a 529 college savings plan is, and possibly the number of a good attorney. What we're watching: We started season 2 of Reservation Dogs with episodes 1 and 2: "The Curse" and "Run." As we predicted and feared, Jackie and Elora's journey does not go well. Meanwhile, back home, Willie Jack tries to reverse their bad luck with the (questionable) help of Bucky and Brownie. Catherine's library find this week presents two books that kids might really enjoy, but that may teach some unsavory lessons: Ugly Animals by Laura Marsh and Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! by Dawn Cusick. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed admin club (February 19, 2020); mom friendships (February 19, 2018); and NSFW music (February 22, 2016). Mentioned: HARDY's "Radio Song" and "Ben Franklin's Song" from the Hamilton Mixtape. ​ Next week, we'll watch the next two episodes of Reservation Dogs, season 2: E3 "Roofing" and E4 "Mabel." Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, we report on our preparedness (or lack thereof) for Valentine's Day. We love you, dear listeners! What we're watching: We finished season 1 of Reservation Dogs with episodes 7 and 8: "California Dreamin'" and "Satvrday." These were both heartbreaking in their own way. We're glad we can roll right on into season 2 and find out what happens to the fracturing friend group next. Catherine's library find this week is not something to read, but something to eat: Bobo's PB&J Oat Snacks, discovered in the break room. They're a tasty cross between an oatmeal cookie and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed the medical test gauntlet (February 15, 2023); what's in our freezers (February 15, 2018); and volunteer work (February 12, 2016). Mentioned: Yasso Greek yogurt bars, the DEF Reset. ​ Next week, we'll watch the first two episodes of Reservation Dogs, season 2: "The Curse" and "Run." Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, it's the conclusion (we hope!) of the renovations and room-switcherooing at Terri's house. What we're watching: We continued with season 1 of Reservation Dogs with episodes 5 and 6: "Come and Get Your Love," which focused on Cheese and Big and introduced the Deer Lady; and "Hunting," a moving portrait of Willie Jack's relationship with her dad. While we missed Bear and Elora, we liked the deeper dive into these other characters, and know that we'll see the others again soon. Mentioned: Vulture recaps of episode 5 and episode 6. Catherine's library find this week is a fractured fairy tale called Snow White and the 77 Dwarfs by Davide Cali. Let's just say parents will relate to the decision Snow White ultimately makes (and the illustrations, by Raphaelle Barbanegre, are amazing). In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed what our kids are watching on TV (February 8, 2023); how kids change their parents (February 2, 2022); and parenting-related reality TV challenges (February 6, 2020). Mentioned: The West Wing Weekly podcast and What's Next: A Backstage Pass to the West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service, a forthcoming book by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack. ​ Next week, we'll watch the final two episodes of Reservation Dogs, season 1: "California Dreamin'" and "Satvrday." Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, it's musical bedrooms at Terri's house, and she now has her very own office! What we're watching: We continued with season 1 of Reservation Dogs with episodes 3 and 4 ("Uncle Brownie" and "What About Your Dad"). The kids are having a rough go of it, but the show remains quite enjoyable to watch. We also spent some time discussing the Oscar nominees and not-nominees. Mentioned: Drinks with Broads, the Fug Girls' newsletter that makes for a great accompaniment to, or substitute for, watching awards shows on TV. Catherine's library find this week is not a book, but a website called Book Marks, which is an aggregator of book reviews. Use it to quickly check the critical consensus on a book you're curious about. Or just read the Most Scathing Book Reviews of 2023. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed support without smothering (February 2, 2023); the misery of making phone calls, volume 1 (January 29, 2020) and volume 2 (February 4, 2019); and teaching kids resilience (January 29, 2018). Mentioned: The EconTalk podcast discussing the book Fluke by Brian Klaas. ​ Next week, we'll watch the next two episodes of Reservation Dogs, season 1: Episode 5, "Come and Get Your Love," and 6, "Hunting." Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, winter has arrived, and none of our dogs are all that happy about it. What we're watching: We kicked off a new TV series this week, watching the first two episodes of season 1 of Reservation Dogs ("F*ckin' Rez Dogs" and "NDN Cinic"). We can already see that the rave reviews are justified. Mentioned: Primo and Rutherford Falls. Catherine's library find this week goes crafty again with Cross-Stitch with Cattitude: 20 Pawsome Designs by Emma Congdon. Terri was once very into cross-stitching, but she's now holding out for dog themes and the large-print version of cross-stitch. Mentioned: The Old Place by podcaster Bobby Finger and Dust Child. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed being on call for our kids (January 26, 2022), family-watching (January 27, 2020), and being a grown-up (January 22, 2016). Mentioned: A BuzzFeed listicle and The Divorce Seekers: The Intimate True Story of a Nevada Divorce Ranch Wrangler. ​ Next week, we'll watch the next two episodes of Reservation Dogs, season 1: Episode 3, "Uncle Brownie," and 4, "What About Your Dad." Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, please forgive Terri's squeaky, scratchy voice. She's not contagious through your podcast player. What we're watching: The movie The Holdovers, which is on an awards-season roll so far, was moving, affecting, and sad. We say you should grab a box of tissues and watch it. Catherine's library find this week is all about the visuals, with picture books starring both adorable and elegant animals: The Perfect Siesta by Pato Mena, Fish and Crab by Marianna Coppo, and Animal Portraits by Lucie Brunelliere. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed unhelpful helping (January 15, 2020), other people's parenting (January 15, 2018), and texts to new parents (January 17, 2022). ​ Next week, we'll start a series watch of Reservation Dogs (on Hulu) with the first two episodes of season 1: "F*ckin Rez Dogs" and "NDN Clinic." Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, we catch you up on our winter-break adventures (which were less wintry than in years past). What we're watching: Instead of watching something together, we reported on what we consumed during our time off. Catherine saw the movie The Boys in the Boat in an actual theater with multiple generations of family members. It's exactly the sort of movie that it sounds like it should be from that setup: historical, inspirational, Oscar-bait-y. Mission accomplished, Director George Clooney! Catherine also watched Asteroid City (on an airplane, which seems appropriate for this film set in a space-obsessed 1950s desert town). It's star-studded, with the Wes Anderson Quirk dial turned up to the max. Mentioned: The Afterparty's season 2 episode, "Hannah." Meanwhile, Terri subscribed to VEEPS, a streaming service that allows her to watch live and recorded concerts. She's checked out old favorites like HARDY and discovered new artists too, including The Summer Set and Something Corporate. It's a great value for the money if you love music but in-person concerts are not as fun as they used to be. Catherine's library find this week is a subset of the familiar Choose Your Own Adventure series. Did you know you can Choose Your Own Nightmare?! We'd rather not, but can imagine the appeal this might hold for some tweens and teens. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed parenting rites of passage (January 12, 2022), empty-nest careers (January 14, 2021), and real-life FastPasses (January 12, 2016). ​ Next week, we'll watch the movie The Holdovers, which you can find on Peacock, Amazon Prime, and maybe even in your local movie theater. Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, some of our kids are moving back and forth from college, and one is moving down to the basement apartment... little by little. What we're watching: On The Gilded Age, there were many winners and a few losers in the season 2 finale, "In Terms of Winning and Losing." While we're sad that the show has not (as yet) been renewed for season 3, we also kind of wouldn't mind letting these characters stay where they landed in this episode. We also watched the movie Quiz Lady, which you can find on Hulu. It stars Awkwafina and Sandra Oh as a pair of sisters, but the twist is that Sandra Oh is the screw-up and Awkwafina is the straitlaced one. The movie also has enough fun little twists (plus dogs!) to make it a lot of fun. Catherine's library find this week is Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. It's the first in a series about a mom and suspense novelist who gets mixed up in some real-life crime, with her trusty babysitter as her sidekick. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed parenting trends to take or leave (December 21, 2021), parenting trends of the decade (December 18, 2019), crazy jobs and crazier elves (December 18, 2015), and our very first episode: Holiday Parenting Joys and Jangles (December 18, 2013; be warned that the production quality is best described as "primitive"). ​ We're taking the next two weeks off for the holidays (we think we've earned it, after 10 years!). We'll be back in January. Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available. Happy New Year!

On our latest weekly roundup, Catherine's stressing through finals week from a distance. What we're watching: On Dancing with the Stars, Xochitl Gomez took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, so it's another win for the teens. Good for her, but a big fat BOO to the judges for not giving Alyson Hannigan a full set of courtesy 10s for her freestyle dance. On The Gilded Age, season 2, episode 7, “Wonders Never Cease," but neither do big problems like your brand-new husband dying and your son getting scammed out of all your money. This was a very bad week for the Brook/Van Rhijn sisters. Catherine's library find this week is actually a book she copyedited, not one she found on the library shelves. But she hopes you'll check out this warm, lively middle-grade novel starring a tween boy who learns to look at dance in a new way. It's called The Rings of Jeffrey, and it's by Nello McDaniel. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed how parents can pay it forward (December 14, 2020), holiday gifts for pets (December 14, 2018), and morning woes (December 11, 2015). ​ Next week, our TV watch will cover the Gilded Age season finale, "In Terms of Winning and Losing" (S2 E8). We'll also watch the movie Quiz Lady, which you can find on Hulu. Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, we have a happy update to Terri's dog-boarding dilemma. Cousin dog to the rescue! What we're watching: On Dancing with the Stars, we went from a (not so) shocking elimination to a kinda shocking non-elimination, as all five semi-finalists went through to the finale. Go, Alyson and Sasha! And Ariana and Pasha! And Jason and Daniella! And Xochitl and Val! And even Charity and Artem! On The Gilded Age, season 2, episode 6, “Warning Shots" were fired in both the union battles and the opera wars, Ada's honeymoon ended very abruptly, and Marian was put on the spot in the worst way. Catherine's library find this week is both a book and a concept: Folded Book Art. We agree that it looks very cool, but you probably won't find us trying it ourselves. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed our kids' special skills (December 5, 2022), our own parenting skills (December 4, 2015), and what makes a good-enough Christmas (December 5, 2019). ​ Next week, our TV watch will cover the Dancing with the Stars finale and "Wonders Never Cease" (S2 E7) on The Gilded Age. Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

On our latest weekly roundup, Catherine reported on her recent Airbnb stay, which didn't sway Terri at all from her "not for me" position. What we're watching: On Dancing with the Stars, it was Taylor Swift Night and, at long last, the exit of Harry Jowsey. Mentioned: A report that Harry asked to leave in place of Lele Pons, and a theory that Swiftie wrath is what finally took him out. On The Gilded Age, season 2, episode 5, “Close Enough to Touch," things got scary for Peggy (as we predicted), watchful Watson saved Bertha's dinner for the Duke from Turner's amateur-hour machinations, and Aunt Ada got married! Mentioned: The book The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah; the true story of Emily Warren Roebling, who secretly took over her husband's role as chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge. Catherine's library find this week is a funny picture book that asks the question: What would happen if Grandpa really did get your schnozz when playing the classic game of Got Your Nose!? In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed how influential we are (December 1, 2022), family splurges (December 2, 2021), and all we want for Christmas (December 2, 2019). ​ Next week, our TV watch will cover the Dancing with the Stars semi-finals and "Warning Shots" (S2 E6) on The Gilded Age. Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available!

On our latest weekly roundup, we started with an update from Terri on her broken wrist and how her recovery is progressing. She still does not recommend breaking a bone. What we're watching: On Dancing with the Stars, it was Whitney Houston Night and Barry Williams danced his last, after a good long run. Kudos to you, Greg Brady! On The Gilded Age, season 2, episode 4, "His Grace the Duke," saw more Opera Warring, romantic entanglements beginning and ending, and the start of Bertha's takedown of her former maid, Turner. Catherine's library find this week is in the who knew?? category: It's series of thrillers based on the famed (at least locally) Lake Geneva mailboat. It's called, of course, the Mailboat Suspense series. In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed finding positive places online (November 23, 2020), gratitude for those who co-parent with us (November 25, 2019), and what we're thankful for (November 22, 2018). Mentioned: Heidi Wrangles Cats, an Icebreaker-inspired TikTok, and its predecessor, the movie Cutting Edge. ​ Next week, our TV watch will cover Taylor Swift Night on Dancing with the Stars and "Close Enough to Touch" (S2 E5) on The Gilded Age. Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available!