252: Screens, Autism, and the Toddler TV Trap with Andreina Rosales
This week, I sat down with Andreina Diaz, mom of two, PhD student, and researcher behind Toddler TV Trap, to talk about one of the hottest (and most controversial) topics in parenting right now: screen time and autism. Andreina’s work looks at how highly stimulating shows like Cocomelon and Ms. Rachel may be impacting kids’ brains, what new research is showing about subtypes of autism, and why reducing or removing screens has led to jaw-dropping changes for some families. We dive into the difference between passive vs. active screen time, what counts as “healthy” screen use, and how to rethink the way we’re using devices in our homes. This one is equal parts eye-opening, challenging, and also full of hope. I promise, it’s a conversation worth listening to.Timestamps:(00:13:08) "Toddler TV Trap: Impact on Social Development"(00:18:41) Overstimulation Prevention through Alternative Activities for Children(00:19:11) Debate on Screen Time Impact on Autism(00:24:52) Link Between Screen Time and Autism Symptoms(00:29:36) Interactive vs. Passive Screen Time Effects(00:32:35) Active Creation for Holistic Child Development(00:42:12) Enhancing Child Development Through Active Screen Time(00:42:34) Optimizing Screen Time for Child Development(00:46:44) Interactive Alternatives to Reduce Screen TimeConnect with Andreina:https://www.instagram.com/toddlertvtrap/Jamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
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251: Stop Overthinking Food (Bite Size Nugget)
In this bite-sized nugget, I’m giving you permission to stop overthinking food—especially when it comes to toddlers. If you’ve been stressing about cooking full dinners every night, fighting over veggies, or wondering if your kid is “eating enough,” this one’s for you. I’m breaking down why toddlers eat like snakes (yep, in bursts, not evenly), why small portions and variety work better than giant scoops, and why it’s less about complicated recipes and more about balancing fat, protein, and carbs. Snack plates, mini meals, kid charcuterie—call it what you want, but the point is: keep it simple, keep it nourishing, and stop making dinnertime a battle.Timestamps:(00:00:31) Idyllic Bungalow Colony Gathering in New York(00:05:24) Reviving Genuine Curiosity through Conversation(00:08:01) Authentic Engagement for Strong Community BondsJamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
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250: Make Room For Your Child's Growth
In this episode, I’m taking a hard look at the way we’ve built our lives—and how so much of it just doesn’t leave room for kids to actually be kids. Between work schedules, overstuffed calendars, and the pressure to check off milestones like it’s a parenting to-do list, we’re burning out while expecting our little ones to perform like mini adults. I’m talking about why parenting is a long game (not a quick fix), why connection can’t be squeezed into 15 minutes on the checklist, and how to bring back the heart of the home—yes, even if that means starting a full-on “kitchen rebellion.” This one’s a mix of tough love, personal reflection, and a big reminder to slow the hell down and make room for what really matters.Timestamps:(00:01:35) Embracing Simplicity in Parenting(00:13:02) Parenting as a Lifelong Development Journey(00:16:41) Nurturing Genuine Connection Through Quality Time(00:21:17) Balancing Parenting and Work: Prioritizing Connection(00:29:43) Nurturing Environment and Connection in Parenting(00:30:42) Building Genuine Connection for Child's ThrivingJamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
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249: Bring Back Actual Conversation (Bite Size Nugget)
In this bite-sized nugget, I’m sharing a story from a party I went to with Lenore Skenazy (yep, the Free-Range Kids legend herself) that left me buzzing for days—and not because of the drinks. It was the conversations. Real, curious, ask-me-anything kind of conversations with people who weren’t checking boxes or looking for labels, but actually listening and sharing stories. And it hit me: we’ve lost that art. Between social media, polarization, and just being too damn busy, we don’t sit down and really talk anymore. So this is my little nudge to bring it back—ask questions, be curious, and remember that everyone you meet has a story worth hearing.Timestamps:(00:00:31) Idyllic Bungalow Colony Gathering in New York(00:05:24) Reviving Genuine Curiosity through Conversation(00:08:01) Authentic Engagement for Strong Community BondsJamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
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248: Free Range Kids: Raising Braver Kids in a Fear-Obsessed World With Lenore Skenazy-
This week, I sat down with the one and only Lenore Skenazy — the “Free-Range Mom” who made headlines as “America’s Worst Mom” after letting her 9-year-old ride the NYC subway alone. We dove deep into the cultural shift that’s replaced neighborhood play with constant supervision, how fear-driven parenting is feeding the kids’ mental health crisis, and why the most powerful antidote to anxiety is actually giving kids more independence. Lenore shared hilarious stories, jaw-dropping stats (spoiler: the kidnapping fears don’t match reality), and actionable ways to bring back trust, freedom, and joy to childhood — starting in your own neighborhood. This conversation will make you rethink the rules, roll your eyes at the fear-mongering, and maybe even send your kid to the store for Skittles.Timestamps:(00:00:53) Childhood Independence Laws for Free Exploration(00:16:28) Promoting Childhood Autonomy for Mental Well-being(00:25:18) Empowering Children Through Independence and Resilience(00:25:19) Promoting Childhood Independence: Overprotection's Impact(00:30:23) Promoting Social Skills Through Independent Play(00:30:34) Empowering Children through Independent Play Movement(00:35:24) Shift from 'Benign Neglect' to Overprotection(00:44:58) Childhood Independence Laws and Let Grow Initiatives(00:44:58) Reasonable Childhood Independence Law for AdvocacyJamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
A podcast for conscious parents who drop the f-bomb. A lot. We are the overthinkers, the dreamers, and the doers. We are parenting in a radically different way than those before us. But our divine vision gets blurry cause...OMG...kids can be such a pain in the ass. Let's work from the inside out, in a whole brain, whole body way to mitigate the crappy behavior. Not just with our kids but with ourselves. So you can be the parent you envision.
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