Care and Feeding | Slate's parenting show

On this episode: Lucy Lopez and Elizabeth Newcamp help Zak Rosen figure out if he should sign up his son for baseball, despite Ami having no interest in being on a team. They also answer a listener’s question about losing your identity amidst parenthood. This week on the Plus Playground: The one easy spring-cleaning task that will make your home feel better. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen help a listener whose 20-year-old step-kid is moving back home. Their kid’s partner is coming to visit. Which means there’s an old-fashioned question hanging in the air. Will they be allowed to share a bed? But first, they share their latest triumphs and fails. Including: an oatmeal breakdown, an unexpected use for mom underwear, and an abandoned silent treatment. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen answer a question from the Slate Parenting Facebook group about a kid who won’t stop wearing his clothes backwards. They also give a Mother’s Day PSA and talk about memorable Mother’s Day fails. This week on the Plus Playground: thoughtful Mother’s Day presents. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen help a mom who has found herself in the middle of a prom dress dilemma. Her daughter fell in love with a dress. Fantastic, right? The problem? Our letter-writer hates it. Should she say something or let her daughter wear whatever she wants? But first, they share their latest triumphs and fails. This week’s roundup includes an emergency room visit, a garden in pre-bloom, and a star on stage. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Elizabeth Newcamp seeks counsel from Lucy Lopez and Zak Rosen on a treat habit that has gotten out of hand. They also answer a listener question about an annoying toddler who will. not. wait. This week on the Plus Playground: A mega-round of science-y book recommendations. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen answer a question from a child-free listener. She's been putting in the work being a villager for her friends with kids. But now, when she needs someone in her corner, everyone is too busy. Is she expecting too much? But first, they share their latest triumphs and fails, which include: changing family culture, a movie that can’t be unseen, and the perfect day on the water. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen discuss AI’s creep into education. Specifically, the latest news surrounding AI replacing teachers. Including: a school in Chicago announcing teacher-free learning starting this fall and first lady Melania Trump laying out a vision to have a “humanoid educator” in classrooms. They also answer a question about adding a dog to the family. (Mentioned on the show: Lucy's dog, Leo!) This week on the Plus Playground: weird questions to get your kids to talk after school. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen share their triumphant week, which included smashed shells, sleep-over bravery, and an impromptu sex-ed explainer. They also answer a question about visiting a grandparent who is experiencing Alzheimer's. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Elizabeth Newcamp sits down with Blair Imani, educator, historian, and content creator known for her ‘Smarter In Seconds’ series. She’s also the co-host of the podcast, Thoughts About Feelings, and the author of three books. Her latest is called Read This to Get Smarter. Blair walks Elizabeth through how to stay informed as a busy parent and break down complicated concepts to kids. This week on the Plus Playground: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen fill out the Baby Barf Badness bracket, created by Claire Zulkey. They also share their favorite emergency preparedness tools. An episode that is as silly as it is serious. We hope to see you there! Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen help a mom who is upset her pretween is pulling away from her. They used to be super close. Now it’s all attitude and eye rolls. Is there a better way to parent a pretween? But first, they share their latest triumphs and fails—which include a trip to the bar, community aid, and money frustrations. They also share the pieces of media that bring a tear to our listeners’ eyes. Mentioned on the show: Middle School Magic Modern Puberty Explained Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen give parents a primer on Roblox, the online gaming platform that is immensely popular with kids. They then share an interview from Slate’s What Next TBD. Host Lizzie O’Leary sat down with Mike Hilgers, the Nebraska Attorney General suing Roblox. Episodes mentioned: Are Your Kids Safe on Roblox? Is Gaming Taking Over Boys’ Lives? Managing Screen Time Without Losing Your Mind This week on the Plus Playground: Zak, Lucy, and Elizabeth reminisce on nostalgic games from their childhood and share the games their families have been loving. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen answer a question about modeling emotions and teaching boys that it’s healthy to cry. They first check-in with Zak after the attack at Temple Israel, the Michigan synagogue that Zak went to growing up and where his family still belong. Mentioned on the show: Standing Together, a “progressive grassroots movement organizing Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel against the occupation and for peace, equality, and social justice.” Don’t Let the Need for Cognitive Closure Harden Your Heart by Rabbi Sharon Brous You Need a Manifesto: How to Craft Your Convictions and Put Them to Work by Charlotte Burgess-Auburn Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen open up the mailbag to spotlight your advice on welcoming a second child into the family. They also sound the alarm (blow the bugle?) on summer camp planning. It’s time to sign up for summer activities. We need to hop to it because spots are filling up fast! Episodes mentioned: Postpartum Is Boring. Here’s How to Enjoy It.Second Kid ScariesHow to Get Through (Or Help Someone With) Postpartum DepressionShould We Skip Touring the White House?This week on the Plus Playground: Timothée Chalamet and getting kids into traditional art forms like ballet and opera. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen help the dad of a new driver. His son just got his driver’s license and has been driving super carefully. Good right? Well, he’s not keeping up with the flow of traffic. Should he be encouraged to speed? They also share a round of triumphs and fails. Including an amazing Power Rangers-inspired trick to kill time, kids stepping up to help a sick parent, and a big bravo! Original episode from our listener update: My Co-Parent Is Dying. What Now? Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen are talkin’ periods! They are joined by Chloe Potter, co-founder of The Menstruality Academy, who walks them through preparing your kid for their first period, harnessing the power of the cycle, and breaking free from societal shame. (Chloe’s endometriosis podcast recommendation.) This week on the Plus Playground: planning the perfect roadtrip! Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen are joined by former co-host and current Care & Feeding columnist, Jamilah Lemieux. They discuss her new book, Black. Single. Mother. Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging, out March 10, 2026. Jamilah also joins for a round of triumphs and fails and answers some burning questions from listeners about life after the show. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez and Elizabeth Newcamp are talking bad husbands this week. Not their husbands (though both are terrible gift givers). But it seems like everywhere on the internet lately there are a lot of wives posting about terrible things their husbands did, getting negative reactions, and then getting mad that people are attacking their husbands. The Cut even wrote a piece about it called, “I Love My Husband (Who Hates Me).” Is it all rage-baiting for clicks? And how much harm on both sides does content like this cause? Is it anti-feminist to defend the husbands? Lucy and Elizabeth unpack it all. After that, they answer a listener’s question about her seven-year-old trying to dress like a seventeen-year-old. You can also get reactions to the listener’s question at the Care and Feeding column by Arionne Nettles: “My 7-Year-Old’s Latest Obsession Is Uh, Very Adult. I Definitely Didn’t Teach Her That.” This week on the Plus Playground: From glitter water bottles to cards you can find at thrift stores, here’s ways to make waiting around fun with kids. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen are talking artificial intelligence in schools. It’s everywhere! And one parent is worried about an assignment requiring her son to use A.I. They bring on Jeff Young from the Learning Curve podcast to unpack what the listener’s teacher was trying to get at, some good uses for ChatGPT (versus the bad ones), how A.I. ruined the em dash, and more. But first, they share their latest triumphs and fails. There’s a handful of fails - from figuring out chores to sleep routines - but Zak brings it home with an Olympics focused triumph! Check out Lucy and Elizabeth’s new Substack, Best Mom Friends Forever! Read Michelle Herman’s take on the listener question here. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez and Elizabeth Newcamp help Slate senior producer, Cheyna Roth, prepare to bring home her second child. They talk about everything from preventing sibling jealousy to handling two crying children at once. Then they answer a question from a prospective parent who is worried they’ll never sleep well again. This week on the Plus Playground: Life-changing baby gear vs the gear you should NOT buy. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode: Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth are talking the first few weeks and months of having a newborn. Let’s face it, those first few weeks and months of having a new baby are both busy…and can be incredibly boring. How can you make the most of the postpartum period? We’ve got scheduling tips, plus a little treat for you to make for yourself to enjoy when you get home! But first, they share their latest triumphs and fails. Cheyna had a full day of pregnancy hormone rage, Elizabeth lost her kid’s bike, and Lucy’s daughters are learning R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Podcast production by Rosemary Belson. Video production by Micah Phillips. Follow us on YouTube! Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.