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Parents of the YearAuthor: Caroline & Andrew
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year. Language: en-ca Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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199. Are tracking apps making parents calmer—or more anxious?
Episode 199
Tuesday, 17 February, 2026
Tracking your kids can feel like “good parenting”… until it turns your home into a control room. In this Parents of the Year episode, Andrew and Caroline talk about why location-sharing and constant check-ins often backfire—especially as kids become teens and young adults.They unpack the real driver underneath most tracking habits: adult discomfort with uncertainty. You’ll hear how “just nice to know” can quietly turn into stress, distrust, and sneaky workarounds (hello, leaving the phone somewhere “safe”). Along the way, they share what actually keeps teens talking: conversations that aren’t about school, letting kids teach you their world (yes, even Formula 1), remembering the “small” details that matter to them, and owning it when you mess up.If you want more openness, less policing, and a relationship your teen actually uses (calls in the car, debriefs after school, mall trips by choice), this one’s for you.“Homework” activities for adults (to support kids + teens) 1) The “Not School” Daily Check-In (7 minutes)Once a day, ask one question that has nothing to do with grades, homework, or performance. Keep it light. Prompt ideas: “What was the funniest thing today?” “Who made your day better?” “What’s your current obsession?”Resource: print/write a small stack of dinner questions (they mention using a question box). Use index cards or a notes app.2) Let Them Teach You Something (15 minutes, once a week)Pick one of their interests and let them lead. Your job is to be curious, not clever. Easy starters: music playlist tour, game/YouTube trend explainer, sport update, hobby demo.Resource: a shared note called “Things I’m learning from you” where you jot down names, teams, inside jokes, friends, upcoming events.3) The “Remember One Detail” PracticeWhen they mention something that matters to them (a friend issue, a teacher they can’t stand, a social moment), write one line somewhere. Bring it up later. Goal: they feel noticed without being managed.Resource: phone note with headings: Friends / School People / Interests / Upcoming.4) Replace Tracking With a Simple Family PlanInstead of location monitoring, agree on a basic rhythm:where you plan to bewhat time you expect to be backwhat to do if plans changeone check-in rule for late nights (short text is enough)Resource: a shared family note or whiteboard titled “Today’s Plan.”5) The Clean Apology (30 seconds)When you misread them, embarrass them, overreact, or “torpedo” your partner in front of the kids—own it fast. Script: “I got that wrong. I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.” No sermon. No courtroom defence.Resource: keep a reminder on your phone lock screen for a week: “Repair beats being right.”Send a textEnjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! Follow FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566206651235and FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526
