Parents of the Year
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.
Parents of the Year
172. Can you keep a routine without ruining summer?
Vacations, late nights, screen time sprees—summer throws structure out the window. But what happens when back-to-school hits like a brick? In this episode, Andrew and Caroline talk how to hold onto a little routine without turning your home into a boot camp.
They unpack simple ways families can keep anchor habits going—even at the cabin or with teenagers rolling out of bed at noon. You’ll hear tips on habit stacking (yes, the morning pee counts), making chores suck less, using streaks and gamification, and how to build routines without nagging or meltdowns. Plus, why setting up your environment matters more than willpower.
Whether you're parenting toddlers or teens, this episode will help you create summer flow that still sets you up for a smoother school-year shift.
Homework
Summer Routine Jumpstart Checklist
- Pick ONE small habit you want to reintroduce (bedtime, reading, outdoor time).
- Anchor it to something that already happens (e.g., after lunch → 30 min quiet reading).
- Use a visual tracker or calendar for “Don’t break the streak” motivation.
- Collaborate with kids: pick the habit, rename it (e.g., “Treasure Hunt” instead of “clean up”), and make it fun with music or timed sprints.
Check out these resources guides to help have the best summer ever and transition back to school
Ultimate Guide Book to the Best Summer Ever
Conquering Back to School Anxiety Guide
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