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
207. What If Everything You’ve Heard About Microplastics Isn’t True?
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This episode pulls apart one of the biggest fears circulating among parents right now: plastics and microplastics.
Andrew and Caroline sit down with scientist Dr. Chris DeArmitt, who has reviewed thousands of studies to separate what’s actually proven from what’s being repeated online. The conversation moves from social media backlash and parenting pressure to a deeper look at how fear spreads—and what the science actually says.
You’ll hear why many widely shared claims about microplastics don’t hold up under scrutiny, how media messaging shapes what families worry about, and why some well-meaning environmental choices may have unintended consequences.
There’s also a grounded discussion about parenting: how kids learn through consistent consequences, why follow-through matters more than lectures, and how small daily habits shape long-term behaviour.
This episode is for parents who are tired of guessing, tired of conflicting advice, and ready to make calmer, more informed decisions for their families.
About Dr. Chris DeArmitt
Dr. Chris DeArmitt helps parents cut through the noise and fear surrounding plastics and microplastics by replacing sensationalism with evidence. He offers a cross-disciplinary view that helps families make smarter, lower-impact choices based on real science rather than common myths. Dr. DeArmitt is a Global Authority on Plastics, Microplastics, and the Environment. He is a Materials Scientist, Author, and Founder of the Plastics Research Council.
List of books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/15512220.Chris_DeArmitt
Email - chris@phantoplastics.com
website - https://plasticsresearchcouncil.com/
LInkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdearmitt/
Homework for Parents
1. The “Follow-Through Test”
- Pick one rule at home (bedtime, screen time, chores)
- Apply the same response every time for one week
- No warnings beyond what you set
- Track what changes
Resource: Simple tracker (notes app or printed chart)
2. The “Pause Before Panic” Habit
- When you hear a scary headline (plastics, food, tech):
Ask:
→ Where did this come from?
→ Is this media or actual research? - Wait 24 hours before changing behaviour
Resource: Bookmark 1–2 trusted science-based sources
3. Device-Free Micro Moments
- Pick one daily interaction (meals, bedtime, feeding younger kids)
- No phone during that time
- Observe connection and engagement
Resource: Set phone to Do Not Disturb during that window
4. Praise What You Want Repeated
- Catch your child doing something right
- Respond immediately with specific praise
- Keep it short and genuine
(“You waited your turn—that was respectful.”)
5. Family “Stuff Audit”
- Count how many reusable items you actually use
- Remove duplicates or unused items
- Keep what’s practical, not what feels “guilty to throw away”
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