Parenting is no joke, and in this episode, Jason and I dive into the trenches of what works (and what really doesn’t) with our 7- and 5-year-old. We’re sharing some of our favorite hacks and strategies, including our go-to acronym SMILE—Singing, Movement, Imagination, Loving, and Engaging. It’s how we’ve kept the peace (mostly) and the fun (usually) alive in our household.  But it’s not all sunshine and Montessori rainbows. We’re also getting real about the challenges, like the dreaded “hand-over-hand” technique that often ends in frustration for everyone involved. If you’ve ever felt like you’re winging it as a parent, this one’s for you. Tune in for laughs, relatable moments, and maybe a tip or two that’ll make your parenting journey just a little bit easier—or at least more entertaining.  Books we reference in the podcast: The Whole Brain Child https://amzn.to/40wUaLU Joyful Toddlers & Preschoolers https://amzn.to/42iihiP Simplicity Parenting https://amzn.to/3PE2hQN Emily’s Books Really Very Crunchy https://amzn.to/4fTfVKB Little Helper, Big Imagination https://amzn.to/3C9RwCv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices