Like A Mother

Heather Shumaker, a Minneapolis-based journalist and married mom of two, agreed to be interviewed on this show, and I am so glad she did. If you have any question at all about why you should stop micromanaging your kids, let them play freely, dirtily, creatively, check out this awesome episode. Highlights include ... Improved language in kindergarteners Higher academic performance overall, including math, problem-solving and – yes, you, Type A parent! – standardized tests Better behavior when kids exercise How play promotes emotion regulation and empathy How to deal with judgy moms Check out Heather Schumaker's awesome books that should be required reading for every new parent before they are allowed to check out of the hospital: It's OK to Go Up the Slide: Renegade Rules for Raising Confident and Creative Kids It's OK Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids