We hear lots of horror stories about parenting - from the accidents that cost us a hefty bill, the arguments and bickering we bump into as they get older, the worries about our what they're doing when we're away, and the concerns of how social media's affecting their mental health.

But we do it because we love them - unconditionally. And part of that is having to embrace the numerous versions of people they grow up to be. So what are the moments and things that make all the stress melt away for you, and reminds why being a parent's all worth it?

Parenting Expert, and host of The Real Life, John Cowan joins Tim Beveridge for the Parent Squad...

LISTEN ABOVE

We hear lots of horror stories about parenting - from the accidents that cost us a hefty bill, the arguments and bickering we bump into as they get older, the worries about our what they're doing when we're away, and the concerns of how social media's affecting their mental health.
But we do it because we love them - unconditionally. And part of that is having to embrace the numerous versions of people they grow up to be. So what are the moments and things that make all the stress melt away for you, and reminds why being a parent's all worth it?
Parenting Expert, and host of The Real Life, John Cowan joins Tim Beveridge for the Parent Squad...
LISTEN ABOVE

If it takes a village to raise a child, it must take a whole country to raise a family! Newstalk ZB’s Parent Squad helps to do just that. Joined by expert guests The Weekend Collective team delves into the complexities of Kiwi family life.

The Parent Squad

John Cowan: Parenting can be the best days ever

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/415bb609-0110-4554-9b54-b37300538265/transcript

In just a few days, a law banning the use of social media for under 16s will take effect in Australia. 

For many parents, social media has been a daily part of family life for years - allowing kids to stay connected with their friends and family, sharing life updates with people they may not get a chance to speak with very often. 

Generations before have been relatively ignorant to just how seriously harmful it can be - figuring if they just keep open communication with their kids then they should be fine. 

But younger millennial and gen Z parents seem to be recognising the dangers, and most often opting to keep their kids offline. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In just a few days, a law banning the use of social media for under 16s will take effect in Australia.&nbsp;
For many parents, social media has been a daily part of family life for years - allowing kids to stay connected with their friends and family, sharing life updates with people they may not get a chance to speak with very often.&nbsp;
Generations before have been relatively ignorant to just how seriously harmful it can be - figuring if they just keep open communication with their kids then they should be fine.&nbsp;
But younger millennial and gen Z parents seem to be recognising the dangers, and most often opting to keep their kids offline.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Dougal Sutherland: Does NZ need a social media ban?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1b77496d-a572-46c0-aff5-b3ab00502a7e/transcript

The school year is drawing to an end and soon enough, families will be filling school halls and gymnasiums for the end-of-year prizegiving. 

For the star students or athletes, it's a moment of pride to walk across the stage and receive a well-earned award. For others, the whole thing can feel demoralising. 

Never mind the awards themselves - there are clear differences between some, like the dean's award and the most improved. 

But on the other hand, do we really want to be handing out participation awards? Are they inclusive or are they encouraging mediocrity? 

LISTEN ABOVE

The school year is drawing to an end and soon enough, families will be filling school halls and gymnasiums for the end-of-year prizegiving.&nbsp;
For the star students or athletes, it's a moment of pride to walk across the stage and receive a well-earned award. For others, the whole thing can feel demoralising.&nbsp;
Never mind the awards themselves - there are clear differences between some, like the dean's award and the most improved.&nbsp;
But on the other hand, do we really want to be handing out participation awards? Are they inclusive or are they encouraging mediocrity?&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Kathryn Berkett: Do we need to change the way we do prize givings?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f1f62f5e-e3ec-44ac-8e27-b3a40051b551/transcript

Summer holidays is just around the corner and kids will be rushing out the door to spend as much time as they can with their friends. 

But this time of year is often the longest period that parents will be able to spend time at home with the family. 

We don't want to pull our children away from their friends, but we also want to instil the value of family time. 

So where do we draw the line between family time and friend time for our children this summer?

LISTEN ABOVE

Summer holidays is just around the corner and kids will be rushing out the door to spend as much time as they can with their friends.&nbsp;
But this time of year is often the longest period that parents will be able to spend time at home with the family.&nbsp;
We don't want to pull our children away from their friends, but we also want to instil the value of family time.&nbsp;
So where do we draw the line between family time and friend time for our children this summer?
LISTEN ABOVE

Nathan Wallis: Family vs friends for the summer holidays

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3c9fbeb0-abf0-4e56-a010-b39d0051a11b/transcript

John Cowan: Parenting can be the best days ever

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