The world has changed so much, but the tenets of timeless parenting haven't changed one bit.

Our culture tends to treat childhood like a race. But the push to meet academic benchmarks at younger and younger ages is counterproductive to how a child's brain naturally develops. And when parents overschedule their children because they're afraid they'll be left behind, they may be robbing them of the downtime they need to thrive.

On today's show world-renowned child psychologists Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff dive into how to raise healthy, happy children without burning out -- and without relying on the latest "educational" gadgets.

Here's a preview:

[5:15] Smart phones, AI, oh my: The fundamental needs of children haven't changed, even if technology has

[15:00] How to ignore the very-real temptation to get our kids "ahead"

[19:45] Unrealistic expectations characterize much of the "academic" toys on the market. Here's how to spot them

[25:00] The research is clear: Kids need more downtime. Extracurriculars aren't downtime!

[34:00] Your new parenting mantra: "Reflect, Resist, Recenter"

Resources mentioned:

• Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn–And Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
• Trouble in Toyland 2025: A.I. bots and toxics present hidden dangers (via PIRG)
• Kathy and Roberta on Instagram
• Book clubs are scheduled!

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The downsizing mindset isn’t just about moving to a smaller home or getting rid of clutter. It’s a lifestyle that creates a habit of routinely shedding excess weight from your life.

A downsizing mindset quietly trades excess for ease and distraction for depth. On today’s show podcaster and organizer Tracy Hoth suggests simple routines to usher in the downsizing mindset, whether you’re planning to move in the near future or not.

Here's a preview:

[5:00] Not downsizing anytime soon? That's A-OK! Here are two things you should be doing now anyway

[10;30] If you're feeling the urge to save items for your children, keep this in mind

[16:00] Revisiting the kids' artwork and awards conundrum. How much should we be keeping?

[25:00] If you've got loads of "unmade decisions" in your home, here's one thing you can do right now

• We have an aligned sponsor! Head to Duckfeetusa.com and use code MAMAMINIMALIST FOR $50 off.
• The Organized Coach podcast

• This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting!
• Join our (free!) Facebook community here.
• Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists
• Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

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A former Meta executive recently revealed that, when a girl posts a selfie on social media and takes it down, the algorithm then targets her for beauty products.

Enter today's teen and tween skincare craze, where Sephora Kids and "SkinTock" reign supreme. But pushing skincare on young girls is a business that's off of highlighting a child's flaws. Worse, many of the products being marketed to them contain powerful ingredients that may actually harm — not help — developing skin.

On today's show: A minimalist parent's take on multi-step skincare routines for tweens and teens, with the help of clean beauty expert Andrea Dahr.

Here's a preview:

[7:00] Children have sensitive skin, and anti-aging products can harm their skin for the long haul

[9:00] What the "clean section" at Sephora means — and what it doesn't

[14:30] The link between endocrine-disrupting chemicals and early puberty

[20:00] What should teens and tweens *actually* be putting on their faces on a daily basis?

[34:00] Five tips for parents of teens and tweens who love skincare

Resources mentioned:

• Episode #528: Heathy Hair
• Episode #320: The Obesogens
• Switch Natural app
• We have an aligned sponsor! Head to Duckfeetusa.com and use code MAMAMINIMALIST FOR $50 off.

• This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting!
• Join our (free!) Facebook community here.
• Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists
• Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.