The Gag is… Podcast

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We explore essential back-to-school strategies for parents navigating the transition from summer to the academic year, with practical tips for creating successful homework routines and balancing academics with extracurricular activities.

• Create a dedicated homework space free from distractions with good lighting
• Consider adding ambient elements like fish tanks, instrumental music, or essential oils to...

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Charlie shares tried-and-true strategies for managing school lunches and keeping students well-fed during busy school days. This episode wraps up the back-to-school series with practical advice for parents navigating the daily challenge of packing nutritious meals kids will actually eat.

• Create a lunch strategy before school starts - decide if your child will have school lunch, home lunch, or a hybrid appro...

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We wrap up our back-to-school series with practical advice for high school and college supplies, focusing on the transition between these educational stages and what students actually need versus what retailers want you to buy.

• High school students need quality binders and organizational tools to manage increased coursework
• Laptops and tablets become essential tools for high school students using onli...

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Back-to-school clothes shopping can be the most expensive part of preparing for the new school year, but with proper planning and practical strategies, parents can stay on budget while ensuring their children have what they need.

• Prevent overspending by setting a firm budget before shopping
• Use cash instead of cards to help maintain spending discipline
• Sort through last year's clothes to de...

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We need to focus not just on getting our kids ready for back-to-school season, but also ensuring we're taking care of ourselves as parents because without us there's no them, and without them there's no us.

• Take time to just breathe - whatever happens, it's going to be okay
• Create a plan for your school-year routine, but view times as guidelines, not rigid requirements
• Give y...

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The back-to-school season brings challenges for parents navigating lengthy supply lists and deciding between self-shopping versus purchasing pre-packaged kits from schools.

• Elementary school supply lists grow longer each year with each teacher requiring different items
• Self-shopping allows budget control with many supplies costing under a dollar during sales
• Pre-packaged elementary supply kits c...

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Returning with another back-to-school preparation episode, I focus on the critical importance of keeping your emergency contact information updated with your child's school. 

• Working in schools taught me how common it is for emergency contact numbers to be disconnected or outdated
• Parents often forget to update contact information during school transitions (elementary to middle, middle to high)

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Charlie Shante discusses the importance of scheduling back-to-school health appointments early to ensure your child starts the school year with all required medical clearances and in good health.

• Start scheduling physical exams and immunization appointments in May-June while appointments are still available 
• Avoid using urgent care for school physicals as they don't know your child's full me...

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Manners matter, and I've noticed an alarming decline in basic courtesy among children today, creating challenges for both adults and other kids who interact with them.

• Children as young as five or six showing shocking disrespect to adults and peers
• Parents often defend or deny their children's behavior instead of correcting it
• Children should display good manners consistently, not just...

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Breaking life into manageable pieces can make restructuring your life more achievable, just like eating a pizza is easier when it's sliced rather than trying to consume it whole. Using a "four quarters" approach helps identify goals, gather resources, develop self-determination, and create a sustainable game plan.

• Identifying what you want to accomplish in both personal and professional aspec...

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Summer brings unique challenges for parents as they navigate planning activities, managing increased expenses, and keeping kids constructively occupied during the break. From sports commitments that don't pause for summer to the mysterious phenomenon of children who suddenly develop insatiable appetites the moment school ends, this episode tackles the realities of summer parenting with humor and practical advice....

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Memorial Day is specifically for honoring military personnel who died in service to the country, not to be confused with Veterans Day which honors all who have served. I share my personal experience as a military widow and why the common phrase "Happy Memorial Day" is deeply painful for those who have lost loved ones in service.

• Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May and is a day to mourn an...

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Charlie shares a heartfelt and unfiltered Mother's Day episode after her son's brief attempt to take over leaves her scrambling to create content. She opens up about her 25 years of motherhood, the joys and challenges of raising children, and why she wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.

• Original plan for son to host the Mother's Day episode fell through when he only r...

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Life is a cyclical journey of growth, discomfort, and returning to basics. When overwhelm strikes, reconnecting with fundamental self-care practices can restore balance and prepare us for the next phase of personal evolution.

• Discomfort often signals upcoming growth and transformation
• Getting back to basics helps rebuild a solid foundation when life feels unsteady
• Small daily practices like morn...

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Easter traditions create a stark contrast between childhood memories and adult responsibilities, highlighting the evolution of holiday celebrations within Baptist church communities.

• Childhood Easter fashion included pageant-like dresses, frilly socks, patent leather shoes, and hair styled with beads and Blue Magic grease
• Easter speeches required weeks of preparation and practice for children to perfo...

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A conversation around the necessity of balancing sports with rest reveals vital insights into maintaining young athletes' health. Discover effective strategies for supporting children and respecting their limits while fostering a love for athletics.

• Importance of regular rest breaks for kids involved in sports 
• Impact of over-scheduling on children's wellbeing 
• Dynamic of parent suppor...

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Expectations placed on children have evolved, but the impact of perfectionism often harms their mental health and social skills. This episode prompts parents to reconsider how they nurture their child's development, aiming for balance and communication rather than rigid standards. 
• Addressing the pressure for perfection in children 
• Exploring cultural expectations and their influence on parenting 

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This episode humorously explores the absurdities of modern dating on International Loveless Day, as Charli and her best friend Suzanne share their wild and cringe-worthy dating tales. The conversation delves into understanding love's many expressions beyond romantic norms, emphasizing friendship and the power of laughter in navigating life's romantic disasters.

• Examining the pitfalls of modern dat...

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This episode explores the journey of grief and healing following the 18-year anniversary of the host's husband's passing. It delves into the complexities of experiencing joy alongside sorrow, the relevance of therapeutic support, the ethics of monetizing grief, and the personal growth that emerges from loss. 

• Acknowledging the anniversary of loss while pursuing happiness
• Understanding that t...