The Business of Parenting Unscripted

In this unscripted episode, Jackie steps away from the usual format to reflect on the journey of The Business of Parenting—43 episodes in—and share a glimpse of what’s coming next, including the upcoming Lead Anyway and Moms Who Lead series, a new Table Talk, and her first book.

But at the heart of this episode is a simple story about a boy, a beach full of starfish, and the reminder that even when we cannot change everything, what we do can still matter deeply to someone.

Parenting can feel much the same way. We pour thousands of lessons, conversations, corrections, encouragements, and acts of love into our children without always knowing what will stick. But sometimes, one thing does. One word. One lesson. One moment of encouragement. And that one thing can shape a life, and perhaps ripple outward into the lives of others.

This episode is an encouragement to keep showing up, keep pouring in, and keep doing the work you feel called to do, even when you cannot yet see the outcome.

Because it may just be that one thing that makes all the difference.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Jackie Mourot, Ed.D. Produced by: The Business of Parenting Original Music: No Roots — composed and produced by Matheo Mourot © 2025. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Learn more: TheBusinessofParenting.com

In Part 1, we asked whether the help we give our kids is making them more capable or simply more dependent on our help. In Part 2, we turn to what parents can actually do.

Part 2 - From Homework Battles to Lifelong Learners: How to Help Your Kids Learn Without the Stress

Using principles from learning organizations, Jackie explores three areas that can help families create a healthier culture around learning: building a supportive learning environment, teaching practical processes for learning, and leading in ways that gradually encourage greater ownership and independence.

You’ll hear practical ideas for responding to disappointing grades, helping kids understand how they learn best, teaching study and organization skills, using a simple “Learning Review,” and moving from learning manager to learning coach.

And none of it requires adding another complicated system to your family. The goal is to start where you are, use the time you have, and help your kids become people who know how to keep learning.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Jackie Mourot, Ed.D. Produced by: The Business of Parenting Original Music: No Roots — composed and produced by Matheo Mourot © 2025. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Learn more: TheBusinessofParenting.com

From Homework Battles to Lifelong Learners: How to Help Your Kids Learn Without the Stress - Part 1

The school year can quickly turn parents into homework managers—checking portals, tracking assignments, reminding kids to study, and wondering why we seem to care more about their schoolwork than they do.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Jackie explores a bigger question: Are we simply helping our kids get the work done, or are we helping them learn how to manage their own learning?

We’ll look at the growing expectations placed on kids as they move through school, especially the transition into middle school, and why skills like studying, organization, time management, and self-advocacy may need to be taught rather than simply expected.

The goal is to think more intentionally about the kind of help we give and whether it is gradually building their confidence, capability, and independence.

Then continue directly into Part 2, where Jackie shares practical principles for becoming a learning family.

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Jackie Mourot, Ed.D. Produced by: The Business of Parenting Original Music: No Roots — composed and produced by Matheo Mourot © 2025. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Learn more: TheBusinessofParenting.com