Searching for that parenthood balance so when our kids are old they look back and say, "yeah, my dad (or mom) was awesome," however we get there. And while we l...
Ep 95 | Yeah, but Seriously... Which kid's your Favorite?
Do parents really have a favorite child? The research says… maybe. This week, Max and Matt discuss a fascinating new study exploring favoritism among siblings, why it happens, who it happens to, and how it affects kids long-term. They break down what makes one child the "favorite", why firstborns often get special treatment, and how parents can unintentionally send signals that stick with kids for life.They also share their experiences as dads, from managing sibling rivalries to checking their own biases, and tackle the big question: If favoritism is natural, how do you make sure your kids don't feel like they're getting the short end of the stick? Plus, it's a hilarious look at birth order stereotypes, bedtime confessions, and how kids remember praise vs. rejection.If you've ever wondered whether your kids think you play favorites (or you still swear your parents had a favorite), you won't want to miss this honest and slightly chaotic conversation!#Parenting #Siblings #MomLife #DadLife #FamilyDynamics #RaisingKids #ParentingTips #BirthOrder #Fatherhood #MotherhoodBuy Violet Archer on Amazon HereMilkless on InstagramMilkless on TikTok
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20:36
#94 Sick Kids are Tough, and Other Medical Facts
Max and Matt dive into the wild world of sick kids: the endless fluids, missed days at daycare, and the looming question of how much sickness is too much. They talk about everything from preventing illness to navigating the tricky moments when it strikes, including handling fevers, the viral load theory, and whether it's okay to send your kid back to daycare with a little Tylenol. Max shares his unconventional (and controversial) approach to keeping his family from getting sick, and the guys explore how the balance between taking care of your kids and taking care of your work responsibilities can lead to some seriously complicated decisions. Plus, they discuss the fine line between being a concerned parent and overthinking it. You won’t want to miss this honest, funny, and a little bit gross conversation about sickness, health, and parenting in the trenches.Buy Violet Archer on Amazon HereMilkless on InstagramMilkless on TikTok
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26:59
#93 The Work Trip
Max and Matt dive deep into the emotional complexities of work trips — how they feel before, during, and after leaving their families behind. The lead-up is filled with guilt and anxiety, and while the trip itself might offer a bit of relief, there’s no escaping the emotional rollercoaster of being away from the kids and the tension with partners. From the chaotic reentry period to the guilt of missing milestones, they talk through how to manage these feelings of guilt while balancing their roles as dads and professionals. They also discuss the dynamics with their partners and kids, the expectations that come with travel, and why sometimes, the family routine takes a little detour when dad's away. Max and Matt explore the mixed emotions of being away — the pangs of leaving your partner with the kids, the inevitable "tantrums" when you come back, and how these trips impact family life and the overall family dynamic. Let's gooo!Buy Violet Archer on Amazon HereMilkless on InstagramMilkless on TikTok
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22:44
#92 Entitlement, Gratitude, and Trying Not to Spoil 'Em
In this episode, Max and Matt tackle one of the trickiest challenges of parenting—striking the balance between giving your kids a great life and ensuring they develop gratitude. On the one hand, you want to give them everything you can; on the other, being deprived of something can be a powerful teacher of gratitude. But when you have the means to give your kids what they want, how do you navigate that tension without sounding like a broken record about how good they have it? Max and Matt dive into the complexities of overindulgence and entitlement, discussing the natural ways kids learn and how to avoid pushing them too far into materialism or a lack of work ethic. It’s not as simple as just saying, “Be grateful,” and they share their own struggles with finding that delicate balance. Let's go!Buy Violet Archer on Amazon HereMilkless on InstagramMilkless on TikTok
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22:36
#91 That Hyper-Critical D*ck That Lives Inside Our Head
In this episode, Max and Matt dive into the complexities of self-criticism and why we’re so hard on ourselves. From feeling like we’re not doing enough to the constant nagging voice that says we’re failing, they break down the science behind those inner thoughts and how they can both push us to succeed and drive us crazy. The dads explore the brain’s Default Mode Network, the fine line between anxiety and excitement, and the paradox of wanting high emotional highs while battling self-doubt. Plus, they share practical strategies to deal with that voice in your head—from framing stress as information to simply cutting yourself some slack. It’s a raw, honest look at how we can stop letting our inner critics sabotage our peace and embrace who we are.Buy Violet Archer on Amazon HereMilkless on InstagramMilkless on TikTok
Searching for that parenthood balance so when our kids are old they look back and say, "yeah, my dad (or mom) was awesome," however we get there. And while we love our kids unconditionally, that doesn't mean we're wimpy pushover dads who have lost every shred of dignity and respect in the home. Let's find that balance together. We are Max Valverde and Matt Naylor. We are MILKLESS.
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