Hit the books: 11 back-to-school podcasts for parents and kids

It’s almost that time again. The days are getting shorter, the air is cooling, and your kids are either dreading or welcoming the thought of going back to school. Parents may have lots of questions as summer ends. And you are not alone! These back-to-school podcasts will get even the most nervous parents prepared to send their children to school.

Tune in for kid-friendly podcasts perfect for commuting to school like “But Why: A Curious Kids Podcast.” Also on our list, there’s a podcast for educators and we’ve included a self-improvement podcast filled with productivity tips. Listen to them all right here:

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Improve your writing with short, weekly episodes of “Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.” This podcast shares tips on grammar, vocabulary, style, and punctuation. Recent episodes unpacked code-switching, how to use possessives, answered listeners’ questions, and more with host Mignon Fogarty.

Raising Good Humans

Dear Media’s “Raising Good Humans” shares practical advice and lends support in podcast form. This series is hosted by Dr. Aliza Pressman, a mom of 2, developmental psychologist, parent educator, asst. clinical professor, and co-founder of Mount Sinai Parenting Center and SeedlingsGroup. Dr. Pressman is joined by experts and parents on episodes to discuss their journeys and share tips to raise good humans.

The College Success Habits Podcast

If you’re preparing for college and looking for productivity hacks, tools to develop a growth mindset, and learning tips, check out “The College Success Habits Podcast.” College circuit speaker Jesse Mogle attended college for 12 years and hosts this series to help listeners of all ages develop necessary skills for college life and beyond. Hear students, educators, administrators, and more guests share perspectives on this self-improvement series.

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

If your child is in the dreaded “why” stage, then turn this podcast on immediately. “But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids” is answering the questions asked by kids. They are tackling subjects big and small from all over the globe. Why are mammoths extinct? Why are whales so big? Why can’t kids vote? If this is giving you flashbacks, then it’s time to tune into “But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids” so your kids can get an educational boost and give you a break.

Teach Me, Teacher

“Teach Me, Teacher” offers teacher development tools and ideas to implement in the classroom. On episodes, you’ll hear from teachers, administrators, and other guests sharing insight on relevant topics in public schools. Jacob Chastain hosts this podcast that has released over 290 episodes since 2016.

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Clinical psychologist and mother of three Dr. Becky Kennedy tackles tough parenting questions head on. Giving actionable advice, her approach has helped thousands of parents get comfortable in the uncomfortable and mend any mistakes. Recent episodes chatted about the child care crisis with Gloria Riviera, discussed mom rage, and shared methods to encourage independent play.

Motherhood in Black & White

“Motherhood in Black & White” discusses the difficulty of heading back to school both virtually and in person. Whether your kids are making friends over Zoom or meeting their virtual friends in person for the first time, hosts Kaanji and Tara are doling out insight for parents everywhere. On an episode titled “The Back to School Struggle is Real,” they chat with their guest La Toya, who has been homeschooling her children for over ten years. Can you really be friends with someone you’ve only met online? When is it time to meet up in person? Find out here.

Mom and Dad Are Fighting | Slate’s parenting show

“Mom and Dad are Fighting” is one of the best parenting resources in the pod-sphere. The episode “Talk to the Teacher” is about the importance of developing a good, working relationship with their child’s new educator. Hear how to communicate important information without overstepping and how to replicate brief but important conversations with teachers in the hall or at pickup virtually.

Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families

Every day, Dr. Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie are giving practical tips and advice to parents who are desperate for answers. With 6 kids of their own, the Coulsons have seen a lot, and they are hoping that their experiences will help other parents with their own. On their episode “When You Don’t Belong at School with Dr Kelly Ann Allen,” they discuss what parents can do when their kids feel like they don’t have friends at school. Almost all of their episodes are under 20 minutes, so for parents who just want an answer now, “Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families” is the perfect place to start.

Parenting for the Future

“Parenting for the Future” is great for any parent: host Petal Modeste is helping parents teach their children the things they won’t learn in school. She wants parents to empower their children to find their own voice and learn about tough subjects the world presents. Her episode “Back to School in a COVID-19 World – Advice for Parents” is still relevant for the coming school year. Whether you want to know how to best protect your child when they go back to school, or how to prepare for more virtual learning, “Parenting for the Future” has the answers.

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

“Tumble Science Podcast for Kids” is a great way to introduce your children to science and technology. Hosted by Lindsay Patterson, a science journalist, and Marshall Escamilla, a teacher, they cover topics like space, animals, volcanoes and more. And who knows? You might learn something new while listening too.