#93 The Work Trip

Explicit content warning

02/18/25 • 22 min

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!

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Previous Episode

#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!

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Next Episode

#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.

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