On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak answer a listener letter about a preteen who is interested in converting to Islam. Her parents are supportive and have offered opportunities to explore the faith. But instead of starting with learning more deeply about the religion, she wants to start with wearing a headscarf to school—which makes our letter writer worry that this is a performative move. Our hosts talk through ways to be supportive, but also frank about the seriousness of religion.

They also dive into their ‘triumphs and fails’ of the week, which include: some “light bullying” and conflict resolution, successful LA meetups, and violent language softened by the Mountain Goats. Then, on Slate Plus: the ‘dadfluencers’ who have taken Sweden by storm.  

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Mom and Dad are Fighting. Sign up now at slate.com/momanddadplus to help support our work.

Join us on Facebook and email us at momanddad@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our NEW PHONE LINE: (646) 357-9318! 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson and Maura Currie.


Make an impact this Women’s History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund girls in STEM. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices