From Bedtime Rituals to Beating Boredom: TODAY’s 3rd Hour Hosts Reveal Their Best Parenting Secrets

If you’ve ever wondered how the hosts of TODAY’s 3rd Hour keep their households running—and their sanity intact—wonder no more! In a heartwarming and hilarious edition of Q&A Today, the team flipped the script and answered burning questions from viewers about their own parenting journeys, just in time for Global Hug Your Kids Day.

The Power of Bedtime Rituals

First up, Dylan Dreyer shared the little moments that make her bedtime routine special with each of her three boys. For Ollie, it’s a quiet affirmation: “I’m so proud of you. You’re such a good boy. I love you so much.” For Calvin, it’s a deep dive into the day’s adventures and feelings—sometimes sparking unexpectedly honest conversations. And for the baby? A cozy book, a prayer, and a lullaby. “Nighttime is so important to me,” Dylan said, “and that’s where I give each kid some time.” Her approach is a reminder that those small, intentional moments can mean the world.

How to Beat Summer Boredom? Just Say Yes

When a viewer asked how to handle the dreaded “Mommy, can you play with me?” during the long summer days, the hosts agreed: you don’t have to be a cruise director. Lindsay Czarniak’s advice? Give your kids just a few focused minutes of play—even if it’s a quick round of Connect Four. “Just do it for a second and then they’re fine for the rest of the afternoon,” she laughed. The magic word: “Just say yes.” Sometimes, a little attention goes a long way.

The Ultimate Parenting Hack: Let Kids Lead

The next question came from expectant parents in Dallas: What’s your ultimate parenting hack? The answer: embrace the mess and let your kids’ creativity run wild. “Just lay out arts and crafts stuff on the floor and let them go to town,” the hosts suggested. “Don’t just program everything for them.” Sometimes the best inspiration comes from unstructured play—and a little hands-off parenting can spark the biggest imaginations.

Best Advice for Young Adults

Craig Melvin got personal when asked about the best advice he received as a young adult. His dad’s words: “Don’t come home.” But the advice that stuck came from a college professor: “It’s going to be fine. Just trust that it’s going to be fine.” In a world full of anxiety and uncertainty, that simple reassurance is a lifeline.

The Joy (and Chaos) of Being a Boy Mom

Finally, Dylan was asked about the best part of being a “boy mom.” Her answer was both honest and relatable: “Everything they do is dangerous, and Ollie keeps busting his teeth because they’re just fighting all the time!” But there’s a silver lining—shopping is easy, and hand-me-downs are a lifesaver.

The Takeaway

Whether it’s a bedtime chat, a quick board game, or letting your kids make a mess, the hosts of TODAY’s 3rd Hour prove that parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, patience, and a good sense of humor. So next time your house descends into chaos, just remember: even TV hosts are right there with you, figuring it out one day at a time.