Parenting

Why saying “Just Breastfeed!” is harmful to mothers

Saying 'just breastfeed' furthers the misalignment between our expectations for breastfeeding and the realities of so many families’ experiences.

How ‘lazy parenting’ can encourage kids be more independent

Lazy parenting—despite its misnomer of a name—taps into what parents and kids want and need.

5 signs your child is ready for a family pet

Pets can be a fun and healthy addition to a family, but only if everyone is ready for the responsibility.

5 ways to help parents raise happy kids (that aren’t gifts)

Happiness is something that goes far beyond what you give your children—it lies in how you raise them.

6 back-to-school mental health tips for kids, from a pediatrician

Going back to school is stressful, but this kid-friendly toolkit can help.

How to be a good dad, from a grateful daughter

"The gift of a great dad has shaped who I am as a parent and a person."

My daughter’s friend betrayed her. Here’s how we handled it

Sometimes, kids need to be given the opportunity to correct their mistakes and learn from them. And sometimes, that looks like allowing them to learn right from wrong in a way that’s constructive and not punishing.

All the ways I used to be the perfect parent—before I actually had kids

I thought they’d eat whatever I made them. Boy was I wrong!

Welcoming a new pet to the family? How to pet proof when you have kids

Like baby proofing, you’ll want to take similar steps to prep before a new pet comes into your house.

What I wish I knew about being a mom of two

That inner mom voice isn’t whispering anymore; it’s talking loud and clear now.

This amazing viral video of the breast milk letdown reflex is a must-watch

Just watch out for the phantom letdown twinges.

Things not to say to moms of a big family

Questions not to ask to your busy mom friend with many kids.

I’m celebrating breastfeeding awareness month—and it’s not to shame formula moms

I am celebrating because this is the best decision that I could have made for myself and my child—but I honor and respect the decisions that other mamas have made for themselves and their children. 

I wish I hadn’t spent so much time as a single mom hoping the days away

I wish I had learned to live in the moment a little more and appreciate the solitude for what it was.

How to deal with toddler tantrums in public

Reduce the frequency, duration and intensity of tantrums.

This formula mixing pitcher has 25K 5-star reviews—and it’s the best $9 I spent as a new mom

Mixing baby formula is an underrated annoyance.

What age should a kid get a phone? It may be later than you think

The debate over when to give kids smartphones is on.

How to foster deeper connections with your baby

"Distractions are everywhere, and we often forget to ground ourselves before connecting with our baby so we can be fully present"

New study shows just how financially devastating unpaid maternity leave is for US families

A survey of 1,001 employed women found that 74% wouldn’t have any cash savings left after eight weeks of unpaid maternity leave .

Kristen Bell says her daughters finally sleep in their own beds—and we are cheering for her 👏

"You can congratulate me—we did it, they now sleep in their room on beds right next to each other and they cuddle with each other instead of us."