How to Shut Down the "Good Job!" Broken Record
Praise only lasts as long as it is being given, and we often see that without it, kids are not motivated to do the things for which they were once praised.
Parent Is a Verb – and We All Do It
Parent is a verb. I parent. You parent. We parent. Anyone can parent, and in fact, everyone does
On Bellies and Exhaling: The Lessons My Daughters Have Taught Me
I make fat babies. All four of them have been squishy things with rolls in their thighs and a few chins and the kind of big rosy cheeks that you could just chew on. After the first couple, I just c...
How Playing Into Your Kid’s Imagination Can Get Them To Do Anything You Want
Feeding into a kid's imagination fosters creativity – but it does more than that. You can use their imagination to get them to do almost anything you want.
According to Science, You Really Should Push Those Piano Lessons
There are evidence-based benefits of learning an instrument (and learning it early.)
Do Dentists Let Their Kids Eat Candy? That Depends.
There are no secret short-cuts to keeping cavities away. The basics of regular toothbrushing, flossing and eating healthy are still the gold standards for good oral health.
The Emotional Undercurrents That Children Understand
When I was seven years old, my family moved from Colorado Springs to Southern California. It was the end of the ’70s and SoCal still had a few citrus groves that had yet to be plowed under by the s...
Debate Club: Should We Pay Kids for Chores?
Two Parent.Co writers face off about compensation for pitching in around the house.
"Your Judgement Made A Difference," Said No One Ever.
We focus on points of differentiation, creating distance, hostility, and loneliness in an already draining parenting culture.
How Parenting and Politics Challenge My Inner-Introvert
After years of fighting my shyness, I thought I had come to a happy medium, but two new issues arose that challenged my inner introvert: Parenting and Politics.
Questioning Taboos: A Pregnant Economist Walks Into a Bar
If there's one question that should teach you to stop googling for parenting advice, it's "Can I drink while pregnant?"
10 Simple Ways to Build an Unbreakable Bond With Your Child
You’re likely already engaging with your child in activities that promote a strong parent-child relationship.
What Breastfeeding Moms Should Know Before Smoking Pot
Many states have legalized marijuana and its use among pregnant women is making headlines. What happens when those women decide to breastfeed?
A Different Kind of Reader: Parenting a Child With Dyslexia
According to the International Dyslexia Association, 15 to 20 percent of people have a language-based disability.
What to Consider When Choosing a Martial Arts School for Your Child
Many parents think about putting their children in a martial arts program, but choosing the right one can be difficult.
The Question From My Five-Year-Old Daughter That Froze Me
The weight of her question hit my heart like Thor's Hammer, shattering ribs and going straight for the kill.
I am a whole lot of things that I never thought I would be. I am a stay-at-home-mom. After earning a Master’s Degree in teaching and spending nine years in a special education classroom, I gave it ...
Stay Home or Return to Work: What's Your X Factor?
The X factor exists, in a unique form, for every family puzzling how to successfully support themselves financially and emotionally.
5 Backpacks Meant for Grueling Hikes, But Work Better as Diaper Bags
With a speedy toddler, I gave up looking at bags geared towards parents and went straight to the world of bags for travelers, trekkers, hikers, and campers.
What This Teacher Learned About Homework After Having Kids
I felt like an accomplished educator as kids filled every box of their agendas with a night of learning fun each and every day. I was so stupid.
A Letter to My Daughter’s Imaginary Friend
I wasn’t sure you were good for my daughter you see. No offense, but I wasn’t convinced I wanted her hanging around with you.
3 Ways I Promote a Healthy Body Image in My Daughter
To me, one of the most important aspects of molding my daughter's feminine identity is promoting a healthy body image.
Looking for Happiness? There’s an App for That
What makes us happy? For centuries, people have been trying to understand the source of this erratic, fleeting, yet most desirable condition of human existence. The quest for happiness is so centra...
How Reading Impacts Your Kid's Brain
Beyond boosting their learning potential, parent-child reading also has health benefits, says a recent study. Reading changes their brains for the better.