The unknowing way we fail our children. One of my closest friends frequently talks about wishing she could have a “do-over” as a parent. Her grown children are highly accomplished—two are lawyers, and another is the CEO of a corporation. Despite their achievements, however, my friend is convinced that she made mistakes by monitoring and… Read More
Understand the difference between showing up for and overprotecting your child. Part of growing up is learning how to handle uncomfortable situations and setbacks. This is how children become confident, independent adults. But overly protective parenting can reactively deliver children from challenging circumstances that help them develop and mature. Call it what you will—“helicopter,” always… Read More
Could the right incentive convince you to have a baby, or another baby? Despite changing norms around family planning and parenthood, the stereotype that “two children make a family” remains deeply entrenched, with many families saying it is still their preference. Yet, birth rates in the U.S. and other countries continue to decline, approaching record… Read More
We are living in a new era, one in which family as we knew it (mom, dad, 2 kids) is being redefined in myriad ways by changed social and economic factors. Today’s parents are re-defining family. Across the United States, and in countries such as England, France, China, Korea, and Canada, one-child households have become… Read More
Most parents agree that family dinner is important and should be a priority—even as we struggle to find time and too often end up eating dinner on the road or in front of a TV or tablet some nights. Research finds that families are less stressed, function better, that kids tend to eat better, and… Read More
PHOTO Credit: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash The influences on mothers today are mostly ingrained from their own childhood memories and abetted by comments on social media, from friends, and other women in your child’s playgroups. The result for many women is a constant striving to be the perfect mother. This likely means bending to the opinions and… Read More
PHOTO Credit: Marcin Jozwiak/Unsplash Even though more and more families stop after having one child, many debate having second, third or more children. The decision tends to be based on practical factors–finances, career goals, living space—with a modicum of focus on how children affect your happiness. Laurie Santos, professor of psychology at Yale University, explained… Read More
For years, our family had “Ralph” in all his plush furry glory. He was our secret sauce for building the children’s memories. How children remember differs by their age and the “ingredients” parents need to use… Read More