Summer can feel overwhelming to working parents, often taking a toll on their mental health. When kids are out of school, parents virtually have to double as domestic CEOs to manage jobs, camps, and vacations. To help prevent burnout, parents can shift their mindset away from unrealistic expectations and from…
Different stages of development are associated with common childhood fears and child anxieties, like fear of darkness, fear of strangers, or separation anxiety. Kids might feel afraid of dogs or bees, social situations, natural disasters, gun violence, and more. You can help children with rational and irrational fears by validating…
Teaching kids the fundamentals of self-care can help sustain mental well-being across the lifespan. Lead by example to help kids learn best practices; be a role model for positive self-care habits like eating well and exercising. You can improve children’s emotional intelligence by helping them build their emotional vocabulary. Children…
A recent study showed a connection between monthly cash gifts to low-income mothers and enhanced cognitive development in their infants. Financial well-being can contribute to healthy development in children by alleviating parental stress and the cognitive effects of toxic stress. Children who experience toxic stress are at increased risk for…
Nosy pets and inquisitive children can sometimes take a toll on one’s sex life. You can prevent kids from interrupting your fun by locking the bedroom door, preparing an age-appropriate explanation in case of incursion, or just making your and your SO’s private time part of the family routine. Pets…
Stress, poor sleep, and a shortage of alone-time can all be creativity killers–and it’s a rare artist who doesn’t feel stuck, frustrated, or burnt-out right now. But the creative brain is characterized by its ability to widen its perceptual field and invite new experiences. The creative brain draws meaning from…
The human-animal bond is so deep-rooted and self-evident that most scientists neglected to study it for decades. We now know that the loving relationships between domesticated animals and humans are bidirectional, bestowing health benefits on both man and beast. Though only some pets are officially called emotional support animals (ESAs),…
I was talking to my sister the other day (I grew up an only child, but luckily got step-sisters when I was older). We haven’t seen each other in a while and were catching up on life. During our conversation, she said something that caught my attention: “You know how…
There’s a difference between self-soothing and self-care. The former offers short-term relief while the latter can contribute to greater wellbeing that lasts. Self-care for parents isn’t the same as me-time or self-improvement. It’s sustainable, nourishing, and compassionate. Checking in with yourself doesn’t have to feel like another chore, and you…
Whether your toddler has received an autism diagnosis, or you suspect your young one is on the spectrum, there’s a host of activities you can use at home to keep your child both active and engaged. Homeschooling your autistic toddler may seem complex, but you don’t have to feel overwhelmed…
Dads are commonly portrayed in pop culture as oblivious, absent-minded, and detached—in other words, they’re often shown as being incapable of parenting. The laughs are real, but the societal implications are as well. Our favorite shows and media often critique and remark on our social norms and issues. When it…
The mental health of parents can influence their children environmentally as well as genetically. When kids are feeling anxious, it may be time to look at what fearful, overcautious parents are teaching children about themselves. Anxiety is a natural part of life, but anxious parents can model healthy coping strategies…