Parenting Articles for the Real Life: Messy Homes, Kids, & Hair
The Hidden Cost of ‘Hands-On’ Parenting (And Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty for Backing Off)
Modern parenting makes you feel like if you’re not hand-feeding your kid organic dragonfruit while running between soccer practice and STEM tutoring, you’re somehow failing. But no one tells you: the more hands-on you are, the more drained, broke, and resentful you become. And the worst part? It’s not even helping your kid. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re exhausted, stressed, and constantly questioning if you’re ‘doing enough,’ this is the reality check you need—because backing off isn’t lazy parenting. It’s the smartest move you can make.
Redefining Parenting Success: Why Modern Parenting Feels Harder
Parenting today feels like an Olympic event, except the rules keep changing and the judges are strangers on the internet. Our parents raised us without organic snack boxes or aesthetic “must-have” developmental toys, and somehow, we survived. So why are we bending over backward to meet impossible standards? It’s time to redefine what parenting success actually looks like—on our own terms. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re falling short, this is for you.
How to Survive the First Year of Marriage and a New Baby Without Getting a Divorce
Marriage is hard, babies are harder, and the first year of both? A Molotov cocktail of sleepless nights, fights, and wondering if your relationship will survive. I’m sharing the messy reality of surviving your first year as newlyweds and new parents. Think crying (you and the baby), arguments over whose turn it is, and a few surprising wins along the way. If you’re knee-deep in diapers and dishes wondering if it’s supposed to be this hard, this is for you. Spoiler: It gets better—eventually.
Why ‘Good’ Parenting Advice Often Misses the Mark
Tired of the constant stream of “good” parenting advice that just doesn’t seem to fit your real life? Forget the unrealistic expectations and embrace a more flexible, understanding approach to parenting. It’s time to cut yourself some slack and focus on what really matters—your unique journey as a parent. If you’re ready to break free from the overwhelming advice and embrace the reality of parenting, this article is for you.
How to Raise Children When Parents Have Conflicting Political and Religious Views
Wonder how today’s extreme political dichotomy will shape your family’s future? Keeping the peace is marriage-saving in bipartisan relationships, and just as tricky in interfaith families. Here are some strategies for fosteringing a positive (or at least tolerable) environment.
Raising Kids: The American Hustle vs. European Ease
More American families are adopting European laissez-faire parenting practices and Europeans are sneaking in a bit of that American hustle. Who is winning when it comes to best parenting practices?
The Sharenting Sh*tshow: To Post or Not to Post Your Kids' Pics
"Sharenting" turns your kid into a billboard for your digital life. Sure, you want to document those cute moments, but is plastering their faces online really a good idea? Is it so bad?
Why No One’s Having Kids Anymore: It's Not Just About the Money
Sure, raising a child is expensive, but it's not just about the money. Today's parents face an overwhelming array of pressures—from managing their child's organic, gluten-free diet to ensuring they're excelling academically and emotionally. The societal expectations are crushing, demanding parents to balance careers, personal lives, and immaculate parenting. The community support of yesteryear is gone, leaving parents isolated. Until these deeper issues are addressed, don’t expect a baby boom anytime soon.
The Invisible Load: Why Modern Fathers Are Failing
Social media has become the battlefield where modern mothers voice their frustration. Women, disillusioned by the promise of "having it all," are now exposing the stark reality of unfulfilled expectations from their partners. The myth of equality is unraveling as mothers detail their partners' failures in meeting basic household responsibilities, bearing the invisible mental load, and managing emotional labor. These posts reveal a movement that’s calling out dads for their sporadic involvement and lack of appreciation. The digital age has turned these grievances into a powerful rallying cry for genuine change in how parenting duties are shared.
11 Reasons Why Their Life Looks Perfect (But Probably Isn’t)
Ever feel like everyone else is gliding through life effortlessly while you’re stuck running uphill? It’s easy to think others have it all figured out, but the reality is often far more complicated. People have all sorts of hidden advantages that make their lives look picture-perfect from the outside. But don’t be fooled — you’re only seeing the highlights, not the messy middle. Behind every “perfect” life is a mix of unseen help, unique circumstances, and a few good smoke-and-mirrors tricks that make it all look effortless.
Weaponized Incompetence: Not Just a Man’s Game
Frustrated that men have a monopoly on weaponized incompetence? Acting clueless about changing a diaper, suddenly becoming unable to navigate a grocery store, or pretending to be helpless isn’t limited to one gender. It’s about manipulation and shirking responsibility, and it’s high time we called it out and used it ourselves.
Family Size and Finances: Socioeconomic and Other Factors for the Ideal Number of Kids
The number of children a family decides to have often intersects with their financial circumstances. It's an intriguing societal phenomenon that wealthier families tend to opt for a single child, while lower-income households often have larger broods. So, what are the reasons behind this trend?
8 Tips for Giving Advice to a New Mom
For those on the outside looking in, offering advice to a new mom can be a tricky endeavor. In the midst of hormonal fluctuations and the profound responsibility of caring for a newborn, well-intentioned advice can sometimes be misconstrued. Many new parents struggle with unsolicited parenting advice, and it can cause riffs in families.