Parenting

The postpartum sundown scaries: Why nighttime anxiety hits new moms so hard

Arin Schultz for Naturepedic

Naturepedic reports that new moms often experience "sundown scaries," a wave of anxiety and dread that intensifies at night due to disrupted sleep and hormonal changes.

The Kid Whisperer: How to remain calm and in charge at home and at school

Scott Ervin, Tribune News Service

Dear Kid Whisperer, I am struggling with my calm signal by itself being enough to stop me from raising my voice. I was successful for a while with it at school with my fourth-graders. I alternate between “Oh dear” and “Oh boy” as my calm signals. Near the end of the year, my students were st…

Families are reading to preschoolers less often since the pandemic

Beki San Martin Detroit Free Press

Researchers said this is cause for concern considering the major effect parent reading with young kids has on outcomes such as language development and literacy.

How much does it cost to raise a child in 2026?

Loraine Hillyer for Hometap

Hometap reports the cost of raising a child in the U.S. has surpassed $300,000, increasing 28% in three years, impacting family budgets and planning.

Co-parenting? How to create healthier digital boundaries across two homes

Bea Moise, BCCS for Verizon’s Parenting in a Digital World

Verizon’s Parenting in a Digital World reports co-parenting can create digital boundary conflicts, stressing the importance of alignment on screen time and device rules.

More states are putting panic alarms in schools

Robbie Sequeira Stateline.org

Three states this year have enacted laws that require or allow schools to use mobile, wearable, wireless or silent panic alarms to quickly summon emergency responders.

Funding your dream playground

Brett Kidd for Little Tikes Commercial

Little Tikes Commercial reports that funding a dream playground requires thoughtful planning and creative strategies.

What to expect when your baby comes home from the NICU

Aeroflow Breastpumps reports on the transition from NICU to home, highlighting unique care needs, infection prevention, feeding plans, and mental health support.

Too sick for school? How to make the call in 4 minutes

Doctronic reports that when deciding if a child should stay home from school, ask three key questions about fever, ability to participate, and contagion risk.

The Kid Whisperer: How to put an end to arguing in your classroom

Dear Kid Whisperer, I have come up against a behavior with my eighth-grade students that I don’t know what to do with. And this behavior has multiplied in one of my class periods to the point that it puts a stop to all instruction almost every day. I call it strategic arguing. I have four students in my fifth period class who have realized that they can stop me from teaching if they argue with ...

US refusals of crucial newborn vitamin spike, raising risk of dangerous bleeding

The percentage of parents and caregivers refusing a standard vitamin K shot for infants at birth has accelerated sharply this year, putting more newborns at risk of life-threatening bleeding episodes.

The Kid Whisperer: How to deal with a kid who won’t take ‘no’ for an answer

Dear Kid Whisperer, I have a nagging 5-year-old who won’t take “no” for an answer. I have done my best to turn off my brain and repeat the same line over and over, but I think it’s time for a consequence since he keeps nagging me and won’t stop. I’m just not sure what the consequence should be. Any suggestions? Answer: Great work using excellent interventions, and great work realizing that if ...

How much income do you need to afford daycare in 2026?

ConsumerAffairs found annual toddlercare costs more than average in-state tuition at a four-year public college in 37 states.

Dolly Parton leaves a lasting global literacy legacy

Dolly Parton has built a lasting legacy through her global efforts to promote childhood literacy. Her Imagination Library has helped provide millions of free books to children, encouraging young readers and supporting families around the world.