Family Life

5 Parenting Habits Our Kids Will Probably Call Us Out On (And What to Do Instead)

Parent listening to child during a calm conversation at home

Let’s be honest: every generation of kids eventually grows up and says some version of, “Why did you do that?” Sometimes they’re right. Sometimes they’re dramatic. But usually… there’s a little truth sitting under the eye-roll. This article isn’t here to shame parents. Parenting is hard, and most of us are doing the best we […]

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How to Move from Controlling Screens to Teaching Digital Self-Control

Parent guiding child to use screens responsibly at home while controlling screens

If you’ve ever found yourself counting screen minutes, negotiating “five more minutes,” or hiding the remote just to keep the peace, you’re not alone. Most parents start out trying to control screens because, honestly, it feels like the only option. But here’s the quiet truth many of us discover the hard way:You can’t monitor your

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Evidence-Based vs. TikTok Parenting Advice: How to Tell What Actually Helps (and What to Skip)

Parent scrolling social media while thinking about which parenting advice to trust

Image by wayhomestudio on Freepi If you’re a parent on the internet, you’ve probably learned at least something from TikTok. A quick bedtime trick. A clever way to stop tantrums. A “one sentence that will make your child listen instantly.” And sometimes? Those videos really do help. But sometimes they leave you feeling confused, guilty,

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What to Do When You and Your Partner Have Different Parenting styles

A candid shot of two parents quietly discussing plans at the kitchen counter while a child plays nearby. Real, a bit lived-in.

Let’s be honest: parenting is hard enough when you agree on everything. When one of you is more “rules and routines” and the other is more “go with the flow,” it can feel like you’re playing for two different teams. You’re not. You both care about the same kid, you just come at it differently.

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Lighthouse Parenting vs. Helicoptering: How to Find the Calm Middle

Parent guiding child with lighthouse in view, symbolising calm structure and independence.

If “helicopter” sounds smothering and “hands-off” sounds scary, lighthouse parenting might be your sweet spot. You are present and steady—visible from shore—but you are not in the boat grabbing the wheel. You set the boundaries, signal danger, and let your child learn to navigate. Below is a grounded, research-backed guide with practical examples you can

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The Hidden Costs of AI as a Parenting Sidekick

A parent looking at a tablet or smart speaker with a thoughtful expression while their child is nearby.

Using AI tools like chatbots, smart assistants, learning apps can feel so helpful. But like any tool, there are trade‑offs. It’s good to know what they are so you can avoid the pitfalls. I pulled together research and expert insight to show the less obvious downsides because smart parenting isn’t just about what helps, but

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When Consequences Make Kids Cry: How to Handle Big Feelings Without Feeling Like the Bad Guy

How to Handle Big Feelings

The parent of a 12-year-old recently shared this on Reddit, and it’s the kind of thing that will make any parent pause (and maybe laugh a little): “I had to take screens away today and my son started arguing. I raised my voice because he wouldn’t stop interrupting me, and he said, ‘Now you’re yelling

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Tired of Yelling? Try These 10 Positive Discipline Strategies That Really Work

positive parenting moments

As parents, we all have moments when our patience is tested. Whether it’s a toddler throwing a tantrum in the cereal aisle or a preteen talking back at the dinner table, discipline is one of the biggest challenges in parenting. But here’s the good news: discipline doesn’t have to mean punishment. In fact, yelling and

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How to Start New Family Traditions That Boost Connection

A mother and daughters celebrate Kwanzaa with candles, symbolizing unity and joy.

You know those little things families do—Friday pizza nights, birthday breakfast in bed, matching jammies at Christmas? They might seem simple, but they’re actually doing something really powerful: building connection. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to what you already do, creating family traditions is one of the easiest (and most meaningful) ways to

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How to Plan a Screen-Free Weekend That Kids Will Love

fun screen-free activities for kids

Hey there, tired-of-the-tablet parent, Let’s talk about something that’s on all our minds: screen time. We’ve all been there—your toddler’s watching Cocomelon for the third time before noon, or your preteen won’t look up from their game console long enough to eat lunch. Sound familiar? Well, let’s share some ideas on screen-free activities for kids.

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