Why I Let My Kids See My Sadness Now (After Hiding It for Years)
“I will not teach or love or show you anything perfectly, but I will let you see me, and I will always hold sacred the gift of seeing you—truly, deeply, seeing you.” ~Brené Brown The first time my kids saw me truly cry was Christmas of 2021. My oldest was sixteen, and my youngest was twelve. […]
Growth Mindset: Parenting for Possibility
Emotions Coaching and Growth Mindset Dr. John Gottman’s approach of emotion coaching dovetails nicely with the concept of growth mindset. Emotion coaching is about helping your child recognize their feeling, naming the emotion, showing empathy and limit setting. When your child is frustrated, overwhelmed, or upset, you might want to fix the problem quickly or […]
Parenting a Child With Pathological Demand Avoidance
I work with many parents who suspect their child might have pathological demand avoidance (PDA). They are overwhelmed and report difficulty finding health care professionals who understand their experiences. What Is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? PDA is a pattern of behavior that occurs in some children and adults with neurodiverse presentations, such as autism, ADHD, […]
Teen Sleep Is Affected Not Just by Parenting, but by Policy
Australia recently announced a ban on social media use for kids under 16, citing concerns about Mental health and online safety. But there’s another issue at stake—sleep. Teenagers’ late-night screen use has quietly become one of the biggest barriers to healthy development. The consequences of teen sleep loss are serious Sleep-deprived teens face higher risks […]
4 Parenting Lessons I Didn’t Learn in Graduate School
I spent nearly a decade in various professional roles that led me to believe I was a “child expert” before ever becoming a parent myself. Before becoming a mother, I had values and expectations that felt thoughtful and well-intentioned, but then I experienced what I can only describe as aggressive humbling from the moment I […]
Our Favorite Parenting Books of 2025
Parents and people who support parents and families recognize that while parenting has its highs, stress among parents is also ubiquitous. They are seeking ideas and tips to help parents navigate the lows, and strategies for nurturing their well-being. Our favorite parenting books of 2025 provide scientific insights to support the resilience and flourishing of […]
When the Holidays Meet Complex Sorrow Parenting
It was a holiday. Outside, children spilled into yards and streets, running with sparklers, calling to each other, their laughter cutting through the warm air. Families gathered on porches. Everyone was celebrating. My son was not outside. He lay in bed, in a darkened room, unable to tolerate the noise, the light, the movement of […]
What Panic Taught Me About My Parenting
A few summers ago, my daughter went camping on an island with friends. Normally, she lets me know when she’s traveling and when she arrives—a quick text, a photo from the road, or what our family calls “destination calling.” When my kids first started venturing around New York City on their own, I asked them […]
If Parenting Feels Hazardous to Your Health, Try This
The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a warning that startled millions of people, claiming that parenting can be hazardous to your health. My understanding of the report is that he finds the hazards to be the deleterious impact of stress, social isolation, and financial strain. This was compounded by a powerful March 2025 essay in […]
Our Favorite Parenting Books of 2024
Parents and practitioners caring for parents are always looking for ways to foster deeper connections between parents and their children and teens, and to help parents and kids navigate societal stress and strain. Our favorite parenting books of 2024 provide parents and people who support parents with scientific insights and guidance on how to cultivate […]