Parenting

What it’s like to parent when you have agoraphobia

What it’s like to parent when you have agoraphobia

Before having kids, my agoraphobia affected no one but me. But as a mother, I couldn't ignore how my mental illness was impacting my kids lives.

Brianna Bell

5 amazing ways that unschooling develops children’s creativity

5 amazing ways that unschooling develops children’s creativity

In Unschooling to University, parenting expert and author Judy Arnall argues that prescribed curriculum kills creativity, while free play promotes it.

Judy Arnall

The pain of being a part-time parent

The pain of being a part-time parent

Because I share custody with my ex-husband, balance is built into my life. But every time the kids go to their dad’s, my heart breaks and I want them back.

Suzanne Hayes

My husband joined me on maternity leave to help with our new baby, but honestly? It wasn't great

My husband joined me on maternity leave to help with our new baby, but honestly? It wasn't great

Most moms would feel lucky to have their partner at home to help out, but sharing mat leave with my husband wasn’t as wonderful as I thought it would be.

Lisa Scott

How social media hashtags put your kids in danger—both online and offline

How social media hashtags put your kids in danger—both online and offline

Hashtags can be a great way to rack up likes and boost your social presence, but they can also make your kids vulnerable to child predators.

Natalie Harmsen

Your desire for your kid to achieve could be majorly affecting their mental health

Your desire for your kid to achieve could be majorly affecting their mental health

But it's not easy to scale back your expectations. Here are some ways to tone down the high pressure parenting and still encourage your kids to do well.

Vanessa Milne

How to stop your child's whining

How to stop your child's whining

The most effective way to encourage preschoolers to speak in their big-kid voices.

Erin Phelan

When should a kid learn about consent?

When should a kid learn about consent?

Teaching kids how to give, receive and understand consent is crucial. It’s about way more than just “no means no,” and the conversation should start far sooner than you might expect.

Sarah Liss

Kristen Bell uses diaper-rash cream as lip balm—and other things we learned in our exclusive interview

Kristen Bell uses diaper-rash cream as lip balm—and other things we learned in our exclusive interview

In an exclusive interview with Today's Parent, Kristen Bell talks mom-guilt, self-care, body image—and why she launched a new baby-care brand, Hello Bello.

Kim Shiffman

What it’s like to parent when you’re a Highly Sensitive Person

What it’s like to parent when you’re a Highly Sensitive Person

As a new mom, it was a huge relief for me to learn that one in five people are Highly Sensitive Persons, and that I’m not a big weirdo.

Kelly McQuillan

The thrifty mom’s guide to not going bankrupt after baby

The thrifty mom’s guide to not going bankrupt after baby

A self-proclaimed cheapskate shares her tips on how to spend (nearly) nothing on baby’s first year.

Lindsey J. Palmer

Mothering a child who has only known neglect

Mothering a child who has only known neglect

When I first met the 26-month-old boy I would adopt, my heart sank—the level of neglect he had faced was overwhelming.

Sonia Naylor, as told to Valerie Howes

5 things I wish I'd known before I became a single mom by choice

5 things I wish I'd known before I became a single mom by choice

From extreme loneliness to the importance of finding your mom group, one single mother by choice explains the things she wishes she'd known beforehand.

Jaime R. Herndon

Should schools ban Valentine’s Day cards?

Should schools ban Valentine’s Day cards?

Two moms weigh in on whether or not schools should ban kids from handing out valentines at school.

Lisa Kadane

Booty call: 14 sex terms that change when you become a parent

Booty call: 14 sex terms that change when you become a parent

Lots of things change after you have kids. Ian Mendes explains some of the key differences when it comes to sexy time.

Ian Mendes

25 fun things to do with your kids that don't cost a lot of money

25 fun things to do with your kids that don't cost a lot of money

Playing and being silly together doesn't have to cost a lot. Check this list of simple and fun things to do with your kids.

Ariel Brewster

I wasn’t prepared for the first time I switched roles with my kid

I wasn’t prepared for the first time I switched roles with my kid

It’s that split second where both child and adult know things are different, and it’s a natural progression that happens to us all sooner or later.

Sue Sanders

This mom makes her 5-year-old pay rent for a genius reason

This mom makes her 5-year-old pay rent for a genius reason

This is a plan we can get on board with!

Kevin John Siazon

My daughter is just like me—and parenting her is driving me crazy

My daughter is just like me—and parenting her is driving me crazy

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as trying to parent someone who is exactly like you.

Linda Wolff

How to Support Your Partner After Birth

Postpartum care

How to Support Your Partner After Birth

Your significant other has just delivered your child. Here’s how to support them (and score major points).

Ariel Brewster