Category: Parents

It’s no secret that mental illness has been on the rise for decades. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the numbers are staggering: 1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. 20% of teens ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition. Suicide … Continue reading Here’s Why You Need to Talk to Your Kids About Mental Illness

In the age of constant media exposure, it’s impossible to completely shield our kids from the 24-hour news cycle. Reports and imagery about mass shootings, terrorist attacks, war and natural disasters like hurricanes, forest fires and tornados bombard us on a daily basis on TV, radio and the internet. And even if your kids aren’t … Continue reading How to Talk to Your Kids About the News

For parents, social media can be a great way to connect with other moms and dads, find playgroups and kid-friendly community events, seek support and advice, and keep our far away family and friends updated as our kids grow—but there’s undoubtedly a darker side to social media. At worst, Facebook, Instagram and other social sites … Continue reading Social Media Comparison is Toxic. Here’s How to Ditch It.

We all want to raise kids that are invested in their community, care about the people around them, and are motivated to give back. Especially during this time of year, many families are looking for ways to serve in their neighborhood. And we know that volunteering at a young age has many benefits, like teaching … Continue reading How to Volunteer with Your Family this Holiday Season

A nanny tax calculator* is a valuable tool for families hiring an in-home sitter or nanny. Here are five ways it can help you and their nannies. Estimate Your Tax Obligation This is your share of Social Security and Medicare taxes (commonly referred to as FICA taxes) as well as federal and state unemployment insurance … Continue reading How to Use a Nanny Tax Calculator in 5 Easy Steps

Despite the plethora of information available to new and expecting parents these days, the truth is that nothing fully prepares us for parenthood except, of course, first-hand experience. Those who have traveled this journey generally agree that it was only after having children that the most valuable lessons were learned. That being said, if I … Continue reading 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had My First Baby

As compared to the generations before them, there’s no denying that today’s fathers have taken on more responsibility when it comes to the division of labor at home. But moms in heterosexual partnerships continue to bear the brunt when it comes to childrearing and chores—even when both partners work outside the home (studies have shown … Continue reading How to Build a More Equal Partnership with your Spouse

It’s a moment parents—and kids—dread: The uncomfortable discussion about the “birds and the bees.” The media depicts this cringe-worthy conversation as a one-time event in a child’s life, typically with the parent awkwardly delivering facts about sex and the child quietly dying of embarrassment. But the dynamics around “the talk” have changed significantly in order … Continue reading How to Teach Your Kids About Sex: An Age-by-Age Guide

Break out your best hero suit and mask—it’s that time of year again, and we’re pairing up with Disney/Pixar to celebrate the release of Incredibles 2 on Digital & Movies Anywhere now and Blu-ray November 6!  To make sure your family is guaranteed a safe, healthy and happy holiday on October 31, we’ve compiled some … Continue reading 5 Must-Have Tips for an Incredible Halloween