Why Kids May Be Melting Down at School
Teachers across the country on how to support children’s social and emotional learning.
October 20, 2021
Do I Really Have to Go Trick-or-Treating Again?
I enjoyed a break from spooky szn.
October 16, 2021
The Messy Truth About Teen Girls and Instagram
You can’t blame social media for everything.
October 13, 2021
Moms Are Back to Work, But Child Care Resources Are ‘Laughable’
Yearlong waiting lists, babysitters nowhere to be found, and families feeling the strain.
October 6, 2021
Is ‘Momsomnia’ Keeping You Up at Night?
There is help for parental sleep problems.
September 29, 2021
How the Pop It! Invaded Your Home
Blame a capuchin monkey and pandemic anxiety for the latest toy craze.
September 22, 2021
Why Covid Has Broken Parents’ Sense of Risk
Every decision for not-yet-vaccinated kids feels like an unsolvable equation.
September 15, 2021
The Secret to Raising a Resilient Kid
The ability to bounce back is more important now than ever; here’s how to impart it
September 1, 2021
How Same-Sex Parents Share the Mental Load
For many couples, it’s less about a perfectly equal division of tasks, and more about communication and respect.
August 25, 2021
Why I Need to Hide From My Kids
Parents need time alone, but how do I explain that to my tween?
August 11, 2021
Parenting Through Terminal Illness
As their father fights to live, my children and I learn how to grieve.
August 4, 2021
Why Do Parents Keep Hearing About the Microbiome?
Some companies are marketing baby soaps, lotions, supplements and more as being ‘biome-friendly.’ But there’s reason to be skeptical.
My Quest to Become a Better Aunt
To develop a closer bond with my nephew, I asked the experts where to start.
July 21, 2021
‘Mommy Brain’ Is Real
How to deal with forgetfulness, and embrace your mind’s new ‘superpowers.’
July 14, 2021
There’s No Right Way to Dress Your Baby
Eventually my son will develop his own style, but what should he wear until then?
July 7, 2021
We’ll Get Along … When Pigs Fly
Finding peace with my son in the pages of “Charlotte’s Web.”
June 30, 2021
Raising Kids to Love Exercise
Body positive ways to encourage the joy of movement.
June 23, 2021
New Homes, Pets and Dreams: Big Pandemic Changes
Some families moved across the country and the world, others took to the open road.
June 16, 2021
What Weird Games Lurk on Your Kid’s Tablet?
Huge Kid Cesarean Birth in Hospital? Toddler Foot Doctor?
June 12, 2021
Introverts vs. Extroverts: A Family Feud
Please don’t make me stay at that party.
June 9, 2021
The Lazy Person’s Guide to Domestic Equality
No lists, no charts.
June 2, 2021
When Your Home Is a Hormonal Hellscape
Puberty and perimenopause are a heady combination.
May 26, 2021
They’re Not Anti-Vaccine, but These Parents Are Hesitant About the Covid Shot
Many of them are vaccinated, but when it comes to their kids, the unknowns give them pause.
May 12, 2021
When Grown-Ups Have Imaginary Friends
“Parasocial relationships” explain why you think influencers are your pals.
May 5, 2021
Think Outside the Brunch for Mother’s Day
You can do better than grocery store flowers and a card, can’t you?
April 30, 2021
Why Your Kid Is Such a Tattletale
There’s a developmental reason behind children’s obsession with rules.
April 28, 2021
Why Women Do the Household Worrying
And how to get men to do more of it.
April 21, 2021
Other People’s Kids Are Annoying
How to enforce house rules when you’ve got company.
The Main Reason for Your Pandemic Boredom
It comes down to lack of control.
April 7, 2021
‘I Cry on Tuesdays and Fridays’
Moms are still primal screaming their hearts out.
March 24, 2021
How My Chronic Illness Shaped the Pandemic for My Kids
With the family under extra isolation, my children yearned for freedom.
March 22, 2021
A Big List of Podcasts for Bigger Kids
There has been an explosion of new shows for children in the past year. Here are 30 of the best for kids between 6 and 10.
March 17, 2021
‘Living Paycheck to Paycheck, Living Diaper to Diaper’
Diaper need causes more anxiety than food or housing insecurity for some mothers.
March 17, 2021
Storytime Lets Fathers Form Bonds From Behind Bars
Across the country, inmates are distance-reading bedtime stories to their kids and finding their own paths to redemption.
March 11, 2021
How to Apologize to Your Kids
Everyone snaps sometimes — it’s what you do after that counts.
March 10, 2021
I Sang Through Labor to Manage the Pain
Turns out, women have been singing, chanting and humming through childbirth for centuries. But can it actually provide relief?
Hilaria Baldwin and the Strange Allure of Celebrity Fertility
Why we can’t stop talking about her … whole thing.
March 6, 2021
My 4-Year-Old Is a Destroyer
Here’s why I’m OK with it.
March 3, 2021
Why Common Colds Might Spike When Kids Return to School
Hong Kong schools reported a surge in colds when students resumed in-person learning. Here’s what it means for kids in the U.S., and what parents can do to prepare.
February 26, 2021
What to Do if a Young Child Expresses Dark Thoughts
When the scariest parenting moment happened, I didn’t know where to turn. After months of talking with experts, we’re on the path to healing.
How Food Traditions Nourish New Moms
Parents still turn to old recipes and customs for postpartum recovery.
February 25, 2021
Why Your Brain Feels Broken
Pandemic stress and multitasking can affect memory in a real way.
February 24, 2021
Is the Group Chat Sacred?
Heidi Cruz learned the hard way that text chains can be leaked.
February 20, 2021
How to Make Summer Plans When Everything’s Uncertain
Camp? Summer school? Visiting family?
February 17, 2021
Meet the Women Who Become Surrogates
New York State will now allow gestational surrogates to carry babies for other parents. Here’s why they do it.
Neglecting Yourself Doesn’t Make You a Better Mother
Showering and eating regularly can be a form of self-care.
February 10, 2021
Is My Kid a Hypochondriac?
Or is she just living in a pandemic?
February 10, 2021
An Unofficial Ranking of the 10 Most Annoying Kids’ Toys
“A barn? A keyboard? A phone? What are you?”
Yes, and … Clean Your Room
Improv comedy can help us be more patient and attentive with our kids, and help them be more resilient and open with us.
February 8, 2021
America’s Mothers Are in Crisis
Is anyone listening to them?
February 4, 2021
Will the Stimulus Plan Help Working Mothers?
How President Biden’s proposed stimulus package might affect women and families.
February 4, 2021
How Society Has Turned Its Back on Mothers
This isn’t just about burnout, it’s about betrayal.
February 4, 2021
What’s in Your Prenatal Vitamin?
Doctors recommend them before, during and even after a pregnancy. But regulation is spotty and finding the right pill can be hard.
Why Your Kid Wears Shorts in Winter
While you freeze in cold weather, they have a secret weapon.
February 3, 2021
If You’ve Ever Wanted to Be a Foster Parent, ‘Now Is the Time to Get Involved’
The process has changed during the pandemic, but getting started is easier than you might think.
January 29, 2021
Should You Worry About Your Kid’s Pandemic Weight Gain?
Think of body changes as something to be curious about, not a problem to be solved.
January 15, 2021
Death Was a Theory, Until I Became a Mother
An existential philosopher reflects on the mortality of motherhood.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting the Worst
People who have lost pregnancies often emotionally distance themselves when they become pregnant again. But is that healthy?
January 14, 2021
The Psychology Behind Sibling Rivalry
You can’t avoid fighting. You can only hope to contain it.
January 13, 2021
So You Think Your Kid Needs a Coronavirus Test
Here’s everything you need to know about when to get it and what to expect.
January 13, 2021
Foster Care Was Always Tough. Covid-19 Made It Tougher.
While some child welfare systems have pivoted to a remote reality, advocates say it hasn’t been uniform or quick enough for the country’s 400,000 foster kids.
January 8, 2021
It’s OK to Watch ‘Schitt’s Creek’ With Your Kids
For some families, the pandemic has meant relaxing restrictions on what constitutes family TV. Here’s why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
January 6, 2021
A Cure for the New Year’s Scaries
What is time, anyway?
January 6, 2021
Alone in a Fancy Hotel Bathroom
Parents’ solo-vacation fantasies, hopefully realized in 2021.
December 30, 2020
The Tiny Victories That Got Parents Through 2020
It’s been a rough year. Let’s celebrate the little wins.
December 24, 2020
Moms on the Frontlines
Health care workers are still fighting to keep their homes and communities safe.
December 23, 2020
How Black Parents Survived 2020
‘What kind of world did we bring them into?’
December 22, 2020
4 Things Parents Learned From Their Kids in 2020
Several say the pandemic helped them develop closer relationships with their children and become better parents.
December 22, 2020
Take Your Kids on Vacation, At Home
Keep your kids occupied during winter break by recreating the best parts of being away.
December 18, 2020
Dear Santa: It’s Been a Hard Year
In 23,000 letters addressed to the North Pole, collected through a U.S. Postal Service program, wish lists from children across the nation reflect the strain of this year.
December 17, 2020
How to Get a Fragrant Tween to Shower
And why they don’t want to in the first place.
December 16, 2020
Parenting With Agoraphobia Is Hard. It’s Harder in a Pandemic.
When the virus spread, my family went into lockdown, and the rhythms and routines that helped me cope went out the door.
December 15, 2020
The Restorative Power of Secret Food Rituals
For parents like me, it’s sushi in my car for 15 blissful minutes — and here’s why that’s OK.
December 15, 2020
The Psychic Toll of a Pandemic Pregnancy
Women who had Covid while expecting experienced guilt, shame and unhealthy levels of stress.
The Wild Ways Parents Preserve Their Kids’ Memories
There’s nothing wrong with collecting belly buttons, teeth and locks of hair. It’s just part of the process.
December 11, 2020
My Pandemic Cat Had a Secret
First of all, she wasn’t a kitten …
December 9, 2020
Saying Goodbye to Hanukkah
I lit the menorah as a child, but my kids are growing up in a different type of household.
December 4, 2020
Why Your Child Hates to Lose
How to deal with a competitive kid.
December 2, 2020
What Have You Learned About Your Kids This Year?
We want to know how the pandemic has helped you to better understand your children.
December 1, 2020
My Dad Is Going to Paint His Way Through the Pandemic
It’s how he loves.
December 1, 2020
Thanksgiving Lessons in Gratitude From My Grandmother
Our pandemic sacrifices pale in comparison to her immigrant journey.
November 25, 2020
The Harmful Chemical Lurking in Your Children’s Toys
A scientist tracks the dangers of flame retardants, meant to protect children, and why manufacturers cannot seem to stop using them.
November 23, 2020
Sanitizer for Santa? Families Adapt to a Strange Holiday Season
The pandemic has forced us to find creative new ways to celebrate this year.
November 18, 2020
Am I Too Easy on My Kid?
The pandemic makes enforcing rules so much harder.
November 18, 2020
How Risky Are Indoor Sports This Winter?
Parents are agonizing over whether to enroll their kids in organized indoor sports.
November 17, 2020
Celebrating Light in a Dark Year on Diwali
The Hindu festival gives families an opportunity for closeness even while socially distancing.
November 12, 2020
The Year in Pandemic Parenting
Scenes and snippets from families across the country.
November 12, 2020
‘Mom, Look! I Made a Friend!’
While young children may not be able to articulate the difference, they value deep friendships over casual connections.
November 12, 2020
Are Schools Teaching Kids to Diet?
Many parents are concerned to see what their children are learning about food, body image and weight while learning remotely.
November 12, 2020
When Co-Parents Clash in a Pandemic
Divorced and separated parents struggle to mediate disagreements on their own.
November 11, 2020
A Tough Call for Families: How to Spend Thanksgiving
If you’re feeling pressured, here are a few ways to keep the peace.
November 11, 2020
The ‘Gut Wrenching’ Sacrifice of Military Moms
Building a successful career often means long deployments away from kids and home.
November 11, 2020
My Son Thinks I’m His Teacher
When school and home are in the same place, it’s important to draw the line between parent and educator. Here’s how.
November 6, 2020
The Eerie Limbo of Remote Schooling
A mother fears that her kids are learning less and missing more.
November 5, 2020
Single Parenting in a Pandemic
How the crisis has dredged up one mother’s old regrets and worries about money.
November 5, 2020
Yes, Your Kids Can Play Outside All Winter
Hardened athletes and explorers weigh in on how to keep your kids warm.
November 4, 2020
Practicing Self-Care in Uncertain Times
Sleep won’t fix what’s broken in the world, but it will prepare you for what lies ahead.
November 4, 2020
It’s Not Just Adults Who Are Stressed. Kids Are, Too.
Identifying your child’s emotional and behavioral reactions to stress is crucial, experts say, especially when anxieties are high.
November 3, 2020
Escape the Boredom Trap
No one likes it when their kid is bored out of her skull. But tedium can be an opportunity, too.
November 3, 2020
An Astronomer’s Guide to Stargazing with Your Space-Obsessed Kid
How to find constellations, planets and stories in the sky.
For a High Risk-Mom, Halloween Feels Extra Tricky
Another pandemic holiday means another impossible decision between my health and my children’s happiness.
October 29, 2020
It’s Easier to Parent With a Partner in Many Ways, Except This One
I was my son’s only parent and our bond was strong. Now, I’m worried my daughter and I won’t have that connection.
October 28, 2020
The Hardest Fight to Have With Your Teen
It’s rough for adolescents during the pandemic. Here’s what they’re going through and how you can help.
October 28, 2020
How to Prepare Babies and Kids for the End of Daylight Saving Time
For parents of small children, ‘falling back’ doesn’t mean an extra hour in bed. But the right plan can help ease the change.
October 26, 2020
Forget Halloween. Children Are Frightening Year-Round.
Why little kids have a special ability to creep out their parents.
October 26, 2020
A Brief History of Questionable Parenting Advice
Wine is good for children but bananas are bad, according to the Times archives.
October 21, 2020
5 Ways Families Can Prepare as Coronavirus Cases Surge
As winter approaches, we still need to be vigilant about taking precautions.
October 19, 2020
The Science Behind Your Child’s Tantrums
And how to nip them in the bud before they start.
October 15, 2020
How to Help Kids Open Up About Anything
Tips for creating safe spaces and developing emotional intelligence in your children.
October 15, 2020
When What Parents Are Feeling Is More Than Just Stress
Paying attention to symptoms like headaches, dizziness and fatigue is crucial, now more than ever.
October 14, 2020
Mothers Are the ‘Shock Absorbers’ of Our Society
The pandemic is forcing moms out of work at great financial, societal and marital costs.
October 14, 2020
Who Would Win in a Dinosaur Battle Royale?
A cheat sheet for parents of dino-obsessed kids.
October 12, 2020
The Chaotic Circle of Caregiving
Parenting up and down the generational ladder has become almost ‘laughably impossible’ during the pandemic.
October 8, 2020
How to Tell a Great Bedtime Story
Remember the three Ps: pitch, pacing and pausing.
October 8, 2020
I’m Jealous of the ‘Easy’ Pregnancy I Never Had
Processing the trauma, and envy, that followed losing a baby.
October 7, 2020
Parenting Was Never Meant to Be This Isolating
Nuclear families have always relied on a community for practical support.
October 7, 2020
Single Parents Finding Love: Over Zoom, of Course
Because dating with kids wasn’t tricky enough before the pandemic.
October 6, 2020
Is Your Toddler Ready for a ‘Big Kid Bed’?
Figuring out when and how to make the switch can be complicated. Here’s how to make this milestone easier for you and your child.
We Want to Hear From Black Parents
The Times is looking for stories about coping with the stresses of being Black while raising kids during the pandemic.
October 2, 2020
Please Let Me Terrify Some Kids on Halloween
A socially distanced dad hopes that frightening children isn’t a thing of the past.
October 1, 2020
The Pandemic’s Pressure on Military Spouses
‘We are no strangers to separation.’
October 1, 2020
At-Home Learning, When Home Is in Ashes
How families in one Oregon community are coping with the aftermath of a massive wildfire.
September 30, 2020
Will the Pandemic Socially Stunt My Kid?
How masks and distancing may affect emotional development.
September 30, 2020
When Nobody Wants to Be in Your Pod
How play dates during a health crisis became a point of hurt and rejection for immunocompromised parents.
September 29, 2020
The New Helicopter Parents Are on Zoom
With kids needing so much help in remote learning, we may be pushed to become the parents we never wanted to be.
September 28, 2020
Family Displaced After a Disaster? Here’s How to Cope
Experts offer advice on how to recognize the signs of trauma and re-establish some normalcy.
September 25, 2020
‘Just a Small Play Date’? You Still Need to Be Careful
Experts warn that seemingly harmless interactions with close family and friends may be driving the spread of Covid.
September 24, 2020
My Kid Sold Her Soul to Roblox
It’s my daughter’s main social outlet, and I’m not taking it away from her.
September 23, 2020
These Everyday Toxins May Be Hurting Pregnant Women and Their Babies
PFAS, industrial chemicals used to waterproof jackets and grease-proof fast-food containers, may disrupt pregnancy with lasting effects.
Kids Need Superheroes Now More Than Ever
If Captain America can defeat the Red Skull, a child can conquer her anxiety of a Zoom class.
September 21, 2020
A Covid-19 Vaccine for Children May Not Arrive Before Fall 2021
While scientists are rushing to develop an immunization for adults, no one has started the process yet for children.
September 21, 2020
How to Help Parents Who Are Struggling to Provide for Their Kids
The pandemic has exacerbated the inequalities that already existed. These organizations are bridging the gap.
September 17, 2020
How Postpartum Breast Cancer Changed My Parenting Plans
Looking after two small kids while going through chemotherapy is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
September 17, 2020
As School Returns, Kids With Special Needs Are Left Behind
For special-needs students, trying to return to the classroom, or just staying at home, presents a new set of challenges.
September 16, 2020
Misinformation Is ‘Its Own Pandemic’ Among Parents
Here’s how to push back on social media and in person.
September 16, 2020
How to Tame Your Snack Monster
The pandemic has disrupted kids’ normal snack habits. Here are small ways to bring back a flexible eating schedule.
September 15, 2020
How to Tell if Distance Learning Is Working for Your Kid
Measuring skills, not test scores, is key.
September 11, 2020
In Quarantine, Kids Pick Up Parents’ Mother Tongues
For some families, the pandemic has meant a return to their native languages.
September 10, 2020
Is Staying Home Harming Your Child’s Immune System?
Why exposure to other germy kids might matter.
September 10, 2020
The Pandemic Is a ‘Mental Health Crisis’ for Parents
New studies show caregivers with young children are stressed, with no signs of relief on the horizon.
September 9, 2020
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: What It Is, How to Manage It
Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, PCOS can play havoc with your fertility. Here’s how to recognize the symptoms and take action to protect your reproductive health.
Rising Shingles Cases in Adults Put Unvaccinated Children at Risk
Parents who get shingles can experience debilitating symptoms and pass the chickenpox virus to their children. So why can’t they have the vaccine?
September 3, 2020
We Didn’t Want to Co-Parent a Puppy
Getting a pandemic puppy seemed like a bad idea for a blended family. Until we did it.
September 3, 2020
5 Ways to Get Structure Back Into Your Kids’ Lives
School has begun, here’s how to reintroduce routines.
September 2, 2020
Keeping a Love for School Alive
Learning in 2020 is going to be a roller-coaster of adjustment — here’s how to retain some joy.
September 2, 2020
When the Forms Don’t Fit Your Family
The majority of American families don’t fit the married mom-and-dad model, so why does heteronormative paperwork persist?
September 1, 2020
Does My Kid Have a Cold or Is It Covid-19?
How to decode your child’s symptoms, and advice on when to stay home and get tested.
August 28, 2020
Parenting in Front of a Live Audience of In-Laws
Micromanaging my husband, I realized how much I still craved my parents’ approval.
August 27, 2020
I Don’t Know If My Relationship Will Survive the Pandemic
As domestic pressures mount inside homes, we could see an uptick in more breakups, separations and divorces.
August 26, 2020
The 3 Scariest Chemicals to Watch Out For in Your Home
They’re everywhere and can impair fertility and interfere with child development.
August 26, 2020
This Chemical Can Impair Fertility, but It’s Hard to Avoid
Hormone-disrupting phthalates can be found in everything from plastics and household goods to personal care products. Studies have shown they may be harmful to women’s reproductive systems.
August 25, 2020
Getting Children Flu Shots Is Even More Important This Year
Doctors offer advice on when and where to safely get vaccinated.
August 21, 2020
How to Help a Child With Delays in Motor Skills and When to Get Support
Occupational therapy is not just for kids with disabilities, it can benefit a wide variety of children.
August 21, 2020
Breastfeeding My Son Was a Long, Hard Journey, but We Took It Together
I nursed for 2 ½ years, doing what was right for my family and ignoring others’ comments.
August 20, 2020
How to Handle Separation Anxiety Meltdowns in Kids
The pandemic has made some children even more worried about leaving the sides of parents and caregivers.
August 20, 2020
How to Protect Your Family’s Privacy During Remote Learning
Building a safe digital environment is essential to making remote learning work, experts say.
August 20, 2020
The Monotony of Family Meals Can Trigger Past Disordered Eating
The constant feeding of our children without a break can compound parental eating issues.
August 19, 2020
What It Means to Home-School
Portraits of families who opted-out of — or had to leave — traditional education.
August 18, 2020
A Family Looks Back on Their Hybrid Home-School Experience
Seven perspectives on home-schooling in the 80s and 90s.
August 18, 2020
What Parents Need to Know About Learning Pods
As many schools remain closed, families are seeking alternatives to the virtual classroom.
August 18, 2020
How to Protect Children’s Eyes During Remote Learning
You can preserve your kids’ vision even as screen-time becomes a bigger part of their lives. No special glasses required.
August 17, 2020
We Didn’t See Our Kids for 109 Days
Two Manhattan doctors sent their girls to Singapore while they worked the front lines — and then the country closed its borders.
August 14, 2020
Are You Overpraising Your Child?
All those “Good jobs!” might be undermining kids’ independence and self-confidence.
August 13, 2020
Waiting for My Baby Boy, Worrying About My Baby Brother
It’s hard to savor the joys of first-time motherhood while your brother fights against cancer.
August 13, 2020
Why Your Brain Short-Circuits When a Kid Cries
Their wailing has evolved to be maximally distracting.
August 12, 2020
With Less Breastfeeding Support, Mothers Are Turning to Online Help
The pandemic has resulted in fewer resources for breastfeeding women, but experts say it’s still crucial to seek guidance.
August 11, 2020
When Schools Reopened in Germany, ‘We Swallowed Our Misgivings’
A mother recounted how worried she was sending her children back to in-person classes in the spring. But seeing her son “blossom” and the school’s safety measures eased her concerns.
August 7, 2020
How I Got My Daughter to Take Her A.D.H.D. Pill
She needed to know there’s no shame in taking medication for mental illness.
August 7, 2020
How to Proactively Prepare for Distance Learning
This fall doesn’t have to be like the spring.
August 5, 2020
How Families Are Finding God, Grace and Faith Outside a House of Worship
Parents say they miss the religious communities that were a big part of their lives, but they are finding ways to practice their faith with their children.
August 4, 2020
Why Are Child Care Programs Open When Schools Are Not?
Society’s perception of child care being of lesser quality to education has rarely been so pronounced.
August 4, 2020
The Challenges of Polyamorous Parenting
Starting a family with more than two parents can present legal and social pitfalls. Here’s how some parents are making it work.
August 4, 2020
How to Diversify Your Toy Box
Ways to create a multiracial and multicultural spectrum in a child’s activities and toys.
August 3, 2020
How Families Are Celebrating Eid al-Adha This Year
You can make the festival feel special for kids, without having to leave home.
July 31, 2020
Worried Your Kid Is Falling Behind? You’re Not Alone
As kids start school with more online learning, parents wonder whether they’ll ever catch up. Here’s how to set them up for success.
July 30, 2020
During the Pandemic, More Women Must Miscarry at Home
Some women who sought surgical treatment for miscarriage were turned away in the spring. Experts worry it could happen again.
July 29, 2020
How to Handle Anxiety Over Back-to-School Decisions
While parents may be feeling unsure about school options this fall, there are ways to feel better as you make the tough decision.
July 29, 2020
Families Across the U.S. Struggle to Afford Diapers, Wipes and Formula
Over 56 million families have lost income since March 13, and diaper banks are straining to fill the need.
July 29, 2020
‘The Moms Are Here’: ‘Wall of Moms’ Groups Mobilize Nationwide
The movement that started with a few dozen moms in Portland now has offshoots in cities across the country.
July 27, 2020
Making the Most of a Pandemic Staycation
Families who stayed put in cities during the pandemic are rediscovering new ways to appreciate their neighborhoods and even their homes.
July 24, 2020
The State of Play
The act of playing shapes how our children see the world.
July 21, 2020
A Paleontologist’s Guide to Playing with Your Dinosaur-Obsessed Kid
Paleontologists say parents should nurture children’s romance with playing with dinosaurs, for “Paleontology is the gateway to science.”
July 21, 2020
The Magic of Black Girls’ Play
Game-songs created and passed down by Black girls are full of sophistication, power and cultural meaning.
July 21, 2020
Play Therapy Can Help Kids Speak the Unspeakable
Play is the language of children — which is why play therapy can help kids speak the unspeakable.
July 21, 2020
When Playtime and the Coronavirus Collide
Children are incorporating Covid-19 into pretend play.
July 21, 2020
Risky Play Encourages Resilience
Lacking the usual scheduled activities and adult supervision, children are finding the space to play freely.
July 21, 2020
The Way We Used to Play
A mother compares her childhood freedom to her kids’ playtime, filled with structured dates, piano lessons and tablet games.
July 21, 2020
No, My Toddler Doesn’t Need to Learn to Code
Sales in educational toys are booming, but often there isn’t much weight to their claims of teaching kids science and math.
July 21, 2020
How Play Energizes Your Kid’s Brain
Scientists have long studied play to gain insights into the developing human mind.
July 21, 2020
Your Kid Doesn’t Need to Be LeBron or Serena
Focusing on fun and exposure to new games helps build skills and interest.
July 21, 2020
Where the Wild Things Play
The animal world is full of games. And tucked in among wrestling monkeys, belligerent birds and wily coyotes are lessons for us all.
July 21, 2020
What Is It That Keeps Most Little Kids From Getting Covid-19?
Young children have consistently been slow to catch and spread Covid-19. Experts have a few hunches why.
July 20, 2020
Keeping Kids Curious About Their Bodies Without Shame
It’s natural and entirely harmless for young children to explore. But it’s also important for parents to set boundaries.
July 16, 2020
Coronavirus Tests Can Be Scary for Kids. Here’s How to Make Them Easier.
A nasal swab is invasive and uncomfortable for anyone. For children, knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety.
July 15, 2020
‘They Go to Mommy First’
How the pandemic is disproportionately disrupting mothers’ careers.
July 15, 2020
The ‘Sex Talk’ Is Actually a Series of Talks
Several psychologists and sexual health experts offer ways to make conversations about sex informative and comfortable for children and parents.
July 14, 2020
Meet This Popular Essential Worker. And Give Her a Scratch Behind the Ear.
Children in the hospital lost many of their activities during Covid-19. More than ever, they rely on the contact and comfort of therapy dogs.
July 14, 2020
How to Help Kids Cope With Moving
A move may mean a welcome change of scenery for you, but to young children it can present an insecure world.
July 13, 2020
The Case Against Tickling
Laughter doesn’t always signal enjoyment, and “stop” should mean “stop.”
July 13, 2020
Why We Still Don’t Know Enough About Covid-19 and Pregnancy
More than six months into the pandemic there’s still a lot we don’t know about how the coronavirus affects pregnant women and babies.
Is Sex Dead for Parents?
Finding the time and energy for intimacy was hard enough pre-pandemic; now wanting to be closer to someone feels almost impossible.
July 9, 2020
Meal Programs Scramble to Feed More Hungry Children
The pandemic and loss of jobs have forced food programs to shut down or change operations. Financial assistance programs also have struggled with more families applying for help.
July 8, 2020
Grandparents, Kin and Play Cousins: The Soul and Survival of Black Families
In households where relationships break down, Black families often turn to relatives or friends to keep children close.
July 7, 2020
Rituals Keep These Athletes Grounded. They Can Help Parents, Too.
With stress levels high during the pandemic, every day can feel like overtime. Here’s how to take back control.
July 6, 2020
‘I Am Going to Physically Explode’: Mom Rage in a Pandemic
With coronavirus concerns, stay-at-home orders, financial instability and mounting civil unrest, it is no surprise that mothers are experiencing intensified anger.
July 6, 2020
Dear Parents: Your Child With Autism Is Perfect
Children with autism express themselves truthfully regardless of the social consequences. I know, because I am autistic.
July 2, 2020
Having Disturbing Thoughts as a New Parent? Here’s How to Cope
Intrusive thoughts can be terrifying. Exercises, like distancing, can reduce parents’ anxieties.
July 2, 2020
When Motherhood Means Carrying Life and Death
Parenthood is nothing if not a constant barrage of juxtaposing feelings. My foray into motherhood wasn’t tainted by loss, it was enhanced by it.
Mom, Can We Send the Baby Back?
Parents often worry older siblings will feel less loved.
June 30, 2020
As Coronavirus Cases Surge, Families Struggle to Draw Boundaries
States are rushing to reopen and parents are left to decide for themselves what is safe.
June 29, 2020
For Nannies, Both a Job and a Family Can Abruptly Disappear
Nannies are often told they’re like members of the families they work for, but during a pandemic, they can be let go rather quickly.
June 29, 2020
I Never Expected to Love Full-Time Motherhood
A queer woman who once shunned tradition discovers domestic calm in uncertain times.
June 29, 2020
Black Families Were Hit Hard by the Pandemic. The Effects on Children May Be Lasting.
Setbacks in household wealth and the toxic stress of racism can have long-term effects, experts said.
June 29, 2020
How to Handle a Mom-Friend Breakup
Those bonds forged when you have babies don’t always last.
June 25, 2020
How Are My Kids Still Getting Sick in Lockdown?
Many infections come from within. Doctors explain what they are and what to do about them.
June 24, 2020
Burnt-Out Parents Brace for a Cruel Summer
Eight families on the brink of collapse share how they’ll fill their kids’ days.
June 23, 2020
School’s Out. Parental Burnout Isn’t Going Away.
The majority of parents “have no idea how they are going to keep their child occupied all summer.”
June 23, 2020
Your Kid Probably Doesn’t Have a Penicillin Allergy
Research shows that most kids labeled allergic to penicillin actually aren’t. Here’s how to find out for sure.
June 22, 2020
Becoming a Dad Meant Losing My Edge
And it was worth it.
June 18, 2020
A Letter From Father to Child
Kevin Powell writes to his future child about how to survive in a world filled with fear, violence, sexism and racism.
June 18, 2020
How to Deal With Public Bathrooms During Coronavirus
When they’ve gotta go, they’ve gotta go. Here’s how parents can minimize the risk.
June 17, 2020
When Can Grandparents Meet the Newborn?
With precautions in place you may be able to see — and even hold — the newest addition to your family.
A Sleepwalker and an Insomniac Walk Into a Bed
What happens when two people who can’t sleep have a baby who … also doesn’t sleep? Mike Birbiglia found out.
As Playgrounds Start to Reopen, Here’s How to Keep Kids Safe
Parents and caregivers are weighing the risks of bringing children to playgrounds, where social distancing can be a challenge and hard surfaces are everywhere.
June 11, 2020
As the Country Opens Up, Children With Disabilities Are Getting Left Behind
The kids who most need social interaction this summer won’t be getting it.
June 10, 2020
Readers Recommend a Diverse Children’s Bookshelf
Favorites about race, protest, and non-white protagonists.
June 9, 2020
Anxious About Family Mealtimes? Serve a Buffet
For children, a family-style meal can expose them to new foods, help them feel in control and allow them to recognize fullness cues.
June 9, 2020
The Dos and Don’ts of ‘Quarantine Pods’
It might be awkward, difficult and even risky. But joining a social bubble might just save your sanity.
June 9, 2020
Growing a Family in the Shadow of a Pandemic
Six households weighed the risks of conceiving and carrying a child during the coronavirus outbreak, each balancing their concerns against an uncertain future.
June 8, 2020
Mold Can Make Your Family Sick. Here’s How to Get Rid of It.
The truth about black mold, fungus farts and that goop in the corner of your shower.
June 4, 2020
These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids
The conversation about race needs to start early and keep happening.
June 2, 2020
With Caution and Creativity, Day Cares Prepare to Reopen
Isolation rooms, crib dividers and designated school shoes are just a few examples of the health measures that child care centers are taking.
June 2, 2020
The Hardest Part of Having a Nonbinary Kid Is Other People
A mother recounts the pushback she received from her own family in raising a gender-nonconforming child.
June 1, 2020
Gay Couples Can Teach Straight People a Thing or Two About Arguing
Same-sex couples, on average, resolve conflict more constructively than different-sex couples, and with less animosity, studies have shown.
June 1, 2020
Living Abroad Is My Way of Prolonging My Black Son’s Life
He is not a threat. He is a loving, innocent child. I can’t bear him becoming another hashtag.
May 29, 2020
When a Close Friend Has Doubts About Vaccinations
Health experts offer ways to approach the charged topic when speaking with people you care about.
May 28, 2020
Making Home Safe for Kids This Summer
Experts identify common hazards in the home and what can be done to prevent accidents.
May 28, 2020
I Love You, Kid, but Please Get Off Me
If your child is extra clingy right now, here’s why — and what you can do about it.
May 27, 2020
How Quarantine Has Brought My Family Closer Together
With no weekend sports, volunteering or church obligations, our family connections are flourishing.
May 26, 2020
When Couples Fight About Virus Risks
Should the kids use a public bathroom? Is bike riding with friends allowed? Here’s how to deal with a new kind of parenting disagreement.
May 26, 2020
Children May Be At Higher Risk of Drowning This Summer
The pandemic poses new safety challenges around water. Parents should be ready.
May 22, 2020
How to Protect Kids’ Ears From Constant Headphone Use
Volume is not the only measure to consider. Duration also contributes to damage to our kids’ ears.
May 21, 2020
What We Know About the Covid-Related Syndrome Affecting Children
The new inflammatory disease is scary but thankfully rare and easy to spot.
May 19, 2020
The People Who Miss Our Kids
Teachers, caregivers and even clowns are feeling the pain of separation just as much as our children.
May 19, 2020
How Confinement During the Pandemic Has Affected Spain’s Children
Families everywhere can take lessons from Spain as it struggles to help children cope.
May 18, 2020
Parents Are Relying on Melatonin to Help Their Kids Sleep. Should They?
A survey suggests that nearly half of children with difficulty sleeping have taken melatonin.
May 18, 2020
What Parents Should Know as States Reopen
Experts urge caution and continued protective measures for playgrounds, play dates and family travel.
May 15, 2020
How to Keep Kids Moving (Personal Bounce House Not Required)
Parents are getting creative to make physical activity fun, yet easy, during lockdown.
May 15, 2020
My Kids Are Allergic to Video Chats
Many children are struggling to find their footing in the land of virtual friendships, one that involves unfamiliar technology and face-to-face communication skills online.
May 14, 2020
When Your Kid’s Heart Stops, There’s No Before
One mother knows what it’s like to live in fear of the world’s germs. She’s been doing it for nine years.
May 14, 2020
For Grandparents, Filling In for Child Care Can Be ‘Wonderful and Exhausting’
As schools and day cares remain closed, some grandparents have become primary caretakers.
May 12, 2020
Prayer Mats, ‘Peppa Pig’ and Patience: How I’m Raising My Muslim Kids
Introducing the concept of God is daunting. For now, determination and a little humor will have to do.
May 12, 2020
Oh, Good, the Kids Are Fighting Again
Nobody said listening to kids bicker is fun. But lockdown offers a chance to teach them how to resolve conflicts on their own.
May 8, 2020
Motherhood Changes Us All
The transformation we experience is ongoing and eternal.
May 7, 2020
Does Online Babysitting Work?
Babysitting platforms and start-ups are scrambling to switch to screen-based child care. Experts say it can work for short breaks.
May 7, 2020
The Pandemic May Change How We Treat Low-Income Parents
Will the outbreak shift long-held attitudes about Americans in poverty?
May 7, 2020
‘I Know You’re Angry With Me Right Now Because You’re Hungry’
How parents in food-insecure households are stretching meals and struggling to nourish their kids during the pandemic.
May 7, 2020
An Adoption, a Pandemic and an Evacuation
The Mosiers flew to India in March to pick up their daughter. The country locked down before they could leave.
This Is Your Brain on Motherhood
How pregnancy and parenthood kick neurological development into high gear.
May 5, 2020
Does My Child’s Name Erase My Identity?
My husband and I gave her names that honor our heritage, but now we wonder if it’s enough.
May 5, 2020
Becoming a New Mom With ‘Old Depression’
I had to find new ways to compartmentalize my depression and process my emotions without denying my mental health needs.
May 5, 2020
When Maternity Wards in Black Neighborhoods Disappear
Experts fear that closures will become a trend nationwide because of the coronavirus, devastating an already vulnerable population.
May 5, 2020
Fertility Clinics Stay Open Despite Unclear Guidelines
Many providers have continued seeing patients through the pandemic, forcing them to choose between clients and staff safety.
May 1, 2020
What Rights Do Pregnant Workers Have in a Pandemic?
Here’s how to ask for accommodations.
May 1, 2020
Should You Give Your Kid CBD?
More Americans are using the hemp (or marijuana) extract on their kids, but experts aren’t sold on its efficacy.
April 30, 2020
What Should I Do if I Think My Child Has Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder affects about one in 54 children. An early diagnosis can mean quicker access to the medical, behavioral and social services that a child may need.
A New Mother’s Search for Home
In “This Is All I Got,” the writer Lauren Sandler follows a young woman through homelessness, welcoming new life and the search for stability.
April 30, 2020
Turn Your Demanding Child Into a Productive Co-Worker
All it takes are a few lessons from global cultures that raise remarkably cooperative and generous kids.
April 30, 2020
Prenatal Care May Look Very Different After Coronavirus
The shift from in-person visits to telehealth appointments could be here to stay.
Only Children Are Not Doomed
Some parents think siblings make kids happier. Others say singletons are better off. Emily Oster looks at what the data says.
April 27, 2020
How to Get Your Kids to Treat You Like Their Teacher
Here’s how to create a space and habits that keep kids engaged with schoolwork at home.
April 21, 2020
What Causes Autism?
From genes to environment, experts have identified several factors that influence a child’s chance of having autism. But risk is not destiny, they say.
April 20, 2020
When Did We Start Taking Famous People Seriously?
Actors are giving us advice on parenting and politics — and vaccines?
April 20, 2020
Mornings Are Hard. Here’s How to Make Them a Little Bit Easier.
Mornings are particularly painful when you’re a parent, even if you’re already a morning person.
How to Stay Married After Losing a Baby
The pain of pregnancy loss lingers and can take a toll on your relationship.
April 19, 2020
The Decade of the Parenting Manual
From Tiger Moms to helicopter parents, no child-rearing style escaped scrutiny.
April 19, 2020
How to Tame Common Childhood Plagues
Lice, pinkeye and pinworm can spread easily from child to household, but thorough cleaning and good hygiene can help fight them off.
April 19, 2020
The Rise of Fertility Start-ups
As the fertility market expands, so do the nontraditional options available to prospective moms and dads.
10 Years of Fertility Advances
How a decade of major discoveries has dramatically changed how we think about conception.
6 Things That Drive Day Care Workers Crazy
Here’s what you can do to make a caregiver’s life easier, and improve things for your family.
April 19, 2020
Fighting Vaccine Hesitancy, One Parent at a Time
Programs aim to counter anti-vaccine sentiments with parent-to-parent connections.
April 19, 2020
How Families Can Prepare for a Disaster
It’s easy to think “that will never happen to me,” but natural disasters are becoming both more common and more severe.
April 19, 2020
June 2019: Children Affected by the Crisis at the Southern Border
Recent coverage of the youngest detainees shows how dire the situation has become.
April 19, 2020
What Are Reggio Emilia Schools?
The educational philosophy born out of the ashes of World War II lacks the strictures of the typical North American classroom
April 19, 2020
Can Climbing Trees Replace Preparing for Tests?
Nature-based preschools are becoming increasingly popular. But what are they, and are they effective?
April 19, 2020
What Does It Really Mean to Be 6 Weeks Pregnant?
So-called ‘heartbeat’ legislation restricting abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy has started a conversation about when most women actually learn that they’re pregnant.
April 19, 2020
This Flu Season Is Looking Rough for Kids
Here’s what parents should know.
April 19, 2020
Everything You Need to Know About Gestational Diabetes
A diagnosis can be scary, but you can manage it with diet, exercise and — if needed — medication.
5 Childhood Conditions That Don’t Require a Trip to the E.R.
Even the most squeamish parents can treat these common ailments without ever needing to leave the house.
April 18, 2020
European Baby Formula That Is Illegally Sold in the United States Carries Risks, Pediatricians Warn
HiPP, Holle and other brands are not registered with the F.D.A., but that hasn’t stopped parents from buying them from third-party vendors.
Is the News Too Scary for Kids?
How, and when, to introduce current events to your children.
April 18, 2020
Is There Any Way to Emotionally Prepare for Parenthood?
Letting go of Instagram-glossy notions of the perfect pregnancy or birth will help.
Is a Nanny Share Right for Your Family?
If you need child care part time or want to save on costs, sharing a caregiver may be the way to go.
Mothers Band Together to Save Breast Milk During California Power Outage
As the state’s largest utility began its deliberate outage, breastfeeding mothers found resourceful ways to keep pumping and prevent breast milk from spoiling.
Should Pregnant Women Avoid Zantac?
The F.D.A. has found low levels of a cancer-causing chemical in samples of the drug, and some experts are advising expectant mothers to use alternative forms of relief.
Vaccine Laws Are Changing. Here’s What You Need to Know.
New York is the latest state to end religious exemptions to vaccine requirements as the measles outbreak continues to spread in the United States. Here’s how — and why — vaccination laws are changing.
A Birth Plan Can Help Smooth the Path to Baby’s Arrival
Figure out your childbirth preferences, but also be prepared for plan B … or C.
How to Include Your Baby in Family Meals
Cook the same foods that everyone else is having for your littlest one, and don’t fret about how much gets eaten.
Do ‘Baby-Friendly’ Hospitals Work for All Moms?
Ditching formula, nurseries and pacifiers is supposed to help encourage breastfeeding, but the research is mixed on whether the ‘Baby-Friendly’ approach is best.
What to Know Before Adopting a Child
There are three main paths to adopting. The route you choose will be based on personal, legal and financial factors.
Your 4-Year-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 9-Month-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 1-Year-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 5-Year-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 15-Month-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 2.5 Year Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 3-Year-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 6-Month-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 3-5 Day Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 1-Month-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 4-Month-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 18-Month-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 2-Year-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 2-Month-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
Your 3-Month-Old
Use our developmental milestones to learn what most kids can do as they grow.
April 18, 2020
How to Keep Kids Safe During a Heat Wave
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can come on suddenly; and young children are especially vulnerable.
April 18, 2020
The Trouble With Amber Teething Necklaces
Experts have warned that this popular jewelry is not only ineffective at soothing a child’s pain, but is also dangerous. So why does the trend persist?
April 18, 2020
‘What Kind of Father Will You Be?’
Growing up without a dad was my first lesson in parenting.
April 18, 2020
The Right School Can Make All the Difference for a Child With Disabilities
Transitioning my daughter with Down syndrome into our local elementary school was worth every sleepless night.
April 18, 2020
For Parents of Kids With Special Needs, Summer Brings Added Anxiety
Federal law guarantees support and accommodation for disabled students during the school year. For many families, that’s three months too little.
April 18, 2020
How (and Why) to Become a Foster Parent
The licensing process – and the training, home visits and court dates – can be intimidating. Here’s what you need to know.
All Babies Cry, but How Much Is Too Much?
Babies with colic can be incredibly challenging, but thankfully the condition ends on its own.
Know Your Uterus
Endometriosis, fibroid tumors and structural anomalies are just a few conditions that can impact uterine health.
Getting Pregnant With IUI: What You Need to Know
Intrauterine insemination is a fertility procedure that is typically quick and painless. But success rates can vary.
Does My Baby Have a Speech Delay?
Identifying problems early is key to ensuring that kids who need therapy can get help.
How to Get Child Support as a Single Parent
Regardless of circumstances, a custodial parent is entitled to financial support from the child’s other parent.
Care For Your Premature Baby With Confidence
Bringing your preemie home can be daunting. But parents who have participated in their baby’s care in the hospital will be well prepared.
April 18, 2020
Formula Feeding: How Much and How Often to Feed Your Baby
You should not feel guilt or shame about offering formula; the most important consideration is making sure your baby is fed.
5 Common Childbirth Complications
And how to handle them if they arise.
Preparing for Birth Without Pain Medication
Most laboring mothers choose to use pain meds, but if you’re going without there are a few options to ease the pain.
April 18, 2020
Home Birth Is Growing in Popularity. Is It Right for You?
Start by asking your provider whether you’re a good candidate.
April 18, 2020
How to Sleep Train Your Baby
Sleep training is a safe and effective tool to help babies learn to soothe themselves at night.
With a Premature Baby in the NICU, Parental Support Is Key
Meeting your baby for the first time in the NICU can be jarring. But as a parent, you are a vital part of your preemie’s care and can get involved right away.
April 18, 2020
What to Expect During the Three Stages of Labor
There may be twists and turns as your labor unfolds. But knowing what you might encounter can help you navigate this exciting but potentially challenging experience.
April 18, 2020
Male Infertility: What to Know and How to Cope
Infertility is largely thought of as a woman’s issue, but male infertility can affect at least one-third of couples who are struggling to conceive.
April 18, 2020
Are Essential Oils Safe for Kids?
Some sellers promote the health benefits of these plant extracts with evangelical zeal. But they have few proven benefits and, in some cases, can carry serious risks.
The Sassiest Kid Comments
Despite demands, snubs and straight up insults, they’re still pretty adorable.
Peeing Your Pants After Pregnancy Is Preventable
Stress urinary incontinence may be a side effect of giving birth, but several treatment options can help clear it up.
April 18, 2020
How to Manage a Carsick Kid
From repositioning car seats to reducing anxiety, here’s how to face the stomach-turning reality of traveling with young children.
April 18, 2020
Are My Kid’s Tantrums Abnormal?
If your toddler’s meltdowns are atypically frequent or intense, there might be something more going on.
April 18, 2020
How to Stop Bed-Wetting At Night
Just when you thought potty training was over.
April 18, 2020
What to Do About Your Kid’s Eczema
It’s itchy, irritating and very common. But if eczema is left unchecked, it can become a big problem.
April 18, 2020
Embrace the ‘Microdate’ and Other Couples’ Strategies for Connecting After Kids
NYT Parenting readers shared how they keep their relationships alive after having kids.
April 18, 2020
How Early Intervention Changed My Son’s Life
Free access to quality care accelerated his recovery after a prenatal stroke.
April 18, 2020
Give Your Child the Tools to Recognize Sexual Abuse
Talk to kids about their bodies and empower them to speak out.
April 18, 2020
Navigating Thanksgiving With Your Picky Eater
Why it’s really O.K. if your child eats only rolls (again) this year.
April 18, 2020
Worried About That New Medical Study? Read This First.
There’s more than meets the eye — here are some tips to help avoid confusion.
April 18, 2020
Identifying Red Flags at the Ob-Gyn
For most women, the visit is routine and uneventful. But recent accusations of sexual misconduct have raised questions about how best to protect patients.
Kobe Bryant’s Podcast for Kids, ‘The Punies,’ Is Part of His Legacy
He was dedicated to the youngest generation of athletes, both on the court and in the studio.
April 18, 2020
Can Elderberry Treat the Flu?
Some limited evidence suggests it might help reduce symptoms and duration, but it should never replace the flu vaccine or medical advice from your doctor.
April 18, 2020
Everything You Need to Know About Blood Tests During Pregnancy
They can reveal valuable health information about you and your baby, but some come with more considerations than others.
When Your Parenting Instincts Pay Off
NYT Parenting readers share stories about overcoming parental impostor syndrome.
April 18, 2020
When to See a Fertility Specialist
Seeking assistance for fertility issues doesn’t have to mean signing up for in-vitro fertilization. Here’s advice on when to find a specialist — and what questions to ask.
What Is a Midwife, and Do You Want One?
Midwives provide a wide range of family-planning services, but not every expectant mom is a candidate to give birth with their assistance.
Dress Rehearsals, 20 Quick Hugs: Our Readers Share Their Drop-Off Hacks
NYT Parenting readers wrote in with their experiences of clinging and kicking kiddos.
April 18, 2020
Shower Wine, Dino Potty Training: Your Tiny Victories from 2019
NYT Parenting readers share their wins.
April 18, 2020
Coping with Child-Inflicted Injuries
Readers shared stories about head-butting and healing.
April 18, 2020
When and Why to Get Ultrasounds During Pregnancy
An ultrasound isn’t just a photo shoot but an essential diagnostic tool.
What to Know Before Your Surrogacy Journey
Surrogacy is an important family planning option, but be prepared for a lengthy, expensive and emotional process.
Should You Circumcise Your Baby Boy?
Circumcision probably won’t impact your son’s health, research shows, but a range of cultural and social factors deserve your consideration.
What to Expect from a Cesarean Section
Even if you are planning for a vaginal birth, it’s worth brushing up on the basics of C-sections so you’ll be prepared in case you have to have one.
How to Tell Your Boss You’re Pregnant
Prepare yourself for both positive and negative reactions before sharing your happy news.
Pre-eclampsia Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Pregnant women should recognize the warning signs of this little-understood condition.
The Vaccines You Need During Pregnancy
‘For 30 years, no one wanted to touch a pregnant woman with a vaccine.’ Now, they’re indispensable life-savers for both mother and baby.
How to Recognize and Treat an Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies are relatively rare, but because they can be deadly, it’s important to know the warning signs.
Yes, You Absolutely Need to Baby Proof
It’s a lot of work, but it can help prevent many childhood injuries.
How to Start Exercising After Giving Birth
If you had an uncomplicated delivery, you can get back out there sooner than you might think.
How to Wean Your Child From Breastfeeding
A sudden cessation in nursing can be uncomfortable — for your breasts and for your child. Here’s how to wean your child successfully.
What to Do if Your Sleep-Trained Baby Stops Sleeping
One of the biggest misconceptions of parenting is that you’ll only have to sleep train once.
How to Move Your Child to a Separate Room
Sharing a bedroom can make nursing, changing diapers and comforting the baby easier at night. But many families eventually decide that it’s time for a move.
Is There Any Way to Emotionally Prepare for Parenthood?
Letting go of Instagram-glossy notions of the perfect pregnancy or birth will help.
Legal Basics for L.G.B.T.Q. Parents
The L.G.B.T.Q. community has more family planning options than ever before, but a patchwork of state laws and loose regulations can make the process difficult to navigate.
Have You Named a Legal Guardian for Your Kids?
No one likes estate planning, but it could mean the difference between stability and chaos for bereaved children.
How to Ask for Parental Leave When You’re an Hourly Worker
When you’re an hourly worker, parental leave is seldom guaranteed, but a patchwork of solutions can help.
Your Guide to Fertility and Getting Pregnant
Here’s a primer on how to conceive, whatever your sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status.
The Foods to Avoid When You’re Pregnant
Pregnancy can be an exercise in patience: not only in figuring out what to eat and drink for yourself, but in fielding a stream of other people’s opinions.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum: When Morning Sickness Is So Extreme You Can’t Function
In roughly 1 percent of women, the nausea and vomiting that can accompany a pregnancy can become so severe and unrelenting that those symptoms transcend simple “morning sickness.”
What to Know About Sexually Transmitted Infections and Pregnancy
The good news: Most are treatable without risk to you or to the baby.
Sex During Your Pregnancy
Colorful rumors — like the notion that sex can harm the fetus by “poking” it, or jostling it free like an apple from a tree — are thankfully false.
Morning Sickness During Pregnancy: What to Do and How to Cope
Start with home strategies like eating bland meals and ginger, and escalate to medication if necessary.
VBAC Facts: Is Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Right for You?
Here’s what to ask your health care provider.
April 17, 2020
What Causes SIDS?
Thousands of infants die unexpectedly each year, and experts are working to figure out why.
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Son
A dad grapples with the baggage of raising a toddler whose growth is off the charts.
Facing the Stigma of Divorce While Finding Your People
Divorce can be taboo among South Asian-Americans, but it may open a portal to new friendships.
April 17, 2020
Sticks, Stones and That Word
Teaching my son the meaning of the N-word means confronting our family’s racial blind spots.
April 17, 2020
Don’t Worry Too Much About Your Little Thumb-Sucker
Babies who soothe themselves with their fingers are champion sleepers, and dental problems often self-correct.
April 17, 2020
There’s No Shame in Kids Snacking
Parents often place a moral value on children’s eating habits — here’s why they shouldn’t.
April 17, 2020
Some Babies Sleep Better in Car Seats and Swings, but Are They Safe?
Recent product recalls, and a new study, reaffirm the old advice: Infants should sleep flat on their backs in a crib.
April 17, 2020
What to Say to Someone Struggling With Infertility
Don’t offer unsolicited advice but do reach out.
April 17, 2020
Uterine Fibroids Can Wreak Reproductive Havoc. What Are They?
These benign tumors can affect women in their procreative prime, but they are more treatable than ever.
April 17, 2020
My Partner’s IUI Treatment Drained Us Both Emotionally
Couples therapy has been good preparation for our fertility journey.
April 17, 2020
Should You Screen Your Child for Celiac Disease?
Some kids have symptoms for years before learning they have the condition, but experts have said that screening everyone in childhood may not be the best answer.
April 17, 2020
Prenatal Care Takes a Village
Can group prenatal care make pregnancy and birth safer?
You Can Treat Your Postpartum Depression and Still Breastfeed
Despite improved awareness and screening practices, many women with perinatal mood disorders still go untreated.
April 17, 2020
My Dream of Motherhood Was Eclipsed by Widowhood
Surprisingly, grieving the death of a spouse mirrors the emotional landmines of new parenthood.
April 17, 2020
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Children who are deemed ‘sensitive’ or ‘picky’ might be struggling with a treatable condition.
April 17, 2020
‘Heather Has Two Mommies’ Is Still Relevant 30 Years Later
My daughter started asking for her daddy, so I turned to Lesléa Newman’s classic picture book and it changed everything.
April 17, 2020
How to Make Night Terrors Less Terrifying
Screaming, thrashing and yelling in the night can put any parent on edge, but keeping calm is key.
April 17, 2020
My Childhood Went Viral Before Social Media
As the daughter of a writer who chronicled my every stage publicly, will I do the same?
April 17, 2020
Congratulations on the Birth of Your New Baby! Condolences on the Tragic Loss of Your Sense of Humor!
Why are you glaring at me like that?
April 17, 2020
Meet the Kids With 30 Half Siblings
Families related through a shared sperm donor unite to explore their uncommon connection.
April 17, 2020
Postpartum Depression Can Be Dangerous. Here’s How to Recognize It and Seek Treatment.
The sooner this serious mental health issue is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated. Knowing your risk factors is the first step.
How to Deal with Low Breastmilk Supply
Get help from skilled medical professionals, and let go of an “all-or-nothing” mentality.
Parents, Here’s How to Avoid Doing Battle With Your Picky Eater
Accommodating a finicky diner in the family can be frustrating, but forcing foods isn’t the answer.
Can You Reprogram the Sleep Habits of an Early Riser or a Night Owl?
Every body runs on its own schedule, but there are ways to nudge sleep patterns to better fit the needs of your family, school and job.
April 17, 2020
How to Keep Pumping When You Return to Work
The best approach is to know your rights, make a plan and communicate transparently with your employer.
April 17, 2020
A Field Guide to Taming Tantrums in Toddlers
With the right preparation, you can learn to keep your cool when the screaming starts.
Postpartum Body Changes You Should Know About
From separated abs to pelvic floor issues, what to look out for after having a baby.
April 17, 2020
‘More Anxiety Than Relief’: Baby Monitors That Track Vital Signs Are Raising Questions
After a popular app stopped receiving medical data, some families wondered how reliable monitoring is.
April 17, 2020
How to Avoid the Biggest Holiday Hazards for Kids
Food, fires, freeways and falls pose the biggest threats to young children.
April 17, 2020
The Costly Burden of Day Care and Preschool
A YouGov online survey created in collaboration with NYT Parenting found that some parents are going into debt to pay for child care.
April 17, 2020
How to Clean Your Child’s Stuffed Toys
Some are more well-loved than others and may need special care.
April 17, 2020
My Power Wheelchair Makes Me a Better Mom
Because I can walk short distances, strangers judge me for using a wheelchair. But it allows me to be the parent my active toddler needs.
April 17, 2020
In Close Quarters, a Mother of 6 Battles Coronavirus
‘I didn’t go to the hospital because I was scared.’
April 17, 2020
The Trouble With Growth Charts
For decades, parents have viewed their child’s spot on the growth chart as if it were a grade on a test. But how useful are these diagrams, really, in communicating the state of your child’s health?
April 17, 2020
How to Stay Sane About Halloween Candy
No, your children won’t overload on peanut butter cups. Yes, you can eat their mini Snickers.
April 17, 2020
The Newest Fertility Accessory: A Wellness Coach
More and more clinics are offering deep breathing, meditation and yoga lessons before stressful appointments, but will they help women get pregnant? The data is mixed.
Is It Bad to Take So Many Pictures of My Kid?
Take all the photos you want, experts say, but there are three things to consider as you document your child’s life.
April 17, 2020
How Freelancing Parents Can Create Maternity or Paternity Leave
Parents who freelance should explore state-sponsored paid leave programs early, and save as much as they can.
Finding the Right Day Care Can Be a Journey
Here’s how to wade through the long waiting lists and find the right program for your child.
Your Kid Trusts Humans More Than the Internet
Preschoolers love talking to Siri and Alexa, but don’t take them seriously.
April 17, 2020
Feeding a Preemie Means Swallowing Your Pride
My daughter’s health needs changed the way I think about food, control and pleasure.
April 17, 2020
Is Mealtime Miserable? Try This
‘Division of responsibility in feeding’ is an approach that may help picky eaters and food-fixated kids alike. What it won’t do: make anyone finish their broccoli.
April 17, 2020
Dealing With Interfering Grandparents
How to navigate a challenging relationship.
April 17, 2020
When Potty Training Reveals a Pooping Problem
We thought our daughter simply hated using the toilet, but her accidents uncovered a more complicated issue.
April 17, 2020
How Daughtering Prepared Me for Mothering
I spent my early 20s nursing my parents through their final days. It prepared me to parent newborn twins in ways I never could have anticipated.
April 17, 2020
Two Jobs, Two New Parents: How to Negotiate Your New Reality
Childcare-related negotiations and professional interruptions can be a challenge new moms and dads are unprepared to face.
When Gamers Become Parents, Finding Balance Is Next Level
Video games appeal to all ages, but when do they become a distraction for parents?
April 17, 2020
Why Fertility Awareness Is My Birth Control of Choice
Watching my cycle like a hawk to prevent pregnancy has been effective for me — and, no, it’s not the rhythm method.
Paternity Leave Has Long-Lasting Benefits. So Why Don’t More American Men Take It?
Men who take leave are less likely to get divorced, and have better relationships with their children, research shows.
April 17, 2020
Giving Birth Landed Me in the Psych Ward
Here’s how to recognize the signs of postpartum psychosis, a rare condition that strikes new moms.
April 17, 2020
When Your Friend Is Pregnant and Depressed
Destigmatize the idea of getting treatment, then help her find it.
Your Baby Doesn’t Need to Go Paleo
Here’s how to keep diet culture off your family table.
April 17, 2020
The Heavy Price of Holiday Magic
When you’re struggling to pay the bills, a child’s wish list can feel like an additional burden.
April 17, 2020
The Best Audiobooks for Road Trips with Kids
Five series to drown out the back-seat bickering.
April 17, 2020
When the Baby You’re Expecting Turns Out to Be Twins (or More!)
Multiple pregnancies involve certain discomforts and risks, but most turn out just fine.
The Financial Impact of Parenthood
NYT Parenting readers share the many ways parenting drains their pocketbooks.
April 17, 2020
No, I’m Not ‘Just’ a Stay-at-Home Mom
The mental load of motherhood is real, but my obsessive need to do something “more” can make it feel unbearable.
April 17, 2020
Having a Child After Losing a Child
Less than a year after I held my son, Karl, for the last time, I became a mother again.
April 17, 2020
Episiotomy Rates Are Dropping, but Some Doctors Still Snip
Experts agree the procedure should be used sparingly, but rates vary widely and many questions remain
April 17, 2020
Sleep Training My Child Almost Put My Marriage to Bed
The baby was screaming. We were screaming. Something had to change.
April 17, 2020
How to Help Children Adjust to Daylight Saving Time
The right plan can ease the change.
April 17, 2020
A Weight Watchers App for Kids Raises Concerns
Kurbo by WW promises to fight childhood obesity by teaching kids aged 8 to 17 healthy eating strategies — but is it ever a good idea to teach kids how to diet?
When the Grandparents Don’t Visit
Grandparents can play a vital role in a child’s life, but visits from them aren’t always a sure thing.
April 17, 2020
Exiled From Ponyville, This Dad is Nostalgic
My daughter has cheerfully outgrown her ‘My Little Pony’ obsession, but I’m finding it hard to move on.
April 17, 2020
Why Having a Third Baby Felt Like the Safe Choice
Getting pregnant again allowed me to delay considering a life beyond stay-at-home motherhood.
April 17, 2020
If Food Is Love, My Kids Must Hate Me
Growing up, I equated great meals with a healthy family dynamic. My children couldn’t care less.
April 17, 2020
Parents of Large Families Share How They Get It All Done
NYT Parenting readers tell their stories.
April 17, 2020
Too Much Screen Time? Here’s How to Dial Back
Sticking to a new routine can stop your children from becoming screen zombies.
April 17, 2020
Itching During Pregnancy? It Might Signal a Bigger Problem
Cholestasis is the most common pregnancy-related liver disorder. Left untreated, it can cause fetal distress, hemorrhage and even stillbirth.
How Do You Help a Child Leave His First Friends?
Our move was overdue. But watching our son say goodbye to his beloved day care nearly broke me.
April 17, 2020
‘Graduating’ From an Infertility Support Group?
Expect a mix of happiness and resentment.
Is It Ever O.K. for a Relative to Discipline Your Kid?
The holidays are prime time for overstepping boundaries. Here’s how to deal.
April 17, 2020
How Do I Know If My Kid Needs Antibiotics?
Research suggests that drug-resistant infections among children are on the rise. Here’s how you can avoid overusing these medications.
April 17, 2020
I Gave My Tinder Date Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
This is why single mothers should not date, I thought. But this guy seemed unfazed.
April 17, 2020
How Egg Freezing Went Mainstream
Men could easily freeze their sperm since the 1970s. So why did it take so long to figure out how to successfully freeze a woman’s eggs?
When It Comes to Fertility, Access is Everything
For those who are struggling to conceive, the most fortunate always win.
Families Fight Back Against Surprise Air Ambulance Bills
When a seriously ill child needs air transport, parents don’t hesitate to take the flight. Then comes a bill, sometimes upward of $50,000.
April 17, 2020
Are Friendships Breaking Up Over Social Distancing?
Clashing with another parent’s choices used to be a minor annoyance. That was before the pandemic.
April 17, 2020
Discipline Looks Different in a Pandemic
It might seem strange to respond to misbehavior with support and empathy, but kids right now need “much more compassion than ever before.”
April 17, 2020
Speaking in Mother Tongues
I was determined to teach my son my native Arabic. But raising a truly bilingual child takes a village, I learned.
April 17, 2020
Do Children Soak Up Language Like Sponges?
A pervasive idea assumes that young children can absorb new languages with minimal effort, but it turns out that the science is more complicated.
April 17, 2020
I Do Things Differently From My Wife. And That’s OK.
How she folds laundry bugs me, and how I bag groceries galls her — but we don’t fight about it anymore.
April 17, 2020
Grieving My Mother as I Became a Mother
I’d counted on my mom, an expert on child development, to help me learn to parent my son. The thought of managing without her was terrifying.
April 17, 2020
What’s the Deal with Mail-In Sperm Start-Ups?
Experts say these mail-in kits cannot replace in-office visits.
What We Don’t Know About I.V.F.
And why there’s still a staggering lack of data for doctors to reference.
Preparing for Trans Pregnancy
A doctor addresses the challenges that come with this new frontier of fertility.
For Kids, Marie Kondo’s Magic Falls Flat
The tidying guru’s new children’s book leans on techniques that are unlikely to spark joy.
April 17, 2020
Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Relieve Postpartum Pain?
Maybe. Here’s what to know.
How to Recognize Miscarriage Symptoms and Cope With the Aftermath
Miscarriage happens in up to 15 percent of pregnancies. Why aren’t we talking about it?
Understanding the Risks for Stillbirth, and Coping if It Happens to You
Stillbirth is rare but has a huge impact on families. It’s important to know the risk factors and warning signs.
April 17, 2020
How to Introduce Pets to Babies
Prepare your home and furry friends early on for the arrival of a new family member.
April 17, 2020
When Do Babies Roll or Crawl?
Most parents track their children’s physical milestones, but may not know how much of a delay is too much.
April 17, 2020
How to Feed a Combination of Breast Milk and Formula
New mothers hear so much about the advantages of breastfeeding over formula feeding that it can seem like a revelation to realize that you can do both at the same time.
In Spain, Children Still Can’t Go Outside
Children have been kept in their homes since mid-March as the country battles the coronavirus.
April 16, 2020
Silent Signs Your Child Is Stressed
We asked experts which symptoms may indicate a kid is struggling — and how to treat them.
April 16, 2020
When Your Experience of Childbirth Doesn’t Match Your Expectations
The way you give birth is largely controlled by biology and luck. What didn’t go as planned wasn’t your fault.
April 16, 2020
Parents of Extremely Premature Babies Face an Impossible Choice
New technologies are making it possible for children to survive ever-earlier births. But who should decide when to fight for survival?
What New Parents Should Know Before Tax Season
Here’s an overview of the child tax credit and other things you should know about as a new parent during open enrollment season.
April 16, 2020
Saying ‘No’ Is Self-Care for Parents
Facing parental burnout? Use the magic word.
April 16, 2020
How L.O.L. Dolls Became the Dopamine Hit of a Generation
Meet the man behind the $5 billion toy juggernaut.
April 16, 2020
Did Moms Exist Before Social Media?
How the “mamasphere” went from scrappy blogs to multi-platform personal brands in the past decade.
April 16, 2020
I’ve Never Given Birth – but I’ve Done My Share of ‘Parenting’
In communities like the one I grew up in, nannies are a rarity, but a ‘village’ of neighbors and relatives can be counted on to pitch in with child care.
April 16, 2020
Is Tongue-Tie Surgery Necessary for Breastfeeding Success?
A growing number of infants are undergoing corrective procedures for tongue-tie, but a new study suggests that surgery isn’t always ideal.
Is That Mom in the Mirror Really Me?
Accepting your new, postpartum body can be a struggle, but strive to avoid negative self-talk — and remember that self-care is not selfish.
April 16, 2020
I Always Wanted to Be a Stepmom
Despite negative cultural baggage, I find stepmotherhood to be the greatest privilege.
April 16, 2020
Why Your Kid Wants to Cuddle With Her Toothbrush
Children bring all kinds of wacky things to bed with them. It’s not as strange as it seems.
April 16, 2020
The Baby Names That Defined the Decade
Contemporary gods and goddesses ruled the 2010s.
April 16, 2020
What’s a ‘Normal’ Amount of Time to Breastfeed?
It’s a question that often plagues new parents, but clues from our evolutionary past can help explain why we wean and when.
Alexis Ohanian: Paternity Leave Was Crucial After the Birth of My Child, and Every Father Deserves It
After my wife nearly died giving birth, I spent months at home caring for my family. Every dad should be empowered to do the same.
April 16, 2020
Is It Safe to Take That Medication While Breastfeeding?
More than one million women take meds while breastfeeding their babies each year, yet we know shockingly little about how those drugs may affect their milk and their infants.
The Rage Mothers Don’t Talk About
Mothers are supposed to be patient martyrs, so our rage festers beneath our shame.
April 16, 2020
I’d Like to Melt Down When My Kids Do
Here’s how I keep it together.
April 16, 2020
Can You Flip a Breech Baby in the Womb?
The internet abounds with strategies for turning a baby head down, but only one is more effective than doing nothing at all.
Surviving the First Trimester, With and Without a Man
I’m having my second child with a wonderful partner. But I will always cherish the memories of my first pregnancy, as a single mom by choice.
April 16, 2020
My C-Section Was the Happiest Moment of My Life
Moms are often made to feel ashamed of having a surgical delivery, but I wouldn’t trade my daughter’s birth for the world.
The Importance of the Honorary Auntie
Committed friends can fill the role of family, especially when relatives are scarce.
April 16, 2020
What Causes Secondary Infertility?
When the first pregnancy arrives with little effort, struggling to conceive again can come as a shock.
How to Ask for Maternity or Paternity Leave When Your Company Has No Policy
The weeks and months after having a baby or fostering or adopting a child are a time of enormous change. Parents need that time off to care for their child — and to care for themselves.
Making Friends With Other Parents Is Like Dating
To build up your tribe, go where other parents are and pursue connections without heavy expectations.