There was a time when sharing photos of our kids meant pulling out a phone at a family dinner and saying, “You have to see this.” Now it means tapping post and instantly sharing that same moment with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people. That’s sharenting. If you’ve never heard the term, don’t worry. You’ve probably done it. We all have. That first newborn photo. The missing-tooth grin. The back-to-school pic with the adorable, too-big backpack. Sharing our kids online feels joyful, normal, and honestly… kind of expected. But lately, parents are starting to ask a bigger question: Just because we can share, should we? What Is Sharenting? Sharenting is the act of parents or caregivers sharing photos, videos, stories, or personal details about their children online. Sometimes it’s sweet or it’s funny, and it’s often deeply relatable. While our intentions are almost always good, our kids don’t get a say.…
Ah, January. The air smells like fresh Plum Paper day planners, glittering calendars, and hope. As parents, we often use the new year to rethink our own lives: health, finances, careers. But what about our parenting? What if instead of lofty, guilt-laden resolutions, we tried a few realistic, actionable resets that make life with kids smoother, more joyful, and less chaotic? Here are some practical parenting “resets” to kick off the year: 1. Reconnect With Your Child Even for 10 Minutes a Day It’s easy to get buried in schedules, chores, and endless school runs. This year, commit to one meaningful 10-minute connection daily. It could be: Sitting together at breakfast with zero phones. Asking about the “best and hardest part of their day” before bed. A spontaneous dance party in the living room. Consistency matters more than duration. Ten focused minutes can reset your bond in ways hours of…
Only-child families aren’t an accident, a compromise, or a failure. They’re a modern, intentional family structure backed by strong research and lived experiences. Studies consistently show that only children often match or outperform peers academically, build deep bonds with parents, and develop rich social lives through chosen friendships. As the world shifts, economically, professionally, and socially, more families are choosing one child because it aligns with their values, bandwidth, and mental health. This is the story of why my one-and-done family works beautifully, and why only-child stereotypes need to go. The Landscape: Single-Child Families Are Now Mainstream In Canada, roughly 45% of families with children have just one. In the U.S., the percentage of mothers with only one child reached 22%, nearly doubling in recent decades. A global meta-analysis places the prevalence at 41%. In other words, the “only child” label isn’t an outlier anymore, it’s a cultural shift. Why…
Thanks to TV commercials, video ad breaks, and glossy catalogues entitled “Holiday Toy Guide” and “Wish Book”, our kids are presented with endless ideas about what they might want for Christmas. However, it’s important for them to remember that this is a season of giving, not just receiving. Fortunately, this is an ideal time of year to teach kids how to be grateful and generous to others. Here are some age-appropriate actions for kids to spread joy and goodwill this holiday season. Support local charities Here are some ideas to make a positive contribution in your region: Shop for a toy drive. In the weeks prior to Christmas, charities collect new, unwrapped toys for kids in need, typically at a convenient location like the mall, fire hall or police station. Involve your child in selecting and delivering a toy for someone else to open on Christmas morning. Re-home existing items.…
Every December, without fail, I find myself spiralling into the same holiday identity crisis: Am I a whimsical, memory-making mom… or a full-blown festive liar? Because my daughter is eight. EIGHT. Teetering on the edge of believing and not believing, with one foot in “magic exists” and the other in “I’ve seen some things, Mom.” And here I am, building elaborate North Pole backstories about an Elf like a woman who absolutely needs this fiction to live. Do I think she still believes? I mean… maybe?Do I want to be the one to ask and accidentally shatter the childhood wonder? Absolutely not. I will not be the Grinch who stole her innocence with one badly timed, “Soooo… what do YOU think about Santa?” Avoiding the Family Who “Tells the Truth” Let’s talk about That One Family. You know the one.The parents who proudly proclaim, “We tell our kids the truth…
There’s nothing like seeing your child’s face light up on Christmas morning. The gasp, the wide eyes, the scramble toward the tree, it’s pure magic. For years, I loved labeling the biggest box “From Santa.” It felt right. After all, Santa is the symbol of generosity and wonder. I wanted my kids to believe that he could make anything possible. But then, one December, something happened that made me rethink everything. A Conversation That Changed Everything After the holidays, my son came home from school quiet and confused. He told me his friend didn’t get any big gifts from Santa, just sweatpants, some chocolate, a lunchbox, and a book. “Why would Santa bring me an iPad but not him?” he asked. This friend had asked Santa for the exact same item. My heart sank. His question was innocent, but it carried so much weight. How do you explain to a…
Christmas is supposed to be a season filled with joy, twinkly lights, and family traditions that wrap everyone in a sense of comfort, but for many modern families, especially those navigating co-parenting, the holidays can quickly turn into a complicated mix of logistics, emotions, and negotiations that begin long before the first snow falls. While every parent dreams of a peaceful December, the truth is that the holidays often highlight the invisible work required to make the season feel magical for kids, and it is a balancing act that parents are starting to discuss more openly. Parents are sharing more of these stories at school drop-off, and on Reddit threads that run hundreds of comments deep, not because they enjoy venting, but because holidays in two homes require a level of coordination that simply did not exist when we were kids. This is the part of Christmas no one prepared…
The Myth of the Perfect Baby Timeline When I first became a mom, I truly believed I had it all figured out. I had read every baby book, joined all the forums, downloaded the tracker apps, and knew the baby milestone timeline. I thought I could follow a clear roadmap: tummy time by three months, crawling by eight, walking by twelve. It felt reassuring to have that structure, like I could somehow stay one step ahead. But then reality arrived, and my baby had her own plan. Low muscle tone meant she hated tummy time. She skipped crawling entirely, and she didn’t take her first steps until she was two. Every time we went to a check-up, I held my breath waiting to hear if she was “on track.” When she wasn’t, I felt like I had failed her. I worried constantly, wondering if I was doing something wrong, or…
If you’ve ever tried getting a cranky preschooler to put on shoes, brush teeth, or leave the house, you know it can feel like chasing a bucking bronco. Chaotic, unpredictable, and sometimes downright impossible. But don’t worry. Preschool parenting doesn’t have to be a rodeo. With the right strategy, you can navigate daily routines smoothly, reduce meltdowns, and preserve your sanity. Here’s the truth. Interacting with preschoolers requires strategy, preparation, and precision. Think of it as presenting a high-stakes proposal. You need to choose your words carefully, frame it in a way that appeals to them, and still make them feel like they’re in charge even though you’re running the show. Based on years of real-life parenting experience, here are three key principles to get your preschooler on board. 1. Tone Is Everything Your tone communicates more than your words ever could. A subtle shift in phrasing can turn resistance…
There are a million name options out there; which one is right for your baby? Don’t be alarmed if you feel a bit overwhelmed. Here, we’ll answer common questions about baby names and suggest sources of further inspiration. What are the most popular baby names in North America? Last year, seven boy names and seven girl names appeared on the lists of top baby names in both the U.S. and Canada: Most Popular Boys’ Names in 2025 Most Popular Girls’ Names in 2025 Liam Noah Oliver Theodore/Theo James Lucas William Olivia Emma Amelia Charlotte Mia Sophia/Sofia Ava For more details, view the full lists and rankings for the United States and Canada. Is Noah a girl’s name now? Yes, the name Noah, often with an alternate spelling of Noa, is becoming a popular choice as a baby girl’s name. It’s not surprising to see a traditionally male name adapted into…








