All posts in Parenting

Jan 24, 2023

What should parents know about melatonin?

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is a problem with which anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of children or teens struggle. Increased screen time and exposure to ‘blue light,’ along with busy school and sports schedules, can make getting appropriate rest a challenge. In their quest for easier bedtimes or more restful sleep, parents and caregivers sometimes look to melatonin, an over-the-counter dietary supplement, to help. In fact, usage of the supplement is at an all-time high, and Nielson estimates sales of melatonin nearly tripled from 2018 to 2022. Here is what parents should know before they consider giving it to children.

Jan 3, 2023

How do I talk to children about disabilities?

Many parents have had the experience of being out with their child when they encounter someone with disabilities. Children are naturally curious and such encounters may often end in long stares, abrupt questions and perhaps some parental embarrassment. Whether it’s a classmate on the autism spectrum, a family member with Downs Syndrome, or a stranger in a wheelchair, parents need to be prepared to address their child’s curiosity and help them learn from the encounter. Here are a few suggestions on how to discuss disabilities with your child when they come to you with questions.

Nov 22, 2022

Should I become a stay-at-home parent?

If there’s one thing parents and caregivers can all agree on, it’s simply that there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” method of child rearing. Some parents can successfully balance a busy career while raising a child, while others simply find it too difficult to manage and choose to stay at home full-time with their child. But in weighing the pros and cons of this difficult decision, remember there really is no right or wrong answer. It’s all about what works best for you—and your family.