we have to talk about
The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:
The trend of reporting nannies in online mom groups and how it costs some great nannies their livelihoods. Remember: One snap doesn’t tell a whole story.
How over 675,000 cans of formula are being recalled because of another alleged contamination. So far, no illnesses have been reported.
The red flags people in other countries notice about raising kids in America. Plus, how the US economy may be dictating the way we parent.
How one celeb mom pumped at Disneyland Paris, one got flight-shamed with her baby, and another felt like a different person after giving birth. They’re just like us, for real.
What this chef feeds her toddler. The menu includes buckwheat and bok choy.
ask an expert
Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:
How can I encourage my kid to play independently?
FEATURED EXPERT:
Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD
Pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and chairperson of the Council on Early Childhood at the American Academy of Pediatrics
All types of play are important, but playing by themself can help develop your child’s creativity and ability to overcome challenges. It can also help them be, well, independent, says Navsaria. He adds that independent play can start as young as right after birth.
His tips to encourage i-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t play:
Take a step back: Even if it doesn’t look like they’re playing. Navsaria says that independent play can look like an infant gazing at a hanging mobile or mouthing a board book. He says, “A happy child who is interested in and engaged in their environment isn’t being neglected — so don’t feel like you need to be engaging them in play all the time.”
Set them up for success: Some children will play on their own without your assistance. “Others will need a little help — perhaps toys or other objects that will help fuel their own play,” Navsaria says. You can also try giving some encouragement, like playing with them for longer periods so they get used to leading play.
Prompt them: This could look like asking them to develop their own storyline or asking them questions about what they think should happen next in the story.
research says
Black Youth Report Experiencing PTSD Symptoms From Online Racism
A new study found that Black kids and teens exposed to online racism may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. According to NBC, researchers (using data collected in 2020) analyzed racist messages or memes directed individually to 525 Black youth between the ages of 11 and 19. Kids reported that the content made them feel isolated or on guard, and some started having intrusive thoughts. Kids reported significant PTSD symptoms.
Experts say that parents can help their children experiencing online racism by:
Having an open and ongoing conversation to discuss what’s happening to them.
Helping them develop healthy responses ahead of time.
Using positive affirmations about their identity so they don’t accept the racist comments.
Teaching them about their community’s history of resilience, and helping them connect to that community.
Validating their child’s feelings. Give them space to vent and feel upset about what’s happening to them.
relatable
“Be kind, for you never know how many dad jokes someone may have had to listen to today”
– @mom_tho says on X. Dads, stop pun-ishing us.
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