we have to talk about
The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:
A new use for AI? Helping parents. We'll take it where we can get it.
The price tag for the first-ever pill approved to treat postpartum depression: Nearly $16,000 before insurance. Unclear how truly accessible it'll be for moms.
Three recent recalls that raise red flags: Tyson’s dino-shaped chicken nuggets, Cosco’s popular activity center, and more fruit pouches for kids. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.
This TikTok debate about washing the bathtub before you bathe your kid… every time. Can my kids take a bath at your house?
New data that shows syphilis in newborns — which can be deadly — is on the rise. What’s most concerning? Almost 90% of those cases could have been prevented.
ask an expert
Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:
Is there anything I can do to encourage a strong sibling bond?
FEATURED EXPERT:
“You want to establish a warm, loving, supportive, and collaborative environment for their relationship to grow within, rather than forcing a bond on them. [Here are] some tips for promoting a strong sibling bond:
“Don’t be the referee. Try to let the sibs work through their conflict independently, rather than quashing the disagreement or trying to make it go away, which suggests that negative emotions are bad and conflict should be avoided. Avoid taking sides, which is bound to increase sibling rivalry and intensify feelings of upset.
“Equity over equality. If some children are expected to take on responsibilities like chores, then all children should be — regardless of their age or ability level. Those chores don’t need to be ‘equal,’ but should allow for equitable contributions to the family’s functioning.
“Promote activities that get your children playing together and try not to interrupt shared enjoyment. When sibs are playing together nicely, allow it to continue — even if that means delaying the next scheduled activity … If these moments are rare, you can even call it out when it occurs and let them know that they are getting extra play time because of how nicely they’re playing together. The labeled praise and positive reinforcement can be powerful.
“Allow for time away from each other. Sometimes too much time together can lead to more conflict and rivalry. Siblings need time apart so they can spend time with friends, pursue their own interests, and develop their own identities.”
self-help
Parent-centered advice, recs, and resources.
How to Juggle Remote Work and Life
Finding work-life balance when you’re remote takes extra effort, but it is possible, says Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D, an NYC neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services. Keep in mind “that [it] may require adjustments and experimentation to find what works best for you,” adds Hafeez.
Here are her tips:
Set clear boundaries: Identify what your priorities are, both in work and personal life. Then, define your boundaries clearly for yourself. For example, decide on your work hours, when you'll be available for social activities, and when you need personal time for self-care. Communicate them to your colleagues, friends, and family. At work, you can say: "I work most efficiently from 9 am to 5 pm. During these hours, I'll be focused on work. If there's anything urgent, please feel free to reach out. However, I may not be able to respond immediately outside these hours.”
Prioritize tasks: Consider how each task contributes to your long-term goals or the goals of your team or organization. Tasks with approaching deadlines typically require immediate attention, and tasks that align with strategic objectives should also be prioritized. Remember to be realistic about how much you can accomplish daily — prioritize tasks based on your available time and energy. (Apply this to your personal life, too.)
Add breaks to your calendar: Blocking out specific times for breaks can help you maintain focus. For example, a lunch break (that you don’t work through) allows you to recharge physically and mentally. You can set an alarm or reminder on your phone to signal when breaks start and end.
Have a "shutdown" ritual: This is the wind down at the end of your workday. It could involve closing your computer, tidying your workspace, or making a to-do list for the next day.
Make “me time” a priority: Dedicate time for yourself — whether it's early in the morning or late at night — to pursue activities that help you relax and unwind. That can be reading a book, listening to a podcast, or going for a walk.
the resource
Since it's gift-giving season, we're sharing our top gift recs for babies, toddlers, and kids through the end of the year. The Resource — and hopefully our to-do list — will go back to normal in 2024.
Parent-Approved Holiday Gift: Flower Garden Play Set
If you’re looking for a travel- and budget-friendly gift idea, check out Cenove’s flower garden toy set. It comes with dozens of colorful plastic pieces to build bouquets, including stems, petals, and leaves. And if you don’t mind letting your kids get a little dirty, they can “plant” the flowers in sand or soil outside.
The toy description says it’s best for kids 3-6 years old, but Skimm Parenting writer Claudia Rupcich gifted the set to her 3-year-old niece, and her 2-year-old son loved playing with the flowers (with supervision). It’s a great way to encourage creative play — whether kids want to work together or build bouquets individually. There’s enough to share.
Bonus points: The set is dishwasher-safe and comes in a storage box you can take on the go.
relatable
“Having a baby doesn’t mean you stop being an athlete. We’re probably even stronger and more capable than we were before.”
— A pro biker on how motherhood has made her a better athlete. Experts call it “psychological flexibility.”
Subscribe to Skimm Parenting
Quick, trustworthy, and relatable parenting info — for parents, by parents. We tap experts to break down difficult parenting dilemmas, recommend products that work, and clue you in on big trends. Raising small humans can be hard. We make it a little easier.