How to say ‘no’—and get them to listen

Saying “no” is essential in parenting. But setting limits shouldn’t start and end with that one word. As a certified child life specialist and licensed therapist, I know that saying “no” is meant to help kids feel safe, supported, and understood. I often help kids understand: “Your parents aren’t saying ‘no’ to control you, they’re […]

How Claire’s decision to be ‘one and done’ was rocked by divorce

After a traumatic birth with her son Brodie that led to chronic health issues, Claire Jackson had embraced being “one and done”. “I could not fathom putting my body or mental health through [having] another child,” the 41-year-old Scottish expat living in Adelaide/Tarntanya says. “We had just come out the back of the pandemic, a […]

People-pleasing kids can become unhappy adults—how to fix it

Agreeable kids may seem convenient. They’re more likely to let their parents tie their shoes, apply sunscreen or eat their vegetables without fuss. But if kids only comply with rules to make their parents happy, they’re more likely to become anxious, burnt out adults, child psychologist Becky Kennedy said at the Fast Company Innovation Festival […]

How to Properly Clean a Kid’s. Car Seat (2025)

Car seats are there for a lot: every traffic-induced meltdown, every spilled juice box, every road trip nap. Most importantly, they save lives. But while it’s tempting to treat them like any other piece of kid gear when messes strike, they’re not just another item you can toss in the wash. They’re precision-built safety devices, […]

How to determine if your kid is well enough for child care

Work demands and a lack of village mean keeping a child at home from care every time they have a sniffle can be a dilemma for many parents. And with sickness so easily spread in childcare settings, it’s a decision caregivers are regularly faced with — especially in the first year or two. “Parents have […]

How I get my kids to listen—in 5 seconds or less

Recently, I was talking to my two middle-school sons about the importance of listening the first time they’re asked to do something, especially when it really matters. But before I got far, my oldest interrupted, rolling his eyes: “Bruh, it’s not that deep.” “FYI, I’m not your bruh,” I replied. The exchange reminded me of […]

How to Babyproof Your Home (2025)

As a new parent myself, I can tell you unequivocally that when babies become mobile, the world becomes their playground. Coffee tables become climbing gyms, cabinets become treasure troves, and phone chargers become rope toys. Babyproofing your home isn’t about bubble-wrapping your life; it’s about thinking like a young mind and getting one step ahead […]