Brace yourself: the top baby names of 2022 are in! The results show that popular names from last year remain favorites for babies born in 2022. In fact, the top girl and boy names are the same as those from the previous year.

Olivia and Liam are the number one baby names in America for 2022, according to Baby Center.

The Top Ten Girl Names Of 2022

1. Olivia
2. Emma
3. Amelia
4. Ava
5. Sophia
6. Isabella
7. Luna
8. Mia
9. Charlotte
10. Evelyn

The top five baby girl names remain the same from last year: Olivia, Emma, Amelia, Ava, and Sophia. Yes, all these names end in “a.”

As for the other girl names that cracked the top ten, only one new name appears on the list. Evelyn claims the tenth spot on the list. The other top ten names are Isabella in sixth, Luna in seventh, Mia in eighth, and Charlotte in the ninth spot.

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The Top Ten Boy Names Of 2022

1. Liam
2. Noah
3. Oliver
4. Elijah
5. Mateo
6. Lucas
7. Levi
8. Asher
9. James
10. Leo

For the top boy names, Liam was almost beat out by the runner-up winner. Noah takes second place, the same as last year. Even the third and fourth place finishers, Oliver and Elijah, held onto their same spots as the previous year.

However, the fifth-place name is new to the top ten. Mateo jumped from 11th place last year to the fifth most popular name in 2022.

The other top ten boy names include one more addition to the group. Leo takes the tenth spot, up from number 12 in 2021.

In fact, Leo is a name that has continued to grow in popularity every year since 2017, when it was just in 48th place in 2017. Could it be at the top of the list next year? Not if the names Lucas, Levi, Asher, and James have anything to say about it. These boy names round at spots sixth through ninth on the 2022 list.

How Is The List Determined?

According to Baby Center’s website, here’s the methodology used in the study. “The 2022 Most Popular Baby Names report analyzes the top 100 names from data submitted by BabyCenter parents through Nov. 1, 2022, from about 416,000 of the babies born in 2022.”

The website goes on to say, “BabyCenter is a part of Everyday Health Group—Pregnancy & Parenting (EHG P&P). EHG P&P reaches 91 percent of first-time pregnancies and 85 percent of pregnancies in the United States. Our baby name data is volunteered by parents who enter their babies’ names in real time, giving us an up-to-the-minute look at what’s trending.”

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Being a caregiver is hard. Talking about caregiving is even harder. And, according to Chrissy Metz, it’s a conversation nobody is having.

The This Is Us star opened up about her own experiences caring for her aging mother during a panel discussion about the realities of caregiving. Metz was joined by her co-stars and television parents Mandy Moore and Jon Huertas, series Executive Producer KJ Steinberg, Caring Across Generations’ Executive Director,  Ai-jen Poo, and HFC co-founders Seth and Lauren Rogen to discuss Alzheimer’s and caregiving.

Just one question into the conversation, Metz admitted she was already fighting off tears. The actress revealed how the long-term effects of a stroke impacted her mother. “It’s like you lost half of your mom,” she said. “Every day is something different. Every day you face a new challenge. Boy, has it been a journey.”

So why don’t we talk about care? “It’s very uncomfortable for everybody,” Metz said.

According to Metz, her role in This Is Us has made the conversation easier for her sisters.

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“Every single day is a different conversation with my sisters regarding my mom. You know even things that my sister didn’t want to tell me. She’s like, ‘Remember [on This Is Us] when Rebecca said ‘such and such?’ and I’m like, ‘She’s using the show! This is great,” she said.

“The show that I’m on is helping bridge the gap, this is amazing!”

What Is The ‘Sandwich Generation?’

Metz emphasizes not only the importance of talking about caregiving but of talking to caregivers—more specifically, the sandwich generation.

“Through my character Kate on @nbcthisisus, I learned how incredibly difficult and isolating it is to be a sandwich generation caregiver—someone who raises children at the same time as caring for aging loved ones,” she wrote. Her television experience opened her eyes to the challenges of such a unique caregiving situation and helped her to realize the importance of having conversations with caregivers.

“The series was a major step forward in giving visibility to the family caregiver experiences across the country, capturing the highs and lows, and offering a model for how to have tough but important conversations around adapting for illness and end-of-life care.”

“#ThisIsUsFinalChapter may have come to a close, but the conversation around how we care for our families should not,” she said.

To watch the full panel discussion and learn how to have these conversations yourself, you can visit the HFC website.

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Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. It’s often the type of grief that cuts deep and sticks around for a long time. In a sense, it never really goes away, it just becomes easier to manage. And while we typically acknowledge five stages of grief, there is a messy, stressful, sixth stage we don’t often talk about: estate planning. 

While it will never be easy, there are ways to make handling your loved ones’ estates less exhausting. We contacted several financial and legal experts—and even our company’s CEO, Kasey Grelle, who has personally gone through this—to get their sound advice.

Handling a deceased loved one’s estate would be daunting on a good day. But amid the grieving process, when emotions are high and brains are cloudy, it can seem nearly impossible. Navigating taxes, assets, and family dynamics can make estate planning feel like the worst part of mourning. 

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1. Prioritize Finding A Funeral Home

Death creates mountains of grief, paperwork, bills, and general confusion. You won’t be able to tackle them all in one fell swoop. Attorney Richard Ricciardi suggests sorting your priorities first. And unfortunately, that means dealing with the body of the deceased first.

Order Several Death Certificates

“A funeral home should be the priority,” Ricciardi says. “The funeral home will not only provide care for the body but will also report the death [to Social Security] so that death certificates can be issued. You should order several death certificates [around five, plus a high-quality scan], both with and without cause of death. Those will be needed to process certain asset transfers.”

Decline Upcharges

Additionally, certified financial social worker Rachel Duncan advises against funeral home upcharges. “Don’t get upsold about urns, plaques—there are huge markups. If cremating, a funeral home will send the ashes in a discreet receptacle. Don’t hurry. Shop on Etsy for something handmade at an affordable price when you’re ready.”

Travel Documentation

If your loved one wanted their ashes scattered in a foreign country, Duncan recommends obtaining a document from the funeral home that permits you to travel with remains.

2. Engage Financial And Other Professionals

Family Lawyer

Whenever possible, seek professional assistance, especially regarding the legal aspects of the estate. “You need to find a quarterback to run point on the estate closing process,” explains Kasey Grelle, speaking from personal experience. “I’d recommend reaching out to a family lawyer or estate planning attorney to help make sure all the boxes are checked.”

Tax Preparer

Tax preparers can be a huge help, too. “A dead person still has to submit taxes for the year they died,” explains Duncan. “We paid a preparer and took the fee out of my mother’s remaining assets.”

Professional Organizer

“Don’t expect your parents to deal with their clutter before they die,” Duncan says. “Some do a death cleaning, but most don’t. In [my mother’s] generation, you kept anything of value. It wasn’t worth fighting to get her to declutter while she was alive.”

“But it was money well spent to hire a professional organizer to help us go through things afterward (and support me in the decision fatigue),” Duncan continues. “Professional organizers can keep peace and sanity after death.”

3. Address Family Dynamics Head-On

Patrick Simasko, attorney and financial advisor at Simasko Law, offers advice closer to home. “Remember, the only thing [your loved one] would want is for their children to not fight. They would rather burn everything to the ground than to know that their kids are fighting over their estate.”

Communicate

“Keep all family members informed and updated on decisions. Often, if the person dealing with the estate isn’t responsive, other family members jump to the conclusion that they’re stealing all the money.”

Be Patient

On the other hand, Simasko says, “other children involved need to realize that it is not a democracy. The one child is appointed the executor or trustee. It is their job to secure the estate, pay creditors, and then distribute the balance in accordance with the parent’s documents. The other children do not have the right to just walk into the house and start taking things out.”

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4. Be Reasonable With Your Emotions

When facing such a colossal logistical headache, it can be tempting to shove your emotions to the side. Lean on friends when you can. And when thinking of her own experience, Grelle remembers the importance of giving herself ample grace while she grieved—including letting go and holding on when necessary.

Skip Attending The Estate Sale

“We had an estate sale to sell all [my parents’] things in my childhood home, and I didn’t realize how emotional that would be,” she recalls. “Someone gave me the advice not to go to the estate sale myself, as it would be too emotional, and I think that’s sound advice.”

Keep Truly Meaningful Items

Still, Grelle is glad she didn’t rush into getting rid of everything. “I remember one of my mom’s friends telling me to save some of her fancy party clothes for myself and my kids, even though they were seriously out of style. I’m so glad I did because now, every time I see them in my closet, it brings back that feeling of love and comfort from my mom. It’s even more fun to watch my daughter play dress-up in them.”

5. Start Planning Now

Death does a great job of forcing us to confront our own mortality. Handling the estate of a loved one is a stark reminder of (and honestly, a helpful how-to for) the work we’ll have to do to sort our own affairs.

Face Uncertainty Head-On

For Grelle, dealing with her parents’ estate “made me sit down and create the estate plan I had been putting off. It also made me think through having hard conversations with my loved ones about death and our wishes so that there would not be any added stress or uncertainty as we all inevitably navigate that chapter of our lives.”

Avoid Probate (Now And In The Future)

Avoid probate—a process that involves validating a will, or deciding what to do with an estate when there’s no will—by electing a “payable-on-death” or POD beneficiary for applicable bank accounts, explains David Reischer, Esq.

“Upon the death of the account holder, the named beneficiary can claim the money by presenting the death certificate and valid ID. The executor of the estate is allowed to use the funds in the account to pay any of the estate’s creditors and then distribute any available funds in accordance with the declarations in a valid will or via local intestacy laws.”

Death is a painful, confusing, and messy path to navigate—but it’s not impossible. Give yourself the grace to grieve and seek out support whenever you can. This is a natural stage of life that, eventually, we’ll all face. Learning how to prepare can make the waters a little smoother, and when you’re in the throes of an emotional superstorm, that can make all the difference.

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Family dynamics can be notoriously tricky to navigate. From intergenerational trauma to in-law drama, it’s easy to rock the boat (and far less so to steady it). When you start adding generations, it can make the tension even worse. 

One way this phenomenon manifests is dueling grandparents. Two sets of grandparents can quickly become competitive, even to the point where they use their grandchildren as proxies in their confrontations. 

Whether you’ve experienced this as a child, an adult child with your own kids, or a grandparent, you likely know how devastating its effects can be. Battling grandparents bring a sense of discomfort and animosity to family relationships, which children can carry with them long into adulthood. 

Dueling Grandparents Is Common For A Number Of Reasons

According to Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston, teacher and parenting coach, battling grandparents are both common and understandable.

“Grandmothers naturally have less time with their grandchildren unless they are living with them,” she explains. “Based on geographic proximity or other factors, one grandmother may have more access to the little ones.”

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“Compounding this may be the relationship grandma has with her child or her in-law,” Johnston continues. “Children are sensitive to friction and can always tell how adults feel. Unfortunately, they don’t have the experience to actually name what is going on, so they tend to stay away or shy away from the grandma who they sense has friction with one of their parents.” 

Grandparents “duel” in a number of ways. It can be as blatant as the grandparents speaking poorly about or to each other in front of the family. They might also compete with who can offer the most gifts, money, or quality time. It can also be passive or manipulative: using guilt trips, silent treatments, or otherwise to express their disdain. 

What Fuels Your Parents And In-Laws To Compete

Ronnie Adamowicz, a clinical psychotherapist, says cases of battling grandparents always boil down to purpose.

“Typically, when grandparents are no longer parents and retired, they need something to live for. Moving their energies to their grandchildren is extremely common and often a healthy, natural stage of their life.”

In addition to craving a sense of purpose, sets of grandparents are also navigating different socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, religions, and more.

“These factors affect the grandparents’ closeness with their grandchildren,” says licensed marriage and family therapist Lauren Cook-McKay. “This can be uncomfortable and cause envy, insecurity, and jealousy.”

While some families might excel in open communication, others are not so fortunate. And if you are currently dealing with feuding parents and in-laws, there’s a good chance your clan falls in the latter category.

How To Deal With Battling Grandparents

There is no one simple solution to this matter, but there are a few tips the experts I spoke to offered.

1. The Only Side You Should Take Is Your Child’s

Johnston offers this succinct advice to parents:

“First and foremost, you are on the side of your children. Pay attention to and find out specifically how this feels to the child and do your best to keep them out of the crossfire. This has very little to do with them and everything to do with the adults in their lives.” 

2. Remind Your Parents Or In-Laws Your Child’s Needs Come First

And in that same vein, natural mothering expert and founder of AllNaturalMothering, Nancy Arulraj, emphasizes the importance of reminding the grandparents of this, too.

“One way to prevent grandparents from competing with one another is to encourage them to focus on their grandchildren’s needs and desires rather than their own.”

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3. Focus On Education And Reconciliation

Adamowicz uses a two-step process to help his clients’ grandparents. The first is psychoeducational.

“Inform the grandparents that this behavior only serves to hurt the grandchild. Typically, this is called triangulation, where grandparents’ animosity ends up with the child being used as a proxy weapon against the other. Children absorb this more than we may like to think.”

The second is reconciliation.

“If possible, have the grandparents talking to one another. The more they communicate and make peace with one another, the more harmony results with their child.” 

4. Stand Your Ground

Additionally, Adamowicz recommends setting firm boundaries (e.g. no bickering or power games), avoiding favoring, and working on healing your relationship with your parents or in-laws.

“When the relationship between the adult parents is healed, often the grandparents’ resentment may dissipate as well,” Adamowicz explains. 

5. A Word For Grandparents

Finally, the founder of FindBlackTherapist, E.L. Forestal, offers critical advice to grandparents currently in conflict.

“Try to have realistic expectations about your relationship with your grandchildren,” Forestal begins. “Just because you didn’t get the chance to spend a lot of time with them when they were younger doesn’t mean that you can’t have a close and meaningful relationship with them now.”

“Try to avoid comparisons between yourself and other grandparents. It’s natural to want to be the favorite, but comparing yourself to others will only make you feel worse. Finally, focus on the quality of your time with your grandchildren, not the quantity. Even if you can’t spend as much time with them as you’d like, you can still create lasting memories and build a strong bond.”

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I’m not a mom whose family you’ll feel jealous following on Pinterest or Instagram. We’re typically five minutes late everywhere, my three kids’ hair is usually disheveled, and my pretty kitchen usually has a ton of stuff on the countertops.

We are doing well to keep all the things alive and where they are supposed to be most of the time. Of course, a little help here and there is always appreciated.

When I first came across Piccalio and its line of wooden furniture and toys, I was intrigued. Useful, fun products that also look stylish (even if I’m not posting pics on social) sounded like a win in my book. So, I decided to give it a spin.

Full disclosure: I was gifted the product in this article for review, but the opinions are all my own. 

Mini Chef Convertible Helper Tower

$199 Shop Now at Piccalio

Pros:

• My two-year-old is obsessed with it and helped make breakfast for the family all weekend.
• It’s super easy to put together.
• It’s pretty.
• It converts into a one-person table for your child to eat whatever culinary masterpiece they just created.
• It’s sturdy.
• It gives us new things to do now that my little one can be up on the same level as the big kids.

Cons:

• It does take up space.
• It’s a little pricey, but I’m thinking it could make a really great gift to or from a grandparent (more on that later).
• You have to assemble it.

My Initial Reaction

My tower arrived on a Friday night with my arch nemesis, the Allen wrench.  The Allen wrench and I go way back and have assembled many a dollhouse, dresser, and assorted home item together. We do not get along.

That said, this tower came with about 20 different screws and I have to say was a breeze to assemble. There was something super satisfying about the way the screws went in and how easily the whole thing came together. I timed myself and it took 18 minutes to fully assemble.

My Two-Year-Old’s Reaction

The next morning, I unveiled the tower to child #3. He was super excited, but couldn’t really figure out how to climb into it. There’s a safety bar on the back of the tower that makes it a little awkward to climb into. Once he was in though, he was pumped to be at countertop level. 

The Mini Chef Helper Tower itself comes with an awesome wooden child cutting tool, so my son decided to cut up bananas and strawberries for our Saturday morning pancakes.

He was really proud of how easily it came together. His favorite part was using the whisk to stir all the ingredients. In past, we’ve either made pancakes sitting on the floor together or I’ve had him stand on a chair, which are both not ideal, so this was a great upgrade.

The Icing On The Cake

After he made the pancakes, I pulled him off the tower and unveiled my magic trick (or, rather Piccalio’s). The chair converts into a child-size table and chair!

My son was so excited to have his own special place to sit and eat his culinary creation. My oldest son was very impressed too and decided to sit on the floor and eat with his brother. Win-win: sibling bonding time. I do wish you could easily sit another kid at the table, but it works just having him on the floor. 

Will We Use It?

It’s been three days, and we’ve used the Mini Chef Convertible Helper Tower at least one time per day either cooking, drawing, or washing dishes. He loves being able to “have a job” and it’s great giving him somewhere safe to stand to do it. I don’t mind that it takes up space as it’s pretty to look at in the corner. I’m hopeful this will be something we’ll use until he’s five or so.

My Final Verdict

Nine out of 10 would recommend. I actually sent it in a text chain to all my girlfriends with little kids after its first use.

As I said, it’s a little pricey, so I think this would be a great gift from a grandparent. Or even better—a gift for a grandparent so that they can easily play and engage with their grandkids when they come over. Now, if it would only brush my kids’ hair or clean the countertops, I’d truly be set.

This is the only Piccalio product I have tried, but I’ve been eyeing a few others. They have a variety of wooden toys that are created to inspire their imagination while also looking good in your living space. Here’s what’s currently on my wish list.

Climber Pikler Triangle Set

$349 Shop Now at Piccalio

• Supports gross motor skill development, balance, concentration, independence, and grip strength.
• Folding feature for easy storage.
• Recommended age: six months to six years.

Acrobat Balance Beam

$119 Shop Now at Piccalio

• Encourages coordination, balance, muscle, and gross motor skill development.
• Each set has four beams with five connectors.
• Build different shapes with beams.
• Recommended age: 12 months to eight years.

Surfer Balance Board

$99 Shop Now at Piccalio

• Examples of endless usage are as a balance board, seat, fort, road, bridge, boat, or slide.
• Promotes balance, gross motor skills, and creativity.
• Recommended ages: 12 months to six years.

To learn more about Piccalio’s natural, sustainable pieces that keep children moving and thinking, check out their website for more details.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but losing a parent is particularly cutting. Helping your other parent through their grief can magnetize this pain. It can seem nearly impossible for either of you to function as you experience this loss together.

These challenges are an inevitability of life—particularly as we enter midlife and beyond. Yet, despite its ubiquity, dealing with a grieving parent as a grieving adult child can feel miserable, lonely, and overwhelming.

Such was the case for a 45-year-old woman who recently turned to the online forum Reddit for help. The user, an only child, explains their mother has late-stage cancer and was recently admitted to hospice. They told their father they would handle the estate, but they weren’t sure how to keep that promise.

Reddit’s GenX community rallied around the user, sharing advice not only on how to face the death of a parent (because you’re never really ready for it), but also offering guidance on alleviating the burden of your other parent, who has suffered an equally tremendous loss of their life partner.

1. Start Talking To Your Parents Now

Denial is a key stage of grief, and it seems to most strongly manifest in the early stages of a dying parent. We tend to put off tough conversations—particularly those that involve post-death affairs—and avoid finalistic language.

However, one Reddit user urged against this. “Organize the paperwork prior to death in case you’re missing something. After she passes, it’s much harder to navigate. Every bill, credit card, mortgage, vehicle, property tax—it’s all coming your way within weeks. Contact a wealth management group, they have lawyers on staff and will help you with taxes.”

“Now is the time to discuss it with them,” another user agreed. “I know it’s incredibly stressful right now, but it’s not going to get easier. And be prepared to be surprised.”

2. Consider Hiring A Death Doula

If you’re lucky, you don’t have to deal with sorting loved ones’ estates very often. But because this is the first time many of us are managing these affairs, it can be difficult to know where (or to whom) to turn. One Redditor suggests hiring a death doula.

“A doula is kind of like a midwife but for death instead of pregnancy,” the user explains. “They handle the non-medical aspects of the dying process. So, they can advise you all regarding the legal paperwork, your funeral options and rights, and can provide emotional support for your mom and the family. They can also advise you so that you don’t get ripped off by funeral homes.”

A death doula is an all-encompassing guide through the death process. It allows you to seek the help of one person rather than scrambling to find a lawyer, CPA, funeral director, and others.

RELATED: What Your Grieving Friends Wish You’d Say

3. Let Hospice Do Their Job, You Do Yours

It can be tempting to micromanage or assist hospice care workers as you try to regain control over an emotionally turbulent situation. But as another Redditor commented, “hospice will take care of so much. So, focus on what your dad will need going forward.”

“Will he need to think about downsizing his living arrangements? How will he manage handling your mom’s things down the road? Are their finances in order? What will he need to change that’s in her name?” The user continues. It’s natural to want to tend to the sick or dying parent, but your other parent will need assistance, too. Let the hospice care workers do their job while you do yours.

4. Take This Time To Organize Everyone’s Affairs

In that same vein, other Redditors suggest taking this time to organize your other parent’s affairs. While it might not seem appealing to think about both of your parents’ deaths, it can be useful to take advantage of the current focus.

If you’re already tending to one parent’s legal and financial affairs, then it’s logical to do the same for the other. “I cannot stress enough,” one user writes, “get every remaining asset out of your father’s name ASAP. It will pay off in ways you can’t yet imagine. Don’t wait on this because time will fly by. And next thing you know, it will be too late.”

This goes for funeral planning, too. “Ask your dad to pre-plan and pre-pay for his funeral,” another Redditor adds. “I was responsible for my grandfather’s funeral. He had already pre-paid for everything and made all other arrangements. There was very little I had to do other than choosing some readings and songs. I barely had to spend 15 minutes at the funeral home, and most of that time was spent updating information for his obituary.”

5. Take Care Of Yourself, Too

While this might seem like an obvious bit of advice, it’s often the last one we consider. The amount of paperwork, emotions, and red tape you’ll have to navigate will take a tremendous toll on your well-being. Don’t wait until the damage is done to take care of yourself.

“Go into therapy now,” one user writes. “You’ll need to have a lot of patience with yourself, your dad and mom, the lengthy process, the bureaucracy, nonlinear grief, trauma, etc. A therapist can be your person to rely on to support your needs.”

No matter your age, dealing with the death of a parent is a heavy burden to bear. Allow your adult self to extend grace to your grieving inner child during this time.

Seek counseling (even from the comfort of your own home), ask for help from end-of-life professionals, and don’t forget to take care of the living as you tend to the dying.

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Visiting the neighborhood playground will quickly reveal a variety of parenting styles. They tend to range from helicopter to authoritative to permissive, and there’s‌ ‌no surprise‌ ‌they‌ ‌often‌ ‌clash.

All‌ ‌parents‌ ‌want‌ ‌what is best for their children and they believe they are parenting in the best possible way. Unfortunately,‌ ‌parents‌ ‌are‌ ‌still‌ ‌judged.

Parent‌ ‌shaming‌ ‌is‌ ‌a‌ ‌serious‌ ‌problem. ‌In parenting, there is no one-size-fits-all approach and it’s so easy for people to criticize each other for parenting decisions that may ‌differ‌ ‌from‌ ‌their‌ ‌own.

Instagram user active_dad_offical became the center of a heated debate after his controversial video about risky play went viral.

Jimmy Conover, an advocate of conscious parenting and freeing children’s potential, discusses‌ ‌the‌ ‌importance‌ ‌of‌ ‌risky‌ ‌play. “Our kids are much more capable than we give them credit for. Sometimes they just need the chance to prove it, “ ‌Conover captioned the video. 

“If you’re going to make your kids tough, which they better be if they’re going to survive in the world,” Conover says, “you can’t interfere when they’re doing dangerous things carefully.” Emphasis on carefully.

Still, the father of two’s remarks struck‌ ‌a‌ ‌nerve‌ ‌with‌ ‌some. ‌‌‌But it was his 2½-year-old and 1-year-old sons who stole the show with their risky play. The toddler climbed up on the armrest of one chair and then climbed over to the armrest of another chair. Meanwhile, his baby stood precariously on a Sit n’ Spin. 

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What Is Risky Play?

“Risky play can be defined as any play that is thrilling or exciting,” according to Boston University, “and involves some risk of injury.” Basically, it is unstructured play (usually outdoors) in which children make their own decisions about how they should use their bodies when playing. Risky play does not necessarily mean dangerous; adult supervision is still important. However, giving up some parental control is key.

When it comes to risky play, it has typically been studied only for children older than 4 years old. ‌Research on risky play in younger children is limited. ‌Risk-taking in play for young children under 4 years of age was studied in a small-scale observational study using children from five childcare settings. ‌

According to researchers, risky play may be appropriate for children ages 2 and 3. It is possible, however, that risky play is not ‌appropriate‌ ‌for‌ ‌1 year olds. ‌At this point, more research is necessary.

Research Suggests It Can Be Extremely Helpful

Despite some parents’ apprehension about risky play, it has numerous benefits. Boston University states, “Risky play helps children develop resilience, executive functioning skills, self-confidence, and risk-assessment abilities.”

By engaging in risky play, children discover their comfort level and understand their limits‌. Thus, they can use this knowledge to assess risks independently without relying on parents to do so in the future.

According to research, too many restrictions placed on children’s‌ ‌outdoor risky‌ ‌play‌ ‌hinders‌ ‌their‌ ‌growth. Rather, children should be given the freedom‌ ‌to‌ ‌take‌ ‌and‌ ‌manage‌ ‌risks. 

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Where Is The Line?

Despite risky play’s many benefits, many folks still disagree with‌ ‌it. ‌That’s quite evident in the comments on Conover’s‌ ‌Instagram video‌.

“I work in the ICU and you don’t have any idea how many young patients we get with traumatic brain injuries caused by dumb stuff they were doing. Safety is the key, teach your kids how to be safe!” they‌ ‌insist.

Conover’s toddler’s activity in the video causes fury in another commenter. “This isn’t safe at all. A child that age jumping onto a soft couch would be a dangerous activity in [a] safe space. Guarantee the ER and DCF will know them on a first-name basis. Especially with all the videos showing proof of their negligence.”

Risky‌ ‌play‌ ‌is‌ ‌certainly‌ ‌not‌ ‌for‌ ‌every‌ ‌child,‌ ‌as‌ ‌it‌ ‌involves‌ ‌giving‌ ‌up‌ ‌some‌ ‌parental control‌, and it’s not without its cons. ‌Introducing risky play increases your child’s chances of getting hurt‌ ‌and‌ ‌feeling‌ ‌anxious‌ ‌or‌ ‌scared. ‌‌

A parent’s fear can also get in the way of allowing a child to ‌explore‌ ‌and‌ ‌grow. ‌A parent’s fears‌ ‌of‌ ‌kidnapping, climbing‌ ‌too‌ ‌high,‌ ‌running‌ ‌too‌ ‌fast,‌ ‌or‌ ‌getting‌ ‌lost can hinder a child’s ability to grow and become independent.  ‌

If you find yourself feeling nervous and uneasy about a situation, experts suggest practicing the 17-second rule instead. ‌Take 17 seconds to see how your child responds before you intervene. ‌

Often, children are able to solve problems independently without adult intervention. ‌We shouldn’t underestimate children’s abilities—they might surprise you.

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Two years after the pandemic took root in the U.S., children are still struggling to fully blossom in our new “normal.” While in-person teaching has returned in many parts of the country, that doesn’t diminish the effect of the last two years on our kids. 

Whether learning in-person or remotely, young ones are still working through the mental and emotional toll of their lives being flipped upside down. It isn’t a unique problem; it’s affecting virtually every child in the country—including Kristen Bell’s. 

So, when the Woman in the House… and The Good Place actress found a solution to this schooling dilemma in KiwiCo, she fell in love. Most importantly, her kids did, too.

What Is KiwiCo?

KiwiCo was created by parents for parents. Founder, CEO, and mom of three, Sandra Oh Lin wanted to “celebrate kids’ natural creativity and curiosity” while also helping parents who struggled to create engaging, educational activities for their kids. 

Thus, KiwiCo was born. KiwiCo is a subscription service that sends activity boxes to your child, grandchild, nephew, or niece every one to two months. Each box has a project specifically designed for the child’s age and interests. 

A team of engineers, educators, and artists spend over 1,000 hours developing each KiwiCo crate, all of which are then tested by a panel of children. (KiwiCo calls its youth panel its “toughest critics,” and they’re not wrong.) 

Indeed, the activity boxes are so much fun that kids don’t even realize how much they’re learning. No KiwiCo crate leaves the research stage without a resounding “WOAH, awesome!” from its young judges. Kristen Bell’s kids give KiwiCo their stamp of approval, too.

“Parenting Hack, Sincerely”

Bell’s family was first introduced to KiwiCo after the company sponsored Armchair Experts, a podcast produced by Bell’s husband and fellow actor, Dax Shepard. Around 2018, KiwiCo sent the Bells a crate for their kids to try. 

“That was before all of the Zoom learning started,” Bell explains. “So, what I’ve struggled with with online learning for my kids is there’s much less tactile development for them. My kids are five and seven; they’re at the age where they really need to be hands-on. They don’t want to look at a screen all day. Enter KiwiCo.”

“We make these every single month,” Bell continues, presenting a KiwiCo box to the camera. “A box like this comes in the mail. My kids get genuinely excited.” She turns to her kids off-screen, “do you guys like KiwiCo boxes?”

“Yes, we do!” Her kiddos reply excitedly. “We love KiwiCo boxes! Buy me more tomorrow!” 

Ah, kids—Kristen Bell’s life has never seemed more relatable than in that demanding moment.

Fun For The Whole Family

“What comes in each crate is the directions on how to build,” Bell says, unfolding an instruction pamphlet. “There’s pictorial representation, so the kids can do it themselves. Or, if they’re not capable or if you want to do it with them, which I always do, we do it together.” 

In addition to instructions and materials needed to complete each project, KiwiCo crates come with supplemental magazines and online resources. The crate Bell presented on her IG, the Tinker Crate, comes with Tinker Zine, which includes additional science experiments and activities. 

Each KiwiCo crate is designed for a specific age range—the Tinker Crate is 9 to 14. Panda Crates are for 0-24 months to promote bonding, curiosity, and discovery. Koala (2-4) and Kiwi (5-8) crates help kids explore, learn, and develop motor and problem-solving skills. 

The Atlas (6-11), Yummy (6-14), Doodle (9-16), and Tinker (9-14) branch off into specific fields of interest. The Atlas Crate explores geography and culture, while the Yummy Crate focuses on the science of cooking. As the name suggests, the Doodle Crate dives into visual art, and the Tinker Crate focuses on science and engineering. 

The Eureka (engineering) and Maker (art) Crates’ age ranges are 12 and up, “which are actually really fun,” says Bell.

“My Kids Are In Love”

Since receiving their first KiwiCo crate several years ago, Bell and her family have tried many KiwiCo projects. “You can build crazy things,” Bell says emphatically. “Like, you can build headphones. We have built an arcade claw; they’ve learned about the science of trees. It’s all hands-on. And afterward, you build something like this. Check this out.”

Bell sets a wind-up robot on the table and lets it take a few steps in front of her. “Are you kidding me? His name is Fred McFredders. My kids are in love with him. We took him on a walk around our neighborhood.”

Bell’s kids could even incorporate Mr. McFredders into their new “normal.” “Look what they made him,” Bell says, placing a miniature mask over the robot’s face with a hair tie and piece of cloth. “Stay safe, Fred. Stay safe.” 

Not only did her kids get to enjoy the excitement of building an actual robot, but they also found a way to use that project to process the confusing, chaotic reality that is life with COVID. Moreover, they’re laying a priceless foundation for future STEAM learning before they’ve even hit middle school.

Gift The Child In Your Life With KiwiCo Today

Bell started her Instagram video by calling KiwiCo the “best Christmas present to get for a kid this year,” but let’s be honest. Kids are willing (and eager) to accept gifts at any time of year—especially one as engaging, exciting, and fun as KiwiCo. 

And luckily, setting up a KiwiCo subscription is a breeze. Enter the child’s name, select the appropriate age range, and KiwiCo will find the perfect crate. Then, you can choose your subscription length. 

You can either pay as you go with a monthly subscription or pre-order up to a year’s worth of crates. The more crates you buy at a time, the more you save. And if Bell’s kids are any indication, your child will want more KiwiCo crates—not less. 

You can also opt to send KiwiCo crates as a baby shower gift. Alternatively, you can choose a KiwiCo gift card to give our giftee the freedom to choose their own crate. If you are an expecting parent (or excited family member), you can order KiwiCo crates at any point in the pregnancy. KiwiCo won’t ship the child’s first crate until the month of its due date. 

COVID’s roots might have stretched deep into our daily lives, but that shouldn’t stop the young ones in your life from flourishing. You can enjoy KiwiCo knowing that it’s acting as an invaluable resource of learning, exploration, and fun for your child. And the kids? Well, they’re just as happy to focus on the fun part.

Having kids can bring a ton of joy (and stress!) to your family. Of course, there are many things to consider before having children. Your family’s financial stability is one thing to consider. The overall health of the mother and family dynamics are just a few more things to think about. And, there are health risks associated with mothers at an advanced age, and risks increase with having multiple children.

However, there’s good news too. Studies show that breastfeeding mothers are at a decreased risk for several health issues. Diseases like stroke and heart disease pose a smaller threat for breastfeeding mothers. And, they also have a lower risk of developing type two diabetes and certain cancers.

Plus, a recent observational study suggests that women who have had a higher overall estrogen exposure in their lives, possibly by having multiple children, may be less susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

The Possible Link Between Estrogen And Alzheimer

The study, which was first published in the November 3rd article of Neurology, examined the MRIs of 99 women in their late 40s to early 50s. It took into account the women’s reproductive history and the use of hormonal contraceptives and menopause hormone therapy, all of which contribute to the exposure amount of estrogen over a woman’s lifespan.

Women were given global cognition tests, memory tests, and MRIs to evaluate the correlation between gray matter volume (GMV) and the positive associations between a higher amount of estrogen. In previous studies, a drop in estrogen levels during menopause has been linked to a decrease of GMV in parts of the brain that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

A Word Of Caution

“Our findings suggest that while the menopause transition may bring vulnerability for the female brain, other reproductive history events indicating greater estrogen exposure bring resilience instead,” stated study senior author Dr. Lisa Mosconi, an associate professor of neuroscience in neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine and director of the Women’s Brain Initiative, and associate director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

The findings of this study show that women who had higher estrogen levels had more GMV in areas of the brain that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Meaning, that part of the brain was more protected from developing the disease, at least in midlife.

However, according to the study, “the effects of estrogen exposure on Alzheimer’s disease remain unclear.” So, while these findings are encouraging, more research and clinical studies are needed to further investigate the findings.

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It’s hard to overestimate just how widely the effects of COVID-19 spread. The pandemic disaffected virtually every aspect of our lives. Moreover, one could argue that kids bore the weight of some of the worst burdens. 

One of the most difficult adjustments children had to make was their schooling. Switching from eight-hour, in-person instruction to virtual classes in quarantine was a huge culture shock. Many children struggled to reach their full potential while learning remotely. 

This situation can be frustrating for all involved, especially when you worry if your child or grandchild might be falling behind or missing out on important hands-on learning. Luckily, KiwiCo is here to get your young ones back on track.

A Boost To At-Home Learning

From developmental milestones to excess screen time, there are plenty of undeniable downsides to remote learning. These drawbacks affected all ages and grade levels. 

As amazing as teachers are, the lack of infrastructure and resources made it difficult to make sure every child was attended to as much as possible. Consequently, already-busy caretakers had to become their child’s second teacher. 

KiwiCo seeks to step in where your child’s schooling ends. Each month, KiwiCo sends a crate specifically designed for a child’s age and interests. The crates contain projects and activities pertaining to a wide range of subjects, from sciences to the humanities. 

KiwiCo doesn’t replace at-home learning, it builds on it. The monthly subscription acts as a supplemental tool to help children of all ages explore and grow. It lets kids learn hands-on, not through a screen. 

As a result, children stay engaged, active, and curious.

The KiwiCo Basics

KiwiCo was created by a parent for parents. “We believe that creative confidence helps kids think big and act like creators and producers instead of just consumers,” KiwiCo’s founder and CEO Sandra Oh Lin wrote on their website. 

To give kids that extra confidence boost, KiwiCo has designed 1500 projects and sold over 30 million crates. KiwiCo spends over 1,000 hours developing each crate and ships to 40 countries. 

Crates’ subjects range from science to art to culture. KiwiCo offers nine crate options for newborns through teens. But they’re not just comprehensive; they’re also convenient. 

KiwiCo is a subscription service that includes the tools, materials, and inspiration to explore that month’s project. After you place your first order, you can sit back and let them do the rest of the work for you. They curate a crate for your child or grandchild and deliver it straight to your door—no remembering to re-order, long waits, or store pick-ups.

It Isn’t Rocket Science; It’s Made By Rocket Science

The key to KiwiCo’s success is in its development. KiwiCo’s creative team includes educators, engineers, and literal rocket scientists—all experts in their crate’s specific field. 

First, an advisory board of educators, developmental psychologists, and artists review each crate. Then, an in-house crew of kids tests each crate to ensure the projects are engaging, appealing, and easy to follow. (Because who better to test kids’ crates than kids?) 

KiwiCo crates offer countless benefits. The Maker (14+) and Doodle (9-16) crates center specifically around creativity and art education. Research shows that art education has tremendous positive impacts on academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. 

The company also makes a wide variety of STEAM crates (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), including the Kiwi (5-8), Eureka (12+), Tinker (9-14), and Yummy (6-14) crates. 

The Panda (0-24 months) and Koala (2-4) crates are designed for babies and toddlers to help them play, learn, and explore while supporting their developmental milestones.

Introducing younger children to STEAM (STEM plus the Arts) can help set a strong foundation for all future learning, making the Kiwi and Koala crates invaluable resources for your child’s development.

An All-Around Knockout

The pandemic has changed kids’ education for the foreseeable future. KiwiCo makes sure those kids still reach every milestone they’d meet in the classroom—and then some. 

KiwiCo crates are great outlets for young children’s energy and imagination. Whether they’re starting daycare or the 5th grade, young kids will love getting a unique and exciting project each month. 

KiwiCo crates are just as beneficial for older kids as well. Help your preteens gain confidence, get a leg up on their studies, or simply get off their smartphone for a while. The projects are so engaging it won’t even feel like homework. 

Finally, KiwiCo crates are affordable. The majority of monthly subscriptions are $22.95 per month. This excludes the Maker and Eureka crates, which are $31.95 per month. It also excludes the Panda crate, which is $41.90 per crate delivered every two months. 

You can receive a discount on the per-crate price by signing up for three, six, or 12-month subscriptions, which are as low as $17.50 per month. These subscriptions are paid in full at checkout.

KiwiCo Benefits Last For Life

KiwiCo crates cost less than one night of family dinner. They’re likely less expensive than that toy they’ve been pining over, and they’re certainly cheaper than a smart device. But when it comes to KiwiCo’s developmental benefits, they’re worth their weight in gold. 

Indeed, this subscription service will pay itself back in no time. Your child or grandchild will love their newfound confidence, skill sets, and most importantly, all the fun they’re having! 

In addition, you’ll love knowing that they’re learning as much as possible, regardless of how COVID is affecting their usual routine. A KiwiCo subscription provides children with tools and know-how they’ll use long after their last crate arrives. 

Remote learning might be around for much longer than we think. But thanks to KiwiCo, you can rest assured that the child in your life won’t miss a beat.

If you’re a mom you know that there are definite ups and downs to this parenting thing. Sometimes you’re killing the mom game, and other times you’re counting the minutes until bedtime and just trying to make it through the day.

You obviously love your kids, but (OMG) if you have to hear one more Cocomelon song you think you might lose it. Some days are filled with fun experiences, hikes, and restful nights. Some days are loud, tantrum-y, and restless.  

And all of this was before a worldwide pandemic set in, apparently to stay. But, if you’re like me, you like to surround yourself (at least virtually) with people who don’t take themselves too seriously.

‘Mom Of The Year’ Over Here

So, when we found a Reddit thread dedicated to “mom of the year” moments- (sarcastic replies only), we were ready to dive in. The responses perfectly summed up a true sh** show of a year.

Exhausted moms everywhere likely nodded their heads in agreement to at least of few of the responses. We all deserve a break and a laugh, so without further ado, here are some of our favorite responses.

Solidarity to all the moms out there, we’re sure this year we will have some similar moments. Honestly, I already call my daughter Duck, so might as well toss some Cheerios on the floor.

The anticipation of Christmas morning for some kids (or adults) can make for a restless Christmas Eve. Lots of kids are excited and amped up at the thought of presents, holiday parties, and seeing family members that they may have missed throughout the year. (And, yes, maybe they’ve indulged in a few more treats than normal.)

Granted, all kids are different, but most kids thrive with a set routine. Kids feel safe when they know what to expect. Plus, having clear communication and expectations from their caregivers is essential in making sure they know what’s coming up next.

Of course, sometimes the holidays get crazy and routines get upended. We’ve all been there. However, keeping kids in “the know” and attempting to keep as much of a normal routine as possible will likely help with the sleep situation when nighttime falls. But, what should we do if we need a little more help getting the kids to sleep on the night before Christmas?

The Genius Trick For Better Sleep 

So, yes, keeping your normal routine is a go-to. Plus, making sure little ones get enough physical play, and cutting down on screen time before bed will all likely help to ensure your kiddo gets some rest before the big day.

However, experts at The Dozy Owl shared that giving your kids a small drink before bed could potentially help them catch a few more zzzs. Depending on your child’s preference, cherry juice, warm milk, hot chocolate, or herbal tea could all help aid in sleep.

The Science Behind The ‘Trick’

There are some scientific studies to back up these claims. One study claimed that drinking tart cherry juice had “modest beneficial effects on sleep in older adults with insomnia.” However, this study did not claim to generalize that to younger populations. But, we think it could be worth a shot. However, if your kids aren’t into tart cherries, or your local store doesn’t carry it, other more practical drinks could work too.

Another more recent study claimed that a protein in cow’s milk, when combined with an enzyme in our stomachs, creates a peptide called CTH that is both stress-reducing and sleep-enhancing. So, a warm glass of milk could do the trick and also help create a fun holiday tradition.

Cut Down On Stress

The holidays can be stressful, and while we may not mean to, we can inadvertently cause our kids to stress out too. Having a cup of hot chocolate could help alleviate some stress and help your kids get to sleep easier. A 2020 study claimed that natural cocoa improved disordered sleeping and had beneficial effects on insomnia.

Having a cup of decaf or herbal tea could also have a calming effect. If your child is old enough, having a small warm mug of chamomile tea may be sleep-inducing. Adding a small amount of honey could help too, according to one study. Generally, children over two can enjoy a cuppa, but to be safe, check with your child’s pediatrician first!

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Out of an abundance of caution, Maple Island Inc., manufacturer of Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal, issued a voluntary recall on the product on October 8th, 2021, according to a statement.

If you’ve bought Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal recently, which is exclusively sold at Walmart in stores or online, read on for all the details.

The Dangers Of Arsenic In Foods

Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical element that can be found in the air, water, and land according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Inorganic arsenic can be highly toxic. According to the WHO, “Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic, mainly through drinking-water and food, can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning.”

According to the FDA, “Research has shown that reducing exposure to toxic elements is important to minimize any potential long-term effects on the developing brains of infants and children.”

The FDA routinely checks levels of toxic elements in food. When products pose a health risk, the FDA takes measures to remove those products from the market.

There are certain steps you can take to reduce your exposure to arsenic. Test well water, eat a varied and nutritious diet, learn about the juice recommendations for children, and get strategies to reduce arsenic in rice and infant rice cereal.

Arsenic poisoning symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, according to the WHO. More severe symptoms include muscle cramps, tingling in extremities, and death in critical cases. If your child experiences any of these symptoms get help from a medical provider ASAP.

Details Of The Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found high levels of inorganic arsenic in three lots of Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal which “tested above the guidance for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic.” Although no illnesses have been reported, Walmart has pulled the product from its shelves and has put a register block on the product to prevent additional sales. Maple Island Inc. quickly issued the recall.

The Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal 8 oz. lots were sold after April 25th, 2021. The best-used dates and lot numbers, which can be found on the back of the package include:

• Lot 21083 with UPC Code #00681131082907; best if used by date JUN 24 2022.

• Lot 21084 with UPC Code #00681131082907; best if used by date JUN 25 2022

• Lot 21242 with UPC Code #00681131082907; best if used by date NOV 30 2022

​​No other Parent’s Choice products were affected by the recall. 

If you’ve purchased the potentially affected product, you are advised to either discard of the product or return to Walmart for a full refund. For additional information, you can contact Maple Island Inc., Monday through Friday 8am – 4pm Central time at 1-800-369-1022 or contact the company by email at info@maple-island.com.

When it comes to teaching kids about money, most parents go with a lemonade stand. But one TikTok user recently shared her hack that’s leaving some folks with a sour taste in their mouths. 

Would you charge your child rent and utilities? This mom does, and she says it’s the best thing she could have done for her child.

This Mama’s Money Minding Hack

TikTok user @CraftedAndCozy shared her controversial hack earlier this summer. Since then, her post has garnered over 400,000 likes and 10,000 comments—some positive, many negative. 

In a follow-up video, she gives examples of her son’s daily tasks. They include making the bed, brushing his teeth, and putting dirty clothes in the bin. 

“At the end of the month, he realizes that he has bills to pay. He pays those bills to me.” Bills include rent, electricity for his room, and internet for his iPad. “He understands that throughout the month, he has two buckets.”

She explains that her son chooses between “fun money” and “bill money” buckets. “It’s up to his responsibility to categorize his money. I don’t do anything with his money but put it right back into his savings account.” 

@CraftedAndCozy says, “it has taught him the value of a dollar and responsibility. I’m so pleased with the results. Hopefully, it’s something that can help you out as well.”

Some People Think It’s Extreme

Hundreds of commenters were quick to condone this mom’s hack. “Okay, but he’s seven,” one user wrote. “Why not just let him be a kid and then do this when he’s a teenager or something?”

“Never too early to indoctrinate your kids into a capitalist hellscape,” commented another. 

Some users implied such strict parenting would cause strained relationships in the future. “It’s going to be so funny when, 20 years from now, he replies to each one of your Christmas calls with a, ‘what do you want?’”

And others still encouraged the hack, but cautiously. “This is such a great hack.” @Barbie_Clique wrote. “But for those of you with spoiled kids, don’t do this. They will tell you not to come in their room because they pay bills.”

Others Wish Their Parents Would’ve Done It

Conversely, there were hundreds of commenters supporting the method, too. Many TikTok users said they wished their parents would’ve done the same thing.

“I wish my mom taught me this at an early age,” commented one user. “She never taught me but expected me to learn. Way to go, Mom. He will be excited to see his money grow.”

“I was never taught how to budget and save money,” @Kelsey wrote. “Neither was my husband, and we have struggled in life so far. But we’re getting better, and we plan to do something similar with our kids when they’re old enough.”

Other users responded directly to naysayers. “Some of y’all don’t know the role of a parent, and it shows. Kids can be kids. But learning responsibility at that age is healthy for them,” one comment read.

The Importance Of Financial Literacy

Experts stress the importance of learning financial literacy. “Without a working knowledge of money, it is extraordinarily difficult to do well in life,” Sam X Renick, Sammy Rabbit co-creator, told Forbes. “Money is central to transacting life, day-in, and day-out.”

Sammy Rabbit is a fictional character that teaches children financial literacy. Renick told Forbes the earlier you teach kids about money, the better. 

“Lessons should begin before age seven,” Forbes reports, “because research shows that money habits and attitudes are already formed by then.” 

Renick also says that an allowance might not instill the same value of money. “Just about everyone values money they earn differently than money they receive,” he says. In this way, @CraftedAndCozy’s parenting hack is spot-on.

Every Family Is Different

However, that doesn’t mean that this mom’s way is the only way. She acknowledges in her follow-up video that “it worked wonders in my household. It may not work in yours.” 

“But he’s paying himself,” she continues. “That goes into his savings. He’s going to get that one day.” She goes on to explain that his total ‘expenses’ are reasonable compared to his ‘earnings.’ 

Her son’s rent is $5. His utilities, electric and WiFi, total $4. So, her child pays $9 in expenses. Assuming he completes his daily tasks every day, he earns $30 a month. That makes his expenses 30% of his total income. 

@CraftedAndCozy addressed the doubtful commenters, too. “If he doesn’t pay his bills, we haven’t run into that problem. But I truly can say what I believe I’ll do is give him an extension until next month and have a conversation with him at that time.” 

She ends the video with a shout-out to her Overstock metal wine rack, proving that she is doing motherhood the right way in more ways than one.

TikTok has soared in popularity since the video-sharing social media platform initially got started. Like any social media outlet, TikTok is home to massively popular influencers, who sometimes initiate “challenges” for their followers to try. However, some challenges on TikTok are more dangerous than fun, resulting in severe consequences. 

The Latest TikTok Challenge

School district leaders and teachers across the country are concerned for the safety of teachers as a new TikTok challenge started trending. The “Slap a Teacher” challenge encourages students to hit a teacher without getting caught in the act and then post the video on TikTok.

Some believe this new trend is linked to the “Devious Lick” challenge, which involves students stealing and damaging random pieces of school property. 

While people have noted the “Slap a Teacher” challenge hasn’t gained too much popularity, students are at risk of severe consequences if they choose to participate. So, far there have been reports of this challenge occurring in Missouri, California, and South Carolina.

“This type of behavior, just like theft and destruction of property, is not a prank. It’s criminal behavior,” Bryan Vaughn, the Lancaster County School District director, wrote on Facebook. 

In addition to the so-called “prank” being criminal behavior, school districts also have some strict repercussions for those who participate. Vaughn also said, “assault on a staff member is an expellable offense which means the student is removed from the school for the rest of the year.”

Educators across the country hope that bringing attention to the severe consequences of hitting a teacher makes students realize that it’s in no way a prank. 

Other Dangerous TikTok Trends 

TikTok has seen some pretty wild challenges on the platform. Although most of these challenges seem like a harmless way to have fun, the consequences can be dangerous and result in serious injury. For example, one of the more popular TikTok trends is “The Milk Crate Challenge.”

This challenge involves stacking several milk crates into a stair formation and attempting to climb to the top. Seems harmless enough. However, an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Shaw Anothony, said, “injuries can include broken wrists, shoulder dislocations, ACL and meniscus tears.”

Another dangerous TikTok trend is the “Blackout Challenge.” Also referred to as the “choking game,” people cut of their air supply until the point of unconsciousness. Obviously, this is one of the more dangerous trends and has resulted in several deaths since it gained popularity.

While there doesn’t appear to be a clear point to this challenge, young teens and children continue to try it. However, when it comes to the challenges seen on TikTok, it’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid them altogether. 

The United States ranks first in the global community in lots of ways. Unfortunately, most of our first-place trophies are more than a little troublesome. 

From jailed people per capita to ignorance, we have a pretty bleak list of wins. And a new report finds that we have yet another concerning trophy to tout: infant death rates.

American Vs. European Death Rates

According to a new working paper from the NBER, America has a death problem across the board. At every age, race, and income level, Americans have a higher mortality risk. 

The average life expectancy of almost every western European country is over 80 years old. Monaco has the longest life expectancy of roughly 86 years. (And to be fair, I wouldn’t want to die if I lived in Monaco, either.) 

However, U.S. life expectancy has never exceeded 79—ever. American babies are more likely to die before they turn five. Teens are more likely to die before the age of 20. Adults are more likely to die before 65. 

Europe’s mortality rates in rich and poor communities are very similar. Researchers attribute this to “health improvements disseminated within European countries in a way that includes even the poorest areas.” 

Meanwhile, the U.S. has the highest poverty and inequality of any country in the OECD. And unlike Europe, this greatly affects how long you’ll live. 

American infants are far more likely to die in poor counties. Black teenagers in the poorest U.S. counties are twice as likely to die before they turn 20. 

But again, it’s not just poor Americans. White Americans living in rich counties still die earlier than Europeans. When compared to Black Americans, the gap is even greater.

“It says something negative about the overall health system of the U.S. that even after we grouped counties by poverty and looked at the richest 10th percentile, we still saw this longevity gap,” the paper’s author told The Atlantic.

Why Is America So Good At Dying?

Inequality and inefficient healthcare systems are major contributors to IMR. Still, they aren’t the only factors involved. 

A 2016 study in the AJM found that Americans are ten times more likely to be killed by a gun than in other developed countries. Gun homicide rates are 25 times higher in the U.S. and gun suicide is eight times higher. 

Moreover, we reached a heartbreaking milestone in 2018. That year, gun violence became the leading cause of death for all children and teens ages one to 19. This was the first time in history that gun violence surpassed motor vehicle accidents.

Motor vehicle accidents still play a role in infant mortality rates. In 2019, over 600 kids ages 12 and younger died in car crashes. 38% were not buckled into their seat. 

This statistic is a little difficult to compare to other countries, though. America has one of the highest rates of miles driven per capita. We’re on the road more, so car crashes are more likely. 

Generally speaking, socioeconomics seems to be the main factor in IMR. Non-Hispanic Black and Native babies are twice as likely to die than white infants. 

IMRs are also the highest in the South. Mississippi has the highest rate of 8.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. It is also the poorest state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Abortion’s Role In Infant Death Rates

A 2020 study sought to find the relationship between abortion and IMR. The study’s results are surprising—illogical, even. They’re also important to recognize as states challenge Roe v. Wade. 

The study found that infants in states with no abortion bans are less likely to die than those in states with abortion bans. Yep, you read that right. States with ready abortion access have lower IMR. 

Abortion bans increase IMR in several ways. One, these bans undermine medical counsel. Second, forced pregnancies increase psychological distress. This is a known risk factor for poor birth outcomes. 

These policies can also increase the risk of postpartum depression. Studies have found PPD to be a risk factor for sudden infant death or SIDS. 

Finally, abortion bans force individuals to have babies regardless of whether they have the resources and income to provide for them.

This study is proof that “pro-life” does not always mean “anti-abortion.”

The Y2K Surge

America hasn’t always had a death problem, though. The Atlantic reports that in the three decades before COVID-19, the Black American lifespan surged. 

The Black-white lifespan gap narrowed in rich and poor areas and across all ages. The gap was split nearly in half—from seven to 3.6 years. 

“This is a really important story that we ought to move to the forefront of the public debate,” Schwandt, the NBER paper’s co-author, told The Atlantic. “What happened here? And how do we continue this improvement and learn from it?” 

Lifespans were longer in the late ‘90s, and researchers wanted to find out why. They found that better cardiovascular disease and cancer treatments played a major role. New drugs and therapies for high cholesterol, blood pressure, and cancers also helped. 

U.S. policy also helped contribute to longer lifespans. Schwandt credits Medicaid expansion, earned-income tax credits, and air pollution reduction. 

Schwandt says we should focus on these ’90s stats, not the grim stats of today. “To improve the health and well-being of our populations, we have to give attention to positive achievements so that we can learn from them,” said Schwandt.

What Does This Mean For American Babies?

Experts believe the answer to lowering IMR lies in U.S. policy. Namely, they believe increasing life expectancy starts with closing socioeconomic gaps. 

A 2016 study suggests in-home nurse visits, a policy practiced in most western European countries. “These visits combine well-baby checkups with caregiver advice and support,” the study reads. 

“These policies don’t focus on alleviating resource constraints per se. Rather, they focus on providing support targeted to mothers and infants,” the study continues.

The NIH is also looking into methods of preventing birth defects and preterm births. Additionally, it suggests creating safer sleep environments to prevent SIDS and using newborn screenings to detect hidden conditions.

The NICHQ performed a case study using the above policy changes. Additionally, they included smoking cessation and pre- and interconception care. 81% of states showed a decline in IMR. 

Lastly, giving women access to medical care will help decrease IMR. Abortion bans don’t prevent abortions. And as these studies suggest, the bans don’t always save the lives pro-lifers claim to protect. 

In conclusion, making society more equitable is our best chance to reduce the rising IMR. This is a national problem. Solving it is going to take a national effort.

When we think of climate change, we often think of natural disasters. We see the effects of global warming in melting ice caps, raging fires, and powerful storms. 

But recent studies have found that climate change is disaffecting yet another aspect of our lives: families. 

Under the looming threat of a climate crisis, many people are making the difficult decision to not have kids.

Climate Change (And Anxiety About It) Is Getting Worse

Earlier this month, researchers in the UK conducted a survey on climate anxiety. It’s the largest survey of its kind, and the data collected is grim. 

The survey collected 10,000 responses from young people in Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, Portugal, the UK, and the U.S. 

Nearly six in ten people aged 16 to 25 said they were extremely worried about climate change. They felt the government was not protecting them, the planet, or future generations. 

Three-quarters of the responses agreed with the statement, “The future is frightening.” Around the same amount of people felt they would have fewer opportunities than their parents. 

Further, they reported feeling betrayed by the government and older generations. And while this climate-specific survey is the largest of its kind, there are several others like it. 

For example, this study in Climatic Change surveyed 600 people aged 27 to 45. Four hundred of those respondents offered their vision of the future. A whopping 92.3% were negative. 5.6% of responses were mixed or neutral, and only .6% were positive. 

People are preparing for the worst. As a result, many younger people are rethinking starting a family.

Deciding Whether To Have A Baby

The same Climatic Change study found that 96% of respondents were “ extremely concerned about the wellbeing of their children in a climate-changed world.” 

A 31-year-old woman responded to the survey, saying, “Climate change is the sole factor for me in deciding not to have biological children. I don’t want to birth children into a dying world [though] I dearly want to be a mother.” 

A 27-year-old woman said, “I feel like I can’t in good conscience bring a child into this world and force them to try and survive what may be apocalyptic conditions.”

Their fears are not unfounded, either. Around 6% of parents reported regretting having children. “I am terrified that they will be facing the end of the world due to climate change,” one 40-year-old mother said. 

The study’s lead researcher said, “It was often heartbreaking to pore through the responses. The fears about the lives of existing or potential children were really deep and emotional. A lot of people really poured their hearts out.” 

For some, the decision not to have a child is a silent one. For others, they’re stating their intentions loud and clear in the hopes that the government will take notice.

Some Have Opted For Strikes

In 2019, UK activist Blythe Pepino set up BirthStrike. BirthStrike was a voluntary organization for women and men who had decided not to have children in response to climate change. 

The Guardian reported that Pepino hoped to “Channel the grief she feels about her decision into something more active.” Many BirthStrikers were also involved with the Extinction Rebellion, a similar climate activism group. 

The BirthStrike movement “disbanded” in 2020. In a letter uploaded to its Facebook page, the founders stated the group had been falsely associated with “overpopulation” rhetoric. 

“It has become clear that this [rhetoric] is fed by, and will feed into, division and eco-fascism,” Pepino wrote. Instead, the movement has rebranded to a support group, “Grieving Parenthood in the Climate Crisis: Channeling Loss into Climate Justice.”

The new movement supports parents facing climate-related decisions. But as the previous studies show, the original sentiment lives on. 

Luisa Neubauer is fighting a similar battle in Germany. “I meet a lot of young girls who ask whether it’s still okay to have children,” she told The Guardian. “It’s a simple question, yet it tells so much about the climate reality we are living in.”

“We turned our individual anxiety into collective action,” Neubauer continues. “Now, we are fighting everywhere. We are on the streets, at the courts, in and outside institutions. Yet, governments are still failing us.”

She says the best response to the University of Bath study would be for “governments to start acting like they promised they would.”

Other Reasons People Are Opting To Wait

It’s important to note that there are many reasons why younger generations are deciding to wait to have kids. Government inaction on climate change is one of them. But there are several others. 

One reason is a lack of family aid. The average mother will pay more than $4,500 for her labor and delivery alone in the US. And that’s with insurance. Many new mothers aren’t insured. 

The U.S. also ranks last in government-mandated paid leave for new parents. Only 19% of U.S. employees have access to paid leave. Only 82% are eligible for unpaid leave. 

When paired with the threat of climate change, it’s not surprising that so many people opt out of having kids. 

Despite these fears, women are facing yet another bleak reality: abortion bans.

How Abortion Bans Affect These Decisions

Recent abortion bans have thrown gasoline on an already raging fire. Texas’s new law bans abortions after six weeks. This is before many people would know they’re pregnant.  

On top of that, the state government is incentivizing civilians to sue abortion providers with $10,000 bounties. Anyone who aids in an abortion is at risk of being sued under the new law.   

The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in this push against Roe v. Wade via a shadow docket. The Court’s ruling threatens a person’s right to choose whether or not to have a baby. 

And in the face of climate change, this right to choose is more critical than ever. A UNICEF study found that children will bear the brunt of the climate crisis in the coming years. Thus, our situation continues to grow more and more distressing. 

Still, if one looks hard enough, they can find some silver linings.

Coping With Climate Change

The UN Development Programme conducted a massive survey of 1.2 million people across 50 countries. The UNDP collected the data between October and December 2020. High, middle, and low-income countries all participated in the study.  

The study found that the generational gap on climate change might not be as wide as we thought. 69% of respondents aged 14 to 18 said climate change was an emergency, and 58% of people 60 and older agreed. 

In addition, people tended to approve of climate action related to their specific countries. Nations with high forest destruction rates, for example, widely approved of tree conservation. Fossil fuel-reliant nations also showed support for renewable energy. 

So, people want change. And with a younger generation armed with fierce passion and know-how, we might be able to put ourselves on a more optimistic track. 

In the meantime, if you are struggling, you are not alone. Climate Change Resources, Waterspirit, and other sites offer support and guidance. 

It takes a village to raise a child. And it’ll take a village to keep this world worth raising a child in, too.

Regardless of where you are in the parenting journey, it can be stressful. It doesn’t matter if you’re a soon-to-be parent or an experienced parent, insight into the constantly evolving world of parenting is within earshot.

Here are several parenting podcasts that no parent should pass up on.

For The Soon-To-Be Parent 

Pregnancy Confidential 

The parenting giant Parents.com brings you Pregnancy Confidential, a series that bravely answers all the embarrassing, quirky questions soon-to-be moms don’t dare to ask. Listeners get 31 weeks of pregnancy information via this witty, real-talk podcast, which prepares them for their bundles of joy. 

If These Ovaries Could Talk

Considered one of the best podcasts for LGBTQ+ parents, If These Ovaries Could Talk celebrates non-traditional families, discussing pregnancy issues, no matter your sexual orientation. In addition, soon-to-be parents will listen to topics on surrogacy, sperm donation and adoption. 

FearFreeChildbirth

Women often feel frightened when thinking about giving birth, but the FearFreeChildbirth podcast helps them overcome those fears. The FearFreeChildbirth podcast encourages expectant mothers to turn their childbirth anxiety into excitement. Listen to other women’s birth stories and get birthing advice from the best in the field.

For The New Mommas

The Boob Group 

Latching, breastfeeding, pumping, oh my! Regardless of your questions, The Boob Group has you covered. There are many mommy podcasts that do a great job covering breastfeeding tips, but The Boob Group focuses on getting to the nitty-gritty; they get down to the last drop. 

That New Mom Life

Then suddenly, everything changed. There’s no doubt that the initial introduction to parenthood is a wild ride. That New Mom Life understands this, as it can be a shaky start. Get ready to hear some stories about parenting that are so personal they will make your heart swell. 

Newbies

Parenthood, where the questions never cease, is even tougher than pregnancy. As new mothers travel through their baby’s first year, the podcast Newbies gives new parents a head start. Additionally, the podcast discusses a new mother’s emotional and physical needs after giving birth. Particularly, the podcast covers postpartum depression and the first few weeks after birth. Moreover, Newbies provides information about fontanels, growth charts, car seat safety, birth certificates, colic and baby baths.

For Parents Of Children Under Six

Little Sprigs Podcast

Having children who are not yet school-age presents its own unique set of challenges. So whether parents are dipping their toes into early childhood education or are trying to work on improving communication and mindfulness, the Little Sprigs podcast is a great introduction. 

Parenting Beyond Discipline

Oh no, it’s the terrible twos! Even worse, the threenager! The struggle is real. Fortunately, the Podcast Parenting Beyond Discipline provides life rafts for parents struggling to stay afloat. Finally, learn ways to deal with and avoid power struggles with your budding preschooler.

Good Inside 

Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, helps parents establish stronger parent-child connections through getting more comfortable with mistakes. The incredibly therapeutic weekly podcast will teach you how to repair your mistakes as well as see the good inside. 

For Parents Of School-Aged Kiddos

The Mom Hour

During The Mom Hour, you can expect practical tips and real-life encouragement when times are tough. But, sometimes, a little bit of honest conversation and encouragement can go a long way. 

Motherhood in Black & White

Two women, one white and one black, from different places share their experiences and challenges of becoming mothers. A candid discussion about parenting’s most important topics, issues and concepts can be found in Motherhood in Black & White.

Sunshine Parenting

Sunshine Parenting has been hailed as the only parenting podcast you’ll ever need, focusing on concepts and strategies that will help kids become thriving adults. Parent and camp director, Audrey Monke, explains youth development through interviews with experts who give valuable advice about living a more connected and satisfying life.

For Parents Of Teenagers And Adults

Talking to Teens

Transitioning from childhood into adolescence means your child will be facing a new set of emotional and social challenges. Communicating effectively with your teen and addressing concerns will help you maintain a positive parent-child relationship. Podcasts such as Talking to Teens offer parents strategies for navigating tough situations such as curfews, dating, social media, bullying and drug abuse. 

Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

Have you ever felt as though you were in the middle of a war when having a teenager at home? InPower Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Moms are given practical tips to keep the peace in their households. Furthermore, parents can learn how to build a stronger relationship with their teens and reduce conflicts at home.

Family Life: Relating To Your Adult Children

Both parents and children have to start adapting when children reach adulthood. Dennis and Barbara Rainey discuss the transition from dependent children to independent adults in this thought-provoking podcast, Relating To Adult Children. 

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First, it was our avocado toast. Then, we collectively “killed” the cruise industry. And now, millennials are facing the brunt of societal judgment for yet another reason: a declining birth rate. 

In between defending skinny jeans and making minimum wage, millennials are choosing to wait to have babies — here’s why.

Birthrates Have Been Declining For Years

At first, the COVID-19 pandemic seemed like an easy scapegoat to explain the declining birth rate. But in reality, we’ve been experiencing this for a while now. In 2018, the U.S. birth rate and fertility rates both dropped to record lows.

According to the provisional birthrate report from the CDC, 2018 was the fourth consecutive year of birth decline. And that trend has continued into 2021 (all pandemic baby boom jokes aside).

Millennials aren’t just not having kids. They’re also actively working to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Abortion clinics have seen a significant increase in procedural demand. 65.3% of women ages 15 to 49 use contraception. And those numbers have only increased since the pandemic. 

But if this decline isn’t because of the COVID-19 pandemic, then what is it?

The World Has Changed In More Ways Than One

First, I feel like it’s important to note that nothing has inherently changed about women. What has changed is the world in which women live in. 

Historical data expert Aaron O’Neill published a crude birth rate chart of the U.S. from 1800 to 2020 on Statista.com. The chart shows that over 200 years ago, the estimated number of births per thousand people was around 48. 

By the 1900s, the crude birth rate dropped to around 30. During the baby boomer era, that rate fell to around 21-24 births per thousand people. And since 1970, that number has steadily decreased to its lowest rate of 12 (2020). 

This country has changed a lot since the 1800s — in fact, it’s virtually unrecognizable. So, for the sake of conciseness, let’s focus on the mid-20th century to now.

Before the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s, stay-at-home mothers were the norm. This is unsurprising, considering women had far fewer rights — economical, political, social or otherwise.
 
During the 1950s, only 1.2% of women in America went to college. Women made up less than 35% of the labor force. It wasn’t until 1974 that women could open a credit card without a husband’s signature.

Modern Women Are Working And Educated

In 2019, college-educated women officially surpassed the number of similarly educated men in the workforce. That same year, women made up 57.4% of the labor force. The last time America saw this many women in the workforce was in 1948, during World War II. 

The increase in women’s education alone would be reason enough for a declining birth rate. The Pew Research Center found that the more educated a woman is, the more likely she’ll wait to have children. 

Moreover, the same study found that the less educated a woman is, the more likely she is to have children. Among mothers who did not attend college, 62% had their first child before 25. Less than two in ten women who lack a bachelor’s degree are childless. 

The correlation between higher education and lower birth rates can be professional. “Women want to have careers now before they settle down,” professor of psychology Clare Mehta told Business Insider. “That wasn’t happening in the past.” 

But this correlation can be, and often is, financial. Higher education costs money. In 2019 alone, there were $497.6 billion in outstanding student loan debt for around 15.1 million millennial borrowers. That averages out to around $33,000 per borrower. 

As if 30 grand of debt wasn’t daunting enough, having kids is also more costly than ever.

The Skyrocketing Costs of Childcare

Over the past several decades, the cost of childcare has increased in more ways than one. First, in dollars: according to research by the U.S. Census Bureau, the average weekly expense of childcare increased more than 70% from 1985 ($87) to 2011 ($148). 

Even the act of delivering the baby is more expensive. A 2020 Health Affairs study found that the average mother will pay more than $4,500 for her labor and delivery alone. And that’s for an insured mother — many women aren’t.  And for some international context, delivering a baby in Finland will set you back less than $60.

My sister, who had her first child in 2019, shared her hospital expenses with me. Some highlights from the mammoth bill include two inpatient service charges — for her and her son — totaling over $17,000. The epidural cost over $800. 

When did she return to remote work? One week after delivering her child. She was back on-site within a month. 

This brings me to my next cost of childcare: time. The United States ranks last in government-mandated paid leave for new parents. Only 19% of U.S. employees have access to paid leave. Only 82% are even eligible for unpaid leave. 

Finally, there is the stigma around maternity leave. And lucky for women, they’ll be judged whether or not they decide to take it, according to a 2017 report in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 

“While the woman taking maternity leave was evaluated more negatively in the work domain, the woman deciding against maternity leave was evaluated more negatively in the family domain,” the report states. 

Simply put, this country does not make it easy for women to have children.

Things Don’t Seem To Be Getting Better

When the COVID-19 pandemic effectively turned the world on its head, many Americans were left feeling wildly uncertain about their future. That doesn’t exactly spark the baby-making mood, Philip Cohen, a sociology professor, told Vox in April 2020.

“People make long-term decisions when they feel certain about the future, and they put off long-term decisions when they don’t,” Cohen explains. And despite noticeable wane in pandemic-related fear, people are still hesitant about their future for many reasons.

The looming threat of climate change has spurred the rise of a BirthStriker movement. The scientific evidence of climate change is clear. And if no major action is taken to slow it down, studies show up to three billion people will live in uninhabitable heat conditions by 2070.

I know that seems like a faraway, made-up year. But actually, 2070 is when many millennials’ babies will be reaching their 50s and 60s. BirthStrikers wonder if it’s socially responsible to have children at all, and I truthfully don’t know the answer to that question.

So, What’s The Real Reason? Take Your Pick

To be clear, these statistics aren’t meant to shame any millennials currently looking to have a baby. But the consensus is apparent: there are lots of reasons not to have one, all of which are perfectly justifiable.

The New York Times conducted a survey in 2018 asking millennial men and women why they’re opting out of having kids. A whopping 64% cited too-expensive childcare as their primary reason. Others included economic and global worries, insufficient paid family leave and a prioritization of education and career. 

With a planet flirting with inhabitability and a rampantly inequitable society, it’s no surprise birth rates have fallen the way they have. Rather than focusing on why millennials aren’t rushing to have kids, why don’t we focus on giving them a reason to do so?

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