A baby girl was born at Harlem Hospital in New York City exactly at midnight on January 1, 2026, becoming the city's first baby of the year, marking a new start for the Harlem couple Oumy and Amadou Niang, and breaking Brooklyn's recent streak of first births.
The article highlights 24 common parenting behaviors that can be harmful to children, such as negative talk about kids, over-controlling screen time, lack of boundaries, and emotional neglect, emphasizing the importance of healthy, supportive parenting practices.
A concerned aunt seeks advice as her sister is pressuring her 10-year-old niece to replace her deceased father with her new fiancé, causing the girl to act out and express a desire to live with her paternal grandparents. The aunt is advised to approach her sister during a calm moment, emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory of the girl's father and allowing her to maintain a connection with his family. It's suggested that the sister's actions could permanently damage her relationship with her daughter, and the aunt is encouraged to continue advocating for the girl's well-being.
Ranchers Erika and Cody Archie faced backlash for charging their 19-year-old daughter $200 a month in rent after her high school graduation, aiming to teach her financial responsibility. Despite criticism, they believe in instilling good money skills and independence in their children, emphasizing that "nothing in life is free." The couple's approach reflects their belief that children should learn the value of money and not rely on their parents for financial support indefinitely.
A concerned friend seeks advice on whether to address her friend's constant arguing with her husband, which is affecting their son. The friend is from a family where mental health and therapy are not valued, and is unsure how to approach the situation. The columnist advises the friend to gently bring up her observations with her friend, emphasizing the impact on the child and suggesting the possibility of therapy for the couple.
A mother seeks advice after her husband admitted to favoring their son over their daughter, leading to concerns about the impact on their children. The columnist suggests encouraging the husband to seek therapy to address his issues and emphasizing the importance of equal love and affection for both children, regardless of gender. She also urges the mother to hold him accountable and continue advocating for their daughter until he understands the significance of his behavior.
A parent of young children feels overwhelmed by the daily tasks and responsibilities, while her husband believes it's just part of life with little kids. Readers suggest breaking tasks into manageable intervals, sharing household responsibilities, prioritizing self-care, and seeking medical advice to address fatigue. They reassure the parent that while it may be challenging now, things will eventually change.
Michelle Curtis, a millennial, felt abandoned when her boomer mom, whom she expected to help raise her children, asked to be paid for babysitting and later quit to spend more time with her husband. Curtis attributes her challenges as a parent to her mom's helicopter parenting, which made her less self-reliant. She is consciously raising her kids to be more independent and accountable, in contrast to her own upbringing, and believes that boomer grandparents should commit to helping with grandkids and be less focused on their own interests.
Many millennial parents are finding that their boomer parents, who were once seen as potential childcare support, are not as hands-on as expected. This shift has led to feelings of disappointment and abandonment among millennials, who were raised by helicopter parents and now strive to raise their own children to be more independent. The generational differences in parenting styles and expectations have led to challenges in childcare support and strained relationships between boomer grandparents and millennial parents.
A father sparked a debate after refusing to buy his 11-year-old daughter the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max, prompting her to accuse him of ruining her life. The dilemma, shared on Reddit, garnered over 9,500 comments, with many users offering their opinions. While some sympathized with the father, others criticized the daughter's entitlement, suggesting that she should earn the phone or learn financial literacy. The debate highlighted the challenges parents face in managing children's expectations and balancing financial decisions.
Fayetteville's Cape Fear Valley Medical Center welcomed the first babies of 2024, twin boys named Adonis and Adrian Weathers, early on New Year's Day. Other hospitals in central North Carolina, including WakeMed Cary Hospital, Duke University Hospital, UNC Health Rex Hospital, and UNC Health Johnston's, also celebrated the arrivals of their first babies of the year, with families welcoming new additions with joy and surprise on the holiday.
A mom seeks advice on how to handle her husband's negative reaction to their 5-year-old son getting his nails painted at kindergarten. The husband berated the son and the school, calling it "disgusting" and insisting that nail polish is only for girls. The mom is heartbroken for her son and seeks support in challenging outdated gender norms and promoting self-expression. Reddit users encourage her to comfort and validate her son, while suggesting therapy for the husband's hang-ups. Allowing boys to paint their nails challenges stereotypes and fosters acceptance and individuality.
A rainbow baby is a baby born after the loss of a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or another complication. It represents hope after grief and can be a way of honoring the child who is no longer living. While some parents embrace the term "rainbow baby," others may not identify with it. Subsequent pregnancies are unique and come with their own set of challenges, including anxiety and stress related to loss milestones. It is important for friends and family to support loss parents by acknowledging their grief and finding ways to incorporate the child who died into their lives.
Families in the U.S. are planning generations in advance due to the lack of adequate parental leave policies and financial support. With only 21% of parents having access to paid parental leave in the U.S., compared to legal requirements abroad, parents are taking matters into their own hands. They are saving for their children's maternity leave and even their grandchildren's college expenses. The financial burden of raising a child, including pregnancy costs, childcare, and education, is prompting parents to plan early to ensure their children have the necessary support and opportunities. The gender pay gap and the "motherhood penalty" further emphasize the need for better support systems for working mothers.
Reality TV stars Terry and Heather Dubrow have legally changed the name of their 12-year-old son in court. The couple appeared before an Orange County Superior Court judge to request a name change and a "decree recognizing the minor's gender." The judge granted their request, and their child is now legally named Ace Dubrow. In March, Heather revealed on Instagram that Ace is transgender, emphasizing their support for their child's journey and expressing love and pride. The Dubrows have a diverse family, with their younger daughter coming out as a lesbian and their older daughter as bisexual.