Parent Mode

05/19/2026

Intimacy is more about actions than words. In the article below, Elite Daily lists nine examples, from cooking dinner and stargazing to sharing a future together. Its main point is that small, caring gestures and long-term commitment can feel more intimate than saying “I love you.”

05/13/2026

Parents say the average four-person household is spending about $250 a week on groceries in 2026, with many paying $50 to $100 more than they did a year ago.

Families described relying on meal plans, coupons, bulk buying, and store pickup to keep costs down. The piece also notes that the prices of coffee, lettuce, ground beef, steak, and orange juice rose the most over the past two years.

See the full article below.

04/27/2026

Do you keep your kids out of your bedroom?

My kids all sleep in their own beds, but when they just want to relax or play, they always make their way into my bedroom. What gives?

04/27/2026

LendingTree says it now costs $303,418 on average to raise a child to age 18 in the U.S., even after tax credits and exemptions.

The first five years are the most expensive, averaging $29,325 a year, with costs varying widely by state. Hawaii is the priciest, while Mississippi, Alabama, and South Dakota are among the least expensive.

Full story below.

04/24/2026

A new report says some teens are choosing military service for reasons that include family tradition, education benefits, job training, and a sense of purpose.

It also notes that military academies and enlistment paths can be highly competitive, and that the early years of service can be physically and mentally demanding.

Full story below.

04/18/2026

If you want to look more polished in minutes, the article says to focus on a few skincare basics instead of a full face of makeup.

It highlights vitamin C serum, moisturizer, eye cream, sunscreen and a hydrating face mist as the quickest ways to brighten skin and create a more finished look.

Read the full story here: https://fil.la/QmRXhe

04/18/2026

Aubrey Plaza stepped back into the spotlight at a New York screening of Kevin while showing her baby bump in a white and blue embroidered Stella McCartney mini-dress. She is expecting her first child with boyfriend Christopher Abbott this fall, after staying out of public view following the death of her estranged husband, Jeff Baena.

Full story below.

04/16/2026

A Scary Mommy essay says many parents once judged moms who looked disheveled at school drop-off, only to understand it after having kids themselves.

The piece uses a Reddit thread to show how common it is for moms to focus on getting their children ready while leaving themselves in pajamas, messy buns, or no-bra mornings. It also notes the mix of solidarity and admiration in the comments, especially for parents juggling drop-off and work.

Read it below.

04/11/2026

Journalist Fortesa Latifi says some family influencers told her the most-viewed posts show children when they are sick, sad, or injured.

Her new book also looks at how family creators can make money through platform payouts, sponsorships, affiliate links, and, in some cases, church support.

Full story below.

04/10/2026

In a personal essay, Keetje Kuipers reflects on choosing to have a baby on her own while a former love reenters her life.

The relationship doesn’t derail her plans, but it does reshape them as the two of them build a family in an unconventional order. The piece shows how parenthood, distance, and persistence helped turn a complicated reunion into a marriage and family.

Read the full essay here: https://fil.la/m6W3Gb