6 Sources For Tips And Advice On Parenting

Helpful Resources For Parents

Useful Products for New Parents

If you're expecting your first child and want to make sure you're fully prepared, be sure to add these to your checklist:

• A baby backpack so you can take your little one on-the-go
• Some baby wash to keep away germs & bad smells
• A bottle for when they get hungry
• If you have extra time to cook, a baby food maker is a good investment
• An entertaining play mat will keep a baby stimulated
• Keep track of precious memories with a baby book
• Some cute & comfy onesies
• A monitor so you can keep track of them without being glued to the nursery

What Parental Burnout Looks Like (And How To Avoid It)

9 Chapter Books Parents and Kids Can Read Together

1. The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman & Victoria Jamieson
2. The Trouble With Chickens by Doreen Cronin & Kevin Cornell
3. Saving the Team by Alex Morgan & Paula Franco
4. A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry & Mónica Armiño
5. The Book of the Wise by J.T. Cope IV
6. No Cream Puffs by Karen Day
7. Scary School by Derek The Ghost & Scott M. Fischer
8. Mo: The Talking Dog by Michelle Booth
9. Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle by Bob Pflugfelder & Steve Hockensmith

How to Raise Successful Kids

In Depth

Few things in life present as much of a challenge and prompt as much criticism as raising children. The complexity involved can seem daunting, requiring knowledge about psychology, nutrition, and finances, as well as time management skills to maintain a balance with work life. Presented here, in no particular order, are six individuals and programs offering assistance to those wrestling with parenthood.

Beginning our list at #1 is Laurence Steinberg, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Temple University and an expert on adolescence. He is the author of Age of Opportunity, an overview of the science dealing with developing brains, and the implications for parents looking to help young people achieve success. His other guides include You and Your Adolescent, and The Ten Basic Principles of Good Parenting.

Along with his works written for parents, Steinberg has authored the psychology textbook Adolescence; he has also critically examined the way that the court system handles young people in Rethinking Juvenile Justice, and questioned America's approach to adolescent education in Beyond The Classroom. In his speaking appearances, he discusses topics like the factors that spur risky decisions in teens, or how developmental psychology can inform legal policy.

In his speaking appearances, he discusses topics like the factors that spur risky decisions in teens, or how developmental psychology can inform legal policy.

Following up at #2 is Laurie A. Couture, a writer, speaker, and consultant on child behavior. Her book Instead of Medicating and Punishing offers parents a holistic approach to fostering good behavior, and helping young people overcome learning challenges or psychological harm. Her work is informed by her own experience raising her adopted son Brycen, and assisting his recovery from early childhood trauma.

Couture provides coaching for parents welcoming an adopted family member, raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or simply interested in better ways to meet young people's needs. She also offers speaking events and workshops teaching her approach. Couture advocates for the Attachment Parenting paradigm, which emphasizes individualized learning, freedom of expression, and connection with nature; she discusses this method in various conference and media appearances.

#3 is the Atomic Moms podcast. This show's host, Ellie Knaus, invites authors, experts, and fellow parents for frank discussions about the pains and delights of bringing up children. Notable guests have included Hillary Peterson, founder of the naturally sourced beauty company True Botanicals, and Michael C. Reichert, Ph.D, clinician and director of the Center for the Study of Boys' and Girls' Lives at the University of Pennsylvania.

This show's host, Ellie Knaus, invites authors, experts, and fellow parents for frank discussions about the pains and delights of bringing up children.

Among the many topics explored on Atomic Moms are time management for parents, dealing with separation anxiety, and the struggles of single motherhood. The show also addresses abuse prevention and other challenging issues. Knaus talks with teachers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and other working professionals about balancing careers and parenthood, as well as bringing her own family on the show to offer a personal perspective.

#4 in our overview is Dr. Paul Smolen, an experienced pediatrician, writer, and podcaster. His book Can Doesn't Mean Should details practical and research-based strategies for parents, as does his follow-up work Great Kids Don't Just Happen. In addition to his own writing, Smolen offers reviews of notable titles for parents and children from other authors.

Along with his books, Dr. Smolen has written numerous articles, discussing subjects like childhood sickness and healthcare, the dangers of over-cleaning for young immune systems, and how to ensure proper nutrition. He offers further advice through his childcare podcast, with episodes covering topics such as allergy prevention, the risks of pesticides, and the effects of social media on adolescent cognition.

He offers further advice through his childcare podcast, with episodes covering topics such as allergy prevention, the risks of pesticides, and the effects of social media on adolescent cognition.

#5 on the list is Allie Casazza. A writer, podcaster, and life management expert, she shares organizational strategies for parents and other busy adults. Her articles and audio content discuss practical minimalism, tips for maintaining productivity, and overcoming feelings of inadequacy. Her show hosts guests like Emily Ley, creator of the Simplified brand of organizational tools, and Latasha Morrison, author and racial justice advocate.

Casazza's book Mama Needs A Reboot mixes practical advice with inspirational stories from her own experience, and her online courses provide in-depth guidance on parenting strategies, reducing clutter, and finding peace amid stress and chaos. She also offers instructional tools on affirmations for personal growth, daily planning, and other tactics for life management. And she shares motivational challenges aimed at inspiring readers to take action to improve their lives.

Concluding our list at #6 is Jennifer Labit. The founder and CEO of the cloth diaper company Cotton Babies, she writes about her experiences combining motherhood with successful entrepreneurship, discussing the experiences that have shaped her as a mother and a business owner. She offers advice on topics from economizing on baby goods to coping with healthcare challenges, as well as the everyday stresses of parenthood.

She offers advice on topics from economizing on baby goods to coping with healthcare challenges, as well as the everyday stresses of parenthood.

Labit combines her thoughts on effective parenting with calls for businesses to support mothers, and for women of all walks of life to stand in solidarity. She also shares tips and insights regarding professional strategy, and reflections on topics including faith, online abuse, and the economic power of big data. Along with her writings, she appears at speaking engagements to discuss female leadership and the path to business success.