Parenting, work, and the early years — narrated.
Daily briefing for young moms — parenting, work-life, child development, and the modern family economy — narrated by Yara each morning.
T1D Deep Dive
Most kids with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed during a crisis, often ending up in the hospital. But new research suggests we can change that. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can be detected in the blood years before symptoms appear. A recent study published in JAMA found that screening 200,000 kids during routine check-ups significantly reduced the number of diagnoses that involved diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from 40-60% to below 10%. It's important to understand that type 1 is primarily an immune system issue, not just a blood sugar problem. Many parents might feel reassured by a normal finger-stick test, but that can be misleading. In fact, the majority of kids diagnosed don’t have a family history of the disease. The process of developing type 1 diabetes can take years, and by the time kids reach the emergency room, it’s often too late to prevent complications. Screening is now available at Frontier Pediatrics, even for kids who aren’t regular patients. Parents can have a virtual visit to discuss screening for all their children, and most insurance plans cover the costs. If not, there are low-cost or free options available through research sites. Early detection can help reduce anxiety for families, making it easier to manage the condition before it escalates.
Today's curated set
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AMA Toddler Sleep Regression/Anxiety
In this week’s episode, a mom named Emily shares her struggles with her almost-three-year-old daughter, Remy, who’s experiencing sleep issues, particularly at night and during naps. Remy screams and cries when her parents leave the room, and Emily suspects it’s tied to separation anxiety, possibly triggered by recent swim lessons and a chaotic daycare environment. The host emphasizes that this is a common phase for many parents, especially with a new baby in the house. They discuss how easy it can be to slip into co-sleeping out of exhaustion, but it’s possible to avoid that with some intentional strategies. They advise against using melatonin, noting that it doesn’t address the underlying issues of anxiety and habit. Instead, they suggest focusing on establishing new bedtime practices to help Remy feel secure in her own space. The host reassures Emily that what she’s experiencing isn’t a sleep regression in the traditional sense, but rather a typical response to separation anxiety. They encourage her to remain consistent in her approach to bedtime, reinforcing that this phase, while challenging, is manageable with the right techniques.
Feeding Without the Anxiety with Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
Feeding kids can feel overwhelming, but Jennifer Anderson, a registered dietitian, offers some clarity. She emphasizes that parents know their children best, and if a feeding strategy isn't working, it’s okay to let it go. A consistent routine for meals and snacks is key to reducing chaos at the table. Grazing can disrupt kids' natural hunger cues, so aiming for fewer, more satisfying meals is often more beneficial. Anderson also highlights the pitfalls of labeling foods as "good" or "bad," suggesting instead to focus on how different foods affect the body. Using dessert as a reward can backfire, teaching kids to view it as something special rather than just part of a balanced diet. She touches on food dyes, noting they’re less significant than factors like calories and nutrients. Lastly, she provides insight into picky eating versus ARFID, offering a simple tool to help parents distinguish between the two.
Parent Q: “What can I do at home for croup?”
In the latest episode of the Dear Parents Podcast, the host dives into a common concern among parents: croup. Croup is a viral infection that leads to a distinctive barking cough and can be distressing for both kids and parents. The episode offers practical tips for managing croup at home, emphasizing the importance of keeping your child calm and comfortable. One key takeaway is the use of steam, either from a hot shower or a humidifier, to help ease breathing difficulties. The host also discusses signs that might indicate when it's time to seek medical attention, helping parents feel more confident about their decisions. Importantly, the episode shares a helpful trick to potentially avoid a steroid injection, which is often used to treat croup. Instead, a one-time oral dose of steroids can be just as effective, making treatment less stressful for everyone involved. Overall, the episode is a reassuring resource for parents navigating this common childhood illness.
🛝 This Week In Parenting
I’ve been watching the original *Little House on the Prairie* with my family, and a couple of scenes stuck out. One episode treats an outbreak as “mountain fever,” which lines up with Rocky Mountain spotted fever—tick‑borne, not person‑to‑person, and deadly without antibiotics. The show’s “quarantine” scenes feel oddly familiar, especially when Ma starts baking nonstop. The teacher’s habit of sending a spoiled kid to the corner reminded me of a well‑known parenting voice that still pushes the “corner” as discipline. In my practice I use an authoritative approach—no corners, clear expectations, and quick, positive feedback—because the evidence shows it builds better behavior and parent confidence. A recent ADHD follow‑up highlighted something simple: low ferritin (iron stores) can make sleep restless and trigger ice‑chewing. After a short iron supplement course, the child’s sleep steadied and the ice habit faded. A quick ferritin and CBC test is cheap, easy, and often reveals iron‑related issues even without anemia. That’s why we offer an “ADHD tune‑up” that looks at nutrition, sleep, screen time, and parenting all together, and it can be done virtually with insurance.
65 Bougie Things Under $25 That'll Make Your Home Look Expensive As Hell
You can elevate your home's look without breaking the bank. Some clever buys include a window privacy film that mimics stained glass, a dusk-to-dawn nightlight with a floral glass lampshade, and a rug that's easy to clean and install. For a more luxurious feel, consider a set of high-carbon stainless steel knives, a solid walnut wood chime, or a bundle of dried eucalyptus for a spa-like experience. You can also add a touch of elegance with a floral-patterned liner for your shelves, a geometric-patterned throw pillow cover, or a set of thinker statues. For added convenience, grab a lidded basket for storing toilet paper and other bathroom essentials, or a mat that fits around your faucet to catch drips and splashes.
Why I Started Something New (and Why I'm Still Right Here)
Fourteen years ago I turned a kitchen‑table idea into Sarah Wells Bags, a tote for pumping moms that’s now passed from one mom to the next. I’ve just launched the Center for Modern Commerce Policy—a nonprofit trade group that speaks for the millions of small online sellers who don’t fit any existing government category. The goal is simple: fix the tax, loan and insurance rules that were written for brick‑and‑mortar shops, and give digital sellers a clear definition so they’re not left out of federal decisions. I’ve already testified before Congress and spoken on the Senate floor to make that happen. Don’t worry, the bag business isn’t going anywhere. My team runs the day‑to‑day, I’ll keep creating new products, and I’ll keep writing to you from the same mom‑centered perspective while we push for fairer policies.
What Soccer Taught Me About Belonging
I spend my weekends traveling up and down the East Coast from Boston, Massachusetts to Richmond, Virginia, and everywhere in between, all so my son can play soccer.
☁️ Digital Declutter: Better Systems for Family Photos
If you’re feeling the camera roll turning into a digital junk drawer, try a simple monthly rhythm: set a calendar reminder, spend 15‑30 minutes scrolling, delete blurry shots and duplicates, then move the keep
Elizabeth
Timeless, versatile, and classic, Elizabeth has been a popular choice since the 16th-century reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
The Everymom's Guide to a '90s Summer
If you grew up in the ’90s, you know that summer had a distinct vibe. I can close my eyes and picture my ’90s summer experience filled with ice cream trucks, bikes, pool days, and sprinklers.