I spent 30 years advising families on senior care — and I still wasn't ready to take care of my mom
“I’m sorry for keeping my phone on,” I said as I introduced myself at a recent conference. I was excited to be speaking to thought leaders, industry experts and policymakers in Washington about supporting employees who are taking care of their loved ones, but I was also distracted. My... more
How to juggle parent and kid care in the summer months
Navigating life in the sandwich generation is tough enough during the cooler fall, winter and spring seasons, but the challenge becomes even greater during summer. That’s because for many people who are balancing child-rearing and eldercare, the months between September and May provide somewhat of a built-in safety net: school... more
15 funny memes for parents just trying to survive the end of the school year
Parenting is almost always a tiring job, but there’s a phenomenon that happens each year from May through June that makes it even more so. I’m talking about the end of the school year. Getting through those last few weeks of packing lunches, cleaning out backpacks and attending a million... more
8 babysitting tips I learned the hard way (so you don’t have to)
I’ve been babysitting for several years now, and there have been many ups and downs. Sometimes situations come up that you never would think to prepare for, like losing the key to their house (oops!) or being bored out of your mind. Here are some babysitting tips I’ve learned the... more
Babysitting tips: How to start conversations with kids
My friends who don’t babysit or who aren’t used to spending time with children often struggle to grasp how I manage as a sitter. Their questions often make me laugh — like, “Ew, do you have to change diapers?” when it’s a 6-year-old I’m going to watch, or “You... more
What postpartum belly binding can do for your post-baby body
If you’ve been pregnant and have given birth any time during the last five years or so, odds are pretty high that your social media feeds have been inundated with photos of celebrities or popular mom bloggers wearing and raving about postpartum belly wraps and bands. Celeb moms like Cardi... more
22 campfire stories to spook and delight kids of all ages
What kid doesn't love staying up late, making s'mores and telling funny or sometimes scary campfire stories? If you've been charged with providing the group entertainment at your next campout, here's a list of 22 stories to help set the mood and get the nighttime fun started. The... more
19 things you should never say to kids
Unfortunately, kids don't come with a manual — imagine how great that would be! Parents make mistakes all the time, and that's OK. One of the hardest things to learn as a parent is how to talk to kids. It's easy to say something that gives them... more
What's the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?
If you’re looking to hire a caregiver for your child, you might be asking yourself one of the most common questions we get around here: What’s the difference between a babysitter and a nanny anyhow? The thing is, it’s not always clear cut. Every child care job description varies slightly... more