Parenting News

The latest parenting stories, each synthesized from multiple sources with added background and context.

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Independence Delayed: A Teen Resists Learning to Drive
parenting4 months ago

Independence Delayed: A Teen Resists Learning to Drive

Slate's Care and Feeding columnist counsels a mother whose 15-year-old son is adamantly avoiding driver’s education, fearing death and showing anxiety and perfectionism. The response urges calm, compassionate dialogue to address underlying worries, consider a slower, teen-led path to obtaining a permit, keep transportation steady (not punitive), and help him build independence on his own timeline while maintaining connection with friends.

Pregnant at 53: when your child’s grandparents aren’t the ones you expect
parenting4 months ago

Pregnant at 53: when your child’s grandparents aren’t the ones you expect

An as-told-to BI feature about a London-based nutritionist who gave birth to her son at 53 with her husband, after IVF and years of miscarriages; they constantly face being mistaken for grandparents, share the emotional toll and the decision to shield their son from potential bullying, and describe how they balance work and parenting with an organic diet, bone broth, supplements, pilates, and a babysitter since grandparents aren’t available; they hope to stay healthy to be there for him long-term.

Raising Calm Boys: Practical Ways to Help Them Deal with Anger
parenting8 months ago

Raising Calm Boys: Practical Ways to Help Them Deal with Anger

The piece argues anger is a normal emotion for kids and that boys often externalize it. It offers practical strategies for parents: help children label their feelings to increase awareness, soothe them calmly to model self-regulation, and use appropriate consequences for aggressive behavior. Recognize individual differences and gender patterns, and seek professional help if anger is frequent or pervasive across settings (home, school). The goal is to let kids feel anger while teaching them not to act on it with aggression.

Parental Tracking: Balancing Safety and Privacy
parenting9 months ago

Parental Tracking: Balancing Safety and Privacy

A mother reflects on her addiction to tracking her sons via their phones, highlighting how it provides her with a sense of closeness and security but also causes anxiety and hampers her ability to accept their independence as they grow up. She discusses the balance between safety and autonomy, acknowledging that while tracking offers reassurance, it may not be healthy for her or her children in the long run.

Newborn Daughter Disappoints Grandfather
parenting1 year ago

Newborn Daughter Disappoints Grandfather

A new mother is hurt and considering distancing herself from her father after he expressed disappointment that her newborn daughter is not a grandson, revealing sexist attitudes. The advice suggests addressing the issue directly with the father, emphasizing the importance of respect and setting boundaries, and considering whether to repair or distance from the relationship based on his response.