The hottest Family Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Dog is God Backwards

Off-Topic • 314 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Pets Grief Family Language Emotions
  1. Pet owners often create unique voices and stories for their pets, like a little private language that makes life more fun. This 'Dog Voice' reflects the owners' love and imagination.
  2. The bond with pets can feel deeply personal, almost as if they have their own personalities and inner lives. This connection helps owners cope with feelings of loss when pets are gone.
  3. Grieving a pet is natural and shows the strong emotional ties we form with them. Many people have shared similar feelings throughout history, which shows that this love is universal.

What I Told RFK's Team at the Department of Health and Human Services

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 6629 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Poverty Education Family Policy Social norms
  1. Teaching the 'success sequence' can help reduce poverty. Kids who finish school, get a job, and marry before having kids are much less likely to be in poverty.
  2. Society needs clear and strong norms around work and family. When rich people don't talk about these norms, it confuses those in lower-income communities.
  3. Family stability is important for children's success. Kids from married parents tend to do better in school and have better chances of going to college.

Elon Musk, Ashley St. Clair, and the New Moral Majority

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 996 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Influencers Society Family Media
  1. Elon Musk reportedly has 13 children with four different women, making him a father many times over.
  2. Ashley St. Clair announced she had a child with Musk, which adds to his growing family.
  3. Despite Musk's personal life being quite public, conservative Republicans seem to be less critical about his situation.

Our Father Used To Sing Songs In The Summer

Soaring Twenties • 77 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Traditions Family
  1. Change is happening, and there are plans to alter formats and strategies. But the main project will still continue as usual.
  2. The author reminisces about their father's past joy in singing, highlighting how life changes can silence such joy.
  3. There's a longing for past memories and simple pleasures, wishing for a return to those carefree days of childhood and shared laughter.

BabyTime: A Video Calling App for Babies

offscript • 104 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Apps Family Development Communication User Experience
  1. The app is designed for babies to call family members using photos, making it easy for them to connect without needing to read.
  2. A friend's three-year-old enjoys using the app so much that he started prank calling family, showing how kids can adapt to tech.
  3. Building the app was a fun project that took just one day, and it encourages others to create simple apps for their own families.
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What I'm Thankful For

Freddie deBoer • 10643 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Thanksgiving Family Mental health Media Personal Growth Food
  1. Being thankful for loved ones is essential. Family and friends provide support in tough times.
  2. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday because it focuses on gratitude without the stress of gift-giving. It’s a time to relax and enjoy good food and company.
  3. Mental health medications can be life-saving. They have helped many people rebuild their lives, despite some negative opinions about them.

I Took Religion Out of Christmas. I Regret It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3218 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Traditions Family Identity Values
  1. Taking religion out of Christmas can remove a sense of beauty and structure from the holiday. People often miss the special traditions and feelings that religion brings to the celebration.
  2. The nativity set symbolizes the importance of heritage and memories tied to Christmas. Items like this serve as reminders of cherished moments during childhood.
  3. Many people may not realize how much spiritual elements contribute to the overall joy and meaning of Christmas until they're absent from the celebration. Reflecting on these aspects can lead to feelings of regret.

Under the Old Ginkgo

Tech and Tea • 476 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Nature Personal Growth Family Culinary Tradition
  1. The ginkgo tree in the backyard, despite being a nuisance with its smelly fruit, holds deep meaning and connection for the family. It represents the changing seasons and has special memories tied to it.
  2. Being 'useless' can actually mean thriving on your own terms. Instead of chasing traditional success, it's okay to embrace your unique path and focus on what really matters to you.
  3. You don’t have to scale and fit into conventional molds. Finding a small, appreciative audience for your personal gifts can be just as fulfilling as chasing big success.

Grandfather Story

The Carousel • 84 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Family Tradition Memory Society Values
  1. It's important to stand by your beliefs, even when everyone around you disagrees. Taking a brave stance can feel lonely but can also be seen as admirable.
  2. Some charity events may not always do what they intend to and can end up being more harmful than helpful. It's good to question where donations really go.
  3. Family relationships can be complex and filled with expectations. Sometimes, big moments can lead to long-lasting pain and unresolved feelings.

Notes on Chapter 32

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature History Art Family Relationships
  1. The characters have reached important milestones in their lives, like successful careers and personal achievements such as adoption. These moments show growth and fulfillment.
  2. The author acknowledges the loss of a friend who contributed to the writing process, highlighting the theme of family and community. This adds an emotional depth to the story.
  3. There is a hint at upcoming events, like the Microsoft antitrust trial, suggesting that the story will intertwine personal narratives with historical events. This keeps the reader engaged with both plot and context.

What We’re Grateful For

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2926 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Thanksgiving Gratitude Family Traditions American history
  1. Thanksgiving is a unique American holiday where people take a moment to express gratitude for what they have. It's a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the love and connections in our lives.
  2. Even amid political divides, it’s important to remember the value of family gatherings and shared meals. Coming together can help bridge differences and create lasting memories.
  3. Gratitude comes from various sources - from simple pleasures like good health, family, and friends, to shared experiences and creative innovations that improve our lives.

Oh, father

Disaffected Newsletter • 2018 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Identity Family Trauma
  1. The speaker's childhood was marked by trauma, particularly from their mother's inconsistent love and the presence of an abusive stepfather. They often felt unsafe and questioned their worth.
  2. Music and artists like Madonna became a refuge for the speaker, helping them process their feelings and experiences. Songs like 'Oh Father' resonated deeply with their struggles and emotions.
  3. The speaker reflects on the complexity of their feelings towards their parents, understanding that both love and pain can exist in relationships, leading to confusion about forgiveness and redemption.

Friends & Family

Spilled Coffee • 108 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Family Friendship Memories Life lessons Nostalgia
  1. Spending time with friends and family is what really matters in life. It feels like no time has passed when you see them again, no matter how long it's been.
  2. Cherish the memories you have with loved ones, as they are what you will hold onto in the end. Physical things don't last, but the moments shared do.
  3. Don't wait for special occasions or sad events to reconnect with those you care about. Make the effort to reach out and enjoy the time together while you still can.

It's Coming Around Again

Disaffected Newsletter • 2697 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Family Grief Community Death Relationships
  1. Steve is in a peaceful place as he approaches the end of his life, and he feels comforted by the presence of his late wife, Lisa.
  2. Family and friends are coming together to support each other during this difficult time, showing a warm, loving environment.
  3. The narrator reflects on their experience with family gatherings, realizing that not all families have to be filled with conflict and drama.

Experimental hello

Patti Smith • 25492 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Family Travel
  1. The writer shares a message from the airport, mentioning the struggle of buying coffee without a credit card.
  2. The writer reflects on the upcoming family gathering and the significance of significant events for them.
  3. The post ends with a wish for the readers to have a great day while considering the challenges faced by others.

The Strange Grief of Losing a Dog

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 876 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Grief Family Pets Memory
  1. Losing a pet, especially a dog, can lead to deep feelings of grief and loneliness. Coming home to the absence of a beloved dog can be especially hard.
  2. Grief can feel different depending on who we lose. Each relationship shapes our feelings of loss in unique ways, whether it’s a child, friend, parent, or pet.
  3. Holidays often bring back memories of lost loved ones, including pets. These times can stir up both sweet memories and painful feelings of absence.

The Philippines

Wyclif's Dust • 1341 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Economy Family Tradition Language
  1. The Philippines is a developing country with many poor areas, but it's also growing quickly. Despite limited resources, people are adapting and using technology like Facebook for business and communication.
  2. Malls are really important in the Philippines. They provide a cool escape from the heat and are seen as a sign of progress, showing how shopping has become part of modern life.
  3. Family plays a huge role in Filipino culture. The extended family is very close-knit, with many children being looked after by relatives, and this sense of community helps young parents a lot.

I Had to Say Something at My Son's Wedding

The Honest Broker • 17819 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection Marriage Literature Emotions Family
  1. The author struggled to find the right passage to read at his son's wedding and ultimately turned to a Kierkegaard text he had read at his own wedding many years ago.
  2. The author found sentimental value in the passage, realizing its deeper meaning as he read it in 2024, bringing a new perspective to his understanding of marriage.
  3. By revisiting a piece of paper he saved from years ago, the author was able to share a touching and meaningful passage with the wedding guests, connecting past and present moments.

Barangay stories: the Aswang and the jealous auntie

Wyclif's Dust • 268 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore Mythology Family Storytelling Tradition
  1. The Aswang is a local Filipino monster that can scare children into behaving. It is said to look like a human, which makes it even creepier.
  2. Beliefs like the Aswang play a big role in Filipino culture and storytelling, blending fear with community wisdom.
  3. The story of the jealous auntie highlights struggles with mental health and relationships, showing how jealousy can strain even the closest ties.

"Family Abolition" and the COVID Pandemic

Igor’s Newsletter • 8903 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Family Media Health
  1. Influential thought leaders are advocating for "family abolition" to reshape societal relationships.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine promotions have contributed to the breakdown of many families.
  3. Efforts to mend broken family ties, especially due to COVID-19 vaccine differences, are essential to combat societal discord promoted by divisive media.

The Sugar Plum Sisters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Dance Theater Family
  1. Olivia and Mary Thomas MacKinnon share a deep love for dancing and perform together in 'The Nutcracker'. They have a close bond as sisters and roommates in New York City.
  2. When they were young, they had a friendly rivalry over the lead role in a special performance of 'The Nutcracker'. They decided to share the role, showcasing teamwork over competition.
  3. Their journey began in their living room, a reminder that even small spaces can become stages for dreams and creativity.

What Surfing Has Taught Me

Remarkable People • 479 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Personal Growth Family Nature Life lessons
  1. It's never too late to start something new, like surfing. Trying new things can teach you valuable lessons about perseverance.
  2. The ocean doesn't care about who you are, so always respect it. This is a great reminder to stay aware of the bigger forces in life.
  3. To improve at a skill, like surfing, you need the right equipment. Using the right tools can make a big difference in how well you learn and succeed.

Lunch at Arowhon

The Analog Family • 799 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
🍲 Food & Drink Dining Culinary Restaurants Family Traditions
  1. A special meal can be a strong motivator for change. The author stopped sucking her thumb after promising to go to a fancy restaurant if she succeeded.
  2. Experiences can create lasting memories and traditions in families. The author's children enjoyed a meal at the same restaurant years later, connecting them to her past.
  3. It's never too late to revisit places that hold special meanings. The author looks forward to returning to the restaurant without needing to change a habit.

Every kid deserves an Aunt Bobbie

The Watch • 1178 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Relationships Aging Personal Growth Family
  1. Every kid needs someone outside their family who believes in them. This support can help them feel valued and understood.
  2. Having a close relationship with a quirky and caring mentor can enrich a child's life. These special people can inspire us and create lasting memories.
  3. Even if you don't have kids, you can still make a positive impact on younger generations. Being a supportive figure can make a difference in their lives, just like Aunt Bobbie did.

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 9152 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Life events Creativity Family Personal Growth Community
  1. Celebrating small joys can boost happiness, like watching nature unfold around you or enjoying simple meals with family.
  2. Connections with friends and family, whether through conversations or shared activities, are vital for a fulfilling life.
  3. Taking time for self-reflection and personal growth helps you appreciate the present and improves overall well-being.

The Forster Craft Sticks Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Crafts History Marketing Art Family
  1. Craft activities for kids can be fun and engaging. Subscription boxes that include everything needed for crafting are a great way to keep children entertained.
  2. Popsicle stick lamps started as simple craft projects but can be worth a lot today. Vintage examples can sell for hundreds of dollars now.
  3. Forster Manufacturing Company grew from making toothpicks to craft sticks. Their clever marketing helped them sell millions of toothpicks in America.

The objects we love and live with

Austin Kleon • 2517 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Design Lifestyle Family Technology
  1. The objects we own can reveal a lot about who we are and what we value. They reflect our interests and memories.
  2. Having meaningful items at home, like a piano, can enrich our lives and provide emotional outlets, especially for children.
  3. Commercials or ads that show destruction of beloved items can be shocking and evoke strong feelings, reminding us of our attachments to the things we cherish.

Remembering Mimi

Bad News • 6309 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Memoir Family Life
  1. Mimi was an exceptional individual with a rich and varied life story.
  2. Her relationship with her best friend, Bill, led her on adventures around the world.
  3. Mimi's impact on her family, especially her grandson and great-grandchildren, was profound.

Marriage

David Friedman’s Substack • 386 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Economics Family Society Traditions Relationships
  1. Marriage can be viewed as a partnership where both people share responsibilities like income, chores, and caring for children. It's like running a small business together.
  2. People often choose not to buy all services from outside, like cooking or cleaning, because it's easier and cheaper to do these things at home. It saves time and effort to manage these tasks within a marriage instead of hiring others.
  3. The decline in marriage rates might be linked to fewer household responsibilities and easier options for divorce, which make it less binding than before. People are adjusting to a modern world where marriage can seem less necessary.

On Turning 30

From the Desk • 45 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Life reflections Mental health Family Faith
  1. Cynicism is easy but it doesn't help. It's better to look for the good in people and situations, even when things are tough.
  2. Taking care of your body helps your mind stay healthy too. Regular exercise can really boost your mood and confidence.
  3. Friendships take real effort to maintain as adults. It's important to reach out and keep in touch, even if you're busy or far apart.

Hope for a Durable Remission

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 3832 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Family Cancer Mental health Support Healing
  1. The importance of finding hope and strength in situations of enduring challenges, such as coping with a cancer diagnosis or supporting a child through difficult times.
  2. The ongoing journey of healing involves balancing the knowledge gained from experiences with actively working towards personal healing and self-care.
  3. The significance of continuing to support others going through similar challenges while also focusing on one's own well-being by engaging in activities that bring comfort and peace.

Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail With a Baby?! | Guest Post by Jack McClure

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 72 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Outdoor Adventure Family Lifestyle Parenting
  1. Hiking with a baby can be an amazing adventure. It showed that families can enjoy nature and travel together despite challenges.
  2. Many people may doubt unconventional plans like this, but supportive friends and family can help boost confidence. It’s important to follow what feels right for your family.
  3. Living true to your values can lead to meaningful experiences. The journey taught a lot about parenting and the joy of exploring the outdoors as a family.

An Ode to Age

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 599 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Aging Nature Family History Environment
  1. Aging can be appreciated by looking at both people and nature. For example, the author's mom turned 90, which is an incredible milestone.
  2. Many local marine animals, like rockfish and orcas, have long lifespans and play important roles in their ecosystems. Their age brings wisdom and stability to their communities.
  3. Trees and geological formations in the region can be thousands, even millions of years old, showing us that age contributes to resilience and strength in nature.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 680 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Lifestyle Food Health Family
  1. Taking care of a sick family can be really tough. It can feel like you're in a never-ending cycle of illness, especially with little kids.
  2. Staying home while everyone is sick makes you feel kind of trapped. It can be really challenging but finding little joys at home can help.
  3. Being open about struggles, like family sickness, helps build connection. It's important to share and talk about these experiences with others.

The Roots That Held The Earth

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Family Heritage Reflection Loss
  1. Loss can deeply affect our sense of identity and belonging. When we lose important people or places, we often feel lost and disconnected from ourselves.
  2. Finding true belonging is about giving part of ourselves to a place or people, not just seeking to possess. A genuine connection requires authenticity and commitment.
  3. In difficult times, seeking meaning can help us navigate our pain. When we try to understand our experiences, we can find a way to move forward instead of feeling hopeless.

Solstice vibes

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Music Television Family Art Holidays
  1. Reading is about choosing to read one book over many others. It's okay to not read every book out there.
  2. Music can be a great escape when feeling tired of other interests. Sometimes, music books can reignite that passion for reading.
  3. TV shows can be a fun distraction. It's nice to find joy in watching something simple and entertaining, especially during the holidays.

Family was never the problem

Disaffected Newsletter • 3836 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Family Identity Social Issues Mental health Parenting
  1. Not all families are the same, and many people come from backgrounds that are abusive and damaging. It's important to recognize that these experiences can shape how we view family.
  2. A loving and stable family is necessary for healthy child development. When children experience abuse, it not only affects them but also society as a whole.
  3. It's possible to change our views and support good family values, even if we had difficult pasts. Focusing on building positive family structures can lead to a better future.

An emotion I can't name

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Emotion Family Memory Society
  1. Sometimes we have feelings that are hard to describe. They can be a mix of sadness, protectiveness, and understanding for others who might not have much.
  2. Beauty can come from simple things in life. Special items, even if not expensive, can carry deep emotional meaning from loved ones.
  3. It's important to recognize and appreciate the struggles of others. Making fun of their situations can hurt, and we should approach their joys with kindness.