The hottest Parenting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The nervous system

Austin Kleon • 5195 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Parenting
  1. Starting a 31-day challenge now can help you get ahead instead of waiting for the new year. Making commitments regularly can lead to personal growth.
  2. Children are companions in life, not just projects. It's important to share experiences and life with them rather than just focusing on goals.
  3. It's frustrating to wait for new episodes of your favorite shows. Waiting can feel especially hard when you're looking forward to something exciting.

#196: What else is there?

Maybe Baby • 2845 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Community Parenting Mental health Personal Growth Social connection
  1. Cleaning can be a way to cope with feelings of anger and frustration. Taking action, like organizing your space, can help you feel more in control.
  2. Being part of a community can help reduce feelings of isolation. Simple interactions, like greeting neighbors or attending local events, can bring joy and connection.
  3. Leaving your comfort zone is important for personal growth. Taking small steps to engage with the world outside can lead to better mental health and a sense of belonging.

The sins of our fathers

Becoming Noble • 3468 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Rituals Parenting Cultural Traditions
  1. Rituals play a significant role in transcending individuals into archetypes, enhancing communion and cultural continuity.
  2. Honoring parents and ancestors is deeply rooted in civilization and breaking away from this tradition can lead to societal collapse.
  3. Interfering with key rituals can result in discordance, oikophobia, and a crisis of self-consciousness, ultimately leading to alienation and narcissism.

We do Math because it's hard

Kids Who Love Math • 335 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🚌 Education Math Learning Parenting Skills Development
  1. Math can be really hard to learn for everyone, at any age. It's normal for students to find math difficult as they progress in their education.
  2. Choosing challenges like math for kids can help them build perseverance. It's often easier to support their learning in a comfortable environment like home.
  3. It's important for kids to enjoy the challenge they're taking on. If they like math, they're more likely to stick with it and succeed.
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Five Links for June 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 56 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Society Education Parenting Philosophy
  1. Modern life may seem easy, but it can actually make us feel emotionally tired because we lack real struggles. It's important to find meaningful challenges.
  2. Innovations in the defense industry are coming back after a decline since the Cold War. This shows that there is still room for improvement and change.
  3. Some parents are choosing to live near their friends to support each other in raising kids, showing the importance of community over just living near family.

Liana Finck, Cartoonist/Philosopher/Genius

Ladyparts • 838 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Cartoons Books Parenting Creators Illustrations
  1. Liana Finck's book 'HOW TO BABY' cleverly reflects on the challenges and contradictions of parenting.
  2. Finck's cartoons humorously navigate the complexities of relationships, parenthood, and life in a relatable and profound way.
  3. The power of art lies in its ability to simplify and bring joy and understanding to complex emotions and experiences.

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.

#206: Hosting parties, having babies, being “original”

Maybe Baby • 1192 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Friendship Parenting Socialization Originality Connection
  1. Making friends can happen at any age, and it's normal to want connection. Even if life changes, there are always people looking for friendship.
  2. Hosting parties can be a great way to connect with others, even for introverts. It's about taking a chance to invite people and create opportunities for fun together.
  3. Knowing when you're ready to have kids is personal, and it's okay to feel unsure. Communication with your partner is key, and thinking about your family dynamics can help you decide.

Best of The Free Press: We’re All Gonna Make It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Travel Philosophy Parenting
  1. Even in tough times, there's a sense of optimism that things can get better. It's about hoping for change and taking action instead of giving in to despair.
  2. People are finding joy in unexpected places, like celebrating together even when plans go wrong. It's about making the best out of challenging situations.
  3. There’s a shift in how young people view education, with many choosing southern colleges over prestigious Ivy League schools for a more enjoyable experience and a different environment.

It finally broke me

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 3105 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Parenting Support
  1. The parent shared the challenges of raising a child with special needs, including struggles with school, relationships, and support from others.
  2. Despite exhausting efforts to seek help through various professionals and services, the parent faced setbacks and found limited solutions.
  3. The parent's world was further shaken when their child decided to transition, causing deep emotional turmoil and financial strain.

The Book of Love

Everything Is An Emergency • 2525 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📚 Literature Memoir Creative Writing Personal Reflection Parenting Grief
  1. The author grapples with how to keep the memory of her deceased husband alive for their newborn daughter. She wants to make him a real part of Athena's life, not just a memory.
  2. Writing serves as a way to confront grief and maintain a connection with the past, helping the author hold onto memories of her husband while also creating new stories with her daughter.
  3. The author reflects on the difficulty of moving forward after loss, balancing the urge to keep her husband's story alive while also accepting that she must let him go in some ways.

honesty is a craft issue: lyz lenz in conversation with jeanna kadlec

astrology for writers • 2515 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Relationships Self-Improvement Parenting Personal Growth
  1. Honesty in writing is crucial for crafting a compelling narrative and connecting with readers.
  2. Sharing personal stories and experiences can empower others to make positive changes in their lives.
  3. Being honest with oneself can lead to self-awareness, growth, and the ability to make necessary changes.

Preemies, Genes, Meritocracy, and the Left

Freddie deBoer • 8694 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Meritocracy Parenting
  1. Premature birth and low birth weight can lead to significant academic challenges, affecting cognitive and academic outcomes.
  2. Acknowledging genetic influences on academic performance is controversial, but it's important to consider alongside environmental factors.
  3. Our focus on academic success and meritocracy may need to shift to value a broader range of human qualities and contributions.

School is Not Enough

The Map is Mostly Water • 2214 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🚌 Education Learning Child development Parenting Teaching Methods Skill acquisition
  1. Learning happens best when you actually do things, not just sit in school. Kids should have chances to explore and work on real tasks to gain skills.
  2. School can trap kids in a routine that doesn’t prepare them for the real world. It’s important to let children explore opportunities that help them learn outside the classroom.
  3. Parents play a big role in helping kids find meaningful activities. Encouraging children to dive into projects they are passionate about can build confidence and lead to mastery.

compulsions

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Parenting Art Psychology
  1. People often have changing interests, sometimes very intense but temporary. It's normal and can be part of different styles of thinking, like ADHD.
  2. Observing young children can reveal a lot about human consciousness and how we learn. They show us who we are before social rules shape behavior.
  3. It's important to accept that compulsions and interests exist. Instead of wishing they were different, acknowledging them can help reduce stress and confusion.

My Communist Vision

In My Tribe • 1078 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Family Communism Lifestyle Parenting Community
  1. Young families benefit from living close to each other, creating a supportive community where kids can play together and parents can help one another.
  2. Having children early in life can lead to more grandchildren and a fulfilling family life, so society should encourage early marriage and parenting.
  3. Communal living arrangements for young families can help ease the challenges of parenting, but they should maintain individual households instead of being collective.

ROGD, AGP, Mothers, and Sons—Common Sense Thoughts by Not a Psychologist

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 2476 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Gender Parenting Psychology Identity Children
  1. Mothers should not label children as AGP without solid data to support it.
  2. Educating boys on challenges of adolescence can help them navigate gender dysphoria without medicalization.
  3. Resistance to rising ideologies about AGP in boys is important to protect vulnerable children.

America Should Not Become a Nation of Tiger Moms

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1321 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting Education Society Mental health Creativity
  1. Life is about more than just chasing a high salary or getting into a prestigious college. People need to enjoy their lives and find happiness in other ways.
  2. Overly strict parenting, like the 'Tiger Mom' approach, can lead to anxiety and depression in children. It's important to let kids have fun and make friends instead of just focusing on grades and achievements.
  3. A society that values creativity and risk-taking is important. Not everyone needs to be competitive; we need people doing everyday jobs too, like fixing cars or caring for others.

I sent some texts on the good life

Soaring Twenties • 69 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Parenting Philosophy Community Identity
  1. Having good friends shapes our kids' lives in ways we might not see. It’s important to have a supportive community.
  2. We need to keep growing and changing as people. Life is about discovering who we are and evolving.
  3. It’s crucial to appreciate what we have right now. Instead of wishing for a perfect future, we should focus on enjoying the present.

Gen X: Marriage Failures

The Reclamation Era • 239 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Generations Relationships Parenting Self-awareness
  1. Getting married young can lead to problems because people often carry unresolved issues from their childhood into relationships. It's important to know yourself before tying the knot.
  2. Sometimes, societal pressure pushes people to marry quickly, without fully understanding their own needs and patterns. Taking time to figure things out can lead to healthier relationships.
  3. Middle-aged people, especially from Gen X, often face a tough choice: stay in a troubled marriage or leave for a chance at happiness. It's crucial to listen to one's gut and seek authenticity.

Focus!

Austin Kleon • 4316 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Comedy Parenting Interviews
  1. Music memoirs can be a great way to relax and unwind, especially if you've read something heavy. They're often fun and refreshing.
  2. It's really important to focus on the learner in the education process, as they're the ones truly driving their learning journey.
  3. Getting creative and organizing your space can help spark new ideas and inspiration, like the concept of 'knolling'.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 659 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Lifestyle Consumption Parenting Observations
  1. Democratic officials misrepresented the economy, causing confusion among voters. It's important to get the facts right so people can understand what's really happening.
  2. The writer mentions a personal struggle with family illnesses, showing how common it is for sickness to spread in households. It's a reminder that health can change quickly.
  3. The author shares a mix of articles and perspectives they consumed, emphasizing the value of staying informed through different sources. Reading widely can help us understand various viewpoints better.

De Kai Joins "Breaking the AI Barrier" July 20th

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Innovation Parenting Society
  1. De Kai, an expert in AI and its ethics, will be speaking at a seminar called 'Breaking the AI Barrier'. He's known for creating a global online language translator.
  2. He believes we should treat AI like a child that needs nurturing. How we guide AI now will shape its future and impact society.
  3. De Kai wants to create a global support system to help people responsibly manage AI development, focusing on empathy and cooperation instead of fear.

The Momfluencer Who Went to Jail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 867 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Parenting Influencers Abuse Childhood
  1. Ruby Franke, a social media influencer, was arrested for child abuse after her son showed signs of neglect. This case shines a light on the darker side of online parenting.
  2. Her daughter Shari has shared her experiences growing up, highlighting the difference between Ruby's public persona and the reality at home.
  3. The situation raises questions about the impact of sharing family life online and how it can hide serious issues beneath the surface.

Bringing the science of learning to parent night

The Bell Ringer • 79 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🚌 Education Parenting Teaching Learning Literacy Child development
  1. Many teachers believe that parents are not involved enough in their children's education. They feel that more engagement from families could lead to better support for students.
  2. Parents want to learn how to help their kids succeed in school, especially through understanding learning science. This can strengthen the partnership between parents and teachers.
  3. Schools are starting to share effective learning strategies with parents, like metacognition and retrieval practices, which can help kids study better and improve their overall learning experience.

#202: A Maybe Baby year in review

Maybe Baby • 806 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Parenting Style Podcasts Existential
  1. The author reflects on a year of ups and downs in their writing journey, sharing insights from their personal and creative life.
  2. There are exciting offerings for subscribers, including essays, recommendations, and podcasts that cover various topics, especially parenting and culture.
  3. A special promotion is available for new subscribers, making it a good time to access exclusive content and connect with the community.

40 Thoughts On Turning 40 | #287

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 489 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Relationships Parenting
  1. Making big life changes can be really scary, but they often lead to positive outcomes. It's never too early to take risks and explore what truly makes you happy.
  2. Finding work that you love can take time, but it's worth the effort. Good work should feel fulfilling not just now, but also when you look back on it.
  3. Parenting is tough and full of surprises, but it's also incredibly rewarding. It reminds you to embrace joy, learn from your children, and focus on what's really important in life.

15 things I consumed this thing

Maybe Baby • 550 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Parenting Personal Politics Trends
  1. A lot is happening with the Israel-Hamas conflict and there was a recent ceasefire agreement discussed in a New Yorker interview. It's interesting to learn how these agreements come about.
  2. Balancing life with a toddler can be tough, especially when they keep you up at night. It shows how parenting can be challenging and exhausting.
  3. Consuming different media can give us fresh perspectives on ongoing events. It’s good to stay informed and think about how various stories connect to our lives.

Be Present

The Analog Family • 559 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Attention Communication Parenting Technology Social Behavior
  1. Being fully present in the moment is important, so try to put your phone away. When you focus on what's happening right in front of you, you really connect with others.
  2. Attention is a valuable gift. When someone gives you their full attention, it feels special and strengthens your bond with them.
  3. Kids notice when you're distracted by your phone. Make an effort to be present with them to encourage open conversations and foster stronger relationships.

Why I'm Increasingly Worried About Boys, Too

After Babel • 3310 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Technology Gender differences Parenting
  1. Boys have been increasingly withdrawn from the real world into the virtual world since the 1970s.
  2. Boys are experiencing a mental health crisis driven by factors different from girls, including retreat from real-world pursuits.
  3. The rise of technology and entertainment has played a significant role in pulling boys away from real-world activities and into the virtual world.

Fertility Links

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fertility Marriage Parenting Demographics Aging
  1. Women are most fertile in their late teens, and the decline in fertility happens steadily between ages 20 and 40. It's important to understand this to make informed choices about family planning.
  2. Many countries are experiencing lower birth rates, and this trend is not just linked to economic factors. It's happening in places where we might not expect it, showing that fertility is a complex issue.
  3. Marriage is changing, becoming less common and often entered into later in life. This shift affects when couples start having children, which can contribute to declining birth rates.