The hottest Parenting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

I'm 40 🎂

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 36 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Parenting Life lessons Personal Growth
  1. You are more than your job. It's important to remember that your worth isn't tied to your work performance.
  2. Taking care of yourself is crucial. If you want to support others, make sure you're prioritizing your own well-being.
  3. Your energy affects your mental health. It's not just about sleeping well or eating right; how you manage stress and spend time with loved ones also matters.

Gaze At My Navel

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
📚 Literature Memoir Writing Women's issues Self-Expression Parenting
  1. It's easy to feel the need to apologize or add disclaimers when sharing personal stories, especially for women. This often comes from wanting to be liked and accepted.
  2. Embracing our own stories without insecurity is important. Everyone's experiences matter and women especially should feel empowered to share theirs without shame.
  3. Letting go of the need for approval can help us grow. It's okay if not everyone likes what we present; the focus should be on being true to ourselves.
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The CDC, AAP and public health officials need to tell parents to stop masking their kids

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 203 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Parenting Child Health
  1. There is no evidence to justify masking kids, especially very young kids.
  2. Organizations like the CDC and AAP should advise parents to stop masking healthy children.
  3. Companies selling child masks should be held accountable for false advertisement if they do not meet the required standards.

The Magic of Time Travel

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Memory Identity Home Childhood Parenting
  1. People often feel a strong connection to their childhood homes. Visiting these places can bring back memories and a sense of who we used to be.
  2. There's a desire to revisit not just places, but also previous versions of ourselves. It’s like wanting to time travel to rediscover moments from our past.
  3. Sharing our childhood experiences with our children helps them see us as whole people, not just as their parents. It's a way to connect different generations and share our stories.

Space to do whatever, Part II

Tech and Tea • 230 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Creativity Parenting Habits Well-being
  1. Creating space for creativity involves addressing foundational needs like rest, joy, and time for creation.
  2. Setting explicit schedules and boundaries can help carve out space for creativity, even within busy lifestyles.
  3. Understanding personal preferences for time of day for creativity, habits, and motivation is key to fostering a creative environment.

How To Ruin a Massage in 22 Carefully Plotted Steps

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Parenting Personal narrative
  1. Many people struggle to fully enjoy self-care activities, like massages, because their minds are racing with thoughts. Instead of relaxing, they often find themselves worrying about the time left and what comes next.
  2. Using distractions, like thinking about past experiences or future pleasures, can prevent someone from truly being present during enjoyable moments. This makes it harder to savor the experience.
  3. Finding ways to manage anxious thoughts can help people enjoy self-care more. For example, recognizing that it's okay to let thoughts come and go can improve relaxation.

Blessed Boy

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 79 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
⚔ Fiction Dystopian Parenting Gender identity Government Control Social Issues
  1. In this possible future scenario, acquiring a Parenting License is a complex and expensive process, involving strict lifestyle requirements and sacrifices.
  2. The story unfolds with the challenges faced by Steven and Melissa, showing how societal norms and regulations impact their family life and decisions.
  3. The narrative further explores the consequences and transformations experienced by their child, Benny, and the struggle against state intervention in personal matters.

Discussion thread #2: Your best examples of the "leaden mean"?

Building the Builders • 3 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Philosophy Parenting Social Dynamics Communication
  1. Striking a balance can sometimes lead to a 'leaden mean', which is a situation that creates more problems than it solves. It's better to fully commit to one side or the other rather than trying to do both poorly.
  2. Examples of the 'leaden mean' include awkward hybrid meetings where people are split between in-person and virtual attendance, or relationships where partners hold on to their individual spaces instead of truly coming together.
  3. This phenomenon often happens when we feel indecisive or afraid to commit. Recognizing when we're at risk of choosing the 'leaden mean' can help us make better decisions.

The First Road Trip

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
📚 Literature Memoir Narrative Parenting Travel Family
  1. Taking a long car trip can be stressful but also a chance for special memories. It's all about managing the chaos and making the best of the journey.
  2. Family homes hold a lot of sentimental value, and saying goodbye can bring up deep feelings. It’s tough to let go of places that hold childhood memories.
  3. Being a mom means constantly trying to prove you're doing well, even when things get chaotic. It’s important to cherish moments with family, despite the challenges.

Smartphones Don't Belong in Schools

The Analog Family • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🚌 Education Child development Digital learning Parenting Mental health
  1. Smartphones can distract students in school and hurt their focus on learning. When kids check their phones during class, it makes it hard for them to absorb information.
  2. Phones can make kids feel less connected to each other. With everyone looking at screens, it's tough to build real friendships and connect with peers.
  3. Some places are banning smartphones in schools to help students focus better. This isn't about being against technology; it's about supporting better education and well-being for kids.

Journaling In Lieu of Therapy

Jay's Data Stream • 5 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Journaling Parenting Personal Growth
  1. Journaling can be a helpful tool for managing emotions and thoughts. Writing down feelings allows people to release stress without judgment.
  2. Parenthood comes with high expectations, making it tough for new parents. It's important to balance these expectations with the reality of raising kids.
  3. The job market for software engineering is changing. Tech companies are seeing a slow recovery after layoffs, and there's a growing concern about the future of education and job training.

Universal Early Childhood Daycare Has Been Proven to Damage the Children Who Have Been Through It

Year Zero • 93 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Childcare Mental health Parenting Development Psychology
  1. Child mental health has significantly worsened over the past few decades, with a rise in serious mental illnesses among young children.
  2. The introduction of universal early childhood daycare in the mid-1980s may have contributed to the ongoing child mental health crisis.
  3. Research suggests that full-time center-based daycare for infants under 1 year old may lead to long-lasting negative impacts on children's cognitive and non-cognitive skills.

Strip-Mining Children

Reactionary Feminist • 34 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Children's Health Ethics Parenting Gender identity Medical Ethics
  1. Some argue for allowing everyone, including children, unrestricted freedom to modify their sexed appearance, claiming it as a fundamental right.
  2. The concept of normophobia pushes for a war on normalized societal patterns, particularly targeting children for exploitation in the name of individual freedom.
  3. Challenges arise when trying to balance individual freedom with the need for limits and guidance, especially in the context of children's development and well-being.

Can We Talk About Adult ADHD?

The Reclamation Era • 39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health ADHD Awareness Self-care Therapy Parenting
  1. Many adults wonder if they have ADHD, especially those who felt different or struggled with attention in school. It's common to want a diagnosis but also feel unsure about whether it’s necessary.
  2. Life can be really overwhelming for many people today, making it hard to distinguish between ADHD and general stress. Everyone feels scattered and busy, but it doesn’t always mean they have a condition.
  3. Questions about ADHD often arise from personal experience, and many seek understanding and connection with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can help untangle feelings of confusion and inadequacy.

If you're worried about having kids because they will contribute to climate change, you shouldn't be

Philosophy bear • 57 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Climate Ethics Parenting Civilization Humanitarian
  1. Having children who care about climate change can be impactful politically.
  2. Parents who worry about climate change are more likely to have children working on technological solutions.
  3. Even if there's no solution to climate change, it's better to have more far-sighted and humanitarian humans.

Story Twelve

Stories From The Rail • 159 implied HN points • 22 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Reproductive Health Parenting Trauma Medical system Mental health
  1. The personal experience shared highlights the lack of empathy and violations in the reproductive care system, especially for marginalized communities.
  2. The story sheds light on the challenges and horrors faced during childbirth, illustrating the importance of human rights in medical settings.
  3. The narrative calls for better healthcare practices, emphasizing the need for legal and accessible abortion rights as a crucial aspect of women's autonomy and well-being.

The right to live your life

I have thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 13 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting Reproductive Rights Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Every person deserves the right to live their life as they choose, free from restrictions or forcible actions against their will.
  2. Parenting is a deeply personal journey that can be all-consuming, requiring support, resources, and respect for individual choices and challenges.
  3. Advocacy for human rights, bodily autonomy, and reproductive freedom is crucial, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and support for diverse experiences and choices.

'Childhood Unplugged' Is on Its Way

The Analog Family • 59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📚 Literature Books Writing Authors Childhood Parenting
  1. A new book called 'Childhood Unplugged' focuses on getting kids to spend less time on screens. It aims to help children have more real-life experiences and playtime instead.
  2. The author believes that limiting screen time can greatly improve kids' development and relationships. It's not about being against technology but finding a balance.
  3. The book is available for pre-order and is set to be released in July 2023. The author is excited to share her insights and encourage parents to rethink screen use.

I swear, I'm trying to keep it together but my body is conspiring against me

Just Enough to Get Me in Trouble • 39 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Going through a medical procedure can bring unexpected emotions and physical reactions, even if mentally prepared.
  2. Having a child with a disability can impact decisions about expanding the family, considering stress and traumatic experiences.
  3. Accepting and processing grief is a challenging but necessary part of dealing with unexpected life events.

All the Fall Things

Midwest Humble • 6 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Parenting Community Events Personal Growth
  1. Fall is an exciting time in Michigan with plenty of events like Tech Week and job fairs. It's a great opportunity to connect with the community and meet new people.
  2. Taking time during parental leave to read can be rewarding. It helps to feel connected to the world and sparks creativity in one's writing.
  3. Finding balance between work and family life can be challenging but important. Reflecting on past experiences can provide clarity as we enter new stages in life.

Book Blurbs

The Analog Family • 39 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Publishing Writing Parenting
  1. Getting positive endorsements for a book feels amazing and validating. It's like receiving an A+ report card for your hard work.
  2. Writing a book is a big commitment, often without immediate feedback. It can feel scary, but it’s important to trust your instincts throughout the process.
  3. Having supportive blurbs from respected authors can motivate you to keep going, especially when preparing for a book launch. Each endorsement feels like a helpful push forward.

I gave up my $800k/yr Google AI job in the hope of having a baby. 

Aditi’s Substack • 4 HN points • 17 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Parenting Self-care Holistic health
  1. The author left an $800k/yr Google AI job to focus on having a baby after struggling with burnout and health issues. This decision led to a fulfilling experience of motherhood and healing.
  2. Following instincts and dreams is important, as shown by the author's journey of listening to her body's signals, trusting her dreams, and making conscious choices.
  3. Prioritizing personal happiness, well-being, and creating a thriving environment for oneself and one's child is worth more than financial success, as highlighted in the author's story of finding joy and contentment in motherhood.

Fathers & daughters

Kvetch • 60 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Family Movies Gender Literature Parenting
  1. Daughters change you - fathers of daughters are less likely to interrupt, more likely to divorce, and may receive less investment than sons.
  2. The feminine - a father's love for his daughter is pure and appreciates the feminine qualities without lust.
  3. Disney and other cartoons - Disney often portrays wayward daughters and bildungsroman sons, emphasizing the special bond between fathers and daughters in various films.