The hottest Parenting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Childhood Roundup #2

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1568 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🚌 Education Parenting
  1. Child care is becoming more regulated and expensive, making it challenging for parents to afford quality child care.
  2. Parents are facing challenges in allowing their children to play and be independent due to strict regulations and societal fears.
  3. The education system is facing criticisms for ineffective techniques, pushing unnecessary pressure on students, and focusing more on signaling than actual education.

We do Math because it's hard

Kids Who Love Math • 335 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🚌 Education Parenting
  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.

Vittles Kids: A Sunday Supplement

Vittles • 100 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Parenting
  1. Feeding kids is not just about what they eat but also about their fun and discovery. It's a mix of play and learning, which can be surprising and messy.
  2. Parents share different experiences and advice about cooking for kids, like dealing with allergies or mixing cultural foods, which can be both challenging and rewarding.
  3. Finding good restaurant options for families with kids is important, and having recommendations can help parents enjoy meals out while introducing their children to new flavors.

School is Uncool: The Good & Bad of a Formal Education

The Hard Fork by Marvin Liao • 216 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🚌 Education Parenting
  1. Children start with wild creativity and courage but often conform as they grow older due to social pressures.
  2. To succeed, it's important to be authentic, think independently, and stand out from the crowd.
  3. Balancing formal education with informal learning is crucial for helping kids develop critical thinking skills and avoid becoming 'cookie-cutter sheeple.'
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Safeguarding

Bodies get in the way... • 216 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Mothers need safeguarding after childbirth to protect their vulnerability and privacy.
  2. De-sexed language and inclusive policies can blur the line and make it challenging to offer safe spaces for women in breastfeeding support groups.
  3. Leaders in breastfeeding support groups may face difficulties balancing inclusive policies with safeguarding women from harassment and unwanted male involvement.

Bad Boundaries

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Many people want to help but struggle to ask for what they really need. It's common to feel guilty about asking for help when everyone has their own problems.
  2. Sometimes, we don't even know what we need because we feel overwhelmed or like we should be independent. This can make it hard to admit that we need support.
  3. There's a fear of overstepping or getting involved in others' lives, so people often hold back from offering specific help. Simple actions, like dropping off a meal, can make a big difference in showing care.

why it's impossible to finish anything, especially the good things

Both Are True • 245 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Parenting
  1. Distractions often keep us from finishing our ideas. When we start something, everyday things like parenting or chores can pull us away.
  2. The closer we get to completing a project, the more we might doubt its worth. It's common to think an idea isn't good enough as we work on it.
  3. Acknowledging our fears about sharing finished work is tough, but creating and putting it out there is essential. We have to be brave and share our creations, no matter the fear.

The Secret Language of Asian Tiger Parents

Val's Pals • 117 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. The post discusses the experience of being a high-achieving Asian student and the pressure it puts on others.
  2. It highlights the tactics employed by Asian parents to ensure their children succeed.
  3. The importance of strategic secrecy and withholding information to maintain a competitive edge is emphasized.

The bard of small things

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. People often get caught up in social media, trying to please others instead of enjoying their lives. It's important to remember that life isn't just about likes and attention.
  2. The idea of 'living simply' and appreciating the little things is valuable. Finding joy in everyday moments can lead to a more fulfilling life.
  3. Summer should be more than just a few weeks of fun. We can carry that positive, lively feeling throughout the year and enjoy the beauty around us.

What Are You Feeding Your Brain?

Are You Okay? • 239 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Reflect on screen time versus quality of life. Replace excessive screen time with meaningful activities.
  2. Assess your screen habits to distinguish between beneficial and harmful device usage. Encourage mindful scrolling.
  3. Understand personal aspects affecting screen interactions and tailor device usage to enhance well-being.

Anxieties about kids and screen time, train vs. submarine movies, crime-novel recommendations, and other questions

Read Max • 1080 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. The writer discusses concerns about raising kids with technology, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and modeling healthy behaviors.
  2. Submarine movies and train movies are compared, with a humorous take on cinematic transportation in films.
  3. The intersection of AI, writing, and labor is explored, emphasizing the social aspect of writing and the potential impacts of AI on the craft.

What I've Been Reading | October 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🚌 Education Parenting
  1. Education is essential for living well, and continuous learning is important for a liberal life
  2. When parenting, communicate directly with kids and set clear boundaries in a firm yet friendly way
  3. Some books provide reasoned critiques of societal norms, like traditional sexual morality

Sentinels

Wars Of Future Past • 196 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. The X-Men cartoon serves as a helpful tool for new parents by being engaging yet not too captivating during caregiving routines.
  2. The mutant allegory in the X-Men cartoon effectively conveys themes of intolerance and discrimination that resonate with various real-life issues.
  3. The Sentinels in the X-Men cartoon symbolize the dangers of near-future technology and the potential threats of automated military machines.

[Updated] 'Speaking of Mothers' - a superb piece of writing from Sarah Henderson.

A B’Old Woman • 179 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. The word 'mother' has a deep and lasting meaning in many cultures. People feel strongly that this word should not be replaced with terms like 'birthing parent'.
  2. Society is moving away from using the word 'mother', which some believe is a troubling trend. It raises concerns about losing connection to important social roles.
  3. The importance of language in shaping our understanding of relationships and identity is highlighted. Words like 'mother' help create feelings of connection and belonging.

When Quitting Isn’t an Option: Lessons from an 8-Year-Old at a Chess Championship

Behavioral Value Investor • 89 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Parenting
  1. It's important to stay resilient and fight back, even when things look hopeless. You never know when your opponent might make a mistake.
  2. Lessons from coaching can apply to many areas of life, including how we handle challenges and setbacks.
  3. Investing, like chess, requires discipline and a willingness to adapt. Keeping a positive mindset can help you navigate tough times.

On Sundays We Go Surfing

Kvetch • 96 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Spending time with loved ones creates lasting memories. Surfing together can be a fun and meaningful way to bond.
  2. In moments of joy, it's important to be present and appreciate the experience fully. These moments become cherished memories.
  3. Activities like surfing can be more than just fun; they can strengthen relationships and build shared histories that last a lifetime.

Do Ten Times as Much

Bet On It • 1132 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🚌 Education Parenting
  1. Success often requires ten times more effort than what is considered normal.
  2. Quality practice matters, but putting in ten times the effort is crucial for fluency in skills or knowledge.
  3. Prioritize your goals and focus on a few, putting in ten times more effort to increase your chances of success.

When things don't go according to plan... find your Calm. Find your victories. Celebrate them.

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 39 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. In times of difficulty, it's important to find moments of calm and victories to celebrate.
  2. Acknowledging and celebrating milestones, progress, and community support can provide encouragement and motivation.
  3. Despite facing challenges, reflecting on positive aspects like newsletter anniversaries, client progress, community growth, and successful book clubs can help maintain perspective and resilience.

Links to Consider, 11/6/2024

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Artificial intelligence can help humans communicate better with computers, but using it to interact with fake people may not achieve much. We still need to be careful in how we approach these technologies.
  2. Conflicts usually have deeper issues behind them, such as need for respect or control. Understanding this can help resolve disputes more effectively.
  3. Being a 'good enough' parent is more about feeling confident and calm. It's okay to have a relaxed view of parenting rather than striving for perfection.

The Sound of (Grade School) Music

Fireside Chat Logs • 99 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Attending your child's grade school concert can be a heartwarming and rewarding experience, showcasing their talents and accomplishments.
  2. Grade school concerts often feature a mix of orchestral pieces and choir performances, highlighting the joy and enthusiasm of young performers.
  3. Encouraging and supporting children's involvement in music can lead to exciting opportunities for them to explore their talents and passion.

"Irritatingly Embodied"

Reactionary Feminist • 14 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. A new art salon in Cambridge aims to support artists and promote beauty in a fragmented world. They hold art auctions where everyone who bids gets a reward.
  2. In Japan, women are being trafficked into prostitution after running up debts in host clubs. These clubs lure vulnerable women into spending large sums of money for companionship, leading to a cycle of exploitation.
  3. Motherhood can be really tough, and it's normal to feel mixed emotions about it. One mother shared her difficult journey, highlighting that feelings of regret can change over time as she adjusted to her new role.

Don't Tell Your Parents

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Kids see the world differently than adults do. They have unique perspectives and experiences that adults often struggle to understand.
  2. Entertainment for kids used to create a sense of adventure and secrecy, but now it often feels like adults are trying too hard to be relatable. This can take away the excitement for children.
  3. Empathy is important for both kids and adults. Understanding each other's viewpoints can help bridge the gap in communication and lead to better relationships.

if you drink enough coffee you start peeing coffee

Both Are True • 155 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. It's okay to write about simple, everyday things, like kids or pets. Those topics can hold deep meaning, even if they seem easy.
  2. Children can remind us of the joy and love in life. They let us see the world differently and embrace our own innocence.
  3. Life doesn't have to be hard or complicated. Sometimes the best ideas come from a place of relaxation and simplicity.

13 years ago, I accidentally created a chaotic holiday tradition

Men Yell at Me • 192 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. The author originally planned to keep Christmas simple and fun without stressful traditions. They wanted to avoid feeling overwhelmed like their mom did in the past.
  2. They cherish Christmas for its lights, decorations, and family time, remembering their childhood tradition of Christmas Eve pizza.
  3. The author aimed to create enjoyable traditions for their kids, starting with a reusable advent calendar filled with candies to avoid holiday stress.

Lazy Hot Takes on Classic Films

Sounds Good! • 117 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. The movie 'The Omen' can be interpreted as a commentary on bad parenting.
  2. Sometimes revisiting classic movies can change your perspective and reveal new insights.
  3. Sharing unique and humorous hot takes on films can spark interesting discussions.

The principles of patience

Austin Kleon • 759 implied HN points • 05 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Patience is important and can help us deal with challenges in life. Taking the time to be patient can lead to better outcomes.
  2. The spirit of punk goes beyond just music; it's about having a mindset of rebellion and creativity. It's a way of living that values authenticity.
  3. Engaging in philosophical experiments can help us reflect on everyday life. These exercises encourage us to think deeply and expand our perspectives.

The Only Five Things I Liked in 2025

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Nostalgia and reboots were everywhere in 2025 but mostly underwhelming, showing people often romanticize the past even when it wasn’t actually better.
  2. Small personal joys — like a child’s funny moments and annoying bedtime rituals — mattered more than big cultural events and often became the year’s real highlights.
  3. Online culture shifted toward sharper skepticism and new forms of entertainment: smart shows like Pluribus stood out, viral “how-to” hacks were frequently called out as misleading, and AI-generated animal content rose as a new comedic force.

Embracing NYC through a cold February

Soaring Twenties • 131 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Embracing your current situation can lead to personal growth. Finding beauty in everyday life, even in a cold winter, can make you appreciate your surroundings more.
  2. Dreaming of nicer places won't change your challenges. Problems don’t disappear just because you’re in a different location; what matters is how you deal with them now.
  3. Instead of wishing for a perfect scenario elsewhere, focus on making your current life fulfilling. Cherishing the little moments with loved ones can bring warmth to even the coldest days.

Queen of the Castle

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Embracing the 'queen archetype' represents a powerful phase for women in midlife, encouraging autonomy and self-empowerment. It's a time to recognize one's strength and wisdom.
  2. The transition from the traditional phases of womanhood—maiden, mother, crone—adds a new title: the 'queen', signifying a vibrant and active role during this life stage.
  3. Choosing a personal word for the year, like 'sovereignty', helps set intentions to reclaim one's life and prioritize personal voice and authority in decision-making.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 40

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Casual parties can be fun! In the past, people would invite friends over last minute and not worry about getting dressed up.
  2. Beavers can also be great helpers. Their dams saved a Czech government a lot of money because they help manage water flow.
  3. Reading to kids is more than just fun. It can improve breathing and create special moments between parents and children.

Is the Future Analog?

The Analog Family • 179 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. After the pandemic, many people realized they prefer face-to-face interactions over digital ones. It showed us how important real-world connections are in our lives.
  2. There is a growing need to value 'analog' activities, like going outside and spending time with family, instead of relying on screens. Simple joys can bring happiness, especially after being stuck on devices for so long.
  3. Parents play a key role in guiding children away from screens. It's important to encourage kids to enjoy outdoor activities and connect with others without devices, helping them learn to live without relying on technology.

Friday Q&A: binge eating; probiotics; talking to teen boys about food; & the Mediterranean diet

Are You Okay? • 99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Identify triggers for binge or restrict urges, practice mindfulness, distract yourself, practice self-compassion, seek professional help if needed
  2. Consider consuming more probiotics like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, feed your microbes with prebiotics, avoid antibiotics, reduce processed foods and sugar intake
  3. Approach conversations with teens about food and body image with sensitivity and empathy, focus on health not weight, choose the right time and place to discuss, lead with curiosity, offer support and resources

Let's Talk About Not Talking

Iterare • 98 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Silence is powerful and can have positive impacts on our health and cognitive abilities.
  2. Silence plays a critical role in communication, conveying respect and agreement.
  3. Reframing boredom and embracing silence as moments of possibility and inspiration can help us appreciate its benefits.

am I really the crab?

Psychology Onions • 98 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Evolutionary biology concept of carcinisation states that eventually everything becomes a crab.
  2. The idea of fatherhood can be appealing, but it's a long journey to navigate.
  3. Uncertainty arises about whether one is following a traditional father-son evolutionary path or if they're at the end point like a crab.