The hottest Parenting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

'Childhood Unplugged' Is on Its Way

The Analog Family • 59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📚 Literature 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.

What I Learned from My Mom - An Essay by Bethany Liu Age 16

Perspectives • 13 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Family matters a lot. Even when busy, a mom can still make time for family dinners and walks, showing how important those moments are.
  2. Procrastination is a big no-no. It's better to tackle tasks right away instead of letting them pile up because it just makes them seem worse.
  3. Being active is key. Instead of just consuming things like media, it's good to create and contribute something positive to the world.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 86 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Parenting
  1. The dilemma of balancing personal ambitions with family responsibilities is common and challenging.
  2. Sometimes being a responsible parent may mean pursuing one's artistic ambitions.
  3. It's important to consider how fulfilling personal goals can positively impact family life.

I'm 40 🎂

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 36 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  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.

Book Blurbs

The Analog Family • 39 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
📚 Literature 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.
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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 Parenting
  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.

*Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine*: Audiobook and Podcasts

Bet On It • 30 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Parenting
  1. The audiobook version of 'Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine' is now available, which could be a great gift for others.
  2. A podcast discussing topics from the book includes tips on parenting and living without stress.
  3. There are interesting discussions comparing Stoic and Epicurean views included in the material related to the book.

compulsions

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  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.

Better late than never. . .

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 12 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. It's okay to take your time when starting something new, like writing. Commit to it, even if it feels hard at first.
  2. Sometimes, life gets busy and it's hard to carve out time for yourself. Finding moments for small pleasures can make a big difference.
  3. Asking for help can feel tricky, but it's important to lighten your load and take breaks when you need them. Everyone needs support, even moms!

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 Parenting
  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.

How much is a friend worth? About half as much as a job

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Doubling the number of close friends raises happiness a bit, but the effect is fairly small.
  2. Having a job increases happiness about twice as much as doubling your close friends and is roughly as helpful as being in a relationship; improvements in how healthy people feel are the single biggest source of happiness gains.
  3. People in Germany, Switzerland and the UK report about four to five close friends on average, and that number has stayed stable over the last 20 years, unlike declines seen in the U.S.

Demise of the Pac-12, Campus Spending, and DeSantis at Yale

The Future of Education • 19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🚌 Education Parenting
  1. Colleges are facing financial challenges as federal funding decreases and there's pressure to bring in more revenue, even impacting athletic programs like the Pac-12.
  2. Many colleges are criticized for excessive spending that doesn't align with providing value to students, contributing to the overall cost crisis in higher education.
  3. It's important to rethink incentives and challenge the idea that spending more equates to delivering a better education at colleges.

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.

How I Make Room for the Year

Castles in the Sky • 13 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Clearing out clutter can help create more space and positive energy in your life. It’s important to take time to remove unnecessary things, both physically and mentally.
  2. Planning for the future is good, but it helps to be flexible and accept that things might get messy. Life often doesn't go exactly as we plan, and that's okay.
  3. Connecting with memories and family stories can provide comfort and perspective. Reflecting on past experiences can inspire how we approach our future.

Strip-Mining Children

Reactionary Feminist • 34 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  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.

Baby Amnesia

DruGroup • 59 implied HN points • 19 Oct 21
😂 Humor Parenting
  1. Baby amnesia is the idea that parents forget the hard parts of having a baby so they are willing to have more. This helps keep the human race growing.
  2. Many women go through painful and physically tough experiences during pregnancy and childbirth, yet they often choose to have more children. This shows how powerful baby amnesia can be.
  3. After giving birth, the feelings of joy and relief can make parents forget all the difficulties they just faced, highlighting the amazing but challenging journey of bringing new life into the world.

A dance with serendipity

Building the Builders • 11 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Nicole Ruiz shows how unexpected paths can lead to fulfilling lives. Her journey from VC to homemaking highlights the beauty of adapting to new roles.
  2. Building connections and community can be done in creative ways. Nicole uses a personal 'CRM' to keep track of her neighbors and their interests.
  3. Having a strong intellectual background can shape one's perspective on life. Nicole's education taught her the importance of curiosity and community in living a rich life.

Fathers & daughters

Kvetch • 60 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture 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.

Castles in the Sky's Seven Most Underrated Essays

Castles in the Sky • 10 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Parenting
  1. Reflecting on past essays can be a valuable exercise for writers and bloggers. It helps them see how their style has changed and what topics resonate with their audience.
  2. Understanding fatherhood often teaches important lessons about self-care and responsibility. Writers can convey deep emotions through relatable experiences with family.
  3. Exploring complex ideas in a simple way can lead to misunderstandings, so it's essential to keep an open mind. Just because something is hard to explain doesn't mean it's wrong or unworthy.

The summer book

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 18 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Reading is fun and you can enjoy multiple books at the same time. It's okay to skim through and see what interests you!
  2. Brian Eno has started his own radio station, which is a cool way to discover new music. It has a lot of unreleased tracks to explore.
  3. Creating art and doing projects with your kids can be a great bonding experience. It can also spark creativity in both you and your children.

When the mind’s eye is blind

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 11 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. Some people can't create pictures in their minds. This means their imagination works differently, which can be surprising.
  2. Taking better notes can help improve writing skills. Using methods like smart notes is a good way to organize thoughts.
  3. Creative activities, like making collages or watching fun movies, can be a great way to relax and enjoy time with friends. It's all about finding what makes you happy.

How Your Mindset Determines Your Course

Perspectives • 10 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🚌 Education Parenting
  1. Your mindset can shape your experiences and outcomes. Believing that you can learn and improve helps you tackle challenges better.
  2. Praising effort, rather than innate intelligence, encourages persistence and a love for learning in kids. It's better to focus on hard work rather than just being 'smart.'
  3. Changing how you view your abilities is key. When you stop seeing things as fixed and treat them as skills to develop, you open up more opportunities to grow.

Iron Lotus

Transmissions from the floor • 27 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Parenting
  1. The historical practice of foot binding and bonsai kitten-ing show how physical constraints can shape living things.
  2. Wilhelm Reich's work on character analysis highlights different coping mechanisms rooted in childhood traumas.
  3. Educational and parenting norms, influenced by historical practices, play a significant role in shaping individuals in society.

My Last Normal Day

Just Enough to Get Me in Trouble • 18 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. The author reflects on their last normal day before their daughter was born, finding a moment of peace and simplicity in the midst of upcoming challenges
  2. The story delves into the evolving challenges of parenting a child with cerebral palsy, highlighting the unique struggles and emotional impact on everyday life
  3. The post explores the concept of 'normalcy' and how each individual's perception of normal is shaped by their experiences and circumstances

The Connected

coreygarvey • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Healthcare will be greatly impacted by devices and data in the future.
  2. The upcoming advancements will reshape our understanding of our bodies.
  3. These changes will influence various aspects of life, from healthcare to parenting.

How to Curate Your Own Midlife Crisis

The Reclamation Era • 2 HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Midlife can feel like a time of big questions about who we really are. It's a moment to reflect on our lives and make changes if we need to.
  2. Going through difficult times, like health issues or family challenges, can lead to personal growth. Embracing these challenges can help us find new paths and passions.
  3. Taking time for self-discovery is important. Looking deep inside ourselves and exploring our feelings can lead to better understanding and make us feel more fulfilled.

The real reason Manchester City was bad last season

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Parenting
  1. Manchester City struggled last season partly because key players became new fathers. This change can create stress and shift priorities, impacting their performance.
  2. Studies show that when elite footballers have their first child, their performance often declines. This was evident with players like Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland.
  3. Becoming a dad not only changes personal life, but it can also physically affect the brain of a father. This can lead to issues like forgetting plays or strategies.

Komedy Klass: "Buy-In" Earns You 20 Valuable Seconds

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
😂 Humor Parenting
  1. Connecting with your audience is key to successful comedy. When you talk about things they care about, they will enjoy your performance more.
  2. Using relatable topics, like parenting, can help you gain audience interest more easily. Everyone has their own experiences that can be funny or touching.
  3. Once you have the audience's attention, keep your material fresh and original to maintain their interest. It's important to strike a balance between being relatable and unique.

Breaking Free from Perfectionism

Perspectives • 5 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  1. Perfectionism can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. It's not about doing things perfectly but about finding faults and feeling never good enough.
  2. To overcome perfectionism, it's important to embrace failure. Learning from mistakes helps you grow and builds resilience.
  3. Recovering from perfectionism means accepting that it's okay to be imperfect. It's about forgiving yourself and finding balance in life, rather than rigidly following rules.

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

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Parenting
  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.

Journaling In Lieu of Therapy

Jay's Data Stream • 5 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenting
  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.