Is Montessori parenting a fairy tale?

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

Five books to check out for Black Children’s Book Week (happening now). Here’s how you can celebrate. 

Why the Montessori way isn’t for everyone. It’s OK if your 4-year-old can’t cook. 

Parenting in Europe: Nature is a must and restaurants like kids. Meanwhile in America: We’re falling off the child care cliff, and begging for workplace benefits.

The new generation of influencers: Kids under 10 years old. Plus, the creepy, disturbing world lurking beneath it.

How we all want more IRL mom hangouts, but we’re too tired to make it happen. The catch-22 of motherhood. 

PS: Don’t forget to book that trip with your kids, even if they’re toddlers. Check these spots out for inspo.  

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

How do I fairly split my time between my newborn and toddler?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Alisha Simpson-Watt, LCSW, BCBA, LBA

Executive clinical director and founder of Collaborative ABA Services

You’ve now got two kids, only one you, and no way to add extra time to the day (yet — come on, tech). While it may seem impossible, there are ways to grow your bond with both your babies. Here’s how:  

• Use your routine to connect: You can bond with your newborn during feeding and bathtime. Baby naps are a good opportunity to also spend some quality time with your toddler (or get some rest yourself). Include both in fun activities like reading a book, singing, and dancing. 

• Let your toddler help: Including your toddler in newborn-related tasks (passing you a diaper, getting the burp cloth, or picking out their sibling’s clothes) can help them adjust to their new sibling and balance how much attention they each get. Real talk: Your kid may not want anything to do with the new baby, and that’s normal. Don’t force it. 

• Set time aside for yourself: The hardest task of all. “[It’s] essential to healing as your body is recovering from nine months of hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy, in addition to juggling two young children. Self-care … also supports the ability to not only properly care for [yourself,] but also [your] children,” says Simpson-Watt. Try to find time to watch your favorite movie, read a book, go for a walk, or listen to music. 

Important: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, and friends. If you're feeling overwhelmed, call your OB-GYN for counseling resources. Here's a directory to bookmark if you have a hard time finding support.

Let us help you get your spot. We’re building a new tool to guide you through making major life decisions, like who should care for your kids. Check out our five-step guide with expert-backed info on how to pick a daycare that’s right for you. Then let us know how we could improve it. We want to make your life easier, one choice at a time.

A Toy That Will Actually Last: Magna-Tiles

If this is your first intro to Magna-Tiles, you're welcome. These magnetic building sets are a creative way to engage with your kids, plus teach them about shapes and colors. The classic set comes with colorful geometric pieces that easily click to connect. When you’re done with the 101 version, you can get expansion sets to build towers, homes, or car ramps. And, for those who love a theme, check out their dino, safari animal, and construction site sets. 

theSkimm’s Parenting Writer Claudia Rupcich says her 2.5-year-old son is obsessed: “It’s the first thing he wants to play with when he wakes up. And TBH, it’s really fun for me too because I love coming up with a new design and building with him. These are high-quality tiles that will grow with my kids. Plus, they make excellent gifts.” 

PS: We also recommend the Connetix tiles, which come in cool ball run sets. 

PPS: They’re compatible with the Magna-Tiles.

We have thoughts. This week, we ranked popular name trends from 0–10. No science, just snark.

Hard Pass

2/10 Trends that try too hard: “Wild” boy names and T-Swift-inspired names.

4/10 Apparently, Gen Alpha thinks Amanda, Samantha, and Ashley are “old people’s names.” But weren't the '80s only 20 years ago?

Ehh

5/10 The rise of “dictionary names.” Listen if Indigo and Forest are your thing, we take no issue with that. Carry on.

More of this

7/10 Forever classics from 100 years ago. It’s giving…old money.

8/10 A dad’s successful intervention after his daughter wanted to name their son Rawbhynne (that’s pronounced Robin). Teachers thank you, sir. 

9/10 Celestial or astrological names. Maybe naming them Elio (meaning sunshine) and Flora (goddess of spring) can help us remember these kids are magic even when they’re crying our ears off.