Care.com

Nearly one in four U.S. adults are now family caregivers. Talking to aging parents before a crisis hits means decisions get made with information rather than panic, and with your parent’s wishes at the center. Treat care planning as an ongoing conversation, not a single talk. The first conversation is about opening the door and listening, not solving everything at once. When a parent pushes back or insists they’re fine, don’t push harder. Curiosity and open-ended questions get further than pressure.

While many parents are eager to get potty training on track (pun intended), getting through this crucial milestone can be daunting — especially when your child goes to daycare, where the rules and routines might be different than at home. “It is so important for daycare and any caregivers to be on the same page, because consistency prevents confusion,” says Rachel Weiss, a certified potty training consultant in Burlington, Ontario.

Hiring a professional for a deep clean can feel like a splurge, especially if you’re used to handling regular housecleaning yourself or the price feels jarring compared to a standard cleaning appointment. But understanding what goes into the price can make it easier to decide whether the service is worth the investment. “It’s more about what’s going on in the house,” says Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids in Denver. “What is the condition of the home? How many people live in the house?

In-home caregivers are often much more than someone who simply helps out with daily tasks. For many older adults, they’re a trusted friend and someone they’ve come to rely on immensely. That’s why switching caregivers can feel like an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved. However, with careful planning, a smooth transition is possible.

Experimenting with beauty products isn’t anything new for teens and tweens (who didn’t sneak into their parents’ room for a spritz of perfume or a swipe of lipstick?). But what once amounted to a bottle of Cetaphil and some mascara has, for some young people, evolved into elaborate, multi-step routines.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and is characterized by a progressive decline in memory, thinking and decision-making skills. Recognizing Alzheimer’s early increases the likelihood of getting the care you need to stay safe, and possibly slowing the decline of the condition. Yet many people are confused about what early signs of Alzheimer’s disease really look like.

The first time I heard my dog growl, I’m pretty sure I was more triggered than he was. Until that point, my happy-go-lucky dachshund had never shown signs of aggression. So, when he suddenly snarled as I reached my hand toward his food bowl, I was totally stunned.

When your nanny gives notice, your first thought is likely: “Oh no. What am I going to do for child care?” While the sentiment is certainly valid (and jumping on a new nanny search is key!), there are a number of steps to take before, and during, your nanny’s departure that can make the transition easier. The very first thing you should do is take a breath, advises Allie Moya, owner of Brooklyn Nanny and Manny agency.

One of the most difficult and confusing aspects of baby sleep is that it doesn’t always progress how you expect it to. Your baby will sleep well for a few months, and then things will go haywire again. And yes, this can happen even once your baby isn’t such a baby anymore. Enter: the 18-month sleep regression. Around 18 months is a common time for sleep to get worse. Babies have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep and going down for naps.

If it’s your first time hiring a nanny and you’ve found “the one,” congratulations — that’s no easy feat. Your work isn’t done, though. Now it’s time to organize and execute your nanny onboarding tasks in order to create a smooth transition for both you as an employer, as well as your new nanny.