Parents

Credit: GettyImages/Stella_E Gothic names are perfect for those who celebrate Halloween all year round, call Wednesday Addams a style icon, and have watched every vampire movie under the sun. Unique, elegant, and with a touch of darkness—the names on this list are all inspired by the haunting atmospheres of Gothic literature and cinema.

Credit: GettyImages/sanjeri Like many of today’s parents, I grew up in a family where discussions about my body and how it would change and grow over time were fairly limited. The conversations that did take place felt awkward and uncomfortable and didn’t include any explanation of consent or boundaries. As a result, shame and confusion surrounded these topics for many years.

Credit: Sari Hitchins Family vacations can offer a much-needed break from busy schedules and create lasting memories. Exploring new places together helps kids and parents bond while experiencing new adventures. Slowing down, even for a short time, can help families recharge and reconnect. Going into the summer of 2026, social media (and frankly traditional media) was all about parents wanting a slow summer, or a ‘90s summer for their kids.

Credit: Moonbug Entertainment For most kids, the school year has begun. Kids and parents are adjusting to a whole new routine, which might take time, negotiation, and the occasional reward for good behavior. Yes, showing kids that good listening and following directions and house rules results in a treat isn’t bribery—it’s positive reinforcement.

Credit: Thanasis Zovoilis / Getty Images Uninvolved parenting can hurt a child’s emotional, social, and school development. Kids need attention, affection, guidance, and support to feel safe and cared for. Parents can learn healthier ways to connect with their kids and break harmful family patterns. Of all the parenting styles, uninvolved parenting—sometimes called neglectful parenting—is often considered the most harmful.

Credit: Parents Sensory toys have been steadily gaining popularity over the years, with squishies currently reigning supreme. These little trinkets are often made of slow-rising foam, gel-filled plastic, or silicone. And they’re everywhere, which is great since sensory play is so important for kids. Here’s everything you need to know about squishies, including our top picks and important safety info.

Credit: MoMo Productions / Getty Images Kindergarten is a time of great learning. Kids get to try new things and practice basic academic skills, including the fundamentals of math. Their kindergarten lesson plan will likely include counting, number recognition, writing numerals, simple math facts, and identifying shapes. To reinforce their understanding, you can complete simple at-home activities with your little one, such as these free kindergarten math worksheets.

Credit: Oscar Gutierrez Zozulia / Getty Images Parenting is full of bittersweet moments as kids grow, and it’s okay to feel both pride and grief at the same time. The small, everyday moments with your kids often become the most cherished memories later on. Staying present and savoring time with your kids now can help you feel more connected and fulfilled as they grow. It’s the first week of September. We have the same drill every year. Buy school supplies and plan the first-day outfit.

Credit: Felix Chacon/Stocksy • Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is common during pregnancy and can make it hard to sleep. • Iron deficiency and other factors like anxiety or high estrogen levels may cause RLS in pregnancy. • RLS usually goes away shortly after giving birth, but there are ways to manage it now. When you’re visibly pregnant, you’ll often hear that tongue-in-cheek reminder to “sleep while you can.” That can get a bit challenging if you can’t get your legs to settle down.

Credit: Visit Ventura Amusement parks might be the go-to vacation destination for families and they have their place, but there’s something special about connecting with nature and showing children just how vast, varied and wild our country really is. National parks are my bread and butter for family vacations, and I have a not-so-secret wish to visit all 63 official parks with my family of five before my three kids, ages 3, 8 and 13, are grown.