Jessica's Parenting Journal

  You open your teenager's bedroom door and immediately regret it. Clothes in geological layers on the floor. A plate under the bed growing something sentient. Homework buried somewhere in the chaos. And you think: This mess is their future. They'll be a disorganized adult who can't function. I've failed as a parent. But what if science says you're wrong? What Research Actually Tells Us Here's the mind-blowing truth: there's virtually no scientific evidence linking messy teenage bedrooms to disastrous adult futures. In fact, research suggests the opposite. A University of Minnesota study found that people in messy spaces were more creative and willing to try new things than those in tidy spaces. When researchers asked participants to generate creative uses for ping pong balls, the messy-room group produced significantly more innovative ideas (Vohs et al., 2013). Dr. Kathleen Vohs explains: "Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking fr...

 Your child is starting preschool soon, and you want to set them up for success. The good news? You don't need expensive programs or elaborate preparation. A few simple strategies can help your child feel confident and ready for this exciting transition. Here's how to prepare your child for preschool in the weeks and months before they start. Start Talking About Preschool Positively Your attitude about preschool shapes your child's expectations. Start conversations early and keep them positive and pressure-free. What to say: "You're going to have so much fun at preschool!" "You'll get to paint, play, and make new friends" "Your teachers will read stories and play games with you" "Lots of kids go to preschool - it's a special place just for kids your age" What to avoid: "You're such a big kid now, no more crying" "I hope you behave at preschool" Showing your own anxiety about the trans...

 The first month with a newborn is a blur of diapers, feedings, sleep deprivation, and overwhelming love. If you're reading this while pregnant or currently in the thick of it, this guide will help you not just survive - but maybe even thrive a little. Week 1: Welcome to Your New Normal What's Happening Your newborn is adjusting to life outside the womb. Everything is new: breathing air, digesting food, experiencing light and sound without the filter of amniotic fluid. Expect: Sleep: 16-18 hours per day in 2-4 hour stretches Feeding: Every 2-3 hours (8-12 times per day) Diapers: 6-8 wet diapers, several poopy diapers daily Your body is recovering too. If you gave birth, you're healing from a major physical event. Even if you didn't give birth, you're adjusting to massive life changes and severe sleep deprivation. Week 1 Survival Tips Sleep when the baby sleeps. Yes, you've heard this a million times. Do it anyway. The dishes can wait. Your body nee...

  One of the biggest questions parents face around age three is: "Is my child ready for preschool?" It's a valid concern. Starting preschool too early can be stressful for your child, while waiting too long might mean missing valuable learning opportunities. The good news? There are clear signs that indicate when your child is developmentally ready for the preschool experience. Here are the five most important readiness indicators to look for. 1. They Can Separate from You Without Major Distress This doesn't mean your child won't cry on the first day - many do! But a preschool-ready child can generally handle short separations from parents without complete meltdowns. What readiness looks like: Can stay with a babysitter or family member for a few hours Recovers relatively quickly after you leave (within 5-10 minutes) Shows interest in playing with other children Doesn't cling constantly when in new environments Not quite ready looks like: Extreme ...

Congratulations! You're about to become a parent, and you're probably feeling equal parts excited and terrified. That's completely normal. Here's the truth: nobody feels prepared for parenthood. Not the parents who seem perfect on Instagram, not your friend who has three kids, not anyone. We're all figuring it out as we go. But there are a few universal truths that make the first-time parenting journey easier. Here are the 5 most important things I wish someone had told me before I brought my baby home. 1. Your Baby Doesn't Need Half the Stuff You Think They Do Before your baby arrives, you'll be bombarded with must-have product lists and registry recommendations. Here's what you actually need in those first weeks: Diapers (lots of them) A safe place for baby to sleep A few comfortable outfits A car seat Food (breast or bottle) Your love and attention That's it. Really. The $200 wipe warmer? Your baby will survive without it. The fancy ...