Parenting and families

Photo of people in aprons smiling and chopping vegetables in a kitchen setting.

How to survive and thrive through divorce

Take heart: there are ways to protect yourself and any children involved, and prepare for more joyful chapters ahead

by Lisa Herrick

Photo of two boys playfully confronting each other on a leaf-covered path beside a fence in autumn.

Trapped with no escape: the hidden problem of sibling bullying

When brothers and sisters victimise each other, the harms can be serious. But it’s never too late to heal old wounds

by Kristen Cvancara

Photo of a person in a white dress and hat walking on sand pushing a grey pram.

How to know if you want to be a parent

Set aside everyone else’s preconceptions. Then try doing these counterintuitive exercises to understand your own desires

by Ann Davidman

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How to raise a resilient child

Put that helicopter back in the hangar and let your children find their own way. Their independence will likely surprise you

by Judith Locke

Abstract painting of two people walking in a textured, impressionistic landscape with warm yellow and brown tones.

How to repair a family rift

Healing an estrangement can be deeply rewarding. Acknowledge your role in what happened, then look ahead to brighter days

by Pam Weintraub

A photo of a young boy with closed eyes leaning against a giant orange pumpkin on grass with a blurred green background.

How to nurture an orchid child

Some kids, like orchids, are highly sensitive to their environment. Provide oodles of love and routine, then watch them bloom

by Tom Boyce

Vintage photo of two babies sitting on a hidden caretaker draped in floral fabric with lace curtain backdrop, Addington, Indiana.

Victorian hidden mothers and the continued erasure of mothering

Why do Victorian ‘hidden mother’ photographs shock us? We’re still expected to hide the work of mothering from public view

by Andrea Kaston Tange

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GENDER

Talk of toxic masculinity puts the blame in all the wrong places

Toxic masculinity discourse harms vulnerable boys and men and distracts society from the true sources of gender inequity

by Heidi Matthews

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How to stop yelling at your kids

You can’t control your child’s emotions, but by questioning your assumptions and expectations you can become a calmer parent

by Bonnie Harris

Photo of a young boy in a blue jumper looking up thoughtfully with a finger touching his ear in a bright room.

How to do philosophy with kids

Embrace their questions, no matter how daft or daunting – kids are natural philosophers and you can learn from each other

by Scott Hershovitz

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How Chinese philosophy can help you parent

Confucianism and Daoism suggest ways to guide your children toward meaning and fulfilment rather than wealth and prestige

by Erin Cline

Photo of two children sitting on steps in front of a brick house with a bright yellow door, one wearing a hat.

How to support kids to be brave

The desire to protect kids from uncomfortable situations is natural. But they need your help to grow into the unknown

by Sarah Rose Cavanagh

Painting of a Renaissance family gathered around a table with a patterned cloth and fruit bowl, showcasing rich attire and expressions.

DNA testing is easy. It can also turn your family upside down

DNA testing is bringing the era of family secrets to a close. When a surprise is uncovered, lives can change forever

by Libby Copeland

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It should be OK for parents to express regret about having children

Regret is common to all humans. So it’s no surprise that some parents regret having children: it shouldn’t be a taboo topic

by Jenna Abetz & Julia Moore

Photo of a woman lying on a bed holding a newborn baby on her chest, both relaxed; soft, warm lighting.

Philosophy can explain what kind of achievement it is to give birth

Pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are physical achievements, like marathon running: give them the same respect, and no more

by Fiona Woollard

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How to talk to your children about sex

It’s not about one embarrassing ‘big talk’. Prepare and protect them by applying these basic principles early and often

by Eva Goldfarb