Are you in a “ShouldStorm?”

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

Feeling trapped in a never-ending "ShouldStorm"? Good news: Here’s a three-step method to get out of it.

How new FDA approval for a drug could help reduce severe allergic reactions in kids 1 and older. Could be lifesaving. 

Why people need to stop saying “just wait” to parents. Plus, the most annoying things nonparents do. Your dog and my toddler are not the same.

How stay-at-home dads are on the rise. Is the stigma finally fading?

The tooth fairy's payouts have dropped — but especially for kids in these areas.

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

How can I prioritize my mental health when life feels so busy?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Ashley Peña, LCSW

Executive Director of Mission Connection

Listen: We’re all busy — but life with kids is busy on steroids. It’s hard to prioritize yourself when you’re always running out of time and feeling exhausted. But “not prioritizing your mental health [could] increase your chances of feeling irritable, on edge … and disconnected,” says Peña. 

She says these tips can help:

• Put it on the calendar: Even five minutes is a valuable reset. “Taking a brief pause, stepping away from heightened alertness, or breaking free from autopilot can help you discover a moment of groundedness,” says Peña. You can use this time to reflect, engage in a brief guided meditation, get outside, read a book, or listen to a couple of songs.

• Ask for help: Establishing a supportive network and using it for self-care can significantly contribute to your mental well-being, says Peña. When immersed solely in the role of a parent, it's easy to forget your core identity. Finding support allows you to reconnect with yourself.

• Spend time alone: Constant overstimulation can heighten anxiety. Schedule quiet moments alone to facilitate self-awareness, and provide an opportunity to reflect on how you feel — this will help you identify your needs. Try going for a walk or taking a bath (just remember to lock the door). 

• Forget the parent guilt: We know, easier said than done. But remember: Showing your kids that you prioritize your mental health and take moments for yourself is critical for their development as well, says Peña.

PS: The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can be a great resource, too. 

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.

We sat down with Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley today to talk about daycare costs, child tax credits, and more. 

A major topic we covered: the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that embryos created via IVF are children under state law, and the concerns many have about its impact on the fertility treatment. 

Listen to the convo for what she had to say.

This rec is for you, the real MVP of your family, to relax and de-stress.

When You Want to Nap, But Can’t

Meet your new emotional support blanket. After getting the kids down in their beds, Baloo’s Weighted Blanket will give you the hug you've been waiting for. Cue relaxing, calm vibes. Oh, and, it’s 100% natural and breathable, so you won’t wake up drenched in sweat once your baby monitor goes off. 

"I have trouble with anxiety and finding a way to wind down quickly when nap time hits. There's just something about the weight of this on my body that induces the sleepies. I especially love that I can just wash this in my regular washing machine (no dry cleaning needed)," says theSkimm’s Editorial Director Karell Roxas.

PS: If you’d rather stay up, boost the cozy factor with these British shows.

We have thoughts. This week, we ranked popular bath products for kids on a scale of 0–10. No science, just snark.

Hard pass

3/10 Soap foam spray: You’re just asking for a giant mess. Maybe save this for when your kid can use a Slip ‘N Slide outside. 

4/10 Bath crayons: In theory, great idea, but in practice — hard to use. The crayons slip out of the plastic handle — not great for little hands — and cleanup isn’t that easy. No thanks.

Ehh 

Real talk: Our team had opposing feelings about these. 

5/10 Bath slime: It’s like soap with a weird consistency. For those who are slime-opposed but open, it’s a good way to try it out since you can wash it away quickly. For those who are slime-opposed and would rather not, pass. 

6/10 Bath bombs: On one hand, some don’t work if you don’t have the right amount of water, but others can change the water’s color and make a drab bathtime more exciting.

More of this

7/10 Light show: Tbh, we’d do this for our own baths. Throw in some light-up toys, cubes, or glow sticks and it’s a party.

9/10 Boon Pipes: Affordable, entertaining, and durable. Say less. 

10/10 Mudpuppy’s Stickable Bath Shapes: Easy fun for babies and toddlers that won’t ruin your shower and tub. Try the Magic Bath Books, too.

👀See a trend you’d like us to include? Disagree with our rankings? Submit your thoughts here.