We need childcare, not waitlists

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

How Skimm moms are speaking up about the childcare crisis and getting real about their frustrations and sacrifices. Raising kids in a broken system is hard (and expensive).

The two words you should never say to your kid. Truth is, even adults hate to hear them too.

How 53% of parents across the globe say climate change is affecting their decision to have more kids. It’s impacting where they work, too.

Why the American Academy of Pediatrics says weighted sleep sacks for newborns are potentially dangerous. Experts are calling for more research STAT.

The assumptions people make about Gen Z moms, and why they're saying 'we aren't TikTok dancing over here.'

Q:  My 18-month-old will only eat what’s on my plate. How do I handle this?

Jennifer Anderson, a registered dietitian and founder of Kids Eat in Color, says: 

Toddlers are still learning that the food on their plate is the same as the food on your plate. They’re thinking ‘if it’s on your plate, it’s probably better.’ If that’s OK with you, just go with it. But if it’s not, remember this is just a phase. And while it may be annoying, it won’t hurt them to eat from your plate. Just keep serving them their own food too.

Here are a few tips from Anderson to help teach them food tastes the same, no matter where it’s served: 

• The old switcheroo: Try switching plates after the meal starts so you’re eating off their plate and they’re eating off yours. 

• The taste test: Ask for a bite off their plate and then try a spoonful off yours. Ask if they want to do the same. 

• Double up: Another idea is to split your meal and give yourself two plates and share one with your toddler. You may get to eat from one of your own plates, at last. 

Do you have a parenting question you want answered by an expert? Ask anonymously here. Your question could be answered in next week's email.

Returning to Work Post-Baby Is Hard, Here’s Where to Start

Try not to make any major decisions in the first six weeks after returning to work, says Dr. Kelly Fradin, pediatrician and author of “Advanced Parenting.” The first weeks will likely be more stressful and frustrating as you reestablish a functional workflow. You can prepare and plan, but inevitably there will be surprises, and it will be a time of learning and growth. Give yourself some grace. 

A few ways to make the transition smoother: 

• Do a practice run: If possible, test out your childcare plan a few days or a week before returning to work. If you’re pumping, you’ll want to add this to your test schedule. Pro-tip: Make sure you have extra supplies in your bag (additional pump wipes and storage bags come in handy).

• Set realistic expectations: “The expectation I find easiest to let go, is the expectation that you have to do it all,” says Fradin. Many parents return to work when they’re still sleep-deprived, and it's common to feel cognitively slow, more emotional, and easily overwhelmed. Finding the energy to do paid work on top of your responsibilities at home is super-human, so it’s normal to struggle.

• Communicate your needs: If you need to make changes to your work schedule for things like childcare or breastfeeding, Dr. Fradin recommends you present a plan to your manager and be specific. For example, say: “I'm going to take two 30-minute breaks at this time and this time, and I'll be reachable by phone if needed.”

• Create boundaries: This will help you prioritize your work to-do's. Someone may come to you with an urgent issue, but before taking it on as your issue, consider whether it's really your priority. Rather than jumping to figure out something, be sure to give yourself the opportunity to decide if you want to do it or not. It’s space to say no and defend your priorities and values, says Dr. Fradin.

FEATURED EXPERT:

Dr. Kelly Fradin

Author of "Advanced Parenting"

Bathtime Fun With Mudpuppy’s Stickable Shapes 

Looking for a way to entertain your little one during bathtime without making a mess? Enter: Mudpuppy’s Stickable Foam Bath Shapes. Each set comes with 20-26 foam shapes that stick to the tub or tile when wet, and it comes with a mesh bag with suction cups that makes cleanup a breeze. Each shape comes in bright colors and is part of a themed set (including options like ocean life or dinosaurs). 

Our parenting team writer has been using this product with her 21-month-old for a while now, and says they’re still in great condition. Plus, her son has learned the names of so many bugs. Bonus: Older kids can use them to start spelling words with the alphabet set.

PS: Another Mudpuppy bathtime fav is the brand’s magic bath books – the colors appear when the book gets wet. Call me Momdini.