Our parenting blind spots

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

How much $$$ stay-at-home parents' unpaid labor is really worth. Go thank a SAHP near you.

These five parenting blind spots our generation could be missing—and what you can do about it now.

​​The healthy eating tips we’re trying with our picky eaters, because this poll says 60% of us are making them separate meals. Chicken nuggets (still) included.

Why this mom is questioning her “real mom” status because she only has one kid. And the advice that’s helping change her mind.

How this report says Nestlé’s sugar scandal is hurting babies in predominantly Asian, Black and brown countries. It could have big consequences for their future health.

PS: Mother-in-law relationships can be complicated no matter what country you’re in. 

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

If my health insurance doesn’t cover fertility treatments, what are my options?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Betsy Campbell

Chief Engagement Officer, Resolve: The National Infertility Association

FEATURED EXPERT:

Jenna M. Turocy, MD

board-certified OBGYN, Columbia University Fertility Center

“We know that lack of insurance coverage is the biggest barrier to care for those who need fertility treatments to build their families, but there are resources available to help you overcome this obstacle,” says Campbell.

Here’s where to start:

• Expert support. Fertility clinics often have financial counselors on hand to advise on payment options, insurance coverage, and financial assistance programs, says Turocy. “Additionally, contacting your insurance provider directly can clarify coverage details and provide insight into out-of-pocket expenses,” she says. Your doctor can also weigh in on options based on your medical history and treatment needs.

• Financing programs and grants. “Many fertility clinics provide discounted self-pay costs for fertility treatment,” says Turocy. Some clinics also offer financing options [like loans] or payment plans, she adds. Nonprofit grants could also help cover costs, says Campbell. Check out this list of 14 grants and scholarships you may qualify for. 

• Medication discounts. “Some pharmacies and medication manufacturers offer programs to reduce fertility medication costs for self-pay patients and other special groups, such as cancer patients and veterans. In many cases, it may be cheaper to pay cash for fertility medications than to pay through insurance,” says Campbell.   

• Your employer. Since employers may not realize their insurance coverage doesn’t include fertility benefits, talking to them can spark change, says Campbell. Resolve’s Coverage at Work program has a free tool kit to help you speak up.

What Do Pregnant Women and Toddlers Have in Common?

They always need a snack. What if there was one recipe that deliciously amps up your pregnancy nutrition and appeals to the picky little human in your life? Enter: Registered Dietitian Stephanie Middleberg. She says her spinach waffle recipe can do just that — and it only takes about 20 minutes to make.

We have thoughts. This week, we ranked our thoughts on kids’ books we actually like reading, from 0–10. No literary degree, just snark.

Hard pass

1/10: “Love You Forever” and “The Giving Tree.” Classics? Yes. Creepy and depressing? Also yes.   

2/10: “Olivia” and “Llama Llama Red Pajama.” Don’t let Olivia and Baby Llama’s cuteness fool you — these two are kinda genius-level brats. And our kids don’t need any ideas.

Ehh

4/10: “The Pout-Pout Fish.” The rhymes make it a fun read, but we can’t get behind the nonconsensual kissing and mixed messages it sends. No thanks, next.

6/10: “Barnyard Dance!” It's a great way to get the wiggles out pre-bedtime, but sometimes it can amp kids up. We want Zzzs, please.  

More of this

10/10: “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” “I Am Enough,” “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes.” Embracing your differences, accepting yourself, going with the flow. We love these lessons for our kids…and ourselves. 

Psst…Here are a few bonus books that deserve a spot in your kid’s library: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “Dragons Love Tacos,” and “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.”

The High Chair That Fits in Your Suitcase 

You already know that getting kids to sit still for a meal can be… a challenge. Double that if you’re on vacation. Plus, you can’t always rely on a restaurant or Airbnb to have a functioning (or clean) high chair. That’s where the Hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat comes in. 

“This is my favorite travel seat. It fits in my suitcase, I can attach it to any chair if we’re at a table, and it’s easy to sling over my shoulder and take to the beach,” says Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury, theSkimm’s Managing Editor. 

We also love that the fabric seat can be thrown in the washing machine, and the tray can go right into the dishwasher. Oh, and you can use it for kids as old as 3.