Tag: parents

Parents Snap Over 1,000 Photos in Their Baby’s First Year

A new poll from Horizon Organic reveals that today’s new parents are documenting their baby’s first year like never before—snapping an average of 1,000 photos, or about three a day.

The survey sheds light on how much parents cherish even the tiniest moments, capturing everything from sleepy yawns to the first gummy smile. But it’s not just about the photos.

The poll also found that parents are tracking an average of 48 different milestones in that all-important first year. Among the top three most anticipated: a baby’s first steps, first word, and first laugh.

This surge in documentation isn’t too surprising in an era when every smartphone is a camera and every cute moment is a potential social media post. But it also speaks to a deeper desire among parents to preserve fleeting moments that pass all too quickly.

While milestones bring joy, they can also stir up anxiety—especially when it comes to food. According to the same poll, 56% of new parents admit they’re already worried about their baby becoming a picky eater. For a brand like Horizon Organic, which focuses on healthy food options for kids, that concern hits close to home.

The results highlight just how intensely modern parenting has evolved. Where once baby books sufficed, now it’s digital albums, milestone-tracking apps, and curated Instagram highlights. And while the pressure to “capture everything” can be overwhelming, it’s clear that for most parents, it’s worth it to document every laugh, every stumble, and yes, every spoonful of mashed carrots flung across the kitchen.

In a world that moves fast, today’s parents are trying to freeze time—one snapshot at a time.

Do Parents Care If Kids Swear?

If you have ever heard a kid casually drop a swear word in the grocery store and felt your soul leave your body, you are not alone.

A new poll looking at parents’ attitudes toward kids swearing, and yeah: parents have strong opinions about profanity, right up until their own child says something wildly inappropriate at the worst possible moment.

The poll surveyed parents of kids ages 6 to 17 about whether swearing is acceptable, and nearly half of them, 47%, say profanity is never okay. Not even accidentally. Another 35% say it depends on the situation, while 12% say it depends on the word. And then there is the 6% of parents who shrug and say swear words are no big deal, which probably tells you everything you need to know about what their house sounds like.

Age matters a lot here. Parents of younger kids, ages 6 to 12, are far more likely to say swearing is totally off-limits. Parents of teenagers, on the other hand, are more likely to say it depends on the situation. This is likely because once your kid is 15, you are just happy if they are not swearing at you.

Of course, when it comes to their own children, most parents swear their kids are basically saints.

44% say their child never uses profanity, and another 32% say it happens rarely. Meanwhile, 24% admit their kid swears occasionally or frequently, which feels like the most honest group in the room.

So why are kids doing it? According to parents, 41% say it is just “out of habit.” 37% think kids swear to fit in with friends, while 36% say they are trying to be funny. 21% believe their child is doing it for attention, and 27% say, with a deep sigh, that it is just the way kids talk these days now. Cool. Love that for us.

As for where kids learn these words, parents mostly blame other people, but not entirely. 65% say friends or classmates are the main influence. 58% point to popular media. But 45% of parents admit their kids probably learned those words by hearing them say it first, usually while driving.

So parents hate swearing in theory… tolerate it in reality… and secretly know they are responsible.

You can make all the rules you want, but once a kid learns a bad word, it is only a matter of time before they use it loudly, confidently, and in front of someone important.

Kids Say These 12 Things Mean You’re “Old”

Want to feel absolutely ancient? Just hang out with a 10-year-old. They’re sweet, they’re funny, and they can destroy your self-esteem in under five seconds by calling you “old” for something you didn’t even realize was old yet.

Here are some of the funniest and most soul-crushing examples people have shared online about the moment a kid made them feel like a relic from the past:

Born in the 1900s

Yep, that includes anyone over 30. One kid called someone old just for having a birth year that starts with “19.”

“I saw that in theaters.”

A teacher got labeled “old” because she mentioned that she saw the original “Shrek” in theaters. (Which, for the record, came out in 2001. What a brat.)

Knowing how to use old tech

Simply knowing what a VHS tape is makes you ancient. And we’re rapidly reaching the same point with DVDs. Welcome to the retirement home.

Still using CDs in your car

Congrats, you’re officially driving a time machine. And forget about listening to the radio. What are you, 90?

Carrying stamps

A woman got roasted for carrying stamps in her purse. Which, sure, does sound suspiciously grandma-ish—but still.

“When I was a kid…”

One guy got called old just for reminiscing about the days when kids played outside. You mean there was a time before tablets and TikTok?!?

Leaving a voicemail

If you leave voicemails, you’re practically prehistoric. A teen called out their parent for it, saying only old people do that. (God help you if you mention we used to have something called “answering machines.”)

Still own an iPod?

If a teenager has one, they’re “retro.” But a girl told her mom it meant she was “old old.”

Having anything other than Gmail

A woman admitted she still has a Hotmail address, and even she had to admit the kid who called her out for it might’ve had a point.

“I remember when…”

A kid lost their mind when they found out YouTube used to be ad-free by default. If you remember that golden era, congrats, you’re now ancient history.

Phrases you didn’t know were outdated

A guy shouted “Kobe!” after tossing something in the trash. His younger coworker looked at him and said, “Wow, you’re old.” That one hurts, deeply.

Overusing emojis

One poor soul thought emojis made him seem youthful – until a younger cousin told him the laughing-crying emoji is officially “old people stuff” now. Ouch. So yeah, context matters. If you’re 16, you can use as many emojis as you want. But if you’re 60, you’re not fooling anyone.

And if you grew up rewinding tapes with your finger or remember when your phone couldn’t take photos, you’re a certified fossil in the eyes of today’s youth. There’s no avoiding it, so try not to take it personally. Or do. Just don’t leave them a voicemail about it.

The Most Popular Christmas Present Hiding Spot Is… the First Place Kids Look

If you’re a parent, it may seem like you could hide your kids’ presents INSIDE THE WALLS… and you’d still come home to see they’d sawed through the drywall to sneak a peek. 

So maybe THIS is just admitting defeat:

According to a survey, the most popular place to hide Christmas gifts is: In a bedroom closet… the first place kids look is: In a bedroom closet… and the place where gifts are most commonly found is: Yep, a bedroom closet.

The second most-popular hiding spot is a spare room, followed by a coat closet… under the bed… the trunk of the car… a spare drawer or cabinet… the basement… the garage… and the attic.

Some tougher spots for them to investigate include:  Another person’s house… “outside,” whatever that means… a shed… and a storage unit.

50% of people say they’ve had gifts they hid get found, while 50% claim they’ve been SUCCESSFUL at hiding gifts.  Or maybe, they just haven’t found out that their hiding spot has been breached.

And now, just for fun, here’s a playful list of:

Failproof Ways to Keep Your Kids’ Christmas Present Hidden

  • Bury it under vegetables.  Trust me, your kid won’t go near it.
  • Put it in a fancy vase and claim it’s Nana’s ashes.  Hey, it works with your weed.
  • Make a deal with your neighbor that if he keeps it at his house, you won’t tell the rest of the street about that time you got his copy of “Amish Butter Churners Gone Wild” in the mail.
  • Don’t buy it until December 25th.  As long as what your kid wants for Christmas is a gift card to 7/11.
  • Store it in the same apartment that keeps your boyfriend hidden from your husband.
  • Put it behind that fake rock for your house key… that everyone knows is a fake rock for your house key.
  • Continue hiding it in your bedroom closet.  But lower your kid’s Ritalin dosage so he’s too unfocused to hunt for it.
  • Just give your kid the Christmas present she deserves: nothing.  Problem solved.

The Top Holiday Moments Kids Get Excited About

The holidays can be a rough gig for kids. (Yeah, you sensed some sarcasm in my voice.)

A new survey of 2,000 Millennial parents with young kids dug into what actually gets kids hyped during the holiday season, and the results are extremely on-brand for anyone under four feet tall.

Predictably, gifts take the crown. A full 81% of kids go absolutely feral for presents.

Holiday lights and decorations come next at 72%, probably because kids are basically moths with snack privileges. Then it’s holiday foods and treats at 67%, which feels a lot like parents saying, “Yes, my children love sugar. Thank you for the insight.”

Time off school during winter break clocks in at 66%, followed closely by “holiday entertainment” at 62%. That’s probably the classics, like movies, TV specials, and school plays where at least one kid knocks over a cardboard tree.

Family traditions hit 60%, snow comes in at 52%, and outdoor activities follow at 51%.

Then there’s the cherished rite of staying up past bedtime at 44%, which kids treat like a once-in-a-lifetime Vegas residency.

Rounding out the list is “seeing extended family” at 43%. Realistically, that number reflects excitement about cousins, not the great-uncle who wants to tell everyone about his foot surgery.

The survey circled back to gifts, because kids do too.

Parents say the average child asks about presents 51 times during the holiday season, which works out to about twice a day. That’s dedication.

And the top place parents hide those gifts is in closets. Next is their bedroom, then the car, the basement, and the garage.

So yes, kids may suffer through itchy sweaters, endless photos, and Uncle Rick talking about how much they’ve grown… but the holidays still offer plenty of magic in the form of sugar, lights, snow, and the eternal quest to locate hidden gifts.

New Dating Trend: Letting Mom Run Your Tinder

Modern dating is hard, so why not hand the whole task off to your parents? What could possibly go wrong? 👀

According to the Wall Street Journal, Gen Z and millennial singles have started outsourcing their love lives to their parents.

People in their 20s and 30s are letting Mom (and sometimes Dad) take the reins on dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge… because if you’re gonna be disappointed and rebuffed by strangers, it might as well be a family affair.

Failing to find someone can be exhausting

Struggling to find your soulmate isn’t a new problem, but online dating has made the search feel like a neverending slog. When you’ve spent years swiping yourself into oblivion, you suddenly find yourself saying, “You know what? Let’s see if Mom can do any better.”

Does mother really know best?

A 31-year-old woman the WSJ talked to said she has to reject a lot of her mom’s picks because they just don’t vibe. “She’s picking guys who are wearing Gucci and more designer, put-together apparel. And I’m like, okay, but how are they gonna do on a hike?”

Success stories are rare but real

Another woman said her dad convinced her to give a British guy a shot – even after the potential suitor didn’t respond to her messages right away. They started FaceTiming daily, and he picked her up from the airport when she moved to London for grad school. Now they’re a couple. Chalk one up for Team Dad!

Parents finally get to experience dating in 2025

Whether it’s good or bad, the experiment is giving parents a front-row seat to the chaos their kids have been dealing with. Suddenly, their “why can’t you find anyone” mantra is giving way to “Wow, I see why you can’t find anyone.”

One mom was stunned by how many men on dating apps proudly posed in full hunting gear, or mid-chug with a handle of cheap liquor. (Ma’am… that is the modern courting ritual. Just wait until they start texting. 🍆)

Is it worth a try, or is it just too risky?

Before you jump in with both feet (and both parents), remember this: If you let Mom into your relationship before it even gets started, there may be no going back.

So, the question is are you desperate enough to let your mom play matchmaker? Or will you continue to suffer in solitude, stubbornly swiping into the void?

There’s also a third option. Maybe just sack up, Gen Z, and resign yourself to the idea of dying alone like the rest of us. 😘

Foul-Mouthed A.I. Toys Could Be This Year’s Holiday Trend

Parents, brace yourselves: the biggest toy trend of the year might also be the most unhinged.

A new report warns that foul-mouthed, AI-powered toys could be a major issue this Christmas, with some dolls and robots spouting off in ways that are definitely not child-friendly.

According to the 40th annual “Trouble in Toyland” report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), a number of popular toys equipped with artificial intelligence were found engaging in conversations that would make even ChatGPT blush. The group tested several toys that can hold full conversations with kids, and the results were… not great.

These are toys that reportedly discussed sexually explicit topics in detail, offered suggestions on where to find matches or knives (yikes), and even guilt-tripped kids for trying to walk away.

One toy kept recording for 10 full seconds after a child stopped speaking, raising serious red flags about privacy.

This is the first holiday season where AI toys are showing up en masse, and folks are sounding the alarm on what could be a very confusing and possibly dangerous experience for kids.

In past years, the organization’s warnings focused on old-school hazards like choking or toxic materials. But now, the concern is digital: unpredictable dialogue and creepy behavior from chatty toys.

And in case you’re wondering, no, the report didn’t name specific products. So, unfortunately, there’s no definitive naughty list—yet.

The advice is to stay skeptical of any toy that claims to “talk” or “converse” with your child. If it has built-in AI, treat it with caution and definitely read the fine print.

Parents and caregivers are being encouraged to test toys themselves, monitor conversations, and think twice before buying something that essentially brings a chatbot into your home. Because as we’ve just learned, those chatbots might say anything.

AI has come a long way since the days of Teddy Ruxpin reading bedtime stories, but maybe not all that progress is good. At least Teddy never offered to help you start a fire.

Seven Questions to Ask Your Kid After School That Might Actually Get an Answer

If your post-school check-ins with your kid usually go like this:

You: “How was school today?”
Them: “Fine.”
You: “…That’s it?”
Them: [walks away in silence]

You’re not alone. But the issue might not be their mood—it might be your question.

According to a therapist’s advice that’s making the rounds, the trick isn’t to stop asking questions. It’s to start asking better ones. These seven questions are designed to break through the “meh” wall and actually get your kid talking.

1. “What was the best part of your day?”

This one pushes them to scan their brain for a highlight—anything from nailing a test to an epic game of four square. (Warning: “Lunch” and “recess” are very likely answers.)

2. “What’s a mistake you learned from today?”

This frames errors as growth opportunities instead of things to hide. It helps normalize the idea that messing up is part of the process.

3. “Who were you proud of today?”

It’s not just about what they did—it shifts focus to others, and helps you get a glimpse into their values. Bonus: It encourages empathy.

4. “What’s one thing that would’ve made today better?”

This question gives them room to vent a little but also invites solutions, not just complaints. It helps them think critically about how to improve their own experiences.

5. “Who did you help today?”

Even if the answer is “no one,” it plants the idea that helping others is something to strive for. Over time, it could encourage small acts of kindness.

6. “What was the most interesting thing you learned?”

This one taps into curiosity. It can also reveal what really sticks with your kid—whether it’s science facts or some surprisingly niche knowledge about jellyfish.

7. “What’s something new you’d like to try?”

Encouraging kids to explore new interests keeps them open to growth and change. Whether it’s joining a club or trying broccoli, it counts.

Asking better questions won’t magically turn every conversation into a TED Talk, but they’re a great way to open the door to more meaningful interactions. Try swapping out the standard “How was your day?” for one of these and see what happens. You might just learn something cool about your kid—and maybe even about yourself.

Nick Cannon Choked When Asked to Name All 12 of His Kids

Nick Cannon might need a flashcard app to keep track of his kids.

During a recent appearance on the Really Good Podcast with Bobbi Althoff, Cannon was challenged to name all 12 of his children—and he didn’t quite stick the landing. Right out of the gate, he admitted, “That’s gonna get me in trouble.” And, yep, it did.

While Cannon rattled off ten names without issue, he blanked on the youngest two: Beautiful Zeppelin, whose mom is Abby De La Rosa, and Halo Marie, the daughter he shares with Alyssa Scott. Not exactly a flex when your personal headcount hits a dozen.

Cannon’s candid explanation? He blames it on what he calls a “king complex.”

He told Althoff, “You know, Black men, we always be like, ‘What’s up, king?’ I really think I’m the king.” Apparently, ruling over your own kingdom of toddlers doesn’t come with a cheat sheet.

To be fair, the man has a famously packed schedule and an unconventional approach to parenting. But social media was quick to roast the moment, with many calling it both hilarious and kind of sad. After all, forgetting your own kid’s name doesn’t exactly scream “Father of the Year.”

Still, Cannon has always been open about his growing family, saying he’s deeply involved in their lives. But maybe next time, he’ll prep with a quick review. Or better yet, carry a laminated list.

@bobbialthoff

The really good podcast x @Nick Cannon out NOW

♬ original sound – Bobbi
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