Susan Newman's Blog, page 2

Bonuses for Babies: From Scare Tactics to Tax Breaks

Could the right incentive convince you to have a baby, or another baby?

Despite changing norms around family planning and parenthood, the stereotype that “two children make a family” remains deeply entrenched, with many families saying it is still their preference. Yet, birth rates in the U.S. and other countries continue to decline, approaching record lows, according to the CDC.

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva:

The disconnect between family perspectives and actual day-to-day choices reveals a dee...

Having One Child is The New Normal

Image by serrano1004 from Pixabay

We are living in a new era, one in which family as we knew it (mom, dad, 2 kids) is being redefined in myriad ways by changed social and economic factors. Today’s parents are re-defining family. Across the United States, and in countries such as England, France, China, Korea, and Canada, one-child households have become the celebrated modern norm and the fastest growing family unit. Nonetheless, you may wonder:

Is one child right for me? Am I being selfish?No ...

12 Ways to Make Family Dinner Fun

Most parents agree that family meals are important and should be a priority—even as we struggle to find time and too often end up eating dinner on the road or in front of a TV or tablet some nights.

Research finds that families are less stressed, function better, that kids tend to eat better, and everything from their self-esteem to motivation increases when everyone gathers around the table regularly for meals.

The busyness of life can make this tough. But besides carving out precious...

Revisiting – and Revising – the Family Meal

Want to salvage this bygone staple? Temper your expectations and focus on connection.

Parents’ expectations for a family meal aren’t all wrong, but some may be unrealistic.By putting a premium on conversation, parents and kids can realize more of the mental health benefits of eating together.Keep meals light and fun, especially for young children, who may be inclined to rush through and want to leave the meal.

Parents who want to revive the family meal – so all can realize the proven b...

The Essential Skill for the Challenges of Motherhood

You can master the challenges of motherhood.

PHOTO Credit: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

The influences on mothers today are mostly ingrained from their own childhood memories and abetted by comments on social media, from friends, and other women in your child’s playgroups. The result for many women is a constant striving to be the perfect mother. This likely means bending to the opinions and advice of others and paying special attention to those who imply that you might be doing motherhood wron...

The Essential Skill for the Challenges of Motherhood—Don’t Listen

You can master the challenges of motherhood.

PHOTO Credit: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

The influences on mothers today are mostly ingrained from their own childhood memories and abetted by comments on social media, from friends, and other women in your child’s playgroups. The result for many women is a constant striving to be the perfect mother. This likely means bending to the opinions and advice of others and paying special attention to those who imply that you might be doing motherhood wron...

How Children Affect Your Happiness

PHOTO Credit: Marcin Jozwiak/Unsplash

Even though more and more families stop after having one child, many debate having second, third or more children. The decision tends to be based on practical factors–finances, career goals, living space—with a modicum of focus on how children affect your happiness.

Laurie Santos, professor of psychology at Yale University, explained the problem of figuring out what makes us happy: “We are bad at forecasting our happiness over time and especially ...

Why You Should Grab a Kid and Walk

PHOTO Credit: Krzysztof-Kowalik/Unsplash

Even if you held to an exercise schedule during the long pandemic, it’s time to move more and override the child who says, “I don’t want to go for a walk.” Surprising new insights into the benefits of walking and step-by-step motivation to walk more for you and your children–including new ways to encourage them. 

Whether you rarely walk, usually walk solo or with friends, push a stroller or have young children or teens at your side, think about walk...

The Secret Sauce for Building Children’s Memories

Photo Credit: Gaby Stein from Pixabay

For years, our family had “Ralph” in all his plush furry glory. He was our secret sauce for building the children’s memories. He’s now happily stored in everyone’s memory bank.

Ralph, a small stuffed animal, was handed out at the family awards dinner at the end of our annual vacation. Ralph was coveted, wanted by all and the recipient was chosen based on attitude, willingness, and participation in activities—a sort of “all around camper” tr...

The Secret Sauce for Building Children’s Memories

Photo Credit: Gaby Stein from Pixabay

For years, our family had “Ralph” in all his plush furry glory. He was our secret sauce for building the children’s memories. He’s now happily stored in everyone’s memory bank.

Ralph, a small stuffed animal, was handed out at the family awards dinner at the end of our annual vacation. Ralph was coveted, wanted by all and the recipient was chosen based on attitude, willingness, and participation in activities—a sort of “all around camper” trophy. Ralph ...