The French approach to parenting, as popularized by the book Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman, has garnered attention for its ability to raise well-mannered, independent, and resilient children.

But what exactly makes this style of parenting distinct?

And how did historical events like the French Revolution influence these practices?

Nearly a decade ago, two books made waves in the parenting world: "Parenting with Presence" by Susan Stiffelman and "The Spiritual Child" by Lisa Miller.

Both books focus on the spiritual aspect of parenting, but they do so in uniquely different ways.

As a family therapist mindful of the power of spirituality, I often find myself recommending both to parents who are exploring how spirituality can play a role in raising their children.

Let’s dive into what makes these books similar, what sets them apart, and why they might just be signaling a cultural shift in American spirituality.

What’s the Buzz About Spiritual Parenting?

Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids by Susan Stiffelman is a comprehensive and transformative guide that delves into the heart of conscious parenting.

In an era where the pressures of modern life can often overwhelm parents, Stiffelman’s approach offers a beacon of hope and practical wisdom.

By weaving together mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and the latest social science research, she provides a roadmap for parents to foster deeper connections with their children while simultaneously engaging in personal growth.

Language is a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes. In the context of international adoption, the words and phrases we use profoundly impact how adoption is understood and experienced by all parties involved.

Over the years, the language surrounding adoption has undergone significant changes, reflecting broader societal shifts towards inclusivity, sensitivity, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of adoption.

This post explores the evolution of language in international adoption, with a particular focus on the adoption of Positive Adoption Language (PAL).

As a marriage and family therapist with a deep interest in how life transitions impact family dynamics, I find the recent research on motherhood and brain changes particularly fascinating.

The breaking study published in Scientific Reports by Rotondi et al. (2024) adds a compelling layer to our understanding of how the experience of motherhood goes beyond emotional shifts, actually transforming the brain in ways that could protect against age-related decline.

In the chaotic world of parenting, we often focus on showing appreciation—whether it’s thanking your spouse for doing the dishes or giving your kids a high five for not turning the living room into a disaster zone.

But have you ever stopped to think about how much being appreciated in return matters?

A new study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology suggests that feeling valued by your family isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a game changer for your mental health and overall family happiness.

The debate over bed-sharing with infants is as old as parenting itself. Should you let your baby sleep in your bed, or is it better to keep them in their crib?

Concerns range from safety issues like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) to fears about long-term emotional and behavioral problems.

But what does the research actually say? Is bed-sharing a nurturing practice, or are you setting your baby up for emotional turmoil?

Let’s explore the science behind bed-sharing and its impact on your child’s development.

Ever wondered what makes some kids the talk of the playground while others blend into the background?

Is it their trendy sneakers, impressive jungle gym skills, or perhaps their uncanny ability to memorize every dinosaur name?

According to recent research, the real magic ingredient is much simpler and way more enjoyable—being fun!

Lawnmower parenting, sometimes referred to as "bulldozer parenting," is a relatively recent term in the landscape of modern parenting styles.

It gained popularity around 2018 when an anonymous teacher's viral blog post described parents who go to great lengths to prevent their children from facing any adversity, challenge, or discomfort.

These parents "mow down" any obstacles in their child’s path, ensuring that life is as smooth and easy as possible.

Parenting has always been influenced by the cultural and technological context of the time, but today’s generational divide is particularly striking.

The distinction between "Analog Parents" and "Digital Parents" represents more than just an age gap—it reflects a deep-seated difference in values, worldviews, and approaches to raising children.

This generational "personality" clash is shaping individual parenting styles and profoundly redefining family dynamics and intergenerational relationships.

Free-range parenting is a term that describes a parenting style emphasizing children's independence, self-reliance, and resilience.

Unlike more controlling parenting styles, free-range parents allow their children to explore the world with minimal supervision, encouraging them to make decisions and learn from their experiences.

Parenting teens in the digital age feels a lot like navigating an alien landscape—one minute you’re their hero, and the next, you’re the embarrassing adult they barely acknowledge.

This shift can be jarring, but it’s also a normal part of adolescence. Enter "Parenting with Strategic Invisibility," a cultural meme that encapsulates the delicate balance of being present for your teen without smothering their independence.

What is Strategic Invisibility?