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7 TV shows that quietly defined childhood for millions of families - The Artful Parent
There’s something special about the shows we grew up with—the ones that played softly in the background while the smell of dinner drifted through the house, or the ones we watched curled up on the couch, half-asleep against a parent’s shoulder. Even now, when my daughter Elise begs for “just one more” episode of Bluey, I can’t help but think back to the shows that quietly shaped my own childhood—and, honestly, the rhythm of family life for a whole generation. So today, I want to celebrate seven of those shows. The ones that didn’t just entertain—they helped define what togetherness
9 things emotionally intelligent parents never say to their teenagers - The Artful Parent
Let’s face it: parenting a teenager can sometimes feel like trying to defuse a bomb while blindfolded. One wrong move—or in this case, one poorly chosen word—and things can go off with surprising force. I’ve raised kids, and now I have grandkids approaching their teenage years. I’ve seen the pattern: as children grow, they need less managing and more understanding. And the words we use with them can either build bridges or burn them down. So today, I want to share nine things emotionally intelligent parents never say to their teenagers—and why those words matter more than we often realize.
8 simple things great teachers do that make students remember them forever - The Artful Parent
Let’s be honest—most of us can still name that one teacher who changed how we saw ourselves. Maybe it was the English teacher who saw potential in your messy poems. Or the math teacher who somehow made fractions make sense. What makes those teachers stick in our memories isn’t just what they taught—it’s how they made us feel. They turned classrooms into safe places to grow. They made learning feel possible, even when it was hard. As a dad who’s seen my daughter’s eyes light up after preschool drop-off—because “Ms. Jenna says I’m a brave learner!”—I’ve realized that unforgettable teachers
If you’ve survived these 7 life struggles, you’re stronger than 90% of adults - The Artful Parent
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t feel “strong” every day. Some mornings, strength just means remembering to move the laundry to the dryer before it smells like regret. But real strength isn’t about how much you can carry—it’s about what you’ve already carried and kept going through anyway. There are certain life struggles that, if you’ve survived them, quietly change the way you move through the world. They make you less reactive, more grounded, and a lot harder to shake. If you’ve walked through even a few of these, trust me—you’re doing better than you think. Let’s dive in. 1)
8 things parents do that quietly damage their child’s confidence without realizing it - The Artful Parent
Let’s be honest—parenting can feel like one long guessing game with no answer key. We all want to raise confident, capable kids who can handle life’s bumps, but sometimes, the things we do with the best intentions end up chipping away at that very confidence we’re trying to build. I’ve seen it in my own home—usually on a Tuesday afternoon when everyone’s tired, the laundry’s half-done, and I catch myself saying something I instantly regret. Confidence isn’t built in a day, and it’s not destroyed by one rough moment either. But the small, quiet habits we repeat can slowly shape
7 phrases parents use when they quietly expect grandchildren you’re not sure you want - The Artful Parent
Let’s be honest—family conversations about kids (or the lack of them) can get a little... interesting. Especially when you’re an adult child, and your parents have already started picturing themselves surrounded by chubby-cheeked little ones calling them “Grandma” or “Grandpa.” They may not come out and say it directly (most don’t), but every now and then, a comment or two slips through. A gentle “nudge.” A curious question. A loaded joke. And if you’re on the receiving end—maybe you’re unsure if you even want kids—it can feel like a minefield of good intentions and quiet pressure. Over the years, I’ve
7 things thoughtful parents do that make their grown kids call them just to talk - The Artful Parent
Let’s be honest—there’s something special about getting a call from your adult child that isn’t about bills, problems, or the car breaking down. Just a simple, “Hey Mom,” or “Hey Dad, thought I’d check in.” No agenda. No reason. Just to talk. Those calls don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of years of thoughtful parenting—the kind that builds a foundation of warmth, respect, and emotional safety. As a parent and now a grandfather, I’ve seen both sides of the equation: parents who can’t go a week without a chat with their grown kids, and others who haven’t had a
7 ways first-time parents overthink everything—and how second-time parents let it all go - The Artful Parent
If there’s one universal truth about parenting, it’s this: the first time around, we’re all a little bit terrified. We read every book, Google every symptom, sterilize every pacifier, and analyze every cry like it’s Morse code. Then the second child comes along—and suddenly, we’re... calmer. More trusting. Less rattled by the small stuff. Why the difference? Experience, mostly. Once you’ve been through the sleepless nights and toddler tantrums, you realize that not everything is a crisis. You learn what really matters and what just doesn’t. So here are seven ways first-time parents tend to overthink—and what second-time parents have
If your goal is to raise a confident and secure child, say goodbye to these 10 quiet habits - The Artful Parent
Some of the habits that quietly wear down a child’s confidence don’t look cruel at all. They look efficient, responsible, even loving. In my sixties—after raising kids and now practicing grandparenthood on park benches—I’ve learned that security grows from a thousand small moments where a child feels safe, seen, and allowed to try. If your goal is a confident, secure kid, here are ten quiet habits worth retiring. 1. Narrating their motives for them “ You’re just being dramatic.”“ You’re trying to get attention.”“ You’re only mad because you’re tired.” I used to do this without noticing—translate my child for
8 phrases moms use when the ‘mom voice’ is about to come out - The Artful Parent
I don’t pull out the “mom voice” often, but when I do, it’s because the room needs a reset—fast. Most moms I know have a set of phrases that show up right before the voice drops a register and the whole house straightens. They’re not threats. They’re signals. Little verbal speed bumps that ask everyone to slow down, tune in, and try again. Here are the eight I hear most in my own kitchen, hallways, and minivan. If you recognize them, you’re probably running a busy home with a lot of love—and a clear boundary or two. 1. “Try that
If you answer “yes” to these 10 questions, you’re a better parent than you give yourself credit for - The Artful Parent
Some of the kindest parents I know are the hardest on themselves. They remember the moments they snapped and forget the dozens of quiet saves they pulled off before breakfast. In my sixties, with grown kids and grandkids who can wrap me around a finger in five seconds, I’ve learned that “good parenting” isn’t a mood or a single day—it’s a pattern. If you say “yes” to most of the questions below, you’re doing better than you think. Answer honestly. No one’s grading this. Think of it like a mirror with soft lighting. 1. When you mess up, do you
If your boomer parents criticize these 6 things about your life, it's not resentment—it's grief over everything they sacrificed to raise you - The Artful Parent
My mother stood in my kitchen last Thanksgiving, surveying the Ikea furniture and rental agreement on the counter. 'But you have a master's degree,' she said, genuinely confused. The implication hung there—a master's degree was supposed to mean something different. Something more. Beneath her disappointment, I finally heard what I'd been missing for years: not judgment about my choices, but grief over her own. The boomer generation made sacrifices their children often can't see because those sacrifices looked like ordinary life. They stayed in jobs they hated for decades. They delayed dreams indefinitely. They built their identities around provision and
People who are easily irritated by loud chewing sounds usually display these 8 unique behaviors, says psychology - The Artful Parent
Ever found yourself cringing at the sound of someone loudly chewing gum or crunching chips? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re not “too sensitive.” There’s actually a psychological basis for it. Researchers call this reaction misophonia, a condition where certain everyday sounds (like slurping, chewing, or throat clearing) can trigger intense irritation or even anger. But here’s the interesting part: people who experience these strong reactions often share some fascinating personality traits and behaviors. Let’s dive into eight of them. 1) They tend to be highly empathetic It might sound ironic—someone bothered by others’ noises also happens to feel deeply
8 parenting phrases that sound caring but are actually manipulative - The Artful Parent
Let’s face it: parenting can be exhausting, beautiful, messy, and complicated all at once. Between diaper blowouts, preschool drop-offs, and late-night fevers, we’re just trying to keep the wheels turning. In that blur, it’s easy to fall back on phrases we heard growing up—things our own parents might have said with the best intentions. But here’s the thing: some of those “caring” phrases actually twist the message. They sound loving on the surface but subtly manipulate kids into compliance, guilt, or dependence. I’ve caught myself saying a few of these before, and every time I’ve had to step back and
8 phrases socially awkward people use that instantly kill the vibe - The Artful Parent
We’ve all been in those conversations where everything’s flowing nicely—until someone drops a line that makes the air feel heavier than a wet blanket. It’s not always intentional. Often, it’s just social awkwardness creeping in—those moments when we say something that lands wrong, even though we mean well. I’ve been there myself (more than a few times, if I’m honest). Back in my younger years, I’d occasionally blurt something out of nervousness, then spend the next hour replaying it in my head thinking, “Why on earth did I say that?” The truth is, we’ve all got our quirks—but if we
10 parenting habits Boomers thought were normal — but their adult kids still struggle with - The Artful Parent
Some of what Boomers did as parents made their kids sturdy—walk yourself to school, fix what you can, call your grandmother. Some of it? It left splinters that their adult children are still digging out with tweezers. I say this with love. I’m a Boomer in my sixties. I raised kids, and now I’m watching my friends’ grown children sort through what we thought was normal. Here are ten habits many of us Boomers considered standard issue that our adult kids still wrestle with—and a gentler way forward for both generations. 1. “Because I said so” as a default setting
8 outdated parenting beliefs that emotionally hurt children - The Artful Parent
Let’s be honest—parenting advice changes faster than the laundry piles up. What used to be considered “good parenting” can now feel a little…off. Over the past few years, I’ve had to unlearn quite a few beliefs myself. Not because my parents did anything wrong—they did what they knew—but because I started noticing how some old-school ideas simply don’t fit the kind of connection I want with my kids. If you’ve ever felt guilty for second-guessing the “that’s how I was raised” approach, this one’s for you. Let’s unpack eight outdated beliefs that may be quietly hurting more than helping. 1.
If someone is always giving advice but never listening, they probably lack these 8 basic social skills - The Artful Parent
We’ve all met that person who seems to have an answer for everything. You know the type — quick to offer their “wisdom,” slow (or flat-out unwilling) to listen. They might mean well. But constant advice-giving without genuine listening isn’t just annoying — it’s a sign of missing emotional awareness and social balance. Because real connection — whether with friends, partners, or kids — depends less on having the “right answers” and more on empathy, humility, and curiosity. So if you’ve ever wondered what’s really behind that “chronic advisor” energy, let’s unpack it together. Here are eight social skills that
7 quiet strengths boomers carry into their 60s and 70s that younger generations admire - The Artful Parent
I’ve noticed something interesting at the playground and around the dinner table with my kids and grandkids. The teenagers and young parents in our family don’t roll their eyes at “old-fashioned” values nearly as much as headlines suggest. In fact, they often admire the quieter habits many of us carried into our 60s and 70s. Not the loud wisdom or the “back in my day” speeches—just the steady, unflashy things that hold a family together when life gets messy. Here are seven strengths I’ve seen again and again, in my own circle and in readers who write to me. They’re
10 revealing habits that instantly mark you as a Gen X parent (and make your kids cringe every time) - The Artful Parent
Gen X parents occupy a unique position. They grew up with keys around their necks and no adult supervision after 3 p.m., yet they're raising kids in an era of tracking apps and scheduled playdates. The gap creates specific behaviors their children find puzzling. These aren't obvious generation markers like music taste or fashion. They're subtle parenting habits that reveal someone came of age in the '80s and '90s—when independence was assumed and feelings weren't really discussed. The disconnect comes from navigating between the hands-off approach they experienced and the intensive parenting culture they've inherited. It's genuinely difficult terrain, and
7 things people do in restaurants that instantly reveal they didn't grow up with money - The Artful Parent
Let’s be honest—restaurants can be fascinating little theaters of human behavior. You can learn a lot about someone just by watching how they handle themselves between the menu and the check. Now, this isn’t about judging anyone. Most of us learn our “dining etiquette” from experience, not formal training. I still remember my first fancy dinner out with Matt, before we were married—I was so nervous I almost poured my own water from the wrong carafe. We all start somewhere. But certain habits? They tend to reveal how someone grew up—especially whether money and social ease were part of their
7 signs you’re the kind of grandparent everyone wishes they had
Grandparents have a special role. We’re not the disciplinarians, nor are we the peers. We sit in that sweet spot between friend and mentor, holding a space that’s warm, safe, and full of stories. And while there’s no one “right” way to be a grandparent, there are certain qualities that make grandchildren light up when you walk into the room. Here are seven signs you might be the kind of grandparent every kid dreams of having. 1. You listen more than you lecture The best conversations with grandchildren don’t start with “When I was your age…” but with “Tell me
13 strengths people over 65 have that younger generations underestimate - The Artful Parent
Getting older doesn’t make you less. In so many ways, it makes you more. I didn’t fully appreciate that until my early sixties, when the noise of career ladders and deadlines faded and I noticed what remained: perspective, patience, and a clearer sense of what matters. Now, when I’m at the park with my grandkids and a younger parent asks how I stay so calm when the toddler meltdown begins, I smile. You learn a few things after six-plus decades on the planet. Today I want to shine a light on the strengths people over 65 bring to families, workplaces,
Your kids probably won't remember the toys — but they’ll definitely remember these 7 moments
I love a good toy catalog as much as anyone. But when I think back to my own childhood, the things I actually remember most have nothing to do with the toys themselves. I don’t recall exactly which dolls I played with, or how many sets of blocks we had. What I do remember are the small, ordinary moments that made me feel safe, seen, and connected. Now that I’m raising my own children, I see it even more clearly. The toys rotate in and out of bins, but the memories that really stick come from the everyday rhythms we
8 things you should never say to a Mexican mom—especially about food - The Artful Parent
There’s a special kind of love that shows up as a steaming pot on the stove, tortillas warming under a towel, and a “¿Ya comiste?” before you’ve even taken off your shoes. If you’ve ever been welcomed into a Mexican home—friend, neighbor, coworker—you know food isn’t just food. It’s memory, pride, and hospitality rolled into one. I’m a systems person who cares about the little rituals that make life feel cared for. And when it comes to someone else’s kitchen—especially a Mexican mom’s kitchen—respect lives in the details. The words you choose matter as much as the help you offer
7 uplifting habits that make you a source of comfort for everyone around you - The Artful Parent
Let’s be honest—most days feel like a swirl of to-do lists, snack refills, and half-drunk cups of coffee. Between work, kids, and just trying to keep the house standing, it’s easy to slip into survival mode. But every once in a while, you meet someone who just radiates calm. You know the kind of person I’m talking about—someone whose presence alone feels grounding, whose words land softly, and whose habits seem to draw out the best in others. The good news? You can be that person. Not because your life is perfectly balanced (spoiler: no one’s is), but because comfort
7 subtle signs people find you annoying but are too polite to say it - The Artful Parent
Most of us don’t wake up and choose to be annoying—we’re just being ourselves. Telling a story that feels important, offering advice we wish someone had given us, and filling quiet moments because silence can be awkward. But I’ve learned—at work, on the playground, and even in the kitchen during the bedtime sprint—that what feels normal inside my head can land very differently for the people around me. Folks rarely say, “Hey, you’re kind of a lot right now.” They go polite, subtle, and indirect. If we’re not paying attention, we miss the message and keep doubling down. This isn’t
If you still replay childhood conversations in your head, you’re likely carrying these 7 emotional wounds - The Artful Parent
Ever catch yourself re-hearing lines from when you were seven, like “Don’t make a scene,” or “Why can’t you be more like your sister?” or “We don’t talk about that”? If those old conversations still loop, your body and brain are nudging you: something back there needs attention. I say this as a dad in the thick of parenting with my wife, Camille. On my work-from-home day, I’m the nap whisperer for our toddler, Julien, and the routine wrangler for our four-year-old, Elise. I can spot an overtired cry from two rooms away—yet a random memory still ambushes me while
Parents don’t have to hit you to leave scars: 10 behaviors that quietly damage kids for life
When people talk about childhood trauma, the conversation often centers on physical punishment. But scars aren’t always visible. Some of the deepest ones come from behaviors that slip under the radar — the words repeated often, the silences stretched too long, the expectations that weigh heavier than they should. As a parent myself, I know how easy it is to lean on shortcuts when life is chaotic. You’re exhausted, dinner’s on the stove, the laundry pile is mocking you, and suddenly the quickest response comes out of your mouth. But psychology makes it clear: repeated patterns of certain behaviors can
8 things boomers swore they’d never repeat from their parents—yet did anyway - The Artful Parent
Let’s be real for a second: every generation swears they’ll “do things differently.” Then life happens—mortgages, toddlers, stress, nostalgia—and somehow, those old habits sneak right back in through the side door. I’ve seen it firsthand with my own parents. They swore up and down they’d never “parent like their folks,” yet decades later, a lot of the same patterns quietly resurfaced. And now, as a millennial dad myself, I get it. Parenting is hard, and under pressure, we default to what’s familiar—even if we once promised we wouldn’t. So, let’s unpack this a bit. Here are eight things boomers swore
If a man truly respects you, psychology says he’ll naturally avoid these 8 behaviors - The Artful Parent
Respect is one of those words that sounds simple but carries a world of meaning. It’s not just about being polite or opening the door for you—it’s about how a man sees you, values you, and shows up in ways that make you feel safe, seen, and cherished. Over the years, I’ve learned that true respect isn’t loud or flashy. It shows up in the quiet choices a man makes every day. Let’s talk about the eight behaviors that men who genuinely respect their partners simply don’t engage in—and what healthy love looks like instead. 1) He doesn’t belittle your
7 daily habits that separate strong couples from those who fall apart - The Artful Parent
If there’s one thing the years have taught me—through the good seasons, the rough patches, and everything in between—it’s this: Strong couples aren’t lucky. They’re consistent. They do small, unglamorous things day after day. It’s not the grand gestures (though those are nice); it’s the tiny habits that stitch two lives together when stress, sleepless nights, and all the demands of family life tug at the seams. As a grandfather who still takes long walks in the park and listens more than he talks, I can spot the difference in other couples too. The strongest ones keep showing up, in
10 things you only truly understand about your parents once you become one - The Artful Parent
Becoming a parent flips on a light you didn’t know existed. Suddenly, the things your parents said and did—those mysterious choices you swore you’d never repeat—start making a strange kind of sense. In my sixties, with kids grown and grandkids tugging at my sleeves in the park, I see my parents with kinder eyes. I don’t idolize them; I understand them. Here are the ten lessons that only truly clicked after I became a parent myself. 1. Love is louder than skill I used to grade my parents on execution: bedtime consistency, science-project deadlines, whether dinner was a balanced plate
7 silent habits that separate old money families from everyone else - The Artful Parent
Here’s a thought that might surprise you: The most instructive things about deeply established families aren’t the castles or the clubs—they’re the quiet little routines no one notices at first. The stuff that doesn’t make a splash on social media but echoes through dinner tables, car rides, and long walks year after year. I’m a granddad now, and when I take the kids to our local park, I like to watch how people carry themselves. You can tell a lot about a family by what they do when no one’s watching. Over time, I’ve noticed there are subtle habits—silent ones—that
11 little signs you’re about to have a major breakthrough in your life - The Artful Parent
Sometimes life feels like you’re standing still, right? Like you’ve been doing all the “right things” for so long—reading the books, saying the affirmations, learning to breathe through the chaos—and yet, nothing seems to be shifting. But breakthroughs don’t usually arrive with fireworks or grand announcements. More often, they whisper in quiet, unexpected ways. Here are a few subtle signs that something inside you is rearranging—and that your next big leap may already be underway. 1) You’re feeling restless for no obvious reason You know that odd, fidgety feeling where your usual routines suddenly feel too tight—like you’ve outgrown them
If I had known how difficult having kids was, I would have done these 7 things differently - The Artful Parent
I thought I was prepared—I had spreadsheets, a label maker, and a can-do attitude—then I had kids and all my tidy plans met real life. Two kids later, I’ve learned that parenting isn’t just harder than it looks; it’s a full-contact sport with no off-season. If I could hop in a time machine and whisper in my own ear before the first swaddle, I’d do these seven things differently. I’m sharing what I wish I’d known, not as a lecture, but as a hand on your shoulder. Take what helps and leave the rest on the counter, next to the
I’m in my 70s, and these 8 routines keep my brain young - The Artful Parent
If you’d told me at fifty that my best mental years might be ahead of me, I would’ve laughed and changed the subject. Yet here I am, in my seventies, surprised—and a little delighted—by how sharp and alive my mind still feels most days. I’m not a neuroscientist, just a granddad who took up writing after retirement and who likes to pay attention. Over time, a few simple routines have made a real difference to my memory, attention, and mood. None of them are fancy—in fact, most are laughably ordinary. But that’s the magic, isn’t it? Brains love what we
7 things grandchildren remember most vividly about their grandparents - The Artful Parent
There’s something magical about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Ask most adults today and they’ll tell you: some of their fondest childhood memories come not from toys or trips, but from the time spent with their grandparents. Why is that? Maybe it’s because grandparents have a way of slowing down, listening, and being fully present in a world that often rushes kids along. Or maybe it’s because the stories, warmth, and quirks that come from older generations simply leave a lasting impression. Whatever the reason, there are certain things that grandchildren tend to hold onto for life. Let’s take
People who look 15 years younger than their actual age avoid these 8 common (but secretly destructive) habits - The Artful Parent
My dermatologist paused mid-examination last week, tilted her head, and asked my age. When I told her, she blinked. 'I would have guessed ten years younger,' she said, then immediately launched into questions about my skincare routine. But here's the thing—I don't have one. Not really. What I do have is a growing list of things I've stopped doing over the years, mostly by accident, that apparently matter more than any serum ever could. The science of aging has shifted dramatically. We now understand that aging has less to do with expensive interventions and more to do with the cellular
8 signs a boomer never emotionally matured, even in their 70s - The Artful Parent
Growing older doesn’t necessarily mean growing wiser. I’ve met plenty of people in their seventies—boomers especially—who have decades of life experience yet still struggle with the very same emotional habits they had in their twenties. And you’ve probably noticed it too. Maybe it’s an uncle who throws a fit at family gatherings, or a parent who still avoids tough conversations. Emotional maturity isn’t tied to age. It’s tied to growth, self-reflection, and the willingness to change. So, how do you know when someone never quite got there? Let’s look at some clear signs. 1) They avoid responsibility when things go