Shutterstock For decades, parents have coached their kids through the same adolescent independence milestones: starting middle and high school, getting a driver’s license, landing their first part-time job. Those moments might be challenging, even if they’re basically in the parenting manual by now. But your kid’s first phone? That’s a whole other story… In 2025, parents are drowning in choices around this increasingly fraught topic. And without a clear set of rules, a host of practical (and existential) questions arise. What’s the right age for kids to get a phone? How should their phone behavior be monitored? Is there a...
Maybe Having 8 AM Birthday Parties Is The Way To Go
hobo_018/E+/Getty Images There is a particularly kind of hell in figuring out when to have a birthday party for small children. Now that my kids are older, it’s easy and I have options. Mid-day to late afternoon gives everyone time to finish up little league sports, activities, church, and other common obligations in the morning and still get home at a reasonable hour. Evening parties are also totally fine since most tweens and teens aren’t going to melt down if they’re out until 8 or 9 at night. But with toddlers there’s a million considerations. Nap times, meal times, overstimulation,...
How To Help Your Child If They’ve Been Diagnosed With An Eating Disorder
Georgijevic/E+/Getty Images It’s a dark subject, but for some families, it’s a real thing that is part of their daily life: The number of teens diagnosed with eating disorders nearly doubled during the pandemic, and tragically, they’re one of the deadliest forms of mental illness a person can have. So, it’s understandable how earth-shattering it can be to find out your child is struggling with one. Here, an eating disorder expert tells Scary Mommy how parents can be not only supportive but instrumental in helping their children heal. “Treating children and adolescents with eating disorders is a fragile undertaking. But...
Retailer Claire's Files Bankruptcy
RICCARDO MILANI/AFP/Getty Images Earlier today, Claire’s, our most nostalgic accessories retailer, declared bankruptcy. “This decision is difficult, but a necessary one,” said Chris Cramer, CEO of Claire’s in a statement. “Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders.” Now where will tweens gather after grabbing an Auntie Anne’s pretzel and Orange Julius?! Truly, between the ages of 9 and 14, no mall trip felt really complete without perusing the displays of baubles and bangles available...