Parenting Resources For All Stages: From Expecting To The Teen Years
Parenting can be difficult at any stage. A child’s behavior can be complex and confusing, yet children don't come with instruction manuals—you have to create your own. There are many parenting articles, popular parenting blogs, message boards, and other resources available offering practical tips for parents, but sometimes, it can be overwhelming to wade through everything that is out there. Perhaps you’re looking for specific information about children, child care, parenting styles, potty training, or how to communicate with teenagers. As you seek out parenting tips from various sources, it may be helpful to consider the links we’ve pulled together below for parents with children of all ages.
Keep in mind that each individual's individualized experiences, children, families, and circumstances are unique; what works for someone else’s child may not work for yours.
Resources for expecting parents
For expecting parents, you might consider checking out some of the following resources, which may help you feel more prepared for your new responsibilities.
- 50 Things to Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Guide, by Jill Krause: This book includes trimester-by-trimester tasks that may help as you anticipate your baby's arrival and the beginning of motherhood or parenthood. It offers a guide to the most important things expectant birth-givers (and their partners) need to do, think about, and focus on. You’ll also find tips for using technology to track, white, document, and learn all about your pregnancy.
- The Bump: This website, from the creators of The Knot, features week-by-week updates for the baby's development, tools like a symptom checker and a pregnancy checklist, an active forum filled with other parents-to-be, and tons of articles for answering parents' questions and soothing parents' fears about raising the next generation. This resource can help you research parenting, create and manage your baby shower registry, plan a baby shower, and name your baby.
- What to Expect: If you appreciated the popular book, What To Expect When You’re Expecting, you may want to check out this parenting website. It has even more parenting advice to offer, with a wide selection of articles covering everything from how to track ovulation to toddler basics. Of course, any health issues that arise during pregnancy should be discussed with healthcare professionals in order to maintain safety. While pregnancy blogs and other sites contain useful information, they aren't a substitute for proper medical care.
Parenting websites and resources for parents of newborns and infants
Expectant and new parents of newborns or infants may find these resources helpful in their parenting journey.
- The Wonder Weeks, by Hetty van de Rijt: This book is a roadmap for families with children in the developmental stages and regression periods that babies go through in their first 20 months. It's a boon to new moms and parents who have questions and concerns about anything regarding the development of their new babies. The book uses simple terms and clear explanations to help you understand and interpret all of these leaps and phases, and even for anticipating the most stressful times.
- The Happiest Baby on the Block, by Harvey Karp: In this book, Karp teaches the “5 S's” technique for calming down crying babies, even colicky ones, to get them to fall asleep or go back to sleep. If your baby is fussy or having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, or if you know what a "witching hour" is, this book may be a great resource.
- Baby Center: This website offers guidance for families throughout pregnancy and beyond. For after your little one is born, it also covers infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and older children with a bustling community of other real parents. There are thousands of articles and expert advice for diapering, baby sleep, starting solid foods, picky eaters, and more.
This period may also be a good time to start thinking about parenting styles and discipline, so you can consider what might work best for you and your child.
Websites for parenting and resources for parents of toddlers and preschoolers
During the toddler and preschool stage, kids reach many developmental milestones. Here are some resources you can try to help them while maintaining a calm family life through those stages.
- 1-2-3 Magic, by Thomas Phelan: Written by a clinical psychologist, this book offers an evidence-based approach to managing child behavior problems like aggression and rewarding good behavior with simple consequences and positive reinforcement.
- TODAY Parenting Guides: Created by TODAY in collaboration with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, this online resource covers many facets of child development to help you parent healthy, successful children. It has news, how-to videos, guest bloggers, and plenty of advice and guidance for caregivers from parenting experts.
Best parenting websites and resources for parents of school-aged children
School-aged children bring their own unique set of challenges. Included below are a few resources that may help.
- Raising Human Beings: Creating a Collaborative Partnership with Your Child, by Ross W. Greene: Written by a renowned child psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, this book aims to help parents and other caregivers create better relationships with their children while also offering nurturance, empathy, honesty, resiliency, and independence. It covers a broad range of topics of concern for today's parents, from hygiene to homework and curfew to screen time.
- Info About Kids: The American Psychological Association ranks this website as one of the top parenting resources. The website features behavioral science resources and information for parents that have all been reviewed and approved by psychologists to make sure they are based on actual research and free of bias.
- Aha! Parenting: This website was founded by Laura Markham, a well-known clinical psychologist, as a way to support parents trying to raise happy, responsible, and considerate children. If you're working on child behavior concerns such as aggression or trying to develop your parenting approach to raising your kids, this website has many resources to complement that journey, including books, articles, and more. There are other great websites for mothers available that are considered some of the most popular parenting blogs, even though they contain more unique essays than straight-forward tips on the best parenting approaches. These sites include Scary Mommy and Alpha Mom. These blogs often take a humorous look at mom life and are a good fit for the mother with a sense of humor. (Great fathers will enjoy them too!) They make for fun reading and contain blog posts on a variety of topics ranging from food to crafts to wealth-building to relatable anecdotes.
Resources for parents of teens
The teen stage can be difficult for many parents as their child gains more independence tests authority, and wants to spend less time at home and more time with members of their generation. Consider checking out these books detailing the teenage stage and how you can navigate it:
- Parenting Teens with Love and Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood, by Foster Cline and Jim Fay: This book offers guidance for parents who want to foster adolescent growth and high self-esteem in a positive way by gently helping their teens learn on their own how to make healthy choices. It aims to help parents find ways to set limits and encourage responsible decision-making and self-control without ruining their relationship with their teen.
- How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish: This book offers straightforward advice designed to help parents and teens get through the trials and tribulations of the adolescent growth phase. With a variety of suggestions and techniques, it aims to help parents tackle tough teen topics and improve communication with their child or children.
Further support through online counseling
Being a parent can be incredibly challenging, and while the books and online resources above may be helpful, sometimes, you might want additional, individualized support. It could make sense to seek support outside of your friends and family, especially if you need unbiased advice and someone nonjudgmental to listen to you.
Parents may experience all kinds of trials at all stages of parenting. Whether you’re hoping to be a parent soon, expecting a child, or already a parent, you may be dealing with mental health challenges or other concerns that you aren’t sure how to navigate. Online therapy has been shown to be effective for parents and other individuals alike. One study examined the effectiveness of an online therapy program for parents after pregnancy loss. It found that those participating in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy “showed significant improvements in posttraumatic stress, grief, depression, and overall mental health.”Many parents find themselves with very busy schedules and little time for themselves. With online therapy like BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist from wherever you have an internet connection and according to your busy schedule. You can discuss parenting strategies or simply address your own mental well-being when and where it’s convenient for you.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Takeaway
What is the website for first time parents?
There are many parenting websites that cater to first-time parents and the best parenting websites include a wide variety of resources based on scientific evidence for new parents. One of these websites is Baby Center. Baby Center offers advice and message boards for families throughout pregnancy and into the early years of parenting. It also covers infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and older children with a community of other real parents. There are thousands of articles and expert advice with practical tips for first-time parents.
Another popular parenting website for first-time parents is Scary Mommy which offers many parenting articles on a variety of topics. Scary Mommy features articles based on individualized experiences and different perspectives. While Baby Center may focus more on informative articles, Scary Mommy offers more opinions on different parenting techniques.
Which app is used for daily parenting tips?
There are several apps available that offer daily parenting tips to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children. Some popular apps for daily parenting tips include:
- The Happy Child
- Parent Lab - Daily Parenting App
- BabyCenter Pregnancy & Baby Tracker
- Positive Parenting Solutions
- PottyWhiz
- Baby Led Kitchen
Before downloading any app, make sure to read reviews, check the credibility of the content, and ensure that the app aligns with your parenting style and preferences. Remember that while apps can offer valuable tips, individualized circumstances may vary, so it's important to adapt the advice to your specific situation and consult with professionals if needed.
What is the website for first time parents with useful information on caring for their infant?
There are several reputable websites for parenting that provide useful information for first-time parents on caring for their infants and on raising children in general. Some popular websites include:
- BabyCenter:BabyCenter offers a wealth of information for expectant and new parents, including articles, videos, tools, and a community forum for parents to connect and discuss experiences.
- Alpha Mom: A comprehensive online resource providing advice, information, and community support for modern mothers navigating various aspects of parenting and family life.
- What to Expect: "What to Expect" provides information on pregnancy and parenting, including a dedicated section for new parents with resources on baby care, development, and milestones.
- HealthyChildren.org: This website is run by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and offers evidence-based information on child health, development, safety, and parenting tips.
- Parenting.com: Parenting.com, formerly Parents Magazine, covers a wide range of parenting topics, including newborn care, feeding, sleep, and development.
- The Bump: The Bump provides articles and resources on pregnancy and parenting, including information on newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum health.
- KellyMom: For breastfeeding-specific information, KellyMom provides evidence-based articles and resources to support breastfeeding mothers.
- CDC: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources on developmental milestones and early childhood development.
What is parent toolkit?
"Parent Toolkit" refers to an online resource that provides parents with valuable information, tools, and resources to support their children's education, development, and well-being. It is typically offered by educational organizations, school districts, educational websites, or other sites to help parents navigate various aspects of their child's educational journey. The goal of a parent toolkit is to empower parents with knowledge and strategies to effectively support their children's academic andindividualizedl growth.
A Parent Toolkit may include information and resources on a wide range of topics to support great fathers and mothers, such as:
- Academic Support: Tips and tools to help parents assist their children with homework, study skills, and academic success.
- Social and Emotional Development: Resources to help parents promote their children's social and emotional well-being, including strategies for dealing with challenges like bullying, stress, and building resilience.
- Health and Wellness: Information on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other aspects of children's health and well-being.
- Parent-Teacher Communication: Guidance on effective communication with teachers and school staff to stay informed about a child's progress and address any concerns.
- College and Career Readiness: Information to help parents support their children's college and career aspirations, including guidance on college applications, financial aid, and career exploration.
- Special Education and Individualized Support: Resources for parents of children with special needs, including information about Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and accommodations.
- Developmental Milestones: Information on age-appropriate developmental milestones and how parents can support their child's growth and learning at each stage.
- Learning Resources: Recommendations for educational apps, websites, books, and activities that can enhance children's learning outside of school.
Parent Toolkits are designed to be user-friendly and available, providing parents with practical advice, articles, videos, checklists, and other resources. They aim to strengthen the partnership between parents and schools, ensuring that children receive consistent support both in the classroom and at home. Many educational organizations and school districts offer Parent Toolkits as part of their commitment to fostering positive parent involvement in children's education.
How can a first-time parent get free stuff?
First-time parents can get free stuff and resources through various channels. Here are some ways to get freebies for new parents:
- Baby Registries: Create baby registries at popular retailers like Amazon, Target, or BuyBuy Baby. Many of these registries offer welcome gift bags filled with samples, coupons, and baby products.
- Hospital and Pediatrician Offices: Some hospitals and pediatrician offices provide free samples, formula samples, diapers, and information packets to new parents during prenatal visits or after delivery.
- Online Offers and Samples: Visit manufacturer websites for baby products like diapers, formula, and baby care items. Many companies offer free samples or coupons when you sign up for their newsletters.
- Parent and Baby Expos: Attend local parent and baby expos or events where companies often provide free samples and informational materials.
- Parenting Magazines: Look for free parenting magazines that offer samples, coupons, and advice for new parents.
- Community Programs: Check with community organizations, nonprofits, or government programs that might offer free classes, workshops, and resources for new parents.
- Online Parenting Communities: Join online parenting forums and communities where other parents discuss tips, advice, and information about freebies they've found.
- Baby Box Programs: Some regions offer baby box programs that provide free boxes filled with baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and clothes.
- Library Events: Many local libraries host baby and parenting events that provide free resources, classes, and support.
- Sample Websites: There are websites dedicated to discussing free sample offers, including those for baby products. Look for legitimate websites that curate and discuss these offers.
- Gifts from Family and Friends: Let family and friends know you're looking for freebies and samples – they might have extra items they're willing to give away.
When looking for free stuff, be cautious and use reputable sources to avoid scams or divulging sensitive individualized information. It's also important to note that while freebies can be helpful, not all of them may align with your preferences or needs, so choose wisely and prioritize what will truly benefit you and your baby.
What is a parent-child website?
A parent-child website is an online platform or website that offers resources, information, and support for parents in their role as caregivers to their children. These websites aim to provide valuable content and tools to help parents navigate various aspects of parenting, child development, education, and family life. Parent-child websites often cover a wide range of topics relevant to different stages of parenting, from pregnancy and newborn care to raising toddlers, children, and teenagers.
Features commonly found on some of the best parenting and parent-child websites include:
- Articles and Blogs: Informational articles, blog posts, and expert advice on parenting techniques, child development milestones, and family-related topics.
- Parenting Tips: Practical tips, strategies, and suggestions for handling specific parenting challenges and situations.
- Resource Guides: Comprehensive guides on topics such as pregnancy, baby care, sleep training, discipline, education, and more.
- Community Forums: Discussion boards or forums where parents can connect, discuss experiences, ask questions, and offer support to each other.
- Expert Q&A: Opportunities for parents to ask questions and receive answers from child development experts, pediatricians, educators, and other professionals.
Parent-child websites provide a convenient and available way for parents to get information, gain insights, and connect with other parents who are experiencing similar challenges and joys. It's important to choose reputable websites that provide accurate, evidence-based information and create a positive and supportive online community for parents.
What do parenting apps do?
Parenting apps are mobile applications designed to assist parents in various aspects of child-rearing, from pregnancy and newborn care to raising toddlers, children, and teenagers. These apps offer a range of features and tools to help parents stay organized, informed, and connected as they navigate the challenges and joys of parenting. Parenting apps aim to simplify parents' lives by centralizing essential information, tools, and resources in one convenient place. However, it's important to choose apps from reputable sources, read reviews, and ensure they align with your parenting style and needs.
How do I prepare for my first time parents?
Preparing for your journey as first-time parents involves both practical and emotional preparations. Here are some steps to consider as you get ready for this exciting new chapter:
- Educate Yourself: Read books, articles, and online resources about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Take childbirth and parenting classes to learn practical skills and gain confidence.
- Create a Support System: Reach out to family, friends, and other parents for support and advice. Join parenting groups or forums to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
- Plan Finances: Evaluate your financial situation and create a budget to accommodate new expenses like medical bills, baby gear, and childcare.
- Prepare the Nursery: Set up a safe and comfortable space for your baby. Get essential items like a crib, changing table, diapers, and clothing.
- Pack a Hospital Bag: Prepare a bag with essentials you'll need for your hospital stay during childbirth.
- Arrange Childcare: If applicable, research and get child care options for when you return to work.
- Choose a Pediatrician: Research and choose a pediatrician who aligns with your values and preferences for your child's healthcare.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Purchase baby essentials such as diapers, wipes, bottles, formula or breastfeeding supplies, baby clothes, and basic baby care items.
- Plan for Parental Leave: Determine how much time you and your partner will take off work after the baby arrives. Communicate with your employer about your plans.
- Learn About Birth Options: Research and discuss birthing options with your healthcare provider. Decide whether you want a hospital birth, home birth, or birthing center experience.
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