When it comes to kids... less is more?
Okay, that might sound harsh, but hear us out. A fascinating new study in the Journal of Personality looked into "fertility mismatch," which is the gap between the number of children you want and how many you actually have.

The data revealed a surprising twist. Adults who have fewer children than they originally planned, or who remain childfree, report the exact same levels of happiness as those who hit their exact family goals. When factoring in income and relationships, remaining childless was sometimes linked to even higher well-being.

The real hit to emotional health happens on the flip side. Parents who ended up having more children than they originally intended reported a distinct drop in life satisfaction, fundamentally shifting how they rate their everyday happiness.

Typically, this is where we’d give you some advice on how to correct the problem, but uh, can't really do that here. No take backsies!

🚮 Don't use these baby wipes
Target has recalled its Up&Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber baby wipes. The FDA discovered harmful bacteria in samples, which can cause serious infections like sepsis or pneumonia in babies with developing immune systems. Parents have already reported rashes, skin irritation, and product discoloration. You can return them to any Target store for a full refund. More info here.

👶 Are you using baby slings correctly?
A new study warns that many parents are unknowingly using baby slings and carriers unsafely. Researchers found that even experienced parents struggle with proper positioning. If fitted incorrectly, a baby’s airway can be blocked by fabric, or their windpipe can pinch if they slump down, especially during the early months or while breastfeeding. Here's a complete guide on how to use them.

⏮️ Some of what happens during youth can't be reversed
A new study in the journal Brain Health warns that excessive screen time might permanently alter your child’s brain. Researchers point to the "criticome," a critical window from birth to age 25 where real-world experiences irreversibly shape who we become. Because screens are hyper-stimulating, they can make everyday activities like playing outside feel boring. Experts urge parents to swap devices for face-to-face interaction, sports, and creative play to protect long-term development.

🫂 YouTuber couple explains controversial pregnancy termination
Influencer Jesse Ridgway is opening up about the intense online backlash he and his wife received after sharing their decision to terminate a pregnancy following a Down syndrome diagnosis. While studies estimate that approximately 67% to 85% of such pregnancies in the United States end in termination, discussions around the decision often remain private. Despite facing severe harassment, including death threats, Ridgway says they chose to speak out to break the silent stigma around a deeply vulnerable, yet common heartbreak.

🍳 Are you "quiet cracking"?
Find out here.

Father's Day is just two weeks away, which means you still have time to get the dad in your life something other than a tie and a gift card to Olive Garden.

What's hot this year for dads?

Google Fitbit Air: If the dad in your life wants to monitor his health metrics without the distraction of a traditional smartwatch screen, the Google Fitbit Air is an excellent option. This ultra-lightweight, screenless wearable tracks his daily steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns completely in the background. It syncs seamlessly with the Google Health app, and it's only $100 on Amazon. They're going fast though, so get 'em while they're hot!

Puzzle Mania: Puzzle Mania! takes your favorite digital brain-benders completely screen-free. This specific collection features never-before-seen versions of the New York Times' Spelling Bee and Connections, alongside plenty of Wordle and Mini crosswords to keep your morning routine going strong. Currently on sale for under $30!

Cold beer, real fast: No one likes a warm beer, especially dads. The Cooper Cooler solves warm beer sadness by chilling cans and bottles from room temperature to a crisp 43 degrees in just minutes. It safely rotates the beverage while spraying it with ice water, getting it cold incredibly fast without causing an explosion of foam when opened. It even features an "extra chill" setting to bring his favorite brew down to a frosty 34 degrees. Get it for under $100.

Smart Bird Feeder: A Ring doorbell is nice and all, but you know what's better? A Ring doorbell for birds. The Netvue Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder takes backyard birdwatching to a whole new level. This solar-powered feeder features a built-in 1080P HD camera that automatically captures crisp, close-up videos of feathered visitors and streams them right to your smartphone. It sends real-time alerts so you never miss a rare visitor. It's currently 33% off!

When it’s 90° outside, the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven (or the stove). If you’re looking for a few fresh ideas to keep hungry kids happy this summer, this round up of 25 no-bake snacks is full of simple, fun options that come together in minutes. No baking required.

Get 'em while they're cool! 

Last week, we asked you how you felt about kids using school-issued laptops and iPads during the day, and there was a tie for first place between, "Ban them completely" and "Keep them for the older grades, but ban them for little kids and during lunch."