Parenting trends that are taking over in 2024

TOP OF MIND

Gentle parenting is so 2023
Did you just hop on the "gentle parenting" bandwagon? Sorry, the most popular parenting style of 2023 is going to be old news come 2024, at least according to this website, which aims to predict the 5 most popular parenting trends of 2024.

According to their experts, the number one most popular parenting trend will be something called Inchstones.

Never heard of it? Allow us to explain!

The important bits
You've probably heard of milestones before, but inchstones? What are those? Well, they're basically just mini milestones, as the name suggests.They've mainly been used by parents who are raising kids with developmental delays or special needs. But according to data from Pinterest, the term is being searched for more often, and they suspect all parents will be celebrating inchstones in the new year.

This means you might feel compelled to buy a cake after your kid comes home with a good grade, or if you're in my household, when someone manages to put the TV remote back in its place.

Other parenting trends include giving your kids "gentle" names, such as, Willa, Asa, Ellis and Faye.

Also, now that "gentle parenting" is out, what's going to take its place? Benign Neglect. The "parenting style" is gaining popularity in recent weeks, thanks in large part to actress Jennifer Garner.

Benign neglect doesn't mean you should take notes from Kevin McCallister's parents. It simply means that it might be okay to let your kids just be kids sometimes. Let them be bored occasionally without throwing a tablet at them. Or let them get a bad grade instead of doing their homework for them.

Another trend? Vintage over new. Thrift stores are hot right now, so if you really want to bond with your kid, take them to the local shop, or you know... just open up your closet.

What's it all mean?
It means things are constantly changing and we shouldn't get too caught up chasing trends. The best trends are the ones that work for you and your family.

DID YOU HEAR

Is it just gas? Or appendicitis?
Every year, over 300,000 people have their appendix removed, and young children make up nearly 30% of that total. The surgery to remove the appendix is typically rather routine, and most often, you can go home the next day. But still, going to the hospital is always scary, especially for young children. And also, if you don't catch it in time, the appendix could burst inside your stomach, making the situation much more dire.

So how can you spot the difference between a regular tummy ache and appendicitis? Well, it's as simple as making your kid jump up and down. Seriously. The jump test is accurate 70% of the time.

Kids make you live longer
The next time your childless friend brags about going on a week-long trip to Ibiza, you should inform them they're most likely going to die before you. According to a study from the University of Michigan, parenting can actually extend a person's life expectancy. And if you want the best chance at a longer life, they suggest stopping at two children.

If you don't care about living longer, but want to keep your sanity, we also suggest stopping at two.

Don't drink during the Super Bowl
Bored researchers decided to see how special-occasion drinking impacts parenting, and they surprisingly found some interesting results. According to their study, parents who drank while watching the Super Bowl were more likely to use aggressive discipline with their children. But on Valentine's Day? Alcohol consumption led to less aggressive discipline. Read all about it here.

Last-minute stocking stuffers
The most magical day of the year is less than a week away, and if you're still in need of those pesky stocking stuffers, we have you covered. Here are 40 last-minute stocking stuffers that are under $15 and will ship in time for Christmas! (hopefully)

The 'Home Alone' house is HOW MUCH?
$2.39 million. Check it out.

A DOSE OF GOOD

@_kiwidad

Signs you're raising a confident kid! Love this clip from @KleinKwagga perfectly showing what a confident kid with awesome self-esteem looks like!

JUST FOR YOU

Bites: We know some of you have been holiday planning and shopping and baking for weeks and are now ready to put your feet up and sip eggnog. If, instead, you’re like us and just now did the calculations on the gift delivery window, checked the available wrapping paper, realized that if YOU don’t bake the cookies they aren’t getting made … we feel you! And while these 83 cookie recipes won’t make themselves, hopefully they make the prospect of deciding which cookies need to be baked a little easier.

Hacks: The holidays can bring out the best memories, but also the worst fights. When all your uncles, aunts, and cousins are in the same room together, the odds for complete mayhem go way up. But there are things you can do to minimize the family fighting. This guide gives you play-by-play instructions on how to survive the holiday season.

Betterments: One of our favorite things about the end of a year are all the "best of" lists that come out. The lovely editors over at Vogue put together a list of the 83 best skin care products, and we must admit, we're impressed. Some of their top picks include this dark spot reducer and this $24 lip sleeping mask (it's amazing).

PARENTING WIN/FAIL

This week, loyal reader Amanda R. shares how kindness can be contagious!

Amanda, you are awesome, and so is your daughter! Keep spreading that kindness around.

If you have a parenting win/fail you'd like to share, email us at [email protected] and your story might be featured in a future edition!

HERE’S A QUESTION

We're going to switch things up this week, and ask you a bit of trivia! The correct answer will be revealed once you make a guess!

Last week, we asked you how much you would need to make a year to feel secure, and there was a tie for the top spot! The majority of the vote was split between $70 to $90k and $100k to $150k, while $200k + came in second!

RECALLS

Quaker Oats Products.

Some pretty popular products were just hit with a massive recall this week. Quaker Oats is recalling several of their granola bars and granola cereals because they may be contaminated with salmonella.

According to the company, no illnesses have been reported, but that could change as more information is gathered. Some of the products being impacted are:

• Quaker Big Chewy Bars

• Chewy Dipps Peanut Butter Bars

• Chewy Bars Dark Chocolate Chunk

• Simply Granola Oats, Honey Raisins & Almonds

You can view the full list here.

If you have more questions/concerns, you're encouraged to call Quaker Oats at 1-800-492-9322.