Families are going to drastic lengths to buy groceries
Skyrocketing grocery prices are pushing families to a financial breaking point. Recent surveys show that nearly a third of adults now rely on credit cards, savings, or Buy Now, Pay Later plans just to pay for basic food, which results in carrying debt they can’t afford.

In related news, a new LendingTree study revealed that 30% of Americans admitted to shoplifting (up from 23% in 2024), with 90% citing inflation as the primary trigger. Crucially, people aren't stealing luxury goods; food and beverages have surpassed apparel as the most stolen items.

Analysts call it "survival shoplifting."

Unfortunately, prices aren't really expected to drop any time soon. Here are two great Reddit threads with comments from hundreds of families detailing clever ways they save at the grocery store.

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🐮 It might be time to limit our consumption of cow's milk
Pediatricians are warning parents about a hidden health risk: drinking too much cow’s milk. Consuming over two cups (500ml) daily can block iron absorption, leading to severe iron deficiency anemia in young kids, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications. Experts recommend zero cow's milk for babies under one, and capping toddlers at two cups max per day. Click here for the complete feeding guidelines. And hey, one less item you have to buy more of at the grocery store!

🧠 Why do so many kids struggle in third grade?
Psychologists say the shift between ages 8 and 9 marks a sudden leap into "pre-tweenhood." Kids begin confronting complex friend hierarchies right as they crave independence, but their brain’s emotional regulation center (the prefrontal cortex) is still wildly underdeveloped. The best way to prevent those third-grade mood swings? Plenty of unstructured free play, consistent boundaries, and open communication. 

🛒 A complete list of every food item being recalled
There are currently 11 active foodborne outbreaks. Here's a much-needed breakdown of them all.

🤰 Good Housekeeping parenting awards have arrived
Want to see the most recommended strollers, mealtime accessories, nursery items, and toys of 2026? Click here.

👼 Does this viral-baby calming trick actually work?
A viral video of a dad using the "OM" sound meditation method to soothe his crying baby has racked up over 17 million views, but does it actually work? Yes! Possibly! Maybe! Hopefully! Experts explain that the low-frequency vibrations mimic the comforting environment of the womb and stimulate the vagus nerve. More here.

Last week, we asked if you could move anywhere for your family, what your top non-negotiable would be, and "low cost of living & affordable housing" grabbed the top spot with 42% of the vote. Coming in a close second was, "Great weather & outdoor lifestyle."