Breaking down postpartum psychosis
Chances are, you've heard the name Lindsay Clancy mentioned at least once in the past week or two. The Massachusetts mother has been accused of killing her three children, but her defense team has argued she's not criminally responsible due to severe postpartum psychosis.

But what is postpartum psychosis?

Affecting 1 to 2 per 1,000 new mothers, postpartum psychosis is a rapid-onset medical emergency distinct from postpartum depression. Symptoms can include hallucinations, disturbing thoughts, disorganized thinking or behaviour, paranoia, confusion, mania, and depression.

It's a rare condition, but what's not rare? Mental health struggles in general during postpartum. Medical experts emphasize that healthcare systems routinely fail new parents: only about 1 in 5 women are ever screened for mental health during the perinatal period, even though suicide remains a leading cause of maternal mortality. More here.

🍭 Just how bad is sugar for your baby's health?
A study using WWII sugar rationing data shows that limiting sugar during a child’s first 1,000 days (conception to age two) has massive lifelong benefits. Kids with lower early sugar exposure had up to a 69% lower risk for certain cancers, slowed cellular aging by over two years, and naturally ate healthier diets in adulthood. Early taste preferences stick around!

🚸 Turns out, Pre-K makes a difference
New research following 30,000 students reveals that kids enrolled in public pre-K performed significantly better in 3rd grade than peers in home or center childcare. Pre-K attendees earned higher GPAs, scored higher in reading and math, and were 35% less likely to repeat 3rd grade.

🏰 More than 200,000 magnetic building toys have been recalled
Goody King has recalled roughly 213,500 magnetic building block sets sold on Amazon after loose magnets caused severe internal injuries, requiring surgery for two children. When swallowed, these high-powered magnets can lock together in the digestive system, causing life-threatening blockages or perforations. Get all the important details here.

💰 Want to teach your kids about money?
Here's how, starting when they're just 2-years-old!

📚 It's never too early to get your kids addicted to reading
These story time tips and tricks will have your kids reaching for books over controllers. We hope. Don't hold us to it.

The after-school cookie
Every once in a while, I like being the mom who has warm cookies waiting when the kids get home from school.

Not every day. (Let’s not get carried away!)

But there’s something particularly great about an after-school chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk, especially when eaten while doing math homework.

These oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are chewy in the middle, crispy around the edges, and substantial enough to satisfy the ravenous 4 p.m. crowd. Even better, you can freeze the dough in individual balls and bake a few whenever the mood strikes.

Ingredients

Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Add to the butter mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in the oats and chocolate chips.

Scoop rounded tablespoons onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Want cookies on demand? Scoop the unbaked dough onto a sheet pan and freeze until firm, then toss the frozen dough balls into a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

What I’ve learned
There are plenty of things our kids need from us after a long day. Every once in a while, one of them can just be a warm cookie.

Last week, we asked you your go-to 'cheat code' meal when you have zero energy to cook, and "Doordash" came out on top by a slim margin. In second place? The always trusty frozen dinner.