Parenting chat: My ex-husband disparages me and my partner to our kids

Meghan Leahy, a parenting coach, author, mother of three, takes your questions about the all encompassing job we call parenting.

By Meghan LeahyApril 25, 2024
Advice

Toddler prefers Mom and throws tantrums when Dad tries to help

Their 3-year-old has a strong preference for mom over dad, and it’s making these parents miserable.

By Meghan LeahyApril 24, 2024

Noisy toys are about to get noisier

Parents have hidden toys, secretly removed batteries and even run toys over with a car to get away from the noise.

By Dawn FallikApril 20, 2024

What to watch with your kids: ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ and more

Common Sense Media reviews of “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” “Spy x Family Code: White,” “Under the Bridge” and “Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp.”

April 19, 2024
Advice

Should co-parents let teen decide the custody schedule?

Teen wants to change the custody schedule. Can these co-parents push back?

By Meghan LeahyApril 17, 2024

What to watch with your kids: ‘Civil War,’ ‘Dora’ and more

Common Sense Media reviews of “Civil War,” “Música,” “Fallout” and “Dora.”

April 12, 2024

Parenting chat: Should I be worried that my 4-year-old is a perfectionist?

Meghan Leahy, a parenting coach, author, mother of three, takes your questions about the all encompassing job we call parenting.

By Meghan LeahyApril 11, 2024
Advice

How do I get my teen to stop snapping at his ‘annoying’ little sister?

A mom is frustrated that her teenage son keeps snapping at his little sister who is in a “challenging phase.”

By Meghan LeahyApril 10, 2024

What to watch with your kids: ‘Shirley,’ ‘Palm Royale’ and more

Common Sense Media reviews of “Madu,” “Shirley,” “Palm Royale” and “Renegade Nell.”

April 5, 2024

As the internet gets scarier, more parents keep their kids’ photos offline

Parents are increasingly rethinking what it means to create an online footprint their child can’t actively consent to.

By Fortesa LatifiApril 5, 2024
Advice

How do we tell our 4-year-old he can’t roughhouse whenever he wants?

A 4½-year-old tries to initiate rough play at times when it’s not appropriate. How should his parents address that with him?

By Meghan LeahyApril 3, 2024

What to watch with your kids: ‘Godzilla x Kong,’ ‘Cat and Dog’ and more

Common Sense Media reviews of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” “Cat and Dog,” “3 Body Problem” and “Morphle and the Magic Pets.”

March 29, 2024

Parenting chat: My 1-year-old prefers her dad for everything. Will this pass?

Meghan Leahy, a parenting coach, author, mother of three, takes your questions about the all encompassing job we call parenting.

By Meghan LeahyMarch 28, 2024
Advice

My 16-year-old twins’ attitudes are a ‘full-blown problem.’ What can I do?

How does this parent rein in their 16-year-old twin daughters’ attitudes?

By Meghan LeahyMarch 27, 2024

Parents should talk about their cancer diagnoses early, experts say

After Britain’s Princess Catherine announced her cancer diagnosis, experts told The Washington Post how parents can approach medical discussions with their children.

By Amber FergusonMarch 23, 2024

What to watch with your kids: ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ and more

Common Sense Media reviews of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” “The Casagrandes Movie,” “Road House” and “X-Men ’97.”

March 22, 2024
Advice

How can I help an intelligent 5th-grader who shows signs of depression?

How can this reader help a 5th-grade student who is disconnected and shows signs of depression?

By Meghan LeahyMarch 20, 2024

What to watch with your kids: ‘Arthur the King,’ ‘ Iwájú’ and more

Common Sense Media reviews of “Arthur the King,” “The Thundermans Return,” “Little Wing” and “Iwájú.”

March 15, 2024

My 7-year-old and 4-year-old keep swearing. How do we get them to stop?

Meghan Leahy, a parenting coach, author, mother of three, takes your questions about the all encompassing job we call parenting.

By Meghan LeahyMarch 14, 2024
Advice

How does a parent teach a shoplifting child a lesson?

A child of color stole candy. How does a parent teach a lesson without criminalizing them?

By Meghan LeahyMarch 13, 2024