Let’s Normalize All the Things: What We Eat, Surrogacy, Helpful Dads

Hey -,

Other parents' stories—about everything from the birth experience to what they learned postpartum—can be irresistible whether you're trying to conceive, expecting your first (or fifth) child or deep in the toddler trenches. And this week, New York Times editors are serving up one of the juiciest exposés of all: a peek into real people's shopping carts (and the lifestyles behind them). 

• One mom’s list reveals that she makes 2 dinners a night—1 for the adults, another for the kids. (Sound familiar?) 
• Another shows how her priorities shifted after baby #2: “You have all these big dreams of building these food traditions with your kids, but I just don’t have the time.” (Us again.) 
• And the most commonly bought item for the 27 people surveyed was, of course, cheese. (Please.)

If you were hoping for a story to swoop in and normalize how you stock the fridge and pantry these days, scroll through this one to see everything from baby-food pouches and frozen meals to an expensive produce habit and 1 man’s bounty of cold beverages (including 3 kinds of milk) to “help me relax.”

In other normalizing news we’re enjoying this week:

• One (funny and honest) mom makes the case for TikTok influencers to chill during the fourth trimester (in order to enjoy it more). 
• Another opens up about why she loved being a surrogate—and why more people should talk about their experiences.

In good news to counter the usually bleak state of American maternal care, check out this story about the Adopt-A-Mom program.

And below are more of the tips and stories we’re loving lately.

IN HER WORDS

Photo: Erin Russell

EXPECTFUL 

A new solo mom shares what she learned in the first few weeks.

“The absolute biggest help for me came from parents who were out of the newborn stage but could still remember it—with bonus points for those with more than one child.”

IN IT TOGETHER

Advice from real parents and other experts

😴 Low on energy? You may be missing out on 1 of the 7 types of rest. “I’m a board-certified internal medicine physician who, about 10 years ago, completely burned out. At the time, I had 2 toddlers and a full-time medical practice...” A parent outlines easy ways to refill your cup. Read Story

🍼 Hate the outdated dad tropes? We love seeing modern fathers break the mold. “When each of my children was born, I took the 3 a.m. feeding. Not because I was forced to (or to even help out my very tired wife, though I’m sure she appreciated it)...” He shares his tips for success—and enjoying the process. Read Story

🤳 Anxious about screen time? This research-backed deep dive might help. “Babies as young as 6 months old spend over an hour a day in front of screens. The average tween gets their first phone before they turn 12. Recently, the US Surgeon General went so far as to call for warning labels on social media platforms to inform parents about the apps’ mental health impacts on young people…” Read Story

PERINATAL PROTEIN

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QUICK TIP

Illustration: Elena Lacey

THE WASHINGTON POST

Reading this from a phone? You’re probably holding it wrong.

(We were, too.) This short list of practical advice covers how to avoid physical distress (hand, eye and brain problems) from (inevitably) using your smartphone.

ICYMI: Popular Stories We Shared Recently

Having a C-section Wasn't My Plan—But It Taught Me About Parenthood Read Story

How to Feel (More) Confident About Your Mom Pooch Read Story

We Need to Bring Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts Out Into the Open Read Story 

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